Burning Opera Roadshow Background: As some of you might know, Twan (former L.A. BM Regional director) used to produce longtime SF artist Pepe Ozan’s Burning Man Opera’s from 1998-2002. The director and co-writer of those operas, Christopher Fulling, is now directing an amazing project called “How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Burning Opera”. Twan was originally offered the producer position for this project, but had to decline due to the fact that he is out of the country and will be until well after Burning Man this year. As such, he would not have been able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities.

“How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Burning Opera” is about the history of Burning Man. It gained such a positive response from the honchos at Burning Man headquarters, that a few of them are actually performing in the show, not the least of which is ActionGrl (Andie Grace) and Michael Mikel (aka: Danger Ranger, one of the principals of Burning Man Org).

The “Apocalypse” team has been pushing hard to get the show on the road, beginning after Burning Man this year. This past January, they did a test run of a scaled-down version of the show in SF, which was supposed to be a one-off, but due to overwhelming demand, 6 shows were added, all of which sold out immediately. Read a review of those shows here.

The “Apocalypse” team has managed to get six shows set up in Teatro ZinZanni’s famed spiegeltent on the San Francisco waterfront Oct 5-7 and 12-14. They are desperately trying to bring the show to L.A., but they have not been able to find a producer-type to help them secure a location and work with logistics. It would be a terrible shame for this show not to come to L.A., especially given the inspiring, awesome, and huge creative community we have here.

Please don’t the this opportunity slip by! The Los Angeles community deserves to be represented in this project. It could turn into a longer-running tour, depending upon the success of these first shows. In other words, it could be a career booster. And a money maker…

Below is a blurb from the show’s technical director, Cookie, who has a rich history working with Cirque du Soleil, and the show’s executive producer Dana Harrison, who had worked in upper management in the Burning Man org for a decade.

The Show (and L.A. wants/needs):

How to Survive the Apocalypse – a burning opera (http://www.burningopera.com) – is a musical freak fable that combines rock opera, vaudeville, and a Dionysian revival show into a Hair for the new millennium. The show will debut in San Francisco in early October, but is considering an LA engagement this fall if the stars align properly. The specific stars needed are a local LA producer(s) to handle production and promotions as well as alternate venue possibilities.

The producer(s) role(s) is some combination of organization, logistics and venue management as well as marketing and promotions. Must be well connected, a total self starter and intimately in tune with the local burning man scene.

The venue needs to be in the range of 400-600 seats and be flexible enough to accommodate a thrust or in the round style of play as well as all the necessary parking, food and beverage etc for a full blown night at the opera temporary autonomous zone extravaganza.

The producer role is key although it could be a combination of the right people if there was one in charge of it all. Promotions wizard might be different from good at managing a venue wizard.

Contact Info:

Dana Harrison: dana@burningopera.com
Lawrence Kampf (Cookie): lawrence@lawrencekampf.com

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 4TH:

The following is an abridged version, since all this info has been repeated on other lists. For FULL INFORMATION, artist and performance lineups, set times, and recent updates visit the Los Angeles Burning Man website.

RAIN or SHINE.

Decompression is in a new location! Huge thanks to the Planning Team for pulling this off; we’re gathering at
the Los Angeles State Historical Park, AKA the Cornfield, this year. It’s still downtown, and the directions are below.

No more partying on the streets, now we have acres of beautiful lawn all with the amazing view of downtown we have always had. Be prepared to get your shoes dusty! The Cornfield is really a field, and the dust definitely kicks up while dancing.

One important note: The Decompression parking lot will be closing after the event, around midnight, so park mindfully, and make sure to read the parking notes if you are planning to attend an afterparty.

The location is at:
Los Angeles State Historical Park
1245 N. Spring Street, 9001
(See map below)

Time: The festivities will start at Noon and end at Midnight.
Cost: Admission to the event may be gained thusly:

$10 in costume or with a Metro Rail pass!
$20 in street clothes.
(Children under 12 are FREE!)

We are very grateful to the State Park Rangers for allowing us to use their wonderful location. When you see them around, tell them thanks. They have been truly great to work with.

Please check the L.A. Burning Man website for extensive details. You’ll be impressed, excited and filled with anticipation!

See you in the dust!

