MUSIC TASTES GOOD Festival, Presented by 89.9 KCRW- Lineup Announced!! Vintage Trouble, Iron & