Finding music events at BM

[N2FBoston]

Newb question...

I know burning man is not a music festival but all the same lots of amazing musical artists perform at burning man. I'm wondering how in all the nuttiness that must be going on everywhere people figure out who is playing where and when. Are there schedules of some sort posted somewhere?

[trilobyte]

Giving this a nudge over to the preparation board.

There is no centralized schedule posted, however a few people try to compile lists. I don't think it would be possible to actually list everything (it's a city with a population over 50K, almost everyone's throwing a party every day and night). Rockstar Librarian's has been the most comprehensive for the big name stuff, you may want to keep an eye out for that, it's usually published in early August. Personally I just bring a few notes for key performances that I'd like to see, then leave the rest to chance (and open to discovering amazing artists and performers I'd never heard of before).

[DrYes]

Newb question...

I know burning man is not a music festival but all the same lots of amazing musical artists perform at burning man. I'm wondering how in all the nuttiness that must be going on everywhere people figure out who is playing where and when. Are there schedules of some sort posted somewhere?

Every year I print out Rockstar Librarian, circle all the acts I want to see, and then typically make it to maybe 1 of them. MAYBE one of them. I don't think I made it to any of them this year.

Serendipity is the best way to enjoy the playa imho.

[Savannah]

The What/When/Where guide given away at Greeters also lists things like small & medium sized theme parties, jam sessions, and other events, though not usually artists by name. There's a map folded into it.

The big sound camps at 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock can be expected to load their favorite talents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights of the event (with some exceptions).

[N2FBoston]

Thanks!!

The What/When/Where guide given away at Greeters also lists things like small & medium sized theme parties, jam sessions, and other events, though not usually artists by name. There's a map folded into it.

When you say jam sessions, is that something that typically people can participate in? I don't know if I would dare bring my instruments to BM (especially my first year) but I can only imagine how magical it would be to jam with some burners on the playa...

[Savannah]

Thanks!!

The What/When/Where guide given away at Greeters also lists things like small & medium sized theme parties, jam sessions, and other events, though not usually artists by name. There's a map folded into it.

When you say jam sessions, is that something that typically people can participate in? I don't know if I would dare bring my instruments to BM (especially my first year) but I can only imagine how magical it would be to jam with some burners on the playa...

It can be hard to say what will be available; keep your eyes on "2013 Art & Performance" as the event grows near and start looking at your collection with an eye to what, if anything, you don't mind risking the health and safety of. You're right--bringing something irreplaceable or impossible to clean wouldn't be smart, because that powdery dust gets everywhere, but there are stages & opportunities everywhere and lots of folks with instruments. People pre-schedule some performances (ranging from very small to enormous) & perform spontaneously at other times. Drum circles tend to spring up, and their are marching bands that are well-rehearsed but don't always have set venues--they just swoop down upon a wedding, or at Center Camp, & do their thing.

One year some friends of mine met a British group online and said "come play with us Thursday night of the event" and so an on-playa connection was made (it wasn't easy to find the group) and then they jammed together for a while unrehearsed over some speakers that one of them had brought . . . I think it was a bass, some drums, keyboard, clarinet (can't remember all of what) and some girl wandered by and decided to come sing. It was really beautiful.

[theCryptofishist]

I don't know what your instruments are, but if wood's involved, remember that the air is very dry and can crack it--so I am told. We used to have a violist here who would keep a damp sponge in her case, so that it wouldn't dry out too much. I pass this on every time, and it's been a while. I don't know if we have anyone on here who can add or refine or correct what I just said, so you might want to find other informants and see if this is correct. I s uppose you can always take the damn sponge out.
(No offence meant, whoosh.)

[Savannah]

That sponge would have to be checked a lot, too.

[knowmad]

Newb question...

... I'm wondering how in all the nuttiness that must be going on everywhere people figure out who is playing where and when.

Do you know how to Swing a Dead Cat?

[theCryptofishist]

Newb question...

... I'm wondering how in all the nuttiness that must be going on everywhere people figure out who is playing where and when.

Do you know how to Swing a Dead Cat?

No, but if you hum a few bars, I can fake it.

[wh..sh]

I suppose you can always take the damn sponge out.
(No offence meant, whoosh.)

