I think I got what he was saying. I don't know if he mentioned any thing on any other night. But Yes to our freedom. I would like to think that when I leave Burn we are going out and facilitating positive changes. Just going to Burn is a huge change for some folks. Not every one is on the same vibe train as every one else. But over all, this is an election year and every thing from women rights to just our basic needs as Americans are on the table. Yes, a present of mindfulness is called for. But how can Lorin be the judge and executioner? The way of change is not to push what is but to live it your self. I was just glad to hear someone slam-the- hammer down at Burn. I myself do not want to wake up one day and think about what was once, because we all just sat around and let the bullies, trapped in fear-base- ideologies, say that we can no longer do something. This will not come to pass. But WE have to make sure that this is not the case. That is what I took from what he said. The part about wanting to be payed for DJ is only what I heard on the Playa.
Shanti-Shanti

Alex Grey put it best: "Burning Man is the cusp of new reality creation."

There was a good handful of sound camps that I visited that put forth an exceptionally cool vibe that invited good behavior, good vibes, good dancing, good participation. Entheon was one of these camps. Their ability to construct a perfect context really cut down on the atmosphere of "wasted party people" and invited more of the vibe that I'm used to at a Lo Sho.

To a degree, I can understand frustration at the whole "Burning Man as excuse to get wasted for a week straight" vibe. Psychedelics are an especially prevalent and important aspect of Burning Man, but the Prohibition mindset that we've got regarding illegal drugs means that many people aren't able to separate recreational drugs from sacrament.

Still, my time spent in Black Rock City was 99.9% love and harmony and really fucking intentional and intelligent people, and about 0.1% wasted-bro-dodging. I think that the spirit's definitely alive at Burning Man, and I think that the place is still one of the most fertile grounds for activism and positive-seed-sowing. Like I say to everyone who claims they'll stop going because too many looky-loos show up: if we all leave for supposedly-greener pastures because our festival of universal peace/love/harmony is getting too popular, that's when it truly becomes a fratboy fest. As such, we have an obligation to keep participating in what is really the centerpiece of our culture.

The trick is to turn those people into Burners. It's hard being confronted with ignorance or apathy. Still, the truly savvy sorcerers out there - and I definitely include DJs in that group - convert wisdom to ignorance, apathy to participation, awakening the pure inner artist in the hearts of frat-boy weekend warriors. After all, none of us were born rockstars; there was a *lot* of awakening that happened along the way.

Personally, one of my favorite things about BM this year was being able to walk around and just see some fucking amazing artist/musician/DJ (like when I randomly stumbled upon Kid Beyond beatboxing in Center Camp - that was an unexpected pleasure) going off like crazy. If Bassnectar doesn't show up next BM, I'm sure my playa experience will not collapse (especially since I was so tired by Saturday that I went home to pass out immediately after the Man burned anyway). The Glitch Mob show, the Vibesquad show, DJ Icon... there's a glut of stunning experiences to catch all over the place. Bassnectar would be missed by many, but the people who really get it will find ways to have a big enlightened blast anyway.

Still, speaking as a DJ, I would have some sincere regrets about bailing on the chance to play to such an awakened crowd. Here's my official two-cent suggestion to the aforementioned certain bassthwocker: find a really great theme camp (or installation or art car) that you like and trust and perform an unannounced show there under an assumed name. A low-profile show for friends and passersby - as well as people who will go see an artist they've never heard of before, instead of those who attend BM to only see the big-name DJs - might change your perspective on Burners.