Lady Gaga, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar Lead Bill for Coachella and What to Expect for 2017

Jordan Bailey

Coachella has long since solidified itself as the pre-eminent music event of the year, mainly because of the headliners it’s able to book. The lineup is extensive and eclectic. With six total days of music over two weekends, there’s plenty to choose from regardless of taste. The headliners, however, are ones not to miss. Radiohead will be there in support of the ninth studio album “A Moon Shaped Pool,” on Friday night. After sound advice from her doctor, pop star and soon to be mother Beyoncé was forced to cancel her Saturday night performance this year leaving space open for fellow chart-topper Lady Gaga to take her place. Kendrick Lamar’s historic run continues as he is set to headline Sunday night. His 2016 album “To Pimp a Butterfly” and the more recent compilation album “Untitled Unmastered” both topped the charts during their respective releases. Also performing are Empire of the Sun, The XX, Father John Misty, Schoolboy Q, Gucci Mane, Bon Iver, Future, Lorde, Justice, New Order and Future Islands.

As one of the biggest festivals in the country, Coachella offers attendees everything needed to cope with the hot California sun, including plenty of accommodations for all palates. Car and tent camping are the most popular as they’re the least expensive and get visitors close to the event. There are options for premium camping, or “glamping,” that include tents, showers, breakfast, air conditioning and shuttles. If you’re looking for a boutique option outside of the chaos, look to book a room in Palm Springs just down the road from Indio. The Lautner in North Palm Springs is a stylish architectural gem set amongst the barren desert backdrop. L’Horizon in Palm Springs proper was named the top resort in California and the number two resort in the entire country by Condé Nast. Korakia Pensione is a desert experience modeled after a Moroccan villa.

For all of you cocktail connoisseurs L.A.’s the Houston Brothers will be crating top-shelf premium whiskey’s (single malt and blends) craft cocktails at The Cabin, a cozy, rustic themed saloon. NYC’s celebrated speakeasy, PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is making it’s way to Coachella this year curating high-end cocktails in the Rose Garden and VIP. Located in the new VIP area, Broken Shaker is curating handcrafted cocktails infused with herbs, spice, fresh-pressed produce and exotic ingredients from around the world. 213 bars will bring back L.A. hot spots Cana Rum Bar, Honey Cut. Las Perls, and Seven Grand again this year to the Rose Garden. and Craft on Draft cocktails can be found throughout the festival. The “Craft Beer Barn” will feature exactly what its name suggests, a covered bar starring the best local and regional brews plus on-site brewers. Heineken House will be serving up there beer alongside live performances daily.

The food element of Coachella will most notably feature “Outstanding in the Field,” Each night of Coachella’s double weekend extravaganza will feature OITF will offer an evening of fine dining from world-renowned chefs in an outdoor setting. Chic, family style tables will be set up to serve concert goers a four-course, wine-paired meal including pre-dinner cocktails and beer. Many chefs are slated to cook from all backgrounds and restaurants around the country. For instance, chef and restaurateur Neal Fraser cut his teeth in L.A. and now owns and operates Redbird, his acclaimed flagship downtown where Fraser and his wife serve American dishes with influences from L.A.’s diverse cultural citizens. Nakul and Arjun Mahendro run BADMAASH in Los Angeles where diners can savor dishes like the delightfully sounding Chicken Tikka Poutine, an ode to brothers’ Indian and Canadian upbringing. Nyesha Arrington once starred in two cooking reality shows and now she’ll bring her talents to Coachella where, if diners are lucky, they’ll enjoy some pomegranate and lemon brussels or sweet potato gnocchi. OITF Attendees will have access to the “Coachella VIP Rose Garden” for the entire day of their dinner as well.

2017’s edition of the pop up dinners will take place in the Main VIP area, featuring Los Angeles restaurants Kindred, Little Sister, and Playa Provisions. Lastly, as per usual, Coachella will offer a wide array of food trucks and food vendors to keep fans well fed throughout these back-to-back weekends.Like most other festivals, art, food and sustainability will all be promoted throughout the two weekends. Check out the Coachella Guidebooks for more details information on all the festival has to offer. 

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will take place from April 14-16 and 21-23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. You can still purchase weekend passes with the OITF bundle. Weekend one passes can be found here and weekend two here.