View Larger Map

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Playa Surfers were on the Esplanade near 5:30 last year. In addition to a fun lounge and wicked tuneage, we provided wheeled surfboards (bike-towed versions and self-powered ones) for the masses in BRC to surf the playa with. Totally fun if we say so ourselves! This year we’re expanding our lounge, adding a lifeguard tower, and putting mo’ and betta’ powered surfboards on the playa for all to enjoy!

Please help us in pursuit of bringing our brand of happiness to you by participating in our fundraising party. Our last party was truly off the hook, so we’re at it again!

Tiki Freaky

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Themed costumes highly encouraged

Cash Tiki Bar : DJs : Visuals : Shadow Box : Art : Spanking Booth
Didgeridoo Chamber + More

• 1040 Princeton Dr.
• Venice, CA 90292
• 9pm – 2am

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So there’s hope for the 3rd Reich after all. Burning Man may never be the same. Is that a good thing?

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Click the image above to visit the Electric Apricot website. Very nicely done. Citizens of Burning Man at Black Rock City will find a special place in their hearts for Electric Apricot.

When the site loads, let is sit for a while. Make sure your speakers on. Some very cool tunes start playing. Enjoy!

Buy Electric Apricot: The Quest for Festeroo

Rent Electric Apricot through Netflix.com

Many thanx to the always fascinating, magickal, fun-loving Courtney Clark, (aka: Gypsy) for turning me on to this. Thank you for keeping life colorful and interesting.

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It was an amazing experience (as always). Extremes of many sorts- weather (huge dust storms and heat), wonderful people (a record attendance of 47k!), mind-blowing art (178 installations), music (Underworld, Oakenfold +++), incredible structures (well…I’m gonna let the pictures say the rest).

At the end, we took a brief stopover in Lake Tahoe (showers, fine food and a real bed, oh my!)

Enjoy it here:  Burning Man 2007 

)i(  DAK  )i(

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I’ve been doing a bit of traveling lately… seeing bits and pieces of this blue/green planet of ours in all its glory…. hence my sparse posting over the past couple of months… I know, I know, that’s no excuse. Therefore I’ve been hunting high and low for some kind of system that can be put into place to ensure that this list can continue with its free-flow of information, regardless of where I personally might be, or how much time I may or may not have on my hands… more on that later. I may need your help. Yeah, for sure, I’ll need your help…

It was this traveling that kept me away from the Playa this year. After 10 consecutive years at Burning Man, and always either being involved with a huge art project such as the Burning Man Opera, or just being the L.A. regional director (as I had been from 1999 – 2006), this year, being without a major Playa project for the first time ever, I caught the travel bug… I’ll post more on that later, as well. In the meantime, enjoy this little image of me enjoying myself on September 1st, the day the Man Burned. I was half a world away:

Additionally, it is this travel bug that will be keeping me away from yet another fantastic function, as today Saturday October 13th is the day for the

5th Annual L.A. Burning Man Decompression!

It was in 2003 that this exceptional festival was born. I’m proud to say that I was the L.A. Regional director that made it so. No, I can’t and won’t take credit for the creation of the event, as the team that came together had been an exceptional group of proactive super-cool something-or-others with whom I’d been hanging with for some time. For the most part, it is this team that continue to put the event together. The work is hard and for the most part, thankless… but it must be done… and so it is…

And when you and the rest of the community show up… well, as you know, that’s where the magic is. The juice. Alchemy. You know!

Now, without further ado, Ladies and gentlemen… freaks and misfits, spectators and participants…

Los Angeles Burning Man Decom Sreet Faire!

Says Marsi, (one of L.A.’s Regional directors):

Howdy LA…

Long time no speak, eh? We have been busy busy planning decompression and boy do we have treats for you! I have full info on Decompression, which is this Saturday October 13 listed below plus some special volunteer requests on top, and all other postings to the list below.

Hope to see you Saturday.

