Opulent Temple - Our History

A Little History...

The Opulent Temple :: a little history.

Below is some history on the camp to date. The Opulent Temple is a San Francisco based non-profit collective of a diverse group of people who like to participate in large scale joy creation. We exist with the intention of gifting a space for sacred dance to world class dance music, and having lots of fun while we're at it.

For more on our Vision, check it.

We are entirely self funded through fundraising parties, and camp members paying dues. We get no help from Burning Man and that's a shame. We've never paid dj's to play and wouldn't even if we had the money to do so. We could use help all year round with donations if you want to support us. Please see the Donations page if you're feeling generous!

To learn more about our history, read on below...


"A Little History..." perma-link , or continue reading...
December 30, 2009 01:56 PM, by mark

History of Entries

A history of our web postings on this site about our schedules on-playa, fundraising events, etc is below.


"History of Entries" perma-link
December 29, 2009 03:55 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple Holiday party

Opulent Temple Holiday Party

w/ Lee Coombs



"Opulent Temple Holiday party " perma-link , or continue reading...
December 18, 2009 09:43 PM, by Syd Gris

Carl Cox - Sacred Dust Nov 7th at Mezzanine!

carl_mini_lasers.jpg Carl Cox returns to SF!

Saturday Nov. 7th at the Mezzanine


"Carl Cox - Sacred Dust Nov 7th at Mezzanine!" perma-link , or continue reading...
November 7, 2009 02:24 PM, by jeff

Opulent Temple Decom After Party @ Mighty

Opulent Temple Decom After Party

Sunday Night @ Mighty

"Opulent Temple Decom After Party @ Mighty" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 13, 2009 02:22 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple at SF LovEvolution

Opulent Temple at San Francisco LovEvolution

Saturday, October 3rd

"Opulent Temple at SF LovEvolution" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 3, 2009 12:47 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple 2009 Line Up


2009header.jpg.jpg

"Opulent Temple 2009 Line Up" perma-link, or continue reading...
August 1, 2009 01:14 AM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple participates in the Superhero St. Faire

Welcome to the 7th evolution of Opulent Temple. We're happy to be back with you. We build this space for sacred dance to world class music. We invite you to utilize this creation as a context for inner search as well as community bonding. For ridiculous fun, new friendships and celebration to the shared beat of a universal vibe. We hope you touch the part of you that feels no fear and knows no death.

Camps like ours aren't allowed to apply for grants and so are entirely self funded by the community and the camp members. We could use your help if you want to pitch in by donating. Every dollar counts (and we'll send you live recordings from past years as a thank you.)

We also invite you to read some thoughts on the line up if you want to learn more about the vision and intention behind it, as well as some inevitable politics of dancing.

We can't wait to see you under the stars, bathed in fire light.

Opulent Temple & the Deep End together at

The 1st Annual 'Superhero St. Faire'

"Opulent Temple participates in the Superhero St. Faire" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 23, 2009 10:43 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple Camp Fundraiser @ The End Up : Saturday, July 18th

Opulent Temple @ 'The Show'

w/ Lee Coombs

"Opulent Temple Camp Fundraiser @ The End Up : Saturday, July 18th" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 27, 2009 11:43 AM, by Syd Gris

The O.T. participates in 'Sand by the Ton'

Opulent Temple & Big Art Studios present

Sand by the Ton

"The O.T. participates in 'Sand by the Ton'" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 26, 2009 10:04 AM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple @ How Weird St. Faire

Opulent Temple & Opel @ How Weird St. Faire

Day & Night - Sunday, May 10th



"Opulent Temple @ How Weird St. Faire" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 31, 2009 09:33 AM, by Syd Gris

Christopher Lawrence plays for the O.T. 3-13-09

Opulent Temple presents

Christopher Lawrence

"Christopher Lawrence plays for the O.T. 3-13-09" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 13, 2009 08:29 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Massive w/ Carl Cox :: March 6th



"Opulent Massive w/ Carl Cox :: March 6th" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 6, 2009 03:02 PM, by Syd Gris

Friday, 11-14-08 :: Opulent Temple & Deep End Post Playa Party

Next Up from the O.T. : Opulent Temple & The Deep End

Post-Playa Party at Mission Rock



"Friday, 11-14-08 :: Opulent Temple & Deep End Post Playa Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 13, 2008 10:20 PM, by Syd Gris

OT at Decompression & After Party

Opulent Temple & Deep End @ Decompression

Opulent Temple After Party at Mighty

"OT at Decompression & After Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 9, 2008 01:13 PM, by mark

Burning Man 2008 Lineup

ot_lineup_2008.jpg

We know you came to dance. And to bask in the sweet spot with the tickle of bass, fully alive. Bonded in this moment of shared peak experience, showing up to stand in the space that you are. Let's use the party not just to be, but also to do. Drawing strength to engage with a clear mind and open heart. Using that wisdom for the insight to not fear death, to build our courage to stand against the tyranny of the Age. To find ways, in community, to evolve beyond the collision course with cold truth we've been complicit in. This is why we do what we do.

