Ironically enough, the best get-togethers I've attended have been in the NYC area, though the enthusiasm for such gatherings has waned substantially. But life is like a series of tides; sometimes you get a gnarly wave that makes life exiting and other times the waves are totally bogus and a waste of time.
There were no expats at these get-togethers, but plenty of frequent travelers to the DR. Some of the gatherings in Sosua and Santiago have devolved into some very ugly and childishly pathetic grudges that have lasted for years, either over stuff written on the internet or via personal interactions. Maybe you don't want to get in the middle of any of that right now.
I've met some really cool native Dominicans in the capital-my suggestion to you is, if you are a loner, get out there and start being more social by attending events, concerts and plays if they are common.
You're in the DR-go out and meet some Dominicans.
