2019 marks a landmark year for the storied Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: their 20th anniversary. First founded in 1999, the popular glitter-dusted, flower-crown filled fest will be held once again this April 12th-21st at the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, California. Headliners comprise of Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, and Ariana Grande. In case you were wondering, yes, tickets have already sold out, sorry to disappoint. Other performers include Aphex Twin, Janelle Monáe, Anderson .Paak, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, The 1975, JPEGMAFIA, Beach Fossils, serpentwithfeet, Soccer Mommy, Christine and the Queens, Let’s Eat Grandma, Mac DeMarco, Kid Cudi, Weezer, SOPHIE, and The Messthetics among many others.
As is the case with most festivals unfortunately, those of all genders (especially women) have expressed outrage at the amount of assault/harassment that occurs, and Coachella is building upon their policies intended to make the two weekends as safe as possible by unveiling ‘every one’. A campaign intended to welcome “persons of any gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age or ability” by “taking deliberate steps to develop a festival culture that is safe and inclusive for everyone”. The purpose being to minimize the amount of sexual assault incidents. There will be all-gender bathrooms aside from preexisting men and women restrooms, and trained safety ambassadors/counselors in special ‘every one’ tents for “anyone that needs extra support or a quiet moment away.” While the festival is making favorable progress in ways, some are criticizing where the profits from tickets are going and calling for a boycott. Coachella is owned by Goldenvoice, an organization run by AEG chairman Philip Anschutz, who critics say makes significant donations to far-right causes such as anti-LGBTQ efforts and climate change denial. Things to think about before buying tickets or supporting the festival. Check out the full line-up for any hidden gems that weren’t previously mentioned below.
Sarah Medeiros