None taken. I know I can sometimes be a wet blanket damp sponge.

Back to OP, this year I used the "What/When/Where" guide extensively. Sometimes when you are unprepared, you hear good music and you HAVE to know who played.

[Savannah]

Newb question...

... I'm wondering how in all the nuttiness that must be going on everywhere people figure out who is playing where and when.

Do you know how to Swing a Dead Cat?

No, but if you hum a few bars, I can fake it.

[mudpuppy000]

I suppose you can always take the damn sponge out.
(No offence meant, whoosh.)

None taken. I know I can sometimes be a wet blanket damp sponge.

Back to OP, this year I used the "What/When/Where" guide extensively. Sometimes when you are unprepared, you hear good music and you HAVE to know who played.

That's a good point. I started out trying to plan out who I wanted to see my first couple of years, but now I just embrace the chaos of the event and wander towards whatever sounds good at the moment. It is nice to have those references afterwards though, to figure out who you were listening to.

[illy dilly]

I also suggest stopping by the big 2 and 10 sound camps Tuesday or Wednesday, and looking for lists of performers, times, and stages.
Often, mostly with big DJs, the huge techno camps don't post their biggest "head liners" before the event and only put "Special Guest" as a place holder in the list they send to Rock-star Librarian.

[mgb327]

I heard some awesome music, lots of it, day and night. Never knew who was "playing" til I found out later. Doesn't matter, it is out there, just listen. Heard some of the best music of my life this year (2012). Mad Max meets The Apocolypse scenes in the dust storms at night. Brilliant music, just brilliant.

[moonrise]

Of course you'll find music events on the esplanade and Open Playa BUT don't forget Playa Time!

Usually caused by the weather and/or human nature. This can cause big name artists to rescedule etc.

Ask around wherever you're standing during the event, surely someone will know where the nearest live performances are taking place, or what where when they've been moved to. Enjoy!

[dragonpilot]

ou're right--bringing something irreplaceable or impossible to clean wouldn't be smart, because that powdery dust gets everywhere, but there are stages & opportunities everywhere and lots of folks with instruments.

Bring your shittiest instrument...one you won't care if it gets messed up...no one will be able to tell the difference, anyway.

[oscillator]

An old acoustic guitar trick is to cut an apple in half and keep it in the guitar case to provide humidity.

The impromptu jams in the city streets are some of my faves - just go wander until you stumble on something. It won't take long.

[aserendipity]

if you begin to play then the magic will begin wherever you are
a few years ago a cellist played in Center Camp every early dawn
it was where we all found ourselves going
pf course bring only instruments not your best ..maybe rental
but if you dont try then it will not happen

[some seeing eye]

N2F - welcome. Contributing your creative skills to jamming and music will be appreciated. Reach out through your and nearby regional BM groups/parties/gettogethers and this ePlaya board for any and all individuals and camps doing your flavor of music. Assume any instrument you bring will be lost, misplaced/stolen or destroyed. Don't know your style, but Dustfish is a live music camp. A live music art car in your style would be a great connection and they are out there.

[N2FBoston]

Thanks for the tips!

[Roberto Dobbisano]

i did read somewhere that daft punk will be playing.

[N2FBoston]

Somehow i seriously doubt that.... but just the thought of it is continuing to blow my mind....

[Roberto Dobbisano]

RULE NUMBER ONE mister newbie.



NEVER DOUBT ME.

[FIGJAM]

Have'nt they been there every year?

[N2FBoston]

Heres a good question then: Name some of the biggest names you've seen at Burning Man.

Not that i think the biggest names are the best shows, i'm just curious who has played that I wouldn't expect to play in the middle of the desert.

[Simon of the Playa]

sorry baby, i don't kiss and tell, but if i did, you would come in your pants pondering it.

[H.G.Crosby]

if i were you, i would stop right now.


BM is NOT ABOUT BIG NAME DJ's...

lets get that fucking clear RIGHT NOW...


if thats your shit, just stay at EDC and coachella.


seriously.

[Simon of the Playa]

fucking bostonians....

[Roberto Dobbisano]

hey, SOMEBODY has to like steve aoki....