Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

There are a few things to keep in mind to get most out of the experience we call the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which is, for the first time, expanded into two weekends this year.


The first weekend had benefits, including all the celebrity sightings such as Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Jared Leto, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, as well as many others. However, those who are attending the second weekend can take advantage of the following advice.

The weather last weekend was extremely fickle, with everything from high winds, cold nights, and rain to high temperatures last Sunday. The forecast for this weekend is showing temperatures in the 100's all three days, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and a source of shade.

Located in the center of the field, is the Do Lab, a great spot to cool down without having to escape the music. Misters spray cold water on those rockin' out, while structures provide a huge relief, shade, while DJs keep the party and music going.

If planning to go to the second week of Coachella, make sure to also bring a second set of clothes. Those attending can store their belongings in a locker or in the car, as you are able to exit and re-enter whenever you please.

With all the acts and events happening at the festival, it's smart to plan ahead if you want the best of the experience. It's almost impossible to view every act, but there are must-see performances, including the Black Keys, Radiohead, Florence + the Machine, and the performance by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, which brought Tupac Shakur back to life with a hologram of the rapper.

However that's not all you should see. Performances by Jimmy Cliff and Tim Armstrong bring good vibes and great feelings to the festival with their reggae music on Friday afternoon at the main stage. On Saturday, head over to the Sahara stage, where the dance party doesn't seem to end. DJ Borgore puts on a spectacular show, although it is aimed towards mature audiences.

A sense of style is not too important when attending Coachella. The style that most of the girls had appeared to have mini bags, sunglasses, headbands, midriff-baring tops, and high-waist shorts. For the guys, shorts and no-shirt seemed perfect for them. However, if a little assistance is needed to get ready, head over to the Makeover Mechanix inside Coachella Art Studios, a do-it-yourself crafts area, where one can be transformed into a rock star look-a-like in roughly 20 minutes.

So let's review what to bring. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, set of warm clothes, sunglasses, a towel or blanket, cash, comfortable shoes, and lots of hand sanitizer. There's no need to bring food, as the food courts are providing some excellent dishes.

Also if one wishes to see the view of the festival and the landscape beyond that, take a $5 ride on the Ferris wheel. Also make a reminder to check out the art structures, as Coachella is not just about the music, but art as well.

© 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.