Post by The Cell on Aug 17, 2009 12:09:40 GMT -5
FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE
Remember this will be your first time? You can only do things for the first time once, but don't get performance anxiety. You'll be among friends—no initiation fees, no secret handshake, hazing or telemarketing follow-up calls. Like the Sci-Fi Fandom, and the Sciences, our communities, ones that although fragmented into various segments, theories, beliefs, ect. remains connected during the rest of the year via internet Chatrooms, BBS's, E-Groups and a sundry of other brands of communications that deal with the sharing of the various and sundry subjects.
Sign up for the "Volunteer Love Brigade" the backbone of the even. Second, take a tour of this site to give you a better idea of what to expect and how to get involved. You can participate as little or as much as you want, but it is said that you really must participate to truly enjoy an experience. Nobody will kick you out if you haven't got the coolest ensemble on the playa. We suggest you follow the links on the homepage to The Survival Guide and Required Reading and then branch out to see how you might contribute to a theme camp, art project, build your own Frank Lloyd Wright shade structure, turn your car into a giant spider, or paint your body to look like one of the Orions.
The Burning Heart Festival F.A.Q. Important answers for frequently asked questions. Event Survival Guide Only you can be responsible for your own survival, so read up and learn from the experience of savvy Desert practitioners.
Garbage & Recycling: The feng shui of nothingness. Come with everything , leave with everything.
Contacts: Your PDA to all the inside info, important people and redundant resources. A veritable strip mall of wisdom.
Theme Camps & Villages: Find what you need to know to bring your theme camp to the event.
Events This Year: Where to go, what to do?
Maps: "Are we there yet?" All the maps without that nasty folding problem.
Environment: "Where are the Red rocks?" And other information about the location, history and ecology of the Mohave Desert.
If this is your first visit to this site, a good starting point is these FAQ. Community, participation, self-expression, self-reliance; these tenets of our Ethos, and are the lifeblood of the Burning Heart Festival experience. Whether you are new to this site or are returning for your umpteenth visit, you are encouraged to delve into these pages to expand your viewpoint and definition of these ideals, and to connect with yourself to find your niche in our community. The giving of yourself is the greatest gift you can give to the Burning Heart Festival, and is imperative to the survival of this unique experiment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
* General Information
* Tickets
* Preparation
* Getting to the Burning Heart Festival
* Participation
* On the Playa
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q. What is the Burning Heart Festival?
A. The Burning Heart Festival is an experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. Before you contemplate attending one, you probably want to read this Survival Guide—it's not as easy as it looks! If you wish to truly understand and comprehend the Burning Heart Festival, you need to attend an event - it's unlike anything you've ever experienced!
Q. Where is the Burning Heart Festival being held this year?
A. The Burning Heart Festival will be held in the California's Red Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Los Angeles, California.
Q. What are the dates for the events?
A. The Burning Heart Festival will be held the week prior too, and includes Labor Day, and the weekend after. In 2012 the dates are Saturday, Aug 26th to Monday, Sep 3th.
Q. What night does the Opening Ceremony happen?
A. Sunday night the beginning of the Event. There is a pyre that will be set alit for those who we lost this year...
Q. What night does the Closing Ceremony happen?
A. Sunday night the night before the last night of the Event.
Q. What is the first event's theme?
A. The theme for our initial event is "Burning Love"
TICKETS / DONATIONS
For Burning Heart Festival 2012 Donation Information, please go here:
TBD
Q. What does a Ticket buy me?
A. A Donation buys you nothing, this is a "Free" event.
Q. Can I bring my child?
A. Yes, Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent to be admitted.
Q. Will I be able to donate at the gate?
A. Yes,
Q. Are the gates to the event open 24 hours?
A. Yes. However, the gates will be closed to incoming traffic after 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Q. Will I be able to leave and return to the event?
A. While leaving an Burning Heart Festival during the event and returning to the real world will probably be the last thing on your mind, in and out is not frowned upon. Of course, emergencies do arise - sundries must be purchased, offices must be called. For these, we encourage you to avail yourself of our daily $5 bus service to Ridgecrest, California City and Mohave.
