Phoenix performs during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, Calif., on Saturday, April 13, 2013. (Rodrigo Pena/Freelance Photographer)
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a huge event with nearly 100,000 people on site at the Empire Polo Club, but some artists do their best to get a little bit closer, even at the festival’s largest stages.
Vintage Trouble
Vintage Trouble was one of the highlights of the fest and well worth waking up early on Saturday morning to see. Singer Ty Taylor, dressed in an amazing suit, not only came down from the main stage to be with the fans, he jumped over the barricade and led us all in a dance party. It was probably the most fun I had all weekend.
See photos of Vintage Trouble at Coachella.
Phoenix
Saturday night headlining act Phoenix didn’t have Daft Punk in tow but they did bring out R. Kelly. Plus, singer Thomas Mars went out into the crowd through the pathway leading to the soundboard, climbed up for a bit and then crowd-surfed his way back. Well done, sir. Well done. I hope you didn’t get sexually assaulted by the ladies on your way.
See a full photo gallery of Phoenix at Coachella 2013.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
In the second song of the band’s Sunday night set, “From Her to Eternity,” Cave made his way to the crowd. He was like a stranger luring you with candy.
See photos of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at Coachella.
The Make-Up
The Make-Up’s Ian Svenonious not only got close to the crowd, he stood on it, preaching the reunited D.C. band’s blend of psychedelic garage rock and philosophy.
See the amazing photos from The Make-Up at Coachella.
Major Lazer
Major Lazer’s bonkers set was packed and spilling out of the Mojave Tent Saturday evening, but Diplo still got close to the fans, mainly by being in a giant clear ball.
Check out more photos from Major Lazer’s set.