ACID 20: Camp Cymatica's "Playa Lounge" — A Steampunk Scenicruiser

The Love Burn is Miami’s Burning Man regional — a great way to dip your toes into Burn culture. Wind was too strong at this year's event to set two giant wooden effigies ablaze. The organizers are going for take two this Saturday, noon-1AM, dubbed aptly, O, Burning Love Miami - 1-Day Love Burn Celebration, as it coincides with O, Miami Poetry Festival. Cymatica and Miki Beach, two diverse, sexy camps, with a deep passion for groovy music, will be there.

Camp Cymatica was one of our favorite dance floors during Love Burn. We’re biased, cause a vintage bus, beautifully remodeled into a sleek, modern design was center stage. The Cymatica bus plus a few extra PAs produced techno, ethnic beats and other sonic waves that could get statues dancing. We got to speak with Cymatica founders Julian A Uribe and Jodi Darren about their art car inspiration.

“Jodi and I decided to look for a vintage bus to travel the country and attend festivals. One morning I popped on Craigslist and I see this 1955 Scenicruiser for sale.” Julian Uribe said. “I could not believe our luck. I left work and within two hours made a deal to purchase it. She was originally commissioned by Greyhound from General Motors — one of 900 made.

“They were the cross country luxury Liners and became an iconic part of that era. This one's chassis 653 was converted into a luxury motorhome for an Elvis-type customer. When we found her, she had all the original shag rugs, circular bed and mirrored ceilings. Sadly, most of her systems were in bad shape and so you had to gut her completely.”

So Julian used his experience as President of a construction company to make a miracle. He explains, “She went through a total systems renovation including electrical and air suspension. This took over a year. We then fit her with a Steampunk-meets-McDonell-Douglas-DC3 interior — riveted alum., Chippendale furniture and Persian rugs. We realized that her massive 40 feet in length made her a sublime lounge and DJ Stage, and thus the “Playa Lounge” was born! She had her maiden voyage at the Cymatica Camp this Love Burn and will be back to support the Effingy Burn on the 28th.”

We encourage South Florida to attend Love Burn Globe Effigy day/night with Cymatica/Miki Beach Camp and dance your butt off. Maybe you'll be inspired to build your own art car.