Musings from a Coachella “First-timer Over Forty”

By Michelle Roe

Must admit, this is a first time event for me.  I’m not really a concert person  (unless you count U2 or Vivaldi’s Four Season’s)…don’t like crowds…certainly, not familiar with most of the music…not into profanity laden rap gigs, and well, I’m, ssshhhh!!, not really in the Coachella age demographic. 

Not really in the Coachella age demographic.

Being a Coachella Valley resident, I’ve heard all about Coachella. Followed my friends kids stories about their rowdy adventures, listened to their concerned parents and of course, SEEN the parade of partiers descending upon our little “suburb” in what my eight year old refers to as “The Coachellicans”- as if they are some form of alien creature.

Of course, through her eyes, the appearance of some of the hipsters, hippies, and groupies  must look pretty far out there.  

The Coachellicans by Christopher Wayne Allwine/CoachellaValley.com

So what am I doing at Coachella Music Festival- one of North America’s largest of its’ kind.  Well a) what a fun experience to go as an on-site media rep for www.coachellavalley.com; b) I have a teen-ager who’s just dying to know what it’s all about and I think it’s my duty to check it out before she’s allowed to go at age 27.5 years of age. c) When in Rome, my friends.  When in Rome!!

Weather is perfect, not too hot, a little breeze. Beautiful blue skies!!

Arrive at 11 am amazed at the vastness of the property and the well- organized festival layout.  I’m excited….this is gonna be fun.  Weather is perfect, not too hot, a little breeze. Beautiful blue skies!! 

As we walk in, a bit in awe of the “camping experience”…. There are three areas to camp from which I can tell…kind of a low budget car camping version, a moderate ready-tent with cots and a charging lounge on Lake El Dorado, and lux accommodations…that I was not privy to actually see!!.  

The car camping scene is lookin’ a bit primitive but I am impressed with the ingenuity in  “necessity” that these folks bring with them. For example, I didn’t know about the invention of the “beer bong tether pole” that can accommodate four thirsty peeps all at once!!  

There is however, and this person is truly a genius, a solar powered pop up shower tent to clean up in privacy complete with JPL portable tunes at the ready.  It’s like tail-gating at a ball game…on steroids.

We continue our trek past the “snow ball fight arena” (note: will have to find out why there is snow in the desert) and go through the security checks with ease. The giant Ferris Wheel is before me with the Santa Rosa Mountains in the background and I know will be a “bucket list” adventure.

We are in.  We are at the infamous Coachella.  Weeee’re Heeeere!!!!!

Read more from the Series “Musings from a Coachella “First-timer Over Forty””

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We are at the infamous Coachella! By Christopher Wayne Allwine/CoachellaValley.com