SYNCHRONICITY
Formed in 2001, Synchronicity is a radically inclusive, Chicago-based, member-supported artists' collective. Based on respect, participation and jack-assery of the highest order, Synchronicity and its members are dedicated to fire, art, music, radical self-expression and community building.
Think BRC, but closer to home. Existing in the winter. As close as someone's backyard, but just as fun.
Synchronicity exists to sponsor and support creative endeavors, year-round events and to serve as an ever-expanding network of resources for its members. As a conglomeration of friends, coworkers, family, burners and non-burners, Synchronicity welcomes any individual interested in making a positive contribution to our community.
SynchroniCity constantly plans or hosts workshops, parties, discussions and community projects. If you'd like to participate just stay tuned to this site for updates and reminders about events in your area. If you want to join the SynchroniCity announce list, click here.
 SYNCHRONICITY'S 9th ANNUAL XMAS TREE BURN!
Two years ago, the infamous Freezer Brrrn '08 brought the hardest core hell-hounds out to the frozen tundra, enduring sub-zero temperatures and blazing hot fire alike.
Last year, a huge snowstorm followed by remarkable 65 degree temperatures found over 120 participants sloshing through six inch mud at the notorious Thaw Burn of '09 . . . a.k.a. the Mud Burn.
Hi there!
Synchronicity's 9th Annual Xmas Tree Burn will be held at the private home of a good friend on Saturday, February 20th. This is the same location we've used for the last couple of years, and it will be familiar to many on this list. It's in Southwest Michigan, just about an hour and a half from Chicago.
YOU MUST EITHER PAYPAL, OR RSVP TO GET THE LOCATION SPECIFICS.
The trees will be torched a little while after sun-down. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out event. Of course, we ask that you comply will all relevant laws, and respect our fabulous hostess's wishes in all cases. This event is based on your participation. Help us work on this event, or bring something to torch, to drink, or to share with the world.
THIS IS YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE - SKIM AT YOUR OWN RISK:
COST
The expenses related to this event are considerable, including plenty of beer, porto-johns, truck rental for hauling LOADS of trees, transportation of said trees, and the van service to and from the Super 8. We won't be turning people away, but we are asking everyone to pitch-in $15, or whatever they can. If you think you'll be using the van service to and from the hotel, please consider donating $20.
If you haven't already, consider Paypalling the funds for all of your participants to pocketbook@synchroni-city.org. Or you can just pay cash at the event.
FOOD & DRINK
Delicious beer will be provided. The rest is BYO.
Dinner plans are still emerging. Synchronicity members will be providing some food. There may be some sort of "food theme" this year. Please hit me up if you're interested in bringing something! We're hoping to avoid the usual catastrophic mess that into which our "pot lucks" in years past have inevitably devolved.
PARTICIPATE
Bring an Xmas tree to torch! Bring something to drink! If you want to bring food, contact me!
SynchroniCity is officially BEGGING anyone and everyone to help us in loading our Chicago trees, unloading them when they arrive in Bridgman, and building our awesome effigy. This is labor-intensive process, and we need bodies. We're doing a load-out day on Friday 2/12/10. Beyond that, you can show up early enough on Saturday, 2/20/10 to help build our Xmas tree sculpture. We'll be there as soon as we can drag ourselves out there in the morning, probably before noon. Email me for details.
We will also need some help with the cleanup the next day!
ACCOMMODATIONS
After the last tree has been torched, we're encouraging everyone to join us at a local Super 8 motel in Sawyer, MI, and we'll provide a comprehensive local van service to and from it. We absolutely insist that you do not drink and drive, and the van service should help you in that. TIP THE DRIVER! The van service is for everyone, but we will not get a hotel room for you. Book your room, NOW!
"http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Bookin/property_info?propertyId=13835"
For licensing and weather-related reasons, camping is not an option for this event.
Please dress warmly and be safe at the Xmas Tree Burn. Plan for the worst. Cover your head, wear long underwear, several layers of socks, and covering your neck are all absolute requirements. And GALOSHES. DON'T FORGET GALOSHES!
