Madi
Choir Director
Kathleen Hollingsworth is the founder and director of the Playa Choir. We call her Madi. We’ve always known her as Madi. We’ve always loved her as Madi. Her students at CCC, however, while knowing about the Burning Man spirit residing inside, experience her quite differently than the rest of us Playa Choristers.
Her idea to create this Art Project, born of her natural talents and calling, began with a small Sunday service in a dank army tent called the Spirit Room. Between the musicians, singers and audience, there was about 15 people in attendance. For over 20 years now, her idea blossomed into a 70-voice choir with a standing-room-only congregation. The Playa Choir is now a firmly established Theme Camp at Burning Man.
Madi holds a BM in Choral Music Education and an MM in Choral Conducting and is currently the Vocal Music Director at Clackamas Community College in Oregon. She is a vocalist, pianist, composer, conductor and leads an original music ensemble called Mad Love.
When she’s not leading the Choir, you will find her dancing on the bar at Pink Mammoth (if they let her back in), on the stage at Distrikt, or hanging off that big LED Heart, way out in the open desert.
Tori
Director of Dusty Productions
Burning Man has been a big part of my life since 2007 when I first stepped onto the Playa and realized I had come home. I discovered Playa Choir in 2009- a small group practicing in the Jazz Cafe and was moved to tears knowing I needed to be part of that experience. I joined the choir in 2011 and have grown tremendously since then, both personally and as a musician- inspired by the amazing Madi. Through Playa Choir, I have forged life long friendships with my follow choristers. There is nothing like standing on those risers with my friends. It’s a cathartic, new year, rite of passage, that I look forward to every year. I can’t wait to see you on the Playa! Dusty Hugs.
Guthrie
Engineering / Camp Director
Guthrie has been burning since 2013 and is our chief engineer and build director. He plans our camp with an affinity for both feng shui and rugged design. He is always patient, intuitive and a great team leader. Guthrie sings base and loves the Playa Choir Project for the deep soul and integrity it brings to Burning Man. Guthrie loves the Playa Choir Camp for the quality of relationships with both long-time and brand new campers.
Debbie
Galley Angel
Debbie Vidotto aka Purple Sunshine (PS)
I first set foot on the Playa in 2022 after a decade of encouragement from my best friend, Abra. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and valued by the incredible Playa Choir, even if I sometimes wondered what I was doing in the dust. Although I’m not a trained singer, I love to sing, and my wonderful section leads continue to guide me with care. From the start, I volunteered as Galley Crew Lead. Alongside a dedicated, hardworking team of Galley Angels, we feed and support our campmates during build so they can stay energized and withstand the Playa’s elements while constructing our camp consistingof a great dining area, kitchen and our 44-foot-wide, 22-foot-tall geodesic dome. It is truly a labor of love for everyone involved. I also manage the choir’s finances, which are funded mostly through modest camp dues. I’m proud to be part of this interactive, caring, talented group of rockstar burners!
PS I love to dance!!