And we intend to have a kick ass time while we're doing it. It's important to us that you know, no dj's gets paid to play, ever. Almost all contributed in some fashion to our existence this year. We built everything you see in our dance area ourselves. We get no help from the BM org, and that's a shame. We have your support though, and we thank you deeply. We're always needing and appreciative of donations if you're moved.

You can read the back story on each day's theme and on who's playing for us this year, by checking Long Form of the 2008 schedule. It has notes on why we booked them, how they contributed, and artist submitted bios.

We look forward to creating this dream with you.

"Burning Man 2008 Lineup" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 31, 2008 09:48 PM, by jeff

Burning Man 2008 Long Form

ot_lineup_2008.jpg
'Long Form'

This year we wanted to give more info and background on our nights and what we are trying to say, the dj's that play, who they are and why they get to play the treasured spots at Opulent Temple, and some back stories that illuminate how this comes together. It's a frequent question we get about how to get a slot, if you read this it will become clear, that by and large, you get it the old fashioned way, you earn it.

To see the 'short form' of the 2008 schedule, click here.

Opulent Temple 2008 - The Final Cut ?

"Burning Man 2008 Long Form" perma-link , or continue reading...

August 30, 2008 09:48 PM, by mark

Saturday, August 16th : Opulent Send-Off Party

Saturday, August 16th. Opulent Temple presents
Opulent Send-Off Party w/ Ali B

"Saturday, August 16th : Opulent Send-Off Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 16, 2008 10:55 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Debt Watch

How the Opulent Temple came back for 2008
Keep Track Here...

After BM last year we were about 31k in debt from our '07 effort. It's a fair question to ask, how the hell did that happen? To make a very long story short, we spent more than we intended, and we raised less than we budgeted. We took on 2 large projects that should have been spread over 2 years, but we were feeling ambitious and went for it. The Star Stage and the Bamboo Synergy Dome. The Star Stage was partly self funded by Rich Martin, with the remaining expenses as part of the camp's budget. The Bamboo Dome was one of the all time great failed projects in BM history. Sad to say, we spent at least 25k on it, and during lifting a rope got caught under a tire, a key truss broke, and the project was still possible but not safe so we had to choose to scrap it. It was not, as had been rumored due to design failure (not directly anyway...)

The bamboo sits on a ranch in Livermore, we're looking for a buyer. After the pain of that experience none of us had the heart to go try it again. We're done with bamboo! (Know a buyer?).

(read on below)


"Opulent Debt Watch" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 27, 2008 11:05 AM, by Syd Gris

Saturday, July 26th :: 'Funky Dust' @ Mighty

Saturday, July 26th. Opulent Temple presents
Funky Dust w/ Lee Coombs & The Scumfrog

"Saturday, July 26th :: 'Funky Dust' @ Mighty" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 26, 2008 02:12 PM, by mark

Saturday, July 19th :: Opulent Temple benefit in L.A.

Saturday, July 19th. Hipgenesis presents 'Pop Stars & Rock Stars' in Hollywood.

A benefit for the Opulent Temple

"Saturday, July 19th :: Opulent Temple benefit in L.A." perma-link , or continue reading...
July 19, 2008 02:16 PM, by mark

OT Benefit @ Cargo / London

Saturday, June 28th. Opulent Temple benefit in London, UK
at Cargo w/ Dylan Rhymes & Ali B

"OT Benefit @ Cargo / London" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 28, 2008 02:23 PM, by mark

Get Lucky :: : June 13th @ Supperclub

Opulent Temple presents:

Get Lucky

"Get Lucky :: : June 13th @ Supperclub" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 13, 2008 07:55 AM, by mark

Dream this Dream : May 24th @ Mezzanine

Opulent Temple presents:

Dream this Dream

"Dream this Dream : May 24th @ Mezzanine" perma-link , or continue reading...
May 24, 2008 07:52 PM, by mark

Spectacle - in NW ABQ, NM

Saturday, May 31st, Albuquerque, New Mexico (!)
Some generous OT supporters have organized Spectacle in New Mexico



"Spectacle - in NW ABQ, NM" perma-link , or continue reading...
April 21, 2008 08:00 PM, by mark

A Match Made in Heaven : OT underground

Saturday, April 19th :: Opulent Temple Underground
A Match Made in Heaven

"A Match Made in Heaven : OT underground" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 30, 2008 10:41 AM, by Syd Gris

DJ Dan - a special benefit

Opulent Temple presents DJ Dan
Saturday, February 23rd :: Ruby Skye

"DJ Dan - a special benefit" perma-link , or continue reading...
February 23, 2008 10:46 AM, by mark

