Above you will find the Coachella schedule for Friday 4/17, here's my recommendations on which acts to check out:
2:25-3:!5: Noah & The Whale (Outdoor Stage): This will be a good way to kick off the day, still early and probably only a few hundred people huddled around the Outdoor Stage. Sounds like a lot of people but looks really small when you walk into the grounds (you know what I mean if you've showed up early before).
"Shape of My Heart"
4:05-4:55: Airborne Toxic Event (Main Stage): The crowds should be arriving in full force by now, but you should be able to get a comfortable spot at the main stage at this time. I like these guys and would like to see how they do in this spotlight. Might be tough to pull it off but I'd be interested to see if they can do it. I think I'd only stay about half of their set (unless they were stellar) and swing over to see the Hold Steady at the Mojave tent (about a 5 minute walk).
"Sometime Around Midnight"
4:30-5:20: The Hold Steady (Mojave Tent): Another band that I haven't seen yet that I'd really like to see. Good news is that this set is in the Mojave Tent, which is a good size even though it usually gets pretty packed for the bands. I'd guess that this will be a really solid set, but either way I'd probably leave a few minutes early because I would be high-tailing it back to the Main Stage for the Black Keys.
"Sequestered In Memphis"
5:20-6:10: The Black Keys (Main Stage): An absolute MUST SEE on Friday. One of my favorite live groups of the last few years, these guys are great in concert. Truly amazing that it's just two guys on stage but they'll give an awesome evening set. Definitely make sure you catch these guys if you're at the show.
"Set You Free"
5:45-6:35: White Lies (Mojave Tent): If for some reason the Black Keys aren't your thing, I'd recommend seeing the White Lies in the Mojave Tent. I think the Keys will attract a pretty huge crowd so you'd be able to get a good spot in here I'd think. Haven't gotten around to seeing these guys either and I think I'd miss their set even if I was at Coachella but I like their sound and think they'll do well in the Mojave.
"To Lose My Life"
6:35-7:25: Franz Ferdinand (Main Stage): I like Franz's albums but I saw them a few years ago here in NYC and they were really, really good. I was extremely impressed with their live show and from what I've read, it seems they're consistently pretty good. You could just hang at the Main Stage and go right from the Black Keys into their set....a pretty good combo.
"Michael"
7:15-8:05 N.A.S.A (Mojave Tent): These guys have been getting some good buzz lately and might be something worth checking out. Maybe grab something to eat or drink and hang out near the Mojave, doesn't seem like something you'd necessarily need to see, but I'd give them a listen.
"Waydown"
8:30-9:30: Morrissey (Main Stage)/Beirut (Mojave Tent):: Both of these acts on at the same EXACT TIME? I don't like this planning at all, I'd think there will be a lot of people having to make a tough decision. I'm not even sure what I'd do.... I rarely get the chance to see Morrissey but Beirut playing Mojave will be awesome, no question about that. Man, what a brutal choice.......this might be the only reason I'm glad I'm not there Friday night.
"First of the Gang to Die"
"A Sunday Smile"
9:00-9:50: Girl Talk (Sahara Tent): Gotta hit the Sahara Tent! Girl Talk's set will be as good a time as any. I bet it'll be packed, but in a good way......a quick walk from the Mojave Tent if you're there for the Beirut set you can roll over within a few minutes to catch the last 20 minutes or so.
"Play Your Part"
10:00-? : Paul McCartney (Main Stage): I'd think almost anybody would want to see at least some of this set, whether you're a huge fan or not. One thing's for sure, the place will be PACKED.
"A Day in the Life"
11:25- CLOSE: Crystal Method (Sahara Tent): If you're looking for a good nightcap, this will be a fun spot to end the day, another trip to the Sahara Tent. If you're still standing, good for you.
"Trip Like I do"
So there are my Friday suggestions, Saturday's picks will come on Thursday. All comments are welcome, I'd love to hear from some thoughts from other people that have attended in the past.
3 comments:
Heyyy, i like what you've done with the place!
Gawd, I'd give anything to be in the right hemesphere to be going to this thing... Bonnarroo usually fits me better, but this years Coachella is hard to fault. I'm a seasoned pro festival goer, and your advice was spot on... Especially to going to see what you're want to see even if it means being alone for a while (I LOVE being alone in a big crowd, kinda life affirming, right?) and NOT going with people who are going to be pissed off/scared by that!
Every year I try and map out my nights...then I just go where they take me!! The only thing I can say for sure is that I won't miss a second of the Hold Steady's set. Seeing my favorite band in my favorite place on earth is just too good to pass up!!!
Happy Coachella!!!!
I totally hear you Blair. I try to map out as much as I can but the reality is that you need to take some breaks, especially for food and drink. One cool thing is that you can usually hang close enough to at least hear the acts even if you can't see certain ones. The beer and food gardens are placed pretty well throughout.
Have a great time!
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