Live From The Greatest Music Event In The World

Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival has been the epitome of priority for many revelers in the past few months. The anguish of wondering how to cope with dreadful heat, bouts of claustrophobia, and having to prioritize what hot band will be the catch of the weekend mounts to providing a substantial stretch of the nerves.

However, yesterday's first day at the festival proved to be quite a comfortable experience. If you don't equate comfortable with obviously dealing with stench-ified Andy Gumps, $2 water, and conflicting band schedules, then this festival had the elements of a five-star hotel experience.

Friday concert goers were surprised with less than harsh heat, enthusiastic bands, and if you arrived early enough, a catch at seeing one of Los Angeles most prized sons, Mr. Perry Ferrell. Yet, the catch of the day was the sensational Julieta Venegas. The Mexican singer songwriter, (and guapa extraordinaire), unleashed a fantastic set comprised of pop hits that had the best fans at the festival joyously sprouting to the top of one of Coachella's numerous stages, the Gobi tent. I wasn't surprised by the great sound of Julieta. The minimal encounter I've had with her music has always been a positive, but I have yet to immerse myself in a full album. I'm sure that will change as soon as I rock an Amoeba binge when I get back home.

In total, Day 1 comprised of some London punk provided by The Noisettes; a disappointing encounter with Tokyo Police Club; a proud engagement with Silversun Pickups; lounge sessions with The Jesus and Mary Chain, Of Montreal, and Stephen Marley; and of course, a fabulous rendezvous with Interpol and the Icelandic queen Bjork. Not a bad first day, but I hardly "cut a rug". I have Hot Chip, Peter Bjorn & John, The Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, and LCD Soundsystem to provide the backdrop for some serious movement today. If I have enough energy towards the end of the evening, the Rapture might catch a glimpse of my moves as well. Day 2 commences in three hours.

Citizen 192
2005-2007 Citoyen du Monde Inc.
All Rights Reserved.