Fantastic Festival Vibes at Coachella
The city of Indio in the Coachella Valley of Southern California’s desert region is the venue for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which is commonly referred to simply as “Coachella”. This three day event features numerous genres of music, as well as sculptural and installation art. No doubt music-lovers and musicians alike are looking forward to Coachella 2008, which is set to take place from 25 to 27 April 2008.
The 2008 Coachella line-up of around 40 different acts each day includes Jack Johnson, Fatboy Slim, The Verve, Portishead, Kraftwerk and Roger Waters. The festival venue has a number of stages and marquees with live music playing continuously. The first Coachella took place on 5 November 1993 and was opened by the rock bands Pearl Jam and Tool, in front of close to 25,000 appreciative fans. The festival has grown to the current three-day event and the crowds that flock to Coachella continue to grow too, with the 2007 event drawing a crowd numbering about 100,000. Record-breaking crowds are expected to flock to 2008 Coachella.
It has become somewhat of a tradition to feature either re-united bands, or bands which have not played live for some time. This came about because in 2001 when the organizers were battling to find a big headline act to draw the crowds, Perry Farrell came to the rescue by bringing a reunited Jane’s Addiction to the main stage as Coachella’s headline performance. Also, to make each Coachella fresh and unique, the organizers make a point of booking performers who have not appeared previously, and to date only 15 performers have played more than twice at Coachella.
Each year Coachella features interesting sculpture and installation art. As most of the pieces are interactive, they provide entertainment for festival goers as well as adding another dimension to a weekend which is devoted to the art of music.
Previous festival-goers agree that camping out for the weekend is one of the best ways to enjoy Coachella, and organizers, Goldenvoice, have arranged on-site camping facilities on a lush grassed field scattered with palm trees. The party never stops and new friends are made while old friends become re-acquainted. On-site camping is open to those who are 18-years and older, so book in advance and bring your own tent.
Recycling will once again be promoted at Coachella and for every 10 empty water bottles returned to the recycling centre, the returnee will be given a bottle of fresh water. Bearing in mind that Indio is in a desert region, festival goers are encouraged to keep hydrated and use plenty of sun-block. The charity chosen to receive some of the revenue generated by 2008 Coachella is the Indio Youth Task Force which is committed to establishing a community of responsible and productive young people.
So music-loving revelers, stock up on sun-block, pack your tent, and make sure you are at 2008 Coachella.