Q. Does the event sell out, or have a limit in size?
A. We do not expect the events to reach a limit, it's held in open Desert, and it's free, so...
Q. We would like to visit the Burning Heart Festival, but can only spend part of the day there.
A. The Burning Heart Festival is an experiment in temporary community. Relationships are created, neighbors meet one another, and our collective survival is challenged. This is not a spectator event. It is difficult for you to take a role in the community if you are at there for less than 24 hours. In order to experience the true essence of the Festival you will want to become part of the community. Therefore, day visits are allowed, but discouraged. Of course, it is not necessary that you come for the entire week. You are welcome to arrive early in the week and stay for just a portion of the event.
Q. I am a member of the press. How can I get a complimentary ticket?
A. The Burning Heart Festival is a free event and open to the verifiable press. If you plan to cover our event, we ask that you register with our Media Team prior to the event. Go to the Press Here section for more information, or email info@
PREPARATION
Q. What should I bring?
A. Thank you for asking the million-dollar question. The Burning Heart Festival is an exercise in radical self-sufficiency. You have to bring all you need to survive, and then some. Some people bring only the basics; others bring everything including the kitchen sink.
* Water, food and shelter are imperative - you may be asked to turn around at the gate if gate personnel believe you cannot meet your basic survival needs. Carefully read this Survival Guide, and prepare accordingly.
* After you have taken care of your survival, everything else is up to you.
* If you are fond of sleep, earplugs are a participant's best friend.
* A bicycle (with a bike light) is vital for enjoying our vast and burgeoning metropolis.
* For maximum enjoyment of the event, bring toys or costumes with which you can express your creative spirit.
Q. What can I buy once I get there?
A. There are various vending stations around the Center Camp area, selling very inexpensive meals, sodas and water. Check for a list
* There are many options as to feeding and sleeping arrangements available so plan accordingly.
* You need to bring ALL supplies, food, water and tools you will need for survival in a harsh environment or enough money to purchase the above items if you decide to travel light. Food and sundry items are sold in the nearby town.
* If you forget something vital, your best bet is to make friends with your neighbors.
* If you really need something, we are attempting to provide a daily shuttle to the Ridgecrest for $5. Tickets for the bus will be available for purchase in Center Camp. The Bus Depot location is Center Camp, on Red Rock Road. You must be fully clothed and sober to ride the bus.
Q. What can I expect from the weather?
A. In the California desert, there is a saying: if you don't like the weather, stick around for five minutes and it will change. Only one thing is completely predictable about the weather in the California Desert: Unpredictability. For forecasts and such, check out the weather from neaby Ridgecrest, California or Cantil.
* Be prepared for volatile extremes, and ready for anything and everything. Come with ample shade producing shelter, warm clothes and sleeping gear, and lots of water. Please read our Survival Guide.
* Temperatures by day have been known to exceed 120 degrees.
* Pre-dawn temperatures can warm pretty fast.
* Thunderstorms and dust storms arise with breathtaking swiftness, transforming the playa into a gigantic mud puddle in a matter of moments.
* Winds are often 20-30 mph under normal conditions, and winds from 40-70mph can be felt during a storm. You are advised to secure your tent, shade structure and loose items in preparation for this possibility. We encourage you to visit: Securing your Structure for valuable information about creating a weather-worthy campsite. Rebar is your best friend!
* While the weather in late Aug early Sep is usually hot, the afternoons can be a downright blast furnance. Participants at the Burning Heart Festival may witness many balmy tropical evenings with a stunning view of a billion stars, and a daytime temperatures in the 100s to 120s depending on mother nature. When it comes to the weather at the Burning Heart Festival , it's much better to be over-prepared. Try to do relaxing cooling things during the heat of the day, reading under a mister, sleeping that sort of thing.
GETTING TO THE BURNING HEART FESTIVAL
Q. I hear there will be no driving on the playa; how will I get to my campsite?
A. You may drive to your camping spot, but do not plan to use your vehicle as transportaion in the city for the duration of your stay. This is a serious safety issue and will be strictly enforced. No unnecessary driving will be allowed without Burning Heart Festival.
Q. Can I camp next to my car?
A. You can, and you should keep your auto at your campsite. Do not use it for transport around our city — this is one of the conditions for camping here. The Burning Heart Festival is fully accessible by bicycle or on foot. Your access to our city implies an understanding of this rule. You may be required to leave if you violate this policy. The sole exception for this is art cars.
Q. Where is the closest airport?
A. The nearest commercial airport with scheduled service is Burbank International, 87 miles away, and there is the Mojave Airport. Many participants also fly from the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose are about 350 miles from the event) to the Palmdale Airport. General aviation private aircraft may land at the Mojave Airport which is near the event. Small aircraft planning to land at Mojave City must contact the Airport Manager well in advance.
