The PNW Newest PLAN

Words by LVSHES

Since its inception a year ago, PLAN has become a tangible PLUR community. Originally created by glovers for glovers, the group has organically grown to include all those who find a home in the electronic dance community (EDM) in the Pacific Northwest.

PLAN’s mission is to “develop an all encompassing community of artists by bringing them together to create an electric atmosphere.”

As their 893 members are strewn throughout the PNW Facebook is a integral part of keeping the community together. The page is a place where glovers and flow toy artists can post videos for comments, encouragement and feedback. Others can find out what friends will go to shows and share music. And DJs can share their newest mixes with the community.

Another way to give a sense of community is to actually bring everyone together at what they call PLAN events or PLAN.E. I had the opportunity to attend my first PLAN.E on a Saturday night at some of the founder’s house. Not knowing a thing about gloving other than I enjoy watching it I was nervous about having nothing in common with this seemingly exclusive community. A sixer in my hand and a nervous flutter in my heart, I walked into the bass-bumping abode.

My fears of having nothing to do at this “gloving” event were squashed within seconds of walking through the door. Those who I had briefly met at shows welcomed me with hugs. They showed the excitement I felt inside. I instantly felt like I belonged.

The house was full of music being spun by local talent, homemade food, party people and of course—glovers. As my eyes adjusted to the dark I saw the colors swirling methodically, energetically—entrancing their on lookers.

"We welcome those of all skill levels. We also welcome those who bring the community positive PLURR vibes," states their Facebook page.

 

Peace, love, unity and respect was alive and well in the house that bustled with energy, bass and booze. However, I should make it clear here and now, while this was a party it was not a—as the kids are saying—a place to get turnt up. Rather than get shit faced people were having their faces melted by the talent that surrounded them.

I ran into the first DJs of the night, Loveable Foreplay who consists of Michael McGuire and Jordan Payne from Olympia. They played a 50-minute set that focused on getting Planners hyped for the gloving and loving that was to come. They played for a crowd of 30 plus which is pretty impressive considering that means the attendees were so energized they showed up on time—even early to the event.

"This is a weird place. I like weird—I embrace it," said Payne while dressed in a purple bandana and a Ninja Turtle tee to match his cohort’s.

"It's all about the vibe. It's everyone that loves the music and everyone that loves the scene," says McGuire.

This was apparent as I entered the kitchen to people watch. There were girls with kandi­covered belts, others hiding behind a camera lens, people shuffling in the next room—everyone was being themselves here.

TJ Bundy, who spun after Loveable Foreplay as Tee Jay, is also a proud founder of PLAN. He claimed that there's nothing quite like PLAN calling it "very much an original accident."

This accident has inspired glovers from all over the PNW to come together.

"PLAN gives glovers a space where they can show each other different concepts to use but mostly it’s a place where they encourage and inspire each other," Kiran Fisher told me. Outfitted in a teal shirt I realized he was matching with other people at the event. He told me that there's about 20 people on PLAN's staff that help with everything from setting up to cooking and promoting on social media.

Apparently the event I was at was considered small, even though I was overwhelmed with the photo booth, art section, two levels of gloving areas, DJ booth and friendly faces. Gloving was happening all around me. Hugs being given, compliments about improvement and tips being traded into the night.

I spoke with one of the glovers, Kyle Smith, who gave me the low down on gloving culture for about five minutes before we were interrupted by a group of crazy kids—that’s what I get for trying to interview someone in a photo booth.

Gloving for about a year now, he claims he's not creative rather passionate. It takes time, dedication and most of all desire to glove and glove well, and those who are apart of PLAN have just that.

Growth is another value of PLAN. “Our mission is to develop an all encompassing community of artists by bringing them together to create an electric atmosphere.” Constantly evolving, changing and improving PLAN looks towards the future and like their glover’s lights it’s nothing but bright.

The group just established a new logo:

Is home to Alex Perrin, a founder and now winner of IGC (International Gloving Championship) 1^st Place in the Open Tournament hosted by EmazingLights. Can boast, but won’t, 893 members on Facebook. And is currently raising money to have their own venue.

Up next for PLAN is a “Sunday-Funday Gloving Competition” December 14^th at 3 PM in Portland, Oregon. For more information or to join please go to PLAN's Facebook page.

PLURR,

Kris AKA Sunflower