What Are the Differences Between a Modern Day Music Festival (e.g., Burning Man) and an Old School One (e.g., Woodstock)?
Often, a modern day music festival such as Burning Man is not strictly associated with music. In a festival like Burning Man, music is indeed present, but it originates from various sources, whether from installations like Robot Heart, Mayan Warrior, or the Black Rock Philharmonic—a symphonic ensemble that is part of the festival. Additionally, the diverse nature of art, from monumental installations to smaller, yet equally significant pieces, underscores the multifaceted experience. This is complemented by the many mutant vehicles, or art cars, which contribute to the rich tapestry of the festival. Contrasting a modern festival like Burning Man with an old school festival such as Woodstock reveals distinct differences in both organization and attendee experience.
Organizational Structure and Management
Present-day music festivals, such as Burning Man, are meticulously planned and managed. Unlike the chaotic and under-resourced Woodstock, modern festivals like Burning Man have permanent management and a vast network of volunteers who work year-round to ensure the event runs smoothly. This contrasts sharply with the ad hoc nature of Woodstock, which lacked many critical resources, such as enough medical facilities, food, water, shelters, and proper sanitation. If Woodstock had been filmed with the backdrop of hundreds of thousands of cell phone cameras, the reality of the event would likely have been captured more accurately, revealing the true chaos and inadequacies that were present.
Burning Man: A Unique Experience
Burning Man stands out as a singular event, with a unique organizational structure that is reminiscent of New Orleans Mardi Gras. Unlike Woodstock, Burning Man is engineered to simulate an immersive, otherworldly experience, free of traditional commerce and corporate influence. The festival is conceived as a temporary city, with over 80,000 attendees arriving in one of the most remote and inhospitable regions of the United States. It is here that the true essence of Burning Man lies, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to creating a utopian space.
Structural Similarities and Differences
The organizational setup at Burning Man is strikingly similar to that of Mardi Gras. For instance, there are numerous major volunteer organizations, such as the Temple build crew, the Man build crew, the Gate crew, and the Black Rock Rangers, all dedicated to ensuring the event runs smoothly. Much like Mardi Gras, Burning Man has a significant law enforcement presence, which, while not as severe as in some other regions, still enforces a common-sense approach: being non-disruptive and maintaining basic hygiene is crucial, while disruptive behavior, like urinating in non-designated areas, is met with stricter consequences. So while the atmosphere is fluid and communal, there are clear rules to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
The evolution from an old school music festival like Woodstock to a modern day event like Burning Man showcases significant changes in both the festival's structure and the experience it offers its attendees. Burning Man is not a music festival in the traditional sense; it is a unique art festival that eschews corporate sponsorship and commerce, prioritizing the creation of a temporary city where anything is possible. The meticulous planning, community-driven spirit, and the commitment to a non-commercial and immersive experience set Burning Man apart from its predecessors like Woodstock, reflecting the changing nature of festivals in the contemporary world.