Q. I'm coming from the East Coast and can't rent a car. What kind of transportation do you provide from LA or San Franscisco?
A. You are responsible for getting yourself to the events. Currently, this Intergalactic Away Mission may provide limited service between the airports in Los Angeles and Palmdale Mojave. However, there are some options. The Metro in close may also be an option and do a ride share from there with someone driving from nearby.
* Leave a message here on the Burning Heart Festival Bulletin Board, especially the LA, San Diego or San Francisco ride share bulletin board to arrange a ride.
* Many people who arrive at the Palmdale Airport or the small Mojave airport look around to find others that seem to be Festival bound. Those that trust serendipity and do find a ride from the airport should expect to share costs for gasoline and car rental.
* You are still responsible for all of your water, food and shelter needs.
Q. What is the policy with regard to Recreational Vehicles (RV's)?
A. RV's are fine. Remember, this is wilderness camping and there are no hookups. Do not discharge gray water or sewage. RV servicing logistics may differ from other projects. We may be able to work out something with a local vendor to service the RVs Greywater and Propane on site. Stay tuned for details.
PARTICIPATION
Q. What is a Theme camp?
A. A very good question, indeed. It's an interactive camp designed by the camp members with the intention of engaging participants. More information can be found in the Theme Camp & Villages section. Theme camps are located throughout the Burning Heart Festival. Assigned placement comes after approved advanced registration. Though registration is not at all required, only registered theme camps will be cited on the city map at the events. Those who register early get choice spots and placement on the maps. For registration deadlines, visit Theme Camps.
Q. What is a Village?
A. Yet another fine question. Villages are a natural outgrowth of the theme camp and more information can be found Theme Camp section of this site.
Q. How do I register my theme camp or village?
A. Please read all the information in the Theme Camp & Villages and you will find the appropriate questionnaire.
Q. Should I join a theme camp or village ahead of time, or when I arrive?
A. It is not at all necessary that you join either a theme camp or village. Whether we do or not, we ask you to find a way to participate; theme camps and villages involve teamwork and group participation. If you have an idea for a theme camp, consider creating one yourself. It is not even necessary to register a theme camp - many groups choose to fly under the official radar. If you are planning on having a large and unregistered camp, you will probably want to arrive earlier in the week to secure a space.
Q. Can I create a large art installation?
A. Absolutely. You can either build your installation as part of your camp, or place your art on the open playa. Be advised that the open playa is not available for vehicles (except for installation purposes) or camping. If you'd like to stay near your installation you may want to build it as part of your camp. The area facing the city is open playa and you are welcome to install art in this space. If you are planning on creating an art installation on the open playa, please see and register in the Art Installation section.
Q. Are there pre-assigned places for theme camps and art installations?
A. At all events, we will endeavor to place all registered theme camps, who will then be mapped and assigned a space prior to arrival on the playa. The same goes for art installations on the open playa. Therefore, it is best to register your theme camp, village or art installation early. Registration is not a prerequisite for creating an art installation or theme camp - much of the best art is found in unexpected places!
Q. I have some handmade crafts that I'd like to sell in order to cover my travel costs. Where can I set this up?
A. There are no rules concerning vending, CYOA...
Q. I'd like to play on the main stage, how can I get there?
A. To play the Main Stage see Braxton.
* We encourage you to create your own stage or network with a like-minded theme camp who might like to feature your group. Post to our Burning Heart Festival Bulletin Board.
* Theme Camps and Villages who are planning a stage should work with other artists (musicians & performers) to fully utilize their space.
* We will have acoustic music and performances at the Center Camp Café. We are looking for performers and artists of all sorts to contribute their talents.
Q. What about amplified music at the Festival?
A. Amplified music will be a favored method of participation and self-expression at the Festival, and one that influences a large number of people.
* We are asking that amplified music in camps be kept at a reasonable level.
* Large scale sound art/systems MUST register for placement.
* This year, large scale sound systems are restricted to those camps located along the 2:00 and 10:00 axes.
* Sound systems should be no bigger than 300 watts.
* Sound levels produced by any electronic system or device should not exceed 90 decibels outside of a camp or village.
* Sound levels emitted from any camp should not cause serious disruption to adjacent camps.
* To get the full skinny, check out the sound policies here.
