Survived day one with cut ankles and blisters, wore the wrong shoes. First day was long, started at the Best Western with the volunteer mess, then to the Paul Tollett encounter a la Huell Howser with no cameras this time, I just had to say thanks for bringing all this music home to me.
Music:: DJ Lance Rock and the Yo Gabba Gabba Gang, Sleigh Bells, Calle 13, She and Him, Street Sweeper Social Club, The Specials, Passion Pit, Gil Scott-Heron, Them Crooked Vultures, Echo and the Bunnymen, LCD Soundsytem, Vampire Weekend, Jay Z, Ceu and the Whitest Boy Alive.
Food:: BBQ chicken sandwich, Pizza for the People, Ruth Chris' sliders, churro.
Good day until the end of the night. I lost Carlos when his phone died, feet were killing me and the parking exit was horrendous. I blame the City of Indio, really it's your fault. I'll work on this later because it's time for day 2 and I don't want to miss the Gossip.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Strange Rumblings in Aztlan
Coachella is a massive event, it doubles the population of Indio annually. Even though this is true, you don't feel it because you are on flat land. The only slight elevation you experience is that little bump in the entrance/exit gates. Just look back when you exit to see the mass exodus of thousands upon thousands behind you. That's crazy so don't get lost.
1. Parking
If you're carpooling, take some time to make a sign that says CARPOOLCHELLA. Every year carloads of people are picked out and given Coachella tickets for life. Yes the chances are small but you and your party may be the lucky winners. People go all out, look out for them. Give yourself plenty of time for parking, you don't want to miss out on the show. Seriously like an hour for traffic, parking, drinking and hiking to the fields. Make sure the sober one takes note of where you parked. All the cars are covered in dust when you make your way back out and there are plenty of horror stories of walking in circles trying to find your car. Parking sucks all the time.
2. Cell Phones
For the most part will not work so don't rely on them completely. You'll get no service, or your text messages will come late it's just what happens when you're in the middle of the desert.
3. Meeting Spot
If you get lost and your phone doesn't work then you'll probably never want to come back. I had a 20 minute feeling of that in 2008 when I lost Carlos from Kraftwerk to M.I.A. I was pregnant and I said I would wait for him 'right here'. Those 20 minutes felt like hours, it was dark, everybody was on crack, phone didn't work and I imagined myself alone all night. Don't let that happen to you. The worst case scenario was 2002. The group I rolled with decided to get hella drunk in the parking lot. There was pissing in between cars, panic attacks during Bjork, lost friends, friends that didn't find car and took a taxi home- it was a mess and no one returned the next day (except me). Make a plan, because it's crazier now.
4. Food
We've managed to sneak in sandwiches every year but really the food is yummy here. Pizza, garlic fries, Indian, local, BBQ everything is good. Try to time your meals when no one else is eating and when someone you kinda like is playing the stages so you can get your money's worth.
5. Beer Gardens
Coachella makes you feel high without anything in you, trust. But if you must, and it's that important to you then get your drink on. Beers are like 6 dollars, maybe more now. I've been hella swollen from the heat and beer intake and it's not fun so just stick to what you can handle. You don't want to be throwing up in a porto-potty.
6. First Aid Tent
Dr. Paul will let you rest from heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation or over dosing. This is the only place you get free water bottles. Your basic meds (tylenol) go for 50 cents for a dose. If you need them use them. I've been in one once, because I was tired and someone was smoking and a pregnant lady with a contact high is a paranoid one. Awesome staff who take of you to the max. Make a mental note of where they're at.
7. Police
You'll see the biggest show in force by the Sahara dance tent (Rave tent). We've seen under cover cops take out pot smokers here so be careful. Pretty much the cops are just strolling the fields and directing traffic to get you out. Haven't had issues with them.
8. Crowds
We manage to get towards the front by the stage almost always by sticking to the right. We walk around the huge audience and make ourselves close. Last year I was pretty bummed at the Coachella stage because of the lack of energy of the 'fans' surrounding me. They just seem to take up space and stand there waiting for their band to play next. Argh! Or the people that just sit in the middle of a crowd piss me off too.
9. Kids at Coachella
We've been taking our girl to Coachella for 3 years now. She only goes to one day, the day where we feel we could leave early and not miss out on much. We stick to the outdoor theaters mostly and stay away from chusma. We look at all the art and take a stroller to let her rest and be able to sneak in food. It's a good time, just make sure you keep them close to you at all times. I would die if I lost my children here. Ni lo pienses.
10. Ear plugs
Bring them. Last year My Bloody Valentine provided them, you don't even know. Bring your own because every stage is different and it can get loud. Check out the Do-Lab for cooling down and be sure to stroll through the domes and different DJ spots that are not on the main line-up.
