So, there you are  in the back seat of friend's car. Looking out a half rolled down window at the giant off white Wintec Energy windmills that seem to pepper the entire valley. It's dusk and the temperature is dropping drastically. When you first started this voyage it was around 90 degrees and now the crisp cool 73 degree wind is caressing your face. You're excited yet still nervous, excited about having called your boss with some lame-duck excuse about your family being in town or that you have a doctor's appointment and somehow you actually got the day off. Yet, nervous about the hourly you're missing and the $270.00 plus buck hit your bank account just took. With all that behind you, you look forward to the 3 day, 90 plus acts and countless memories you're about to experience. Wait, there are over 90 acts performing? Sure you have your favorites, but what about the other 80 or so bands that will be performing  on rotating stages in various spots across a five and half mile radius field, for three days and three nights? Where and how to begin?

First and foremost, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Last year the temperature in Indio reached 100 plus degrees, and you don't want to be caught trying to douse cotton mouth with a small, cold, $8 Heineken every half hour. I've tried, and it doesn't end well. Secondly, mark your restrooms and locations. Although they'll probably be filled and horribly defiled by the time you get to them, it's still good to know where they are--just in case. Third, be friendly, you'd be surprised how many people sneak "stuff" in that you can totally share. Lastly, and above all else, enjoy the music.


Friday, April 16th
It probably goes without saying that people will be camping out to see, Jay-Z, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, and She & Him on the first day. I would suggest catching a glimpse of Yeasayer, the experimental rock band based out of New York. Chances are if you work in an office, your musically inclined indie interns are all bubbling about this group. Yeasayer describes their music as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel," and they often times perform live with psychedelic visuals to match their musical arrangements. The experience alone should warm you up to the rest of the day. 

Another act to consider would be La Roux, (pronounced ru).  The English electro-pop duo laces every one of their tracks with 80's influenced synth-pop similar to Yazoo, The Human League, Depeche Mode and Blancmange. This fast paced, synthesized punch to the face will undoubtedly be a welcomed change of pace to the heavy indie-rock line up at this year's festival.

If you're trying to mellow out or your partner is bitching about the walking and the heat, you should find a nice hill and relax to the smooth sounds of Chicago born, Gil Scott-Heron. This American poet, music, and author whose work is a fusion of jazz, blues and soul music, will entice you with stories of drug addiction, imprisonment, and self reflection. The pieces of this man are projected from him and come through his raspy and weathered voice straight to your soul. 

If you're not into retro 70's soul, you could also lounge out to the folk rock of Grizzly Bear. The mellow sound from the Brooklyn based quartet-who utilize psychedelic pop, rock, experimental vocal harmonies- will probably coax you to a lullaby, but a much needed nap is never a bad thing, especially when you plan to party all night long.

Saturday, April 17th
Depending on where you are staying, camp site, nearby hotel or the back of an open station wagon, rest up. You'll want to save energy for all the night's festivities. From makeshift bbq's to light shows, the nights are amazing. Similar to Friday, people will be camped out to see Muse, Faith No More, Hot Chip, The Dead Weather, and MGMT. While those promise to be great acts, you mat also want to be front and center during The XX's performance, barring they don't cancel due to exhaustion again. This English indie rock band is rising fast.  Pitchfork.com placed their self-entitled album, The xx, as the third best album of 2009. In addition, The Guardian named The xx as 2009's top album of their Top 50 Critics Poll. The XX is a smooth shot of soft vocals and cleverly placed one note guitar playing. Between Romy and Oliver's caressing vocals and the bands lo-fi accompaniments, their performance should be mellow and memorable. 

Another way to save your energy during the day is to check out Camera Obscura, as these Glasgow natives are another relaxing band.

If it's around 7 p.m. or so and you're looking to heat the night up finally, check out the DJ heavy line up sure to be equipped with glow sticks and gyrating teenagers. Hopefully, 2 Many DJs is just a name and not a slogan to chant the night away. If 2 Many DJs performance is any thing close to their performance at Creamfields Zombie Nation, you'll be in for a treat. While the idea of watching two men play around on computers on a stage isn't the most enticing picture, the beats these two mix and the digital light show behind them will be well worth the imagery. 

Another DJ act you'' want to be around for is Kaskade. The American born DJ/producer placed 51 out of 100 on DJ Magazine's annual Top 100 DJ poll. Kaskade usually implores some of the most angelic voices to dance over his mixes;  a great combination of harmony and sound technique.

Sunday, April 18^th
So, it's the last day and you regrettably haven't seen all the acts you thought you would, or perhaps some of the ones you did see didn't live up to the hype. You're slightly concerned about your work on Monday, you want this experience to last and yet your cooler is dangerously low on beer. Grab something to eat and saddle up for a performance by Phoenix. This French alternative rock band has been blowing up over radio and TV for the past 6 months. If you find yourself standing and singing along without a clue, blame the 2010 Cadillac SRX commercial. Phoenix's mixture of French rock and synth-pop is just the right combination of rock and pop.

If you get a chance, bounce on over to see The Middle East perform. The Middle East promises to be a folk, post rock switch from the heavy indie-pop/rock latent line up for the day. 

Depending on time, there is also Local Natives to catch. These local Southern California natives (all pun intended) just got back from a European tour and are at the cusp of National stardom. Lastly, Deerhunter, Mutemath and new comer B.o.b. should also be entertaining shows.

If you find yourself dehydrated, sore, a bit queasy and passed out in the back seat of your friend's car the entire way home, then you've done it well, and done me proud. 

Enjoy and until next year....