Q. Is this a rave?
A. The Burning Heart Festival is not a rave. While our ranks include many individuals from the Rave/techno community, they are not the majority. The Burning Heart Festival is an experiment in temporary community, and one that is radically all-inclusive. Yes, this includes ravers. Be warned though: If your principal interest in our event is centered on the rave experience, and you won't be happy unless you're cozied up next to an extremely large speaker, the Burning Heart Festival is probably not for you.
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ON THE PLAYA
Q. How is the event laid out?
A. Burning Heart Festival City is organized as 1/2 of a circle. There are axes on each half hour, from 2:00 to 3:00, intersecting with three concentric semi-circles. You will be given a map of the city upon your arrival. Center Camp (the center for civic activities) is in the middle of the curve, and is the anchor for the various tents.
Q. Can I reserve a campsite?
A. No. While there are clearly marked roadways, there are no "camping sites," other than the spaces previously allotted for pre-placed theme camps and art installations. Those awarded placement have applied in advance. Come early if you need space to add friends.
Q. Is there a quiet place to camp?
A. Like all cities in the Future, The Burning Heart Festival is alive 24 hours a day, and with the extreme heat during the day, much of the activity takes place at night. We ask that each person respect their neighbor. If you are fond of quiet for sleeping, we recommend earplugs.
Q. Will you have "low-density camping." What's that?
A. The area on the backside of the city will be reserved for those that wish to leave their car and portage belongings away from the outside road. This vehicle-free area will by default become low-density. Cars will be left in a parking area nearby. No moving vehicles will be allowed in this area.
Q. What kind of facilities do you provide for those in a wheelchair?
A. We are wheelchair friendly, and provide several wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Additionally, you can contact info(at) with questions.
Q. Are there toilets?
A. Yes, we distribute porta-potties around the city for general public use and in special locations throughout the city, in addition to Center Camp. The potties are serviced on a continuous and rotating basis, during the event. We do our very best to keep them clean and stocked with toilet paper.
Participants should expect lines to the potties in the morning, or when a big event is happening within a specific quadrant of the city. It is always possible to find less used potties, in less populated areas. Participants are also encouraged to use empty bottles or buckets to urinate in. These containers can be emptied (though the container may NOT BE DISCARDED) into potties.
NOTHING other than human waste is to be put into a pottie toilet. We are encouraging participants to think of the porta-potties as if they were your own home toilets. ONLY HUMAN WASTE or TOILET PAPER should go into them, discarded items in porta-potties causes tremendous problems and prevents the timely cleaning of the potties. It will also threatened our ability to dump this waste locally. Please do not discard any trash or any non-human-waste items into the potties. Respecting the purpose of the potties effects the long term sustainability of the Burning Heart Festival in the California Desert.
Q. What about medical emergencies?
A. We encourage radical self reliance and first aid kits. However, the Burning Heart Festival is a challenging event in a harsh desert location, and medical needs do arise. Minor medical needs can be handled at Center camp. If there is a serious medical emergency, and the participant cannot be moved, the local Fire Department and Emergency Services are located in Randsburg, 7 miles away, and will be contacted for assistance. Ambulances and helicopter transportation to the hospitals in Ridgecrest are on call, if needed.
Q. So what's the deal with fire?
A. High winds, density, and carelessness will make it necessary to restrict fires within the confines of our city.
* Fireworks are not permitted in the Burning Heart Festival City area.
* In particular, aerial flares are very dangerous. Please do not use in Burning Heart Festival City area.
* Campfires are restricted to designated fireplaces on the Esplanade and in public areas of the villages. Any fire source must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
* Tiki torches must be at least 10 feet away from any structure.
* There will not be any fires allowed further back than the front Esplanade.
* Please be aware of what you burn. Wood covered with paint, PVC pipe, furniture and other plastic materials release dangerous toxins into the atmosphere.
* If you are planning to burn anything - even your camp after the event is over - you must move it to one of the community burn platforms at the end of each radial street. DO NOT burn directly on the playa. The BLM will ticket and fine anyone found burning on the playa surface.
Q. What is the policy on taking pictures?
A. Film and video cameras may be used without permission. To protect the privacy of participants and artists alike, always ask. Use Agreement forms for personal video cameras will be available upon arrival at the Gate, the Greeter's Station or Playa Info. If you are considering filming or videotaping for professional purposes, you must have a commercial agreement on file with the Media Team prior to your arrival onsite. Commercial use of images taken at the Burning Heart Festival without permission is subject to cunning legal action and punishable by death. This includes amateurs and professionals who capture images. Email info(at) for further information.