1. Parking
If you're carpooling, take some time to make a sign that says CARPOOLCHELLA. Every year carloads of people are picked out and given Coachella tickets for life. Yes the chances are small but you and your party may be the lucky winners. People go all out, look out for them. Give yourself plenty of time for parking, you don't want to miss out on the show. Seriously like an hour for traffic, parking, drinking and hiking to the fields. Make sure the sober one takes note of where you parked. All the cars are covered in dust when you make your way back out and there are plenty of horror stories of walking in circles trying to find your car. Parking sucks all the time.
2. Cell Phones
For the most part will not work so don't rely on them completely. You'll get no service, or your text messages will come late it's just what happens when you're in the middle of the desert.
3. Meeting Spot
If you get lost and your phone doesn't work then you'll probably never want to come back. I had a 20 minute feeling of that in 2008 when I lost Carlos from Kraftwerk to M.I.A. I was pregnant and I said I would wait for him 'right here'. Those 20 minutes felt like hours, it was dark, everybody was on crack, phone didn't work and I imagined myself alone all night. Don't let that happen to you. The worst case scenario was 2002. The group I rolled with decided to get hella drunk in the parking lot. There was pissing in between cars, panic attacks during Bjork, lost friends, friends that didn't find car and took a taxi home- it was a mess and no one returned the next day (except me). Make a plan, because it's crazier now.
4. Food
We've managed to sneak in sandwiches every year but really the food is yummy here. Pizza, garlic fries, Indian, local, BBQ everything is good. Try to time your meals when no one else is eating and when someone you kinda like is playing the stages so you can get your money's worth.
5. Beer Gardens
Coachella makes you feel high without anything in you, trust. But if you must, and it's that important to you then get your drink on. Beers are like 6 dollars, maybe more now. I've been hella swollen from the heat and beer intake and it's not fun so just stick to what you can handle. You don't want to be throwing up in a porto-potty.
6. First Aid Tent
Dr. Paul will let you rest from heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation or over dosing. This is the only place you get free water bottles. Your basic meds (tylenol) go for 50 cents for a dose. If you need them use them. I've been in one once, because I was tired and someone was smoking and a pregnant lady with a contact high is a paranoid one. Awesome staff who take of you to the max. Make a mental note of where they're at.
7. Police
You'll see the biggest show in force by the Sahara dance tent (Rave tent). We've seen under cover cops take out pot smokers here so be careful. Pretty much the cops are just strolling the fields and directing traffic to get you out. Haven't had issues with them.
8. Crowds
We manage to get towards the front by the stage almost always by sticking to the right. We walk around the huge audience and make ourselves close. Last year I was pretty bummed at the Coachella stage because of the lack of energy of the 'fans' surrounding me. They just seem to take up space and stand there waiting for their band to play next. Argh! Or the people that just sit in the middle of a crowd piss me off too.
9. Kids at Coachella
We've been taking our girl to Coachella for 3 years now. She only goes to one day, the day where we feel we could leave early and not miss out on much. We stick to the outdoor theaters mostly and stay away from chusma. We look at all the art and take a stroller to let her rest and be able to sneak in food. It's a good time, just make sure you keep them close to you at all times. I would die if I lost my children here. Ni lo pienses.
10. Ear plugs
Bring them. Last year My Bloody Valentine provided them, you don't even know. Bring your own because every stage is different and it can get loud. Check out the Do-Lab for cooling down and be sure to stroll through the domes and different DJ spots that are not on the main line-up.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Survival Mode and the Bare Essentials
1. Bring your own shade.
Sunglasses, a wrap, a Chinese fan, an umbrella stashed in secret purse pocket. Remember that you're not supposed to bring an umbrella so make it a cheapie one you can toss if it gets caught. Those collapsible kind from the 99cents store are great.
Turbans are cool because they're light and you can wrap them around your head, wet them for cooling down and lay on them later in the day. Also if you're prone to allergies you can cover your face when you're walking from dusty parking lot to fields and back. Hats are cool, but they suck to carry at night so I wouldn't recommend them unless you can bear to lose it once the sun goes down, you also don't want to be blocking people's view during the day.
Bring the shade, don't be shady.
2. Chapstick, lotion, SPF sprays, tiny hand sanitizers.
I just bought this fresh cooling SPF Neutrogena spray with 45 SPF . I like to bake because my skin doesn't turn color (beige Mexican) so I slather on the coconut sun tan cream at home and retouch with sunblock throughout the day.