Smoooch,

Marsi

SPECIAL VOLUNTEER REQUESTS:

• EMT’s – Are you an EMT or MEDIC? If so, we would LOVE to have you join forces with our EMT team so that the folks we do have get some play time. If this describes you, please email laburners@gmail.com.
• We are blessed to have Peter Hudson, the creator of homouroboros, the amazing monkey/snake installation from the playa coming down from San Francisco. They have special volunteer needs as follows (should know how to use tools, but don’t have to be particularly masterful at building):
• We need 12 people on Friday morning (7am?) to help unload the truck and start building the base and about 6 people for the afternoon of building the top of the tree. Then we need 12+ people to help with tear down on Sunday morning after Decom. Everyone will get free passes into the event and get to work on on of the coolest piece of art on the playa and at Decom.
• If this is you, please email monica(at)thedolab(dot)com

Any other folks who would like to volunteer please email: monica(@)thedolab(dot)com

ART FROM THE PLAYA GALLERY (curated by Dale Youngman, our Decom Art Curator):

Opening Thursday Oct. 13th

“Fire in the Desert – Art from the Playa “

Featuring artwork from and about Burning Man 2007
At the Dale Youngman Gallery at the Regent
446 South main Street

View Larger Map
Part of the Downtown LA Artwalk from noon – 9 pm.

Please join us at this very special event as we celebrate the creative community that is Burning Man.

Featuring art by :

• Jim Bunkelman
• Christian the Blacksmith
• Stephen Gary
• Ryan Jessena
• Trish Keefer
• David Knudson
• Franklin Londin
• Linka Odom
• Jason Skinner
• Sean Sobczak
• Josh Weiss
• Zach Wasserman

Projections on Main Street by Bart Kresa
Documentary films in the adjacent Regent Theatre , including Burn Baby Burn by Steve Payne, Journey to the Flames by Doug Jacobson, and Nothing Without You by Ted Mattison. Coverage of this years festival by Current TV , including footage shot live of the Burn 2- 11 pm

Music by Dub Pscience 7-9 pm

The gallery and theatre event is also a kick-off for the annual Burning Man Decompression Street Fair, to be held Saturday Oct. 13 from noon until 11 pm. , at Santa Fe Ave. between 4th and 6th in the Artist District, downtown Los Angeles. Experience the art and culture of Burning Man at the biggest participatory celebration of Burning Man art and community without leaving the city ! Eleven hours of art, performance, live bands, DJs, fire, steam, dance, theme camps, art cars, green technologies, puppetry, circus, marching bands and Burning Man 2007 imagery. Tickets are $10 in creative wear/ $15 in street clothes. LaDecom is an annual fundraiser for the Black Rock Arts Foundation (BRAF); the granting entity of Burning Man. A portion of proceeds from all sales will go to the Black Rock Arts Foundation.

The Burning Man Festival, the internationally recognized festival known as part radical experiment in community and self expression that annually takes place in the Nevada desert, grants over $300,000 a year for art projects at the festival. This exhibit will focus on the magnitude and creativity of some of those projects.

Show runs through Nov. 2. with a closing reception that night from 6-10 pm. 446 South Main Street, Downtown LA. Open Wed. and Fridays 2-6:30, Thursdays 2-8, weekends by appointment . Contact Dale Youngman – dale@dddecor.com / 213-458-3735

A percentage of sales proceeds will go to the Black Rock Arts Foundation, which contributes over $300,000 annually to fund special large scale projects. This show will feature photographs of some of those projects.

FULL DECOM DETAILS:

5th ANNUAL L.A. DECOMPRESSION STREET FESTIVAL

NEW LOCATION: Sante Fe between 4th and 6th St Bridge, Artist District Downtown LA
(see below for map and directions)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13th, Noon until 11 PM
$10 in Playa wear/$15 in non-Playa street wear
Children under 12 are FREE
www.LA-BURNINGMAN.com
rain or shine, it’s PLAYATIME!

It’s that time again! Time to grab those dusty boots you just don’t have the heart to clean off and experience the art, the culture and the thrill of Burning Man, brought to life on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. This is an annual event to bring the spirit of Burning Man alive in our community.

PARTICIPATE! Just like Burning Man, this event is put on through volunteer efforts. We are currently looking for volunteers the day of the event. If you are interested, please contact: monica@thedolab.com

This is an art event. Come, immerse yourself in eleven hours of art and performance with theme camps, art cars, art installations, street performers and 2007 imagery.