If you have questions, I first suggest that you read the survival guide again. If your question is still unanswered, you can email me at this address.
dave_h@illmeasures.com
Can't wait to see you!
Downtown Dave
for
http://www.synchroni-city.org Labels: Xmas Tree Burn
Synchronicity's 8th Annual SantaKong
 BASICS:
Synchronicity's 8th Annual SantaKong begins at 2:00 PM Saturday - December 12th, 2009 at Quencher's bar. Quencher's is located at 2401 N. Western Avenue, on the corner of Fullerton & Western. This year the Kong will be using cheaper school buses, as opposed to trolleys from years past. This enables everyone to get jolly for nearly twice as long, without breaking the bank. Everyone will spend the first hour at Quencher's decorating and festi-fying the buses. (Oh and drinking.) Please bring Christmas decorations and other Holiday swag to make our school buses as obnoxiously cheer-tastic as possible.
YOU MUST WEAR A SANTA OR OTHER HOLIDAY-THEMED OUTFIT. IF YOU DON'T DRESS UP FOR SANTAKONG - YOU ARE LAME!
As usual, your $26 payment covers a massive quantity of beer and whiskey, which will be festively available at any and all times we are on the buses. You are still welcome, of course, to bring your own alcohol. In fact it's kind of a tradition.
The Bus departs from Quencher's at 3:00, and will return to the Quencher's neighborhood at approximately 11:00-11:30 P.M.
FAQ's:
WHAT IF I CAN'T BE AT QUENCHERS BY 3:00?
No worries, you can also plan on meeting up with us at The Twisted Spoke (501 N Ogden Ave) for our 4:30 departure.
If that doesn't work out for you, please look for us at the corner of Lincoln, Halsted and Fullerton for our 6:00 departure from there. If you miss us at there, you'll have to give us a call.
HOW DOES THIS WHOLE THING WORK NOW, EXACTLY?
The buses provide you and your Santa friends with safe and sober transportation from bar to bar around the great city of Chicago. Intermittently you'll be bringing your unique brand of cheerful revelry to public settings like Daley Plaza, Macy's, the Billy Goat Tavern, Emmitt's, and even an Ice Skating Rink!
DO I REALLY HAVE TO WEAR A COSTUME?
Yes.
I DON'T DO PAYPAL . . . . CAN I STILL KONG OUT?
Maybe.
We will be taking some cash payments on the day of the event. However, an RSVP is strongly suggested, and there is limited space on our buses. If you do not Paypal us in advance, Synchronicity cannot guarantee you a spot on our buses. We strongly recommend you Paypal us your $26 in advance to guarantee your spot. Setting up a Paypal account is easy and free. All you need is a bank account and an email address, and you can both send and RECEIVE money.
ANYTHING GOES ON THE BUSES, RIGHT?
No, no and no. You must obey all state and local laws while participating in SantaKong. That means you may NOT use illicit substances on the buses . . . not even weed. Without the humor and good graces of our friendly drivers - we have no SantaKong. Please do not put our driver's jobs or the event's future in jeopardy. Obey all state and local laws while you're on the bus.
WHAT IF I'M TOO WASTED TO DRIVE HOME?
Luckily, Quenchers has the advantage of being located close to several cheap CTA options, such as the Western Bus the Fullerton Bus, and the Blue Line, all three of which run on a 24-hour schedule. Also, cabs are everywhere in that neighborhood. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN ON DRIVING HOME FROM SANTAKONG. Your friends may be sad that you got splattered all over the Dan Ryan, but they'll also be pissed off that your stupidity ruined a perfectly good SantaKong.
I HAVE A QUESTION YOU HAVEN'T ADDRESSED:
No problem. Email me at dave_h@illmeasures.com
Downtown the Disco Elf
for
Synchronicity
http://www.Synchroni-City.orgLabels: L-I-V-I-N, SantaKong
THAW BURN '09 - Reporting Back In
XMAS TREE BURN '09 a.ka. THAW BURN, MUD BURN, The SLURRY
Well, you did it.
