The Playa Choir is a rowdy, non-dogmatic secular Choir, and has been a presence at Burning Man (That Thing In The Desert) since 2003. Black Rock City is a mecca for art of all kinds, and music plays a huge part in the culture. Embodying the Burning Man Principals of Participation, Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Self Expression, Communal Effort and Immediacy, the Playa Choir is an unforgettable experience for both the audience and Choristers alike. Check out our 2024 Schedule!

Experience the Playa Choir

The Temple Of Harmonics

Originally designed and created for 2019 Burning Man: METAMORPHOSES. Gentle sounds and fresh-brewed coffee are a great way to get your day in Black Rock City started.

Rehearsals

We rehearse every day during Burn Week, Tuesday – Saturday at 10:30am in our Dome. All are Welcome. Come and join the choir or grab a cushion and enjoy the show. We practice radical inclusion, and anyone can join the choir, no auditions necessary. Sheet music is available at the Rehearsals, though music is available online over the summer, and Choir members who are planning on singing with the Choir practice their parts in advance and come prepared. This is a huge advantage when Playa Brain sets in. But every year, we have many Choir members who find us during their burn and decide to join!

We love having an audience during rehearsals! There are many cushions, chairs and nice carpeted places to just lay down, rest and listen. Feel free to stop by and come in for the whole time or just a song or two!

Performances

We have two performances on Burn Sunday, at the end of the Week. Both feature the same music, but the Temple Service is abbreviated – but many believe in their hearts this is the more powerful.

Sunrise Service at the Temple

At the crack of dawn, the Choir gathers on the Eastern side of the Temple and greets the new day with song. For many Burners, this is the first day of the New Year. The service has been described as “A sacred ritual of awakening”. Many burners are gathered at the temple, often worn out and rugged from an emotional week, and the crescendo of voices in unison as the sun peeks over the horizon can be overwhelming and cathartic.

Main Dome Performance

At 11:00am on Sunday morning, we are prepared to bring the house down with our Standing-Room-Only Dome Performance. Be sure to get there early if you want a seat out of the sun! Accompanied by our very own, tastefully talented Band, we sing our hearts out and wrap-up what has been an amazing week for all!

This service is simultaneously broadcas on BMIR, and reaches Burners in their cars during Sunday Exodus (those who don’t stay for the Temple Burn) and to friends and family around the world. This service is a special combination of rowdy music, amazing vocals, dancers, aerialists, speakers and touches of inspiration from Burners of all colors, shapes, genders, orientations, ages and spiritual inclinations! You really don’t want to miss it.