A performance by San Francisco percussion group Sharkbait highlights the night of the burn. The Man is lit by Crimson Rose and Will Roger. Burning Man's Internet presence expands to include multiple interconnected Web sites. An email discussion list is established. Cacophony Societies from Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco make contributions.
Festival comes under intense scrutiny of local and federal authorities.
Dust, wind, lightning and rain provide a dramatic shower. 8,000 Burning Man becomes Internet phenomenon, attracting participants worldwide. Activity begins to spread beyond event, spawning troupes and performances across U.S. Villages, micro models of the macro whole, begin to spontaneously form. A pyramid, designed by Dan Miller, now extends height of Man to 50 feet. Chris Campbell becomes chief designer of Burning Man, introduces curving ribs and modified face.