Big Names, Small Acts Grace Coachella Stage
By Nicholas Comaratta
When junior Quin Adler and his friends arrived in Indio, Calif. at 1 a.m. on April 12, they weren't the only ones rolling into the small desert town.
Nearly 1,000 other vehicles lined up in the day's early hours to enter the Empire Polo Club, the location for the annual, three-day long Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival.
As security guards patted people down, the other festival attendees cracked open beers and simply relaxed as the line edged forward.
"This is what I came here for: everybody's really nice, (to play) a few pick-up games of ultimate, and (to) share a beer," said Adler.
Organized by Goldenvoice, the annual festival features performers from various genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop and electronic music, as well as large sculptural art pieces.
Due to the festival's popularity, Goldenvoice announced in May 2011 that the festival would span over two weekends, starting this year.
While the first weekend has come and gone, festival attendees have nearly 150 worthwhile acts spanning five different stages to navigate through and enjoy.
Friday provides some solid, lesser-known acts that produce entertaining sets. French producer Breakbot is a good alternative for attendees looking to dance, Neon Indian is a must see for any fans of chillwave and The Black Keys are the choice for anyone who loves guitar. Finally, while most people will be packed in to see Swedish House Mafia close the first day, the English band The Horrors produces a solid set with their coordinated and catchy rock songs.
Saturday presents a slightly easier path towards musical enjoyment. The three-pronged assault of The Shins into Bon Iver into Radiohead at the Coachella stage is rivaled by Flying Lotus, Mike Snow and SBTRKT on the other side of the festival.
The weekend closes with Sleeper Agent, Band of Skulls, Santigold and Gotye. Sunday night leaves the choice between Florence and the Machine, Modeselektor and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg - and a holographic Tupac.
"You heard about the Tupac thing, right?" said Adler. "That thing was ridiculous."
Musical acts aside, Coachella provides a fun-filled and eclectic environment for all in attendance.
"There are some ridiculous people who go to these things," said Adler, citing "bros" in tank tops, people dancing "in ways that would make you shake your head" and families.
"You see parents bringing their 3-year-old kids, and you think, 'What the hell are you doing bringing your kids to a thing like this?'" said Adler.
For those planning to head to Indio, Calif. this weekend, Adler offered some pieces of advice.
"Bring sunscreen and be willing to get out of your comfort zone. Venture out there and see what you can find," said Adler. "It's a $300 ticket, so you might as well not waste it."
Contact Nicholas Comaratta at ncomaratta@scu.edu. Sarina Caragan contributed to this report.