Q. Is there any place to hook up my RV? Can I link into the festival's power grid?
A. Whoa Betty! The power grid in Center Camp is for the civic entities like the Installations, Stages. If you need to use your on-board generator, make sure it is facing the open desert. Out of consideration of your neighbors, we recommend using your generator sparingly.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Yes! You should however do your pet a favor, and leave them at home. While people will love the Burning Heart Festival, dogs will have a really bad time. Pets are prone to responding adversely to loud noises, huge sound systems, explosions, fireworks and crazy costumed people. Many animals have been lost each year at outdoor events, and problem dogs have caused disputes between camps at similar events. Nearby ranch owners will also shoot stray animals. The 2012 Burning Heart Festival is a PET RESPONSIBLE event. Send any questions to info@
Q. How do I get around from camp to camp?
A. Burning Heart Festival City is a pedestrian-friendly city that is easy to navigate with a bicycle or on foot. We encourage you to decorate your transportation. You may not drive your car at the event. This is a serious safety issue - moving cars create large clouds of dust, reducing visibility dramatically. Please recognize the importance of this rule. The sole exception to the no-driving rule is art cars/mutant vehicles). For more information, contact info@
Q. How will I find my friends once I arrive?
A. Ideally, pick a meeting point and time, in advance. However, there are several onsite resources for locating friends:
* If your friends are in a registered theme camp, its location should be indicated on the city map you will be given at the Gate.
* There will be a "Dynamic Board" at the Center Camp where you can post the location of your camp once you have established your location. Feel free to drop by Playa Info and register with them.
* Message Center, also located in Center Camp, will have a large Find-A-Camp board for flyers and offers a paper-based messaging service. You can leave and receive messages with Message Center from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Q. I have a family member that is ill, and I may need to be contacted in the event of an emergency, what can I tell them to do to reach me?
A. If there is a death in the family or similar circumstance that necessitates a family member to contact you, they can call information in Southern California and get the phone number for the Advanced Learning Academy's office. The resources listed above will be used to find the needed party. We will do our best, but cannot guarantee we will find you.
Q. What about trash disposal? Will there be a dumpster for me to toss my trash into on the way out of the Burning Heart Festival ?
A. NO. Nein, negatory, absolutely not under any circumstances. Did we mention that we have limited trash disposal? This is a "Pack it in Pack it out" event
* You are responsible for removing all waste you bring into Burning Heart Festival. This includes cigarette butts, boa feathers, pistachio shells and couches.
* When preparing your belongings and planning the construction of your campsite prior to arrival, keep in mind that you will have to bring everything back with you. For tips on minimize packaging, click here.
* Separating your garbage makes it easier to get home.
* While we do not have garbage disposals, we do have Recycling Camp, conveniently located in Center Camp. Recycling Camp takes donations of aluminum cans and donates them to the Advanced Learning Academy for their fundraising efforts.
* You must dispose of your waste properly. Do not leave trash in Cantil, Palmdale, Ridgecrest, Randsburg, Mojave, or California City, at rest stops, or along the side of the highway. Southbound participants will find the Big dump, located just North of Palmdale, open on Monday... yes it is the Labor Day Weekend, but they will be open Tue. for participants. Directions will be on the Maps and Directions page. For more information about garbage disposal, see the Environment section.
Q. Why are there so many rules?
A. There are rules, but they are few and very simple.
* The rules relate to our collective survival. During our first years in the desert our population will be relatively small, and our exclusive focus will be on individual survival. As our numbers grow, we will have to extended this concern to the equally immediate issue of survival on a societal scale.
* The Burning Heart Festival is not intended as an anarchist underground. It is an open society of Music loving, Free Spirited Nature fans and the rules we promulgate—mostly relating to desert survival, the role of man in a universes of others, and care for the environment—are aimed at ensuring the survival of every individual in a public world that all of us join in creating.
* The Burning Heart Festival is not a bureaucracy. Our rules relate to immediate issues immediate like brush fires and car crashes, and long-term issues such as land use. We are a radically free community and it's time for us to take responsibility for preserving that freedom.
* If you can't agree to our rules, feel free to start your own event!
Q. My question wasn't answered here — is there someone who can help?
A. Try contacting info(at) and they will do their besft!
the mgmt