1-1-08 : New Years Morning - Breakfast in Bed

Opulent Temple, Thump Radio, and Supperclub presents:

Breakfast in Bed: New Years Morning: 5am-11am

"1-1-08 : New Years Morning - Breakfast in Bed" perma-link , or continue reading...
December 31, 2007 12:56 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple @ 'The Show'

Saturday, December 15th

Opulent Temple djs are guests of 'The Show' @ the End Up



"Opulent Temple @ 'The Show'" perma-link , or continue reading...
December 15, 2007 01:47 PM, by Syd Gris

Sacred Dust :: October 19th

Friday, October 19th :: Sacred Dust Post Playa fundraiser and CD release party at Supperclub

"Sacred Dust :: October 19th" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 19, 2007 02:34 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple's Annual Decompression After Party

Sunday, October 7th: OT @ Decompression, + ....our 5th annual unofficial Decompression Recompression

"Opulent Temple's Annual Decompression After Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
September 24, 2007 01:57 PM, by Syd Gris

Burning Man 2007 Lineup

ot_lineup_2007_green.jpg


"Burning Man 2007 Lineup" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 29, 2007 05:42 PM, by mark

Saturday :: Opulent Send Off Party

The Opulent Temple Send Off Party & Line Up sneak peek.

Saturday, August 11th @ Shine.


"Saturday :: Opulent Send Off Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 11, 2007 01:46 AM, by Syd Gris

Green the Mind : July 21st

Opulent Temple presents: Green the Mind

Saturday, July 21st


"Green the Mind : July 21st" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 21, 2007 01:33 PM, by Syd Gris

Belly Dance Benefit

Join us for a very special evening of belly dancing ....
Sunday, July 29th

"Belly Dance Benefit" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 18, 2007 07:54 PM, by mark

Audible from Space

Audible from Space
June 30th, 2007

"Audible from Space" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 30, 2007 12:52 PM, by mark

Opulent Temple Underground :: Funky Dust!

Opulent Temple Underground :: Funky Dust!

Saturday, June 9th



"Opulent Temple Underground :: Funky Dust!" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 9, 2007 01:01 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Bonus Party :: Sunday - May 27th

Opulent Temple spontaneous combustion insta-party!

Sunday, May 27th


"Opulent Bonus Party :: Sunday - May 27th" perma-link , or continue reading...
May 27, 2007 12:52 PM, by Syd Gris

Evocation

Opulent Temple Presents...
Evocation @ The Porn Palace
Saturday, April 21st, 2007

"Evocation" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 4, 2007 07:02 PM, by mark

Behind the Green Door

Opulent Temple Presents...
Behind the Green Door w/ DJ Hyper
Friday, March 2nd, 2007

"Behind the Green Door" perma-link , or continue reading...
March 2, 2007 03:44 PM, by mark

Opulent Temple @ Decompression

The Opulent Temple joins with our friends at the Deep End!
Deep Opulence: Sunday, October 8th
Then Sunday night: our 4th annual Decompression Recompression, this time @ Mighty

"Opulent Temple @ Decompression" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 3, 2006 07:14 PM, by Syd Gris

Sacred Dust

Sacred Dust
Opulent Temple post playa featuring Meat Katie
Saturday, October 21st

"Sacred Dust" perma-link , or continue reading...
September 18, 2006 12:36 PM, by mark

Burning Man 2006 Schedule

Welcome back to the Opulent Temple 2006: A Sanctuary for Sacred Dance to World Class Music. 2:00 and Esplanade



"Burning Man 2006 Schedule" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 23, 2006 02:22 PM, by mark

Common Ground

Common Ground
A Burning Man camp party and fundraiser
Friday, Aug 4th

"Common Ground" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 2, 2006 05:34 PM, by mark

The Professionals Party

Saturday: May 13th. The Professional's Party
A Burning Man camp party and fundraiser for the Opulent Temple

"The Professionals Party" perma-link , or continue reading...
July 15, 2006 04:30 PM, by Syd Gris

Fearless

Saturday: May 13th. Fearless
A Burning Man camp party and fundraiser for the Opulent Temple

"Fearless" perma-link , or continue reading...
May 13, 2006 08:44 PM, by mark

Episode IV: A New Hope

Friday, February 24th
Burning Man 2006 starts now!

"Episode IV: A New Hope" perma-link , or continue reading...
February 24, 2006 10:46 AM, by mark

Post Playa Party and Fundraiser: Sacred Dust

Click for Pics
Saturday, November 12th
Post Playa Party and Fundraiser...

Sacred Dust

"Post Playa Party and Fundraiser: Sacred Dust" perma-link , or continue reading...
November 2, 2005 10:00 AM, by mark

Opulent Temple & House of Lotus Recompression

Sunday, October 9th Opulent Temple & House of Lotus Recompression: A Meeting of the Corners!