ARTISTS (in alphabetical order):

• ADAM MOSTOW
• APPELUSA
• ARMEN ZEITOUNIAN
• BILL GILMAN
• CHARLIE CURRY
• DAVID KNUDSON
• DAVID SHIELDS
• DON NORRIS
• JAMIE WEDOW
• JON JUSKIN
• LINKA ODOM
• MATTEO
• MEGAN DEAINZA
• MICHAEL ALLEN
• MICHAEL WISNIEUX
• MIGUEL CABALLERO
• NICK BOSWELL
• NICOLAS BAUTA
• RAY CIRINO
• RYAN JESENA
• SARAH
• SEAN SOBCZAK
• STEPHEN GARY
• STEPHEN NORRINGTON
• SUZETTE
• VAL

THEME CAMPS (in alphabetical order):

• BLACK ROCK YEARBOOK
• BOUNCY BOUNCE CAMP
• CAMELTOPIA
• CLUB BABY SEAL PLUSH LOUNGE
• DISORIENT LOUNGE
• D’MAN’S LAIR
• FLATTERY CAMP
• GREEN TEAM ECO ZONE
• KRISHNA CAMP
• LA DREAM TEAM
• LA MUDPEOPLE
• ORAL MOISTENING CAMP
• PLAYA SURFERS
• PROMETHEATRICS
• SAGRADA BY DRAGON DEBRIS
• SPIRIT WIND CAFÉ
• SUN VALLEY CAMP
• TABULA RASA BEADING CAMP

8 stages featuring DJs, live bands, performance art, spoken word poetry, fire troupes, aerialists, workshops and lectures on sustainability, new green technology and the Earth friendly movement.

STAGES (in alphabetical order):

• BBC
• CLOWNARCHY
• FIRE STAGE
• GREEN LECTURE STAGE
• GREEN SECTOR
• LIVE DUMPSTER DIVE
• RUFF AND RA
• VENICE VIBE TRIBE

FEATURING THE MUSICAL TALENTS OF (in alphabetical order):

20 MEAT 6 FRY, 40 FT. JESUS, ALBINO, ANTON TUMAS, ARLAN’S ORGANISMS, AUDIO VOID, BONNIE DELIGHT DELIGHT, BRAIN GARDEN, BRASSWORK, BRIAN RAY, BROOKLYN, CARLY D/TAMO, CHAPLIN MXR, CHRIS RYAN, CONNIE JEAN, COOKIMON, COUSIN LOVERS, DAT GIRL (WITH HEAVENLY FATHER), DAVE SWEETEN, DAVID HUGHES, DIRT RYTHYMS, DISINTEGRATE, DJ ASTRAL, DJ CORY SAGE, DJ GUTI, DJ MYCHO PAN COCOA, DJ SEAMLESS, DMT, FANTUZI, FATFINGER, FLOW, FUXEDOS, THE GEOMETRIST, GODESS VIBE TRIBE, GOOFERMAN, HENRY STRANGE, HOWARD AMB, IMAGIKA, INTERACTIC GODDESS THEATER, JUSTIN PAUL, KIVA, LA MUD PEOPLE, LAZY SLAVE, LEE MAYJAHS, MANNY, MARQUES WYATT, MEE MU, MOJO W & VIBRATION ARMY, NICK THE NECK, NICOLA, NIELS MAYER, NIGEL RICHARDS, NOVATRON, ORIGINAL BOOTY BURGLARS, PETER JOBS, RENFEY, ROOTABREAKA, ROVER’S PINKY, RUFF HAUSER, RYANART, SAMANTHA GIRON DANCE PROJECT, SEDA/SQUARE ONE, SHADOW PORN THEATER, SPYROS, STEVE BOYETT, STILT CIRCUS, SUN BYTE, SWITCH MISTRESS, SYRENA, THE, LUMINARIES, THE MAGICAL HARP/HIGH PRIESTESS, THOMAS LANN, TIKO DRUMS, TODD SPERO, TOSHI, TREVOR, UCLA BATU, ULKULADY, UNITED BY SOUND, VENICE VIBE TRIBE/SATCHI OM, VIDEO MONTAGE, WARDEN AND JUNE, WARLORDS, YEH-BE-DE

Decompression is an opportunity to come together and share the art, performances, theme camps, photos, videos and stories from the playa; to re-connect with family and friends; and collaborate to create something new. It is, at its simplest, a reunion. But more significantly, it is a thoroughly participatory celebration of Burning Man art and community within our larger communities…

Park on 1st, 2nd or 3rd and walk down to gate.