3. Candy, gum, water, gatorade.
You are allowed to walk in with a sealed bottle of water but you're not supposed to walk in with sports drinks. The key is to stay hydrated without paying 2 bucks for every bottle your body needs. Keep sweets to keep your dry mouth happy. Also think about carrying a plastic bag (grocery) to collect empty water bottles. Coachella has a recycling program where you trade in 10 empties for a new bottle.
4. Porto-potties
Not fun but manageable if you stick to the trailer potties behind the regular ones. Once in, there's a little fan on top of your toilet, use it. Take advantage of the running water and wash your hands good (not to drink). Toilet paper may run out so carry some tissue/napkins with you also.
Sunglasses, a wrap, a Chinese fan, an umbrella stashed in secret purse pocket. Remember that you're not supposed to bring an umbrella so make it a cheapie one you can toss if it gets caught. Those collapsible kind from the 99cents store are great.
Turbans are cool because they're light and you can wrap them around your head, wet them for cooling down and lay on them later in the day. Also if you're prone to allergies you can cover your face when you're walking from dusty parking lot to fields and back. Hats are cool, but they suck to carry at night so I wouldn't recommend them unless you can bear to lose it once the sun goes down, you also don't want to be blocking people's view during the day.
Bring the shade, don't be shady.
2. Chapstick, lotion, SPF sprays, tiny hand sanitizers.
I just bought this fresh cooling SPF Neutrogena spray with 45 SPF . I like to bake because my skin doesn't turn color (beige Mexican) so I slather on the coconut sun tan cream at home and retouch with sunblock throughout the day.
3. Candy, gum, water, gatorade.
You are allowed to walk in with a sealed bottle of water but you're not supposed to walk in with sports drinks. The key is to stay hydrated without paying 2 bucks for every bottle your body needs. Keep sweets to keep your dry mouth happy. Also think about carrying a plastic bag (grocery) to collect empty water bottles. Coachella has a recycling program where you trade in 10 empties for a new bottle.
4. Porto-potties
Not fun but manageable if you stick to the trailer potties behind the regular ones. Once in, there's a little fan on top of your toilet, use it. Take advantage of the running water and wash your hands good (not to drink). Toilet paper may run out so carry some tissue/napkins with you also.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Heat, Heroes and Spicy Pie
Carlos and I have been going to shows together since 2002. We've followed our favorite musicians to the bay area, to San Luis Obispo, to Mexicali and all over the Los Angeles area to support the music we love. Then we got pregnant and our dates with the night became less frequent. Coachella changed for us, what was first a place to see the bands we had been fanatical about on the biggest stage of their career has become the space for us to discover or reconnect with bands we love. It's fun to see other musicians as fans. We've seen the members of Cafe Tacuba walking the fields every year since 2001, we've seen Thom Yorke gush over the fact that he's playing right after the Pixies. It's cute to see, but here are my top 3 favorite encounters:::
The Arcade Fire- I had just found out I was pregnant and Carlos had just had gall bladder surgery a week before. We still were there, slow motion and on a different level. The Arcade Fire had been given the honored sunset time slot at the Outdoor theater. They gave a memorable show and later on during Bright Eyes set there they were there. I told Regine this was my home and thanks for playing, I rambled happily. They shook our hands, she felt my belly.
Elefant- Diego Garcia is a tall gorgeous Argentino. We had seen his band like 5 times in 2003, Carlos and I told him after a show that we would be seeing him at Coachella one day. That's true, we really were into that first album and believed in him. Then guess who comes up to Carlos while we're walking through Coachella but Diego himself. Like what?!? Nos saluda con besito y abrazito y todo. Ahhh great.
Huell Howser- This is the most recent OMG moment of celebrity status. I may have strutted/skipped my 8 month pregnant belly towards him but I just had to. I wanted to thank him and then I end up on his show. Great time.
It's not just about the people you encounter, or the friends you spot out in the mass of thousands, or the complete beatdown you get just from walking from the parking lot... it's the total experience. I'll stop when it's not fun for me anymore. I look forward to the sunny cloudless day, the tent to stage shuffle, the $6 pizza slice. Doesn't bother me yet.
Plan smart for the sun set. Some of my favorite memories are watching the sun go down as the magic begins. When the sun goes down it becomes a different party.
The Arcade Fire- I had just found out I was pregnant and Carlos had just had gall bladder surgery a week before. We still were there, slow motion and on a different level. The Arcade Fire had been given the honored sunset time slot at the Outdoor theater. They gave a memorable show and later on during Bright Eyes set there they were there. I told Regine this was my home and thanks for playing, I rambled happily. They shook our hands, she felt my belly.
