And then came the Friday rains…where for about 10 hours…the main rain cell would not blow away from the Playa…forcing an automatic R&R shelter in place all day/night for all Reverbians.  This was my first real day to catch up on sleep in a month and from word of mouth, this was the same for a lot of you. Some Reverbians were in lower ground areas, which became small water logged mud bogs... and we moved their tents to the Band Quonsets and into the Embassy.  Some of our RVs with a little extra space also took in Reverbians.  Thank you to all who assisted with our displaced.

For the first time since our camp began in 2010…with this crazy rain, we cancelled shows.  But not all music was lost, as Acoustic Musicians played in the Embassy Teahouse…which became a special intimate hub for connectivity on a forlorn day.

And all through the storm…Our kitchen team produced food for the camp!!!  Thank you to all the Kitchen Staff headed by Chef Erik and Majik…for your diligence and desire to keep the people fed!!!

Saturday, for the first time in my 20 year history of this event, The Burning Man Burn was postponed due to weather conditions.  Reverbia moved our sturdy waterproof Shade Stage speakers to the Main Stage…and we put on a rare playa show, which drew an incredible crowd.  

On Sunday, the rain came again and the Burn was postponed another day.  Our Tear Down Day became another Bear Down Day.  Later that night, to lift Playa spirits,  I contributed an antithesis of our camp…and played a Spotify Set of Dance and Sing along Songs…and Reverbia celebrated in a very special way.  Bohemian Rhapsody seemed to be a favorite moment for the growing crowd, which now reached the road…I shouted "Be the Opera" and the entire participants sang and dramatically acted out the song with jubilation.  So wonderful to hear and see the crowd from the stage!

On Monday, the sun came out and dried up all the rain!  And the Eensy Weensy Burner could participate with break down again.  Our Exit Team, led by the indefatigable Tarzan, and with the help of other Reverbians, took down almost every structure! The Burning Man was a pyrotechnical wonder! Black Rock City came to life again! Elation and good times ahead filled the spirits of many.
On Tuesday…The Exit Team and other Reverbians staying to assist…took down the rest of the camp and packed most of it into the containers.  That night, our Exit Team headed to the Temple Burn and the warmth of the night, starry sky, and group connection…was one of my favorite 2023 Burning Man moments. After the Temple Burn, we had a lovely fire as we shared our favorite Burning Man moments, followed by a short Tribute of Lost Musicians by Jimmy Leslie.  I was then asked about how Wendy and I met…which was at the Burn in 2012.  Bartosz, who had also been at the Build…shared about his amazing grandmother who had recently passed. This night was the perfect decompression before our final Wednesday packing and mooping push…it was something we all needed.

On Wednesday afternoon, we finished packing and mooping, then took a team photo.  Only the kitchen remained….and at 6pm, they too finally departed. Reverbia was quiet once again.

Special mentions have to go to Beth and Rachel Anne for leading our LNT efforts on playa this year. The rain put a stop to Beth's diligent compost drying...but over half our compost managed to make to Compost Camp before the floods came. And for the first time in the history of our camp, Exit Team did not get left with 20 bags of garbage at the end! Thank you, Rachel Anne, for keeping on top of everyone and making sure they took their share. Thank you to those of you who took more than your share...that did not go unnoticed.
Other leadership members that deserve all the love, too!: Henni for her fancy, mathematical, volunteer shift spreadsheets of wonder....Randy for filling every admin and logistical gap all along the way, and Dan for his email prowess.
Thanks again to all Reverbians for your live music contributions and for helping operate the Largest Themed Camp on Playa this year.