Preaching to the Choir
Many people are surprised to learn that Black Rock City is home to not just two full orchestras, but also a Playa Choir complete with a secular Sunday sermon. Since 2012 [sic – she’s been doin’ it Dusty since 2003], Madi has been organizing and arranging the harmonies and happenings, each year with more and more help.
In this installment of Burning Man Live (12/22/2023), kbot and Stuart talk with Madi (Choir Director), Tori (Director of Dusty Productions), and Leut (Preacher Man). They have stories and more stories of inspiration and elevation. We get to hear many voices resonate with music, recorded live at Burning Man 2023 in the Black Rock Desert. Hallelujah!
Experience the Playa Choir
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 the ever talented Paya Choir Band, we sing our hearts out and wrap-up what has been an amazing week for all!
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.
Collaboration with the
Black Rock Philharmonic
Playa Choir joins the BRP at their Thursday Night Performance for a special collaboration usually at the site of a major art installation out on the open Playa. Dressed all in white, the choir stands out from the Orchestra and the crowd as we stand and dramatically launch into song.
