Player Profiles

Named Diesel because I put Diesel in a gasoline generator at P3 in 2015 and had to siphon it out by mouth. The Genny was fine.

My first burn was in 2009. I've camped solo, with large camps and have found a home camp with a wonderful group of friends who build domes out in the burbs.

Been playing the flute for 20 years. Decided after seeing playa pops that I wanted to bring music to the playa. Played with you guys in 2019 and cried while we played wish you were here at the temple as I thought of those I had lost.

Love camping, dancing, music, the outdoors, and creating community. Have a cat named Lady Gray.

Excited to be dusty again.

Excess is a quarter time alto saxophonist, quarter time physicists, and half time working man. He has been to Burning Man once in 2019 and has ever since pledged to not miss a year.

I have been playing the saxophone for 5 years and all I want to play is Bebop and with PlayaPops. I love hiking with my partner in life and our two dogs, Dante and Scruff.

I live in Reno with my wife Amy and 2 kids. During the day I teach public elementary and middle school music. In addition to my regular teaching gig, I also coach the school's robotics team and 5th grade rock band. I'm also an active trombone player, and have played in all the local professional orchestras and jazz bands around Reno/Tahoe many times. My musical passion is New Music, and am a co-founder of Reno Modern Brass, which commissions new works for brass quintet, mostly written by local composers. Outside my musical and domestic life, I enjoy marathon running, disc golf, and board games.

My first Burning Man (and the only one for the moment) was 2019. So,i am almost a virgin.I was a part of audience in the PlayaPop concert, of course i liked it.I play tuba and sousaphone around 20 years ,like it, like music and hope i will be part of Playa Pops this year 2023

MUSTARD
Flute, Piccolo, Violin, Kaval.
Musician, Interior Designer, Teacher, Film Archivist.
Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra, Monsters of Bach.
Dream car: 1960 Chevy.

My first experience with the PlayaPops was as an audience member at my first burn in 2017. I had not played my flute since freshman year of High School, but I knew I wanted to be a part of the Pops! I signed up for the 2018 season, took months to relearn how to play the pieces, and have been here every year since. Being in this group gave me the confidence to continue playing year round by joining a local wind ensemble at home.

Practicing our pieces is one of my favorite parts of burn prep. I love knowing that there are musicians practicing all over the world, planning to play together soon in BRC.

PlayaPops founder, Pigtails, started something truly special here. She created a fun filled orchestra in the desert that encourages all ability levels to participate. It has such pure Burner spirit! I am so honored to do my part in continuing her work by taking on the role of PlayaPops director.

You can reach out to me for any assistance you may need and I will do my best to help, or point you in the direction of someone who can. Find my email on the Contacts page. Dust wishes!

I’ve been playing the clarinet since I was ten years old. That’s over six decades of practice—and you’d honestly think I’d be better by now! I first came to the playa in 2010, have been performing with Playa)^(Pops since 2017, and have been addicted to playing music in the dust ever since. During the burn, you’ll find me performing with three different groups across the city. Back home, I stay busy with an eclectic mix of ensembles: the University of Arizona Alumni Band, Desert Aires (a 10-piece clarinet choir where I play alto clarinet), and Klezmerkaba, a klezmer group I founded in 2008.

My musical passion ramped up during my college years when I marched with the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band. At the time, we were recognized as one of the top three bands in the country; my first year, we were invited to play at the NFL Pro Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game, and, we got the call to play the halftime show at the first Super Bowl (then called the World Championship Game). At the time, we thought it was just another bowl game on our schedule and had no clue we were stepping into what would become such a massive spectacle. Looking back, it remains one of the most electric experiences of my life—a true "I was there" moment in my musical history.

Music hasn't been my only interest, though. I spent over 20 years practicing Tae Kwon Do, eventually achieving 3rd-degree Black Belt. After semi-retiring from 50-years in the mortgage industry, I’ve traded working and sparring for calmer pursuits—I love traveling with my family and I’m always up for a good game of backgammon or bridge.

LUAP
Glockenspiel, Percussion, Melodica, Keyboards, Voice
Musician, teacher, former Silicon Valley web dude
Monsters of Bach, Beach Party All Stars
Favorite flavor: maple