Recently I heard that women are not welcomed at Blowoff. I find that really off-putting. I understand it is a party mainly for gay men, but do you really think it is appropriate to exclude anyone? —Jason Baker, Logan Circle

Where did you hear this? I’m sorry that you’re put off. I am as well.

Blowoff is a music event, and both Rich Morel and I view the event as a way to play music that might otherwise go unheard in D.C. We also enjoy debuting new works in progress. Equally important, Blowoff has become an alternative gathering place for gay men who might feel out of sorts at other gay events in D.C. We generally draw an older audience than most dance nights, and the event is tailored, and sensitive, to the needs of that audience. The fact that Rich and I are both in our 40s has a lot to do with creating our environment. On a strictly personal level, I am a homosexual man who, in the Blowoff setting, tends to socialize with my similar type.

We don’t consciously exclude anyone—all are welcome to attend, participate, and enjoy. Each month, I see plenty of folks who don’t fit the stereotype of the usual Blowoff patron. There are patrons who are fans of my singer-songwriter work and sometimes have no idea what they are walking into. Almost all of them are heterosexual, often married couples, and they mostly appear to be having a great time.

If we have done anything to create a notion that anyone is anything but welcome at Blowoff, please let me know the specifics. I have no way to address hearsay.—Bob Mould

Bob Mould DJs at Blowoff Saturday, Oct. 20, at the 9:30 Club; he’ll also perform that morning at a Reel Affirmations screening of his concert DVD, Circle of Friends, at the Lincoln Theatre.