Elefant- Diego Garcia is a tall gorgeous Argentino. We had seen his band like 5 times in 2003, Carlos and I told him after a show that we would be seeing him at Coachella one day. That's true, we really were into that first album and believed in him. Then guess who comes up to Carlos while we're walking through Coachella but Diego himself. Like what?!? Nos saluda con besito y abrazito y todo. Ahhh great.
Huell Howser- This is the most recent OMG moment of celebrity status. I may have strutted/skipped my 8 month pregnant belly towards him but I just had to. I wanted to thank him and then I end up on his show. Great time.
It's not just about the people you encounter, or the friends you spot out in the mass of thousands, or the complete beatdown you get just from walking from the parking lot... it's the total experience. I'll stop when it's not fun for me anymore. I look forward to the sunny cloudless day, the tent to stage shuffle, the $6 pizza slice. Doesn't bother me yet.
Plan smart for the sun set. Some of my favorite memories are watching the sun go down as the magic begins. When the sun goes down it becomes a different party.
Chuntster's Guide to Coachella
The Coachella Valley is my home, doesn't matter where I live. When I was a student at Indio High School I always wanted cool shows to go to. The date festival concerts, the Art Laboe killer oldies concert, the POWER 101 summer concert jam, the backyard and palm grove 'raves', the all ages clubs and the many 15neras were my only musical outlets.
The real Coachella is a hard working Mexican community. In the 90s it was known for its banda clubs and the Chalino/cowboy look was born and bred here. This is the city that boasts Pollo Dieta buy one get one free chicken Sundays and the original Toda Moda. Coachella also had a mala fama of being a cholo hangout. So this is why it boggled my mind when in 1999 a music festival down the street from my home base was going to be called COACHELLA. It's still hilarious to me that Coachella is on the map, it's a true international word now synonymous as a meeting place for music lovers. Really? Really.
I'm in love with this festival and I have ten years worth of stories to share. I'll be posting up some tips for newbies, there are some essentials to survive the desert. I have been victim to mistakes: wearing black pants that made my sweaty legs turn purple, the chafing situation (come on big girls you can relate) losing cameras and friends. Coachella 1999 made me so happy, but I left thinking "this is never going to happen again". The landscape seemed so huuuge then since there weren't that many of us, now you literally sweat other people's sweat.
The real Coachella is a hard working Mexican community. In the 90s it was known for its banda clubs and the Chalino/cowboy look was born and bred here. This is the city that boasts Pollo Dieta buy one get one free chicken Sundays and the original Toda Moda. Coachella also had a mala fama of being a cholo hangout. So this is why it boggled my mind when in 1999 a music festival down the street from my home base was going to be called COACHELLA. It's still hilarious to me that Coachella is on the map, it's a true international word now synonymous as a meeting place for music lovers. Really? Really.
I'm in love with this festival and I have ten years worth of stories to share. I'll be posting up some tips for newbies, there are some essentials to survive the desert. I have been victim to mistakes: wearing black pants that made my sweaty legs turn purple, the chafing situation (come on big girls you can relate) losing cameras and friends. Coachella 1999 made me so happy, but I left thinking "this is never going to happen again". The landscape seemed so huuuge then since there weren't that many of us, now you literally sweat other people's sweat.
Monday, April 12, 2010
monday
we are days away from our musical pilgrimage. i think i'm sharing too much on facebook and i guess most of my 'friends' don't care. this week i get excited, we'll be back to the sunny blue skies, the soft green grass and 3 days of non stop music. how is that not the best?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
buried alive
i watch the show hoarders, a little too much. it just intrigues me to see people become possessed by their possessions. some of us are owned by our homes and cars, working hard to pay them off but this hoarding thing is a little different. it's trash to us, but to them it's theirs.
i'm always making up stories about my neighbors (in my head) and this morning the jungle house with the parked car full of trash had visitors. on his way to work carlos saw the cops outside that house. i went out to see a sheriff and several cops outside still talking, animated with their hands. i asked the postal worker dropping off mail if she knew what happened. she said the coroner was there-they found a dead body. i didn't ask much, i just said that we really have to take care of our elders. in my head, the person found is an older man, his house full of papers, junk mail, books and cats. his home became a great tomb like the pharaohs of egypt. what is trash to us, is gold to them. rest in peace.
i'm always making up stories about my neighbors (in my head) and this morning the jungle house with the parked car full of trash had visitors. on his way to work carlos saw the cops outside that house. i went out to see a sheriff and several cops outside still talking, animated with their hands. i asked the postal worker dropping off mail if she knew what happened. she said the coroner was there-they found a dead body. i didn't ask much, i just said that we really have to take care of our elders. in my head, the person found is an older man, his house full of papers, junk mail, books and cats. his home became a great tomb like the pharaohs of egypt. what is trash to us, is gold to them. rest in peace.
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