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.
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...
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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.
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"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
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Opulent Temple & the Deep End together at
The 1st Annual 'Superhero St. Faire'
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"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
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"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'
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Opulent Temple & Big Art Studios present
Sand by the Ton
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"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
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Opulent Temple & Opel @ How Weird St. Faire
Day & Night - Sunday, May 10th
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"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
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Opulent Temple presents
Christopher Lawrence
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"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
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Next Up from the O.T. : Opulent Temple & The Deep End
Post-Playa Party at Mission Rock
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"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
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Opulent Temple & Deep End @ Decompression
Opulent Temple After Party at Mighty
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"OT at Decompression & After Party" perma-link
, or continue reading...
October 9, 2008 01:13 PM, by mark
Burning Man 2008 Lineup

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
'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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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Opulent Temple presents:
Get Lucky
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"Get Lucky :: : June 13th @ Supperclub" perma-link
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June 13, 2008 07:55 AM, by mark
Dream this Dream : May 24th @ Mezzanine
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Opulent Temple presents:
Dream this Dream
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"Dream this Dream : May 24th @ Mezzanine" perma-link
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May 24, 2008 07:52 PM, by mark
Spectacle - in NW ABQ, NM
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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
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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
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Opulent Temple presents DJ Dan
Saturday, February 23rd :: Ruby Skye
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"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'
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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
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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
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Sunday, October 7th: OT @ Decompression, +
....our 5th annual unofficial Decompression Recompression
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"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
"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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Welcome back to the Opulent Temple 2006: A Sanctuary for Sacred Dance to World Class Music. 2:00 and Esplanade
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"Burning Man 2006 Schedule" perma-link
, or continue reading...
August 23, 2006 02:22 PM, by mark
Common Ground
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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
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Saturday: May 13th. The Professional's Party
A Burning Man camp party and fundraiser for the Opulent Temple
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"The Professionals Party" perma-link
, or continue reading...
July 15, 2006 04:30 PM, by Syd Gris
Fearless
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Saturday: May 13th. Fearless
A Burning Man camp party and fundraiser for the Opulent Temple
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"Fearless" perma-link
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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
 click for pics | 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
"A Dance with Bacchus" perma-link
, or continue reading...
June 16, 2005 05:33 AM, by mark
Inside the Psyche of a Freak!
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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...
click for pics from the Opulent Temple 2004
"One Week in the Desert : 2004" perma-link
September 22, 2004 09:30 PM, by Syd Gris
Opulent Temple of Venus : 2004
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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.
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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
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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.
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"Opulent Temple Silent Auction" perma-link
August 6, 2004 01:59 PM, by mark
In the desert, all is possible...
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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...
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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