View Larger Map
WWW.LA-BURNINGMAN.COM
WWW.BURNINGMAN.COM

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“Fire Idol”

Fire by Trick Concepts has teamed up with Los Angeles Fire Effects to bring you “Fire Idol” – a Burning Man Event. A parody of the T.V. show “American Idol”, Fire Performers will compete for Fire Trophies by surviving their elimination round, only to come face-to-face with our three Fire Idol Judges in round two.

When: Thursday, August 30th, 2007 @ 10:30 pm – 12:30 am right after Oceans of Fire.

Where: The Shiva Vista Project Stage on the Playa at Burning Man.

To Enter: to sign up or for more information visit: www.fire.trickconcepts.com

Space is limited, so sign up early!

A Note to Performers:

All participants are required to check in. At that time you will be assigned a performance group number, and be given fueling/safety instructions. Check-In will begin at 10:00pm. Participants who arrive at check-in after 10:30pm cannot be guaranteed a spot.

The first round will consist of 2 to 4 people performing for 1-1/2 minutes on stage simultaneously. One person from each round will advance to round two. Round two is the judging round where each performer will perform alone on stage for approximately 2 minutes, then come face-to-face with our Fire Idol Judges!!!!

Fuel (white gas only) will be provided by Fire Idol, unless you are fire breathing, in which case you will need to provide your own fuel.

Propane fueled fire trophies will be gifted to first, second and third place winners, and will resemble “the man” fire breathing, spinning poi, and spinning fans.

The Fire Idol Judges:

Our “Simon” – Vlad Marinkovic

Vlad is an engineer specializing in high temperature materials. He is an experienced fire breather, and an expert in slow motion poi. He is a Director at “Los Angeles Fire Effects”, a fire based theatrical production firm. Best known for his sharp tongue!

Our “Paula Abdul” – Anna Maltese

Anna balances being an animator and a student of Wushu / Kung Fu, with running “Phoenix Projekt”, a Los Angeles based fire troupe. She is best known for her ability to blend martial arts and fire performance on stage. Her quick wit is by far her deadliest weapon!

Our “Randy Jackson” – Roger Lai

Roger is a poi spinner whose DVD has taught numerous spinners to do the behind-the-back waistwrap. He helped start Fire Drums and the Hookahdome spin jams. Don’t let his sense of humor fool you. He has high standards when it comes to fire performances!

Our MC for the Evening – Chirs “Poon” Ory from Dance, Dance, Immolation!

Let the mayhem begin!!!

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Journey to the Flames – 8 years of Burning Man

Saturday July 28th at 7:30 pm

Fine Arts Theatre at Wilshire and La Cienega Blvds.
www.journeytotheflames.com

A full screening of the film, a panel including the director and cast. See the acclaimed documentary which chronicles the unique event including 8 years of art, music, people, volunteerism, philosophy and special moments of burning man.

The documentary chronicles a group of friends as they head off to one of the largest and mysterious social experiments in the world. Every year for one week 40,000 people meet in northern Nevada to create a city out of empty desert.

After that week, Black Rock City (or “the playa”) disappears without a trace including its zip code, newspaper(s), radio stations, and airport. The rules are simple: No commerce, bring what you need to survive, leave no trace, participants only, and no spectators. Take a journey into a world of art, music, sexuality and fire. Lots of fire…

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Damien Hirst’s Diamond Skull – “For the Love of God”

Artist Damien Hirst’s platinum cast of a human skull, titled “For the Love of God”, is covered with 8,601 “ethically sourced” diamonds. Its estimated worth is said to be over $98 million.

I’ve heard that the this piece will be displayed on the Playa this year, but that it will have machine gun armed guards nearby and snipers at the fence line within scope-sight with night-vision goggles. They have been given orders to shoot to kill. So don’t be getting any big ideas! I’ve also heard that there are some moles working the inside, trying to find out if this directive has come from the higher-ups within the Org, or from an outside source… Stay tuned… Bring kevlar.

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