Coachella 2014 Weekend 1 Highlights - Lana, Banks, Cage, Skrillex & Poolside at La Quinta

Just returned from my 5th Coachella -- one of the best ever, with an incredible line-up.  Weather hot (of course).  Dust storms blowing (of course).  Sahara tent thumping (more than ever).  This one was classic.  Here are some Weekend 1 highlights:

(1) Lana Del Rey -- surprised on the Outdoor Stage.  Love her music, but was skeptical about how she would perform live (especially after her SNL debacle a couple years back).  But, I am a believer.  Voice in great form.  Comfortable in her own skin.  Staging perfect -- especially with the smoke machines in the heavy wind.  Dark.  Mysterious.  Captivating. And she engaged with her rabid crowd.  And, I mean rabid.  The kids love her.  No.  More like worship her.

(2) Cage the Elephant -- played the Main Stage in the afternoon.  Full energy.  No holding back.  This band has it.  Great songs.  Great passion.  The real deal.  THIS is rock and roll like it was meant to be.  Authentic.

(3) Banks -- if you don’t know her, get to know her.  This is THE “under the radar” pick.  See her on the Gobi Stage.  She is a rising musical powerhouse.  Check out her incredible songs before you go.  And, they become even more alive when you see her live.  Like Lana, Banks is captivating -- even in the daytime.

(4) Skrillex -- MUSE simply couldn’t compete.  This was perhaps THE most anticipated performance of Coachella.  At Sahara of course.  I made it to the absolute front of the “tent” -- don’t ask how.  That alone was a feat of strength and endurance.  The mosh pit moshed right into me - over and over again.  Held my ground.  Worth the pain.  The energy was incredible.  And, he is a surprisingly effective performer.  Hard to beat this experience -- one that you cannot see (or feel) anywhere else.  The Sahara Tent alone is worth the price of admission.  (And I met him - which was classic in and of itself - I am now my kids’ hero!).  For a MUSE fan like me, shocked myself that I missed them.  But tough choices need to be made at Coachella.

(5) Poolside at La Quinta -- yes, this is a “must see” this year.  Go to the Main Pool (not the smaller DJ pool) -- just find a way.  You will see intimate stripped down performances from great bands.  We did.  We saw Chvrches, Grouplove, The 1975, and Bear Hands.  Right up in front -- easily.  And, all of these bands are accessible -- and happy to talk, take pictures.  The resort does not publicize this -- so consider it my gift to you.  My wife and kids joined me poolside -- so, for them, this was their own private Coachella experience.  Here is a pic of my two kids with Grouplove.

[Here are my bonus “under the radar" picks -- Austra -- another band you should know if you like EDM in any way and appreciate a bit mellower vibe; check our their music before you go too -- and experience them; and -- Krewella -- EDM about as EDM-ish as you can get; the afternoon energy at Sahara was as big as Skrillex’s -- wish I had seen more -- impressive].

Biggest disappointment?  Warpaint.  Like the band (a lot).  Saw them at SS Coachella.  This set seemed unfocused, disjointed -- simply didn’t connect with me.

Go forth and conquer!