This just in from
PleasureSean:
"Well, it turns out a couple of people are going to Burningman after all. So here's my totally opionated guide to what looks like good music (and some art) up there this year. There's obviously a ton of stuff I don't know about as there are like 1,000 parties going on at once, so it's always a wise choice to explore to your hearts content, but these camps are going to be a better bet than most I'd say music wise.
And remember (1) pretty much no moonlight at all during the night this year, so bring extra flashlights and light up your bike so you don't get run over, and (2) it was a drought again last year, so it's going to be dusty like last year – bring goggles and a breathing mask for when it gets ridiculous, and (3) the drive up and back is the most dangerous part of the whole thing – please remember to be careful.
Oh - and usually some additional info comes in after I send this out, so I'll probably update this with tidbits of new info and park it on my website here...
PleasureSeans Playa Guide 2008if you want to download it before you leave. The Acrobat version prints out a lot better too.
See ya at the beach.
PleasureSean
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ART
A few art pieces/events some friends are involved in that you should not/will not miss:
- Tantalus – Hudzo's (from the swinging Monkey piece last year) newest stroboscopic art piece with an American theme twist
- Black Rock City Ballet (7:30 & Esplanade) – performance stage with dancers from San Francisco Ballet, Smuin Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and San Jose Ballet. I understand the performances will be classical dance pieces performed from sunset to about midnight daily (but check at the stage about times) = very, very nice.
- Mutopia – The Flaming Lotus Girls do it again. About the size and scale of the Serpent Mother – look for the huge metal sculpture with flames coming out of it.
- Elevation by Michael Christian and crew – 54 foot climb-able pyramid sculpture.
- Altered States by Kate Raudenbush – sculpture resembles the top of the Capital in Washington DC
MUSIC – DAY PARTIES
Deep End (9:00 & F)
House & progressive house music – massive Ibiza style day party with an open bar. Those involved say it is their last year on the playa so it will be even more completely nutso...in a good way. DJ schedule at http://www.thedeependcamp.com/music/line_up_2008.htm
Pink Mammoth (8:30 & F)
Deep house music for dancing the afternoon away – a bit less hectic than the Deep End, both are good and are close to each other.
Soulicious (7:30 & B)
I've heard nothing but good things about this house music crew so check out their afternoon and evening parties if you are in the hood.
MUSIC - NIGHT PARTIES
Nexus (2:00 & A)
Glitch/breaks with some great DJs – definitely worth a check if you're in the neighborhood - http://www.nexusnebula.com/
Cyphertown (2:00 & F)
Hip hop/breakbeat/dubstep – yes, live hip hop performances on the playa along with some stylin DJs - http://www.cyphertown.org/
Opulent Temple (2:00 & Esplanade)
Progressive house & breaks mostly. Although lots of people like this sound camp, I'm not one of them as I've had some really bad interactions with this camp's leader, so I skip it completely. YMMV. DJ schedule at http://www.opulenttemple.org/
False Profit (4:30 & Esplanade)
Not a full time sound camp this year as they won't be doing the mondo Tuesday night party with the Mog this year, but there might be a smaller shindig some time during the week at camp with a breaks/glitch feel so keep an eye out if you pass by.
Red Nose District (5:00 & Esplanade)
Circus performance and rock – Schedule at http://www.rednosedistrict.org/
Plug 4 (5:30 & Esplanade)
Funk/soul/hip hop from the playa old skoolas – small cozy scene with some cool music
Philadelphia Experiment (8:00 & Esplanade)
House/breakbeat from the Philly crew – def worth checkin out
Root Society (10:00 & Esplanade)
Massive setup on the corner. DJ tent and Rock/performance tent this year. First year they were kinda so-so, but last year lots of people loved the vibe, so check it out this year. Full schedule at http://jefrtale.com/rootspace/lineup08.html
Green Gorilla Lounge (10:00 & A)
One of my fave music camps as the house/electro music tends to be on the funkier side of things rather than the harder grindy stuff that is pretty prevalent up in most dance camps. They're bringing a new larger dome setup and also have an open bar - bring your own cup and an alcohol donation if you want to chip in.
Gravity Point (10:00 & A)
Breakbeat/various DJs – can be really bumpin or can be kinda empty, worth checkin out as it's completely original when it's on.
Here's a couple of events that look good – way subjective again. And remember, it's the last year of the Deep End on the playa, so definitely get a day or two in before it evaporates.
MONDAY
- Tantalus opening party at the art piece after dark where Hudzo's stoboscopic art piece gets fired up for the first time
TUESDAY
- Closing set by Lee Burridge at The Deep End (6-7:30 or so)
- Late night minimal techno with NYC's Wolf + Lamb on Disorient Bus DEX out near the trash fence (10pm till morning)
WEDNESDAY
- Temple of Breaks – breakbeat music on artcars all night at the Basura Sagruda Temple – wasn’t sure if this was going on or not this year, but it looks like it’s a go now.
- DJ Dan at Root Society (1:30-3:00am)
THURSDAY
- Juke Joint at Cyphertown (night) – super solid music front to back
AfroBoogieFunk from Santa Rosa's DJ Malarkey 7-9 sunset saki party, 9-10 Senor Oz & PleasureMaker, 10-11 Wicked Lester, 11-12 All Good Funk Alliance, 12-1 Malarkey, 1-2 Anthony Mansfield, 2-3 Ali B, 3-4 Fort Knox 5, 4-5 M3, 5-6 Motion Potion, 6-7 I&I
- Root Society – great music lineup, probably will be packed but worth a couple of hours
at least 9-10 Dylan Rhymes, 10-11:30 Lee Coombs, 11:30-12:30 Fort Knox Five, 12:30-2:30 Special "Bass" Guest (probably Lorin), 2:30-4:00 An-Ten-Nae, 4-5:30 Ali B
- Cirque Bezerk vs. Vau de Vire Society with Muytator and Gooferman at Red Nose District (5 & Esplanade)
FRIDAY
- Soulbrunch party at Solicious – high noon through the afternoon with breakfast burritos, mojitos and house music.
- Late night/early morning party at Hudzo's Tantalus art piece (midnight-daylight) with DJs Lee Coombs and Dylan Rhymes & sound by Garage Mahal and Deep End artcars.
SATURDAY
- Last day of the Deep End (sniff)
- I'd say the Lorin Sunday morning sunrise set (assuming he makes it to the playa) is usually a highlight for playa energy. Check out your favorite music camps after the burn.
SUNDAY
- Friends of Otto and Sharon will be meeting in front of the Garage Mahal art car at the Temple Burn for a communal goodbye. I'm bringing some fine wine.
- Root Society Closing Party – thank god someone is keeping their sound system up for Sunday night, it ain't over till it's over.
MORE INFO
- Camps by location – http://www.dongrays.com/burningman2008/campsbylocation.html
- Lorin Schedule not annnounced yet, but will be here if he comes – http://www.myspace.com/bassnectar or http://bassnectar.tribe.net/