"Opulent Temple & House of Lotus Recompression" perma-link , or continue reading...
October 7, 2005 09:32 AM, by mark

Burning Man 2005 Schedule

Welcome back to the Opulent Temple: A Sanctuary for Sacred Dance to World Class Music. 2:00 and Esplanade

In troubled times we come together as a community in dance, music, and celebration to stir the soul, move the feet, clear the mind and open the heart. Dance can key into the pulse of the Divine, and hanging out in that pulse is the essence of fully living. Touching the face we had before we were born, so that consciousness infused with Spirit inspires action in the world. ...And to turn the tide, we must act....

One Week in the Desert...

A Burning Man camp is an honor to provide to the Black Rock Community. To get here, we have been blessed with the support of many of you. Thank you. For those going out to Burning Man, we think you'll see it was an investment worth putting forward. For us, this is not about partying, this is not about big name DJ's, it is not about being the best or the brightest... It's about reaching people, and reaching into people, for love, for community, for Spirit.

What else is there?

If you like what you see, please consider making a donation to the Opulent Temple. Despite our best efforts we have ended the year in the red to provide everyone the most amazing experience possible. We could still use your generous support! Anything will help.
"Burning Man 2005 Schedule" perma-link

August 23, 2005 09:58 PM, by mark

Save the date - August 20th

Save the date...

"Save the date - August 20th" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 11, 2005 04:38 PM, by mark

A Dance with Bacchus

Saturday, July 23rd. A Dance with Bacchus.

"A Dance with Bacchus" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 16, 2005 05:33 AM, by mark

Inside the Psyche of a Freak!

Saturday, June 11th : Inside the Psyche of a Freak!

"Inside the Psyche of a Freak!" perma-link , or continue reading...
June 15, 2005 10:42 PM, by mark

Open Up the Psyche : 2005

Open up the Psyche, and what will you find?

You will find the Opulent Temple, dusting itself off and greeting the New Year with glee and purpose.

Yes.


"Open Up the Psyche : 2005" perma-link , or continue reading...
May 22, 2005 09:32 PM, by Syd Gris

One Week in the Desert : 2004

So Burning Man 2004 has come and gone...

What a week it was.... The Opulent Temple of Venus realized it's vision of proving a space for Sacred Dance by night, and a place for the care of the Goddesses of the playa by day.

Thanks to all who helped make the camp happen, and to those that visited us during the week. What a week!

Rather than go on and on about it, let a picture be worth a thousand words...


"One Week in the Desert : 2004" perma-link
September 22, 2004 09:30 PM, by Syd Gris

Opulent Temple of Venus : 2004

Camp Vision and Main Dance Area Schedule

The Opulent Temple of Venus
a Space for Sacred Dance under the Vault of Heaven

@ 2:00 between Mercury and of course.....Venus

Welcome to the Temple. So many fine things await you, by day and by night, the gifts of the desert will be plentiful, and we look forward to sharing and creating many outstanding moments. Moments to be cherished and danced with, to be celebrated and caressed. It's all one moment, one taste.

By night, the mission to provide a space for sacred dance, a sanctuary of progressive music to stir the soul, move the feet, clear the mind and open the heart. Dance can key into the pulse of the Divine, and hanging out on that pulse is the essence of what life is about. Touching Spirit, so that consciousness infused with Spirit inspires action in the world. Action toward the betterment of our precarious situation, the danger of material addiction and dwindling resources, our society hanging on to paper Gods and empty promises. The acquisition of stuff meant to provide some kind of cosmic security leaves one lacking. What fills the Void is community and love, a relationship with Spirit and a knowing celebration of awareness. Plus, your bad ass funky self-- incarnate. We know you're in there, waiting for the opportunity to show up. And we'll be there with you, laughing and spinning under the Vault of Heaven...


"Opulent Temple of Venus : 2004" perma-link , or continue reading...
August 31, 2004 10:31 AM, by mark

Opulent Temple Silent Auction

Check out our silent auction items that are left over from our last party, there's still some great ones left! Everything from a DJ lesson on the main decks of 1015, to egyption hip scarfs & custom fur vest or pants.

"Opulent Temple Silent Auction" perma-link
August 6, 2004 01:59 PM, by mark

In the desert, all is possible...

Members of Opel have playa aspiratons which continue to evolve, and this page will serve as the entry way to all things happening in 2K4...

YOU are invited to join us, as we create a camp that will be in line with our mission and our values. In simple terms, that's creating a shared vision with friends where the priority is fun, building connections and community, and dancing our asses off with the best of 'em.

(Please see info on our first fundraiser of the season in the Events section.)

Curious? Read more:


"In the desert, all is possible..." perma-link , or continue reading...
January 22, 2004 09:48 PM, by mark


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