Natalie Yemenidjian
The awkward tan lines, never ending drive, dehydration, unbearable portable toilets and the desert heat did not stop me from enjoying the music, art and loving atmosphere this weekend at Coachella.After months of planning, hours of driving and waiting an hour in line to get inside the venue, we entered the gates with not much knowledge of what was on the other side. Coachella brought art to an otherwise desolate land, used mostly for polo races and the occasional concert.Solar-powered sunflowers were brought to life at night after being charged by the powerful desert sun. A dome equipped with mist and a fountain of water was the sanctuary to people who needed a break from the heat. During the hottest times of the day, anywhere there was shade, there were people lying under it.This may have been the only time in my life where I actually paused to feel a light breeze pass through.Water was like gold and the venue was definitely making a hefty profit off of that necessity. No water allowed inside the venue and it was $2 a bottle. By the end of the weekend I was broke.A newfound energy surged through people when they saw the main stage where Bj√∂rk, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine would eventually play. Between more than 120 bands, three tents and two outdoor stages, music blaring 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., you could either plan what bands you’d see or let your ears take you where they’d be most aesthetically pleased.The first headliner was Bj√∂rk. I expected to see more of an eccentric performance or attire, but no swan dresses. Where she lacked in stage presence, she made up with her unique sound and cute accent.Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine sent out energy like a wave. You could feel it from the stage gradually making its way through the crowd and then past you. While standing in line for the showers a Pierce student caught my eye. I had seen a grip of them, but this young woman happened to be in the line I had been standing in for about two hours. I wouldn’t compromise my space in line for a quote.I did, however, compromise my sanity by staying all three days in the blazing heat, but in the end it was all worth it.As I left, I looked back one more time at the camping grounds I had called home this weekend; I realized Coachella would be completely deconstructed the next day.Tents would come down, lights turned off, port-o-potties returned and the polo field would reemerge, but the memories and the music would echo forever; at least, until next years Coachella.
Hundreds of fans gather to watch The Roots perform a Bob Dylan cover. ()