You proved that once again this outfit cannot be stopped, and can party hearty and party ARTY in, under, over, and around conditions that would put lesser souls into a state of terminal buzzkill.
We thought last year's infamous Freezer Brrrn showed us that we could tackle even the most inclement weather-related challenges. I dare say that the Thaw Burn of '09 may have topped even '08 in terms of sheer audacity and bravado. We thought "Hey it's gonna be warm out - that'll be awesome!" And it was. Then it was 57 degrees. Then there was snowmelt. Then there was mud. Then was more mud. The Gods were fuckin with us, but by soldiering on, and rockin it right on through to the Motel, we fucked with them right back. Long live the mud people, and their little mud puppies!
Thanks to everyone, especially Shirley for being such a fabulous host.
Next year we'll be saying: "Damn, I hope it's cold out!"
Synchronicity's 8th Annual Xmas Tree Burn
WHO:
You.
WHAT:
Synchronicity's 8th Annual Xmas Tree Burn. This is a giant, artful fire celebration and outdoor event, complete with cold beer, hot fire, pot luck pitch-in dinner, fun music and even funner friends. We will once again be putting the torch to hundreds of Xmas Trees.
WHEN:
Sattiday, February 7th, 2009. Our Xmas tree sculpture will burn a little while after sundown.
WHERE:
The Bridgman, Michigan location is just a little over an hour away from Chicago. It's a familiar site to many, but at our host's request, specific address details will be available only to those who RSVP to dave_h@illmeasures.com.
WHY:
Fire. Fun. Friends.
FAQ'S:
I HAVE AN XMAS TREE, WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?
If you're in Chicago, you can drop off your Xmas Tree in the side lot of Quencher's Bar - located at 2401 N. Western, on the corner of Western & Fullerton. YOU MUST DO THIS ON A SATURDAY, or email dave_h@illmeasures.com to make other arrangements. When you arrive at Quenchers, please ask for Steve-O, and he'll help you get into the side lot. Of course, you're always welcome to simply haul your tree out yourself.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?:
Synchronicity is officially BEGGING anyone and everyone to help us out with loading our Chicago trees, unloading them when they arrive in Bridgman, and building our awesome effigy. This is labor-intensive process, and we need bodies. We're planning a load-out, and work/build weekend for 1/24/09. Beyond that, you can show up early enough on Saturday, 2/7 to help with our build. It's more fun to do something than to just show up. Beyond that, you can bring food for the pot-luck, fire to spin, your dancing galoshes, or just bring your bad self.
WHERE DO I CRASH?
We're encouraging everyone to join us at a local Super 8 motel in Bridgman, and are working on providing a comprehensive local van service to and from. We absolutely insist that you do not drink and drive, and the van service should help you in that. The van service is for everyone, but we will not get a hotel room for you. We hope, however, to use the Super 8's facilities for something of an after party. Details still emerging. "http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13835"
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Xmas trees. Plenty of warm clothing. Food. Camp chairs. Propane heaters. Propane cookstoves. Poy. Fire spinning equipment. Work gloves. Ladders if you got one.
WHAT ABOUT BOOZE?
Delicious beer will be provided. The rest is BYO.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Although we will be passing around the hat to help cover the considerable expenses related to this event, it will be on a give-what-you-can donation basis. We'll cover the van service to and from the Super 8. Your hotel room, however, will be on your dime.
I HAVE A QUESTION YOU HAVEN'T ADDRESSED:
No problem - email me at dave_h@illmeasures.com
Hope to see you there!
Still MORE Santa Kong '08 Pics
Synchronicity's BUNNYCON BAR HOP!
 Hey Y'allMark your calendars, the Annual BunnyCon Bar Hop is coming up on the appropriately solemn holiday of Good Friday. This yearly bunny-themed Bar Hop is going down on Friday evening, March 21st! Watch the Chicag-list for details, and make sure you've got your bunny ears!
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