Cellist looks to join camp

[Acellist1]

I'm totally new to Burning Man. I've got some gigs lined up right now to try and raise money to get out there. I'm a professional cellist with 26 years of experience performing, as well as a songwriter, producer, guitarist, bassist, and keyboard player. I want to play my cello and sing my songs for the festival. I also have a nice PA I can bring. I'm so new to this, I could use any tips or suggestions you might have!

[Savannah]

I love it that you're working your ass off to get to the Burn--it embodies radical self-reliance, one of the 10 Principles of the event. If you're totally new, read the First Timer's Guide . . .
http://www.burningman.com/first_timers/

There is a Survival Guide inside of it, which should keep you tenuously, gratefully alive! There will be a 2011 version any day now. I swear.

Be careful with that brand new PA . . . talk to other musicians about how they protect their stuff, because the dust is corrisive alkali, and will get absolutely everywhere. Never bring anything that will break your heart if ruined. i.e., consider bringing the backup cello . . .

In this very 2011 Theme Camp forum, look at "How to Join a Theme Camp", and then for a camp that strikes your fancy. Write them a nice detailed email about why you're just the person you're looking for, whether you can contribute time or money or both (they will probably want a bit of both) & why you admire their goals. If your needs are few, have a look at Orphan camp, which is primarily social & aimed at independent folks. (And if you're a camping genius, realize that you don't need a camp at all--unless you want one.)

Welcome to the board . . .

[Elderberry]

If you depend on that cello for a living, do not bring it to the playa. Bring an old cheap one. You will never be able to recondition it back to how it was. The extreme change of heat and humidity could easily cause the wood to crack or weaken the glue.

[Ugly Dougly]

First of all, take every bit of advice you see here with a pinch of salt. Why? Because salt is an electrolyte, and in the desert you need electrolytes almost as much as you need water.

There is precious little live music out on the playa, you will bring with you a truly delicious gift.

The playa is EXTREMELY dry, and it may have unintended effects on your cello. be informed, but make your own decisions.

[Acellist1]

Yeah, I'll probably be looking to borrow a carbon-fiber cello.