Puzzling Evidence just posted a great video from Burning Man 2003 of “La Contessa”, the 60′ Spanish galleon created by The Extra Action Marching Band, meeting up with The Whale, which was made by Tom Kennedy and Flash Hopkins.
La Contessa moves out smartly to meet the enemy, and Tom Kennedy drives from the Whale brain on it’s first “swim” , using a “speaking tube” to call directions to Flash Hopkins, who’s driving from the mouth area. Robert Burke commands the schooner laying about. Many, many thanks to Philo Drummond for footage, and to Dr Hal for helpful stills. Music is by June Tabor, The Mermen and The Extra Action Marching Band.
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Beautiful.
Everyone tries to paint the Burning Man experience as all Peace And Love but it’s really so much more than that.
It’s blood, credit card debt, lawsuits, hurt feelings, Nevada cops, stolen gear, STDs, and grudge matches.
Personally, I’ve always loved the WWF caliber grudge matches at Burning Man.
Not the serious grudges that later get people in trouble, but the showmanship matches, like the dragon grudge match with Draka. When you put on a show like that and do it right, you create a legend and that legend outlives you long after you’ve left this mortal coil behind.
Thanks for sharing.
Great Video. Thanks for posting it. I saw one of my photos of La Contessa in there from 2002: http://images.burningman.com/index.cgi?image=8488
And here is one of Tom’s Shark Car from 2001: http://images.burningman.com/index.cgi?image=4720 Makes me nostalgic… -Hov.
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