Saturday, November 7, 2026
WE always end up becoming
whoever WE already ARE.
Every 11 years
XN throws a party for his friends.
Yes, it’s because of his birthday.
but no, This is not “a birthday party.”
this is a party about you. And for you.
And a little bit by you.
to thank you. to celebrate you, and maybe inspire you.
How awesome you are. how creative you are. how valuable you are.
(and how silly you can be.)
It’s an unusual concept for a birthday party. But since this is XN hosting, what would you expect?
The Elevenses is one part creative talent showcase, one part reunion of the random, one part costume ball, one part dance party, and entirely meant to celebrate the magic and mischief that flows out of friendship and imagination.
Come act foolish, like you typically never do. Come meet new people you’d never meet otherwise. Come dance, drink, perform, watch, gossip, or laugh. Or all of that.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026
7:00p – 11:30p
Boston-area location will only be given out
to those guests who are directly invited.
The Elevenses is big.
So that it doesn’t get out of hand, we need to make sure it doesn’t grow too big.
If you received an invite, It came with the super-secret password to access the RSVP and Guest Info page.
NO GUEST WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT AN RSVP!
Sorry. Our host is picky like that.
5 REQUESTS
Guests of the elevenses are all asked to participate.
Every eleven years, a new request is added.
It’s these requests that make the event amazing, and make it a party about you.
Request #1
CREATIVE DRESS-up!
You know XN in a unique way.
Come wearing something that you know will make him say “wow!”
Could be a wild outfit. Could be a full costume. Could be fancy garb. Could just be something you’ve never worn but wanted to finally put on. Could be anything. Use your imagination and go for it!
Open to interpretation!
There’s no rules other than making it fun or weird or fabulous or silly or sexy or sophisticated or whatever.
Get creative!
Request #2
PERFORM! JUMP INTO
THE AD HOC SHOWCASE
We have an open-mic style show, and we want you to jump in!
The Ad Hoc Showcase is a tradition at every Elevenses. If you got talent – or even if you don’t! – we want you to get up there and give the room a taste of why XN adores you!
Sing a song. Tell a joke. share a story. do a dance. show a weird skill. offer a poem. it could be anything!
Whether it’s 90 seconds or 5 minutes, we’re all doing this in good fun. Don’t be intimidated – this is about having fun!
If you want to “go big” and bring instruments or other stuff, please do, but give XN a full heads up so we can help you get set up.
Request #3
BRING BOOZE TO SHARE!
together We create the most eclectic bar ever!
Bring your favorite, with a little to share.
A bottle of wine, a bit of liquor, a pack of brews; whatever your taste. Just bring a contribution to the bar and let’s share a toast!
Basic mixers and soft drinks will be on hand, but if you’re nervous or have a special concoction, feel free to bring more!
Request #4
NO PRESENTS!
IF YOU BRING A GIFT for xn’s birthday,
you might get tossed out!
This is XN’s party for you. Not the other way around.
Request #5
Capture moments!
GRab photos, shoot video, interview guests.
The Elevenses only comes around once every eleven years. Help out by contributing to the memories.
A massive shared album will be made available for guests to share the magic.
Incidentally, if you have images from past Elevenses, let XN know ASAP! He’s always looking for more!
Did you receive an invite? You got the password?
“Twaining…”
Just in case you’ve never heard of
A long while back, there was a funny dreamer...
The man was a bit of a drunkard and was always scheming his fortunes. Most of those schemes didn't actually end in fortune, though, but he was persistent anyway.
Well, all that scheming and persistence ended up just the way it always does: with lots of debt, and lots of little lies to cover tracks. Apart from his excellent taste in choosing friends, some (as in most) considered the man a bit of a loser.
The only thing Mr. Samuel Clemens had going for him was a talent for turning a phrase.
The man could write and speak with clever wit. In fact, he was so good at it that he’d often pretend he was a professional in order to get paid work writing for the news here and there. Which was a lot more comfortable than trying to keep up with the yarns he was more fond of reporting.
It was after decades of this dance between debt and deceit that, while in his mid-50’s, Mr. Clemens decided to try his hand at actually finishing something he started. In this case, a book. However, with so many debt collectors and truth-tellers on the watch, he did the sensible thing anyone would do. He gave up Samuel Clemens and published under a pen name.
The man became known as Mark Twain.
We know what happened next.
Twain went on in the back half of his life as one of the greatest voices of the nation, and even in the world.
Twain made his fortune simply by becoming the someone who he already was.
Thus, “Twaining” is the phenomenon when someone takes their time and becomes successful far later in life than their peers.
Someone who’s “Twaining” is just following their own path at their own pace, regardless of the approvals or agreements of society.
“Twaining” happens when you stay patient about the flow of life, trusting your intuitions; knowing that a good life is lived as it comes along, not one rushed to a conclusion based on what you were told it was supposed to be.
XN has long admired Twain’s story, which he holds as a sort of role model. (Including the part about picking excellent friends.)
At 55, XN is likely in his own “Twaining.”
(Seems as good an excuse as any to celebrate the fun of not rushing.)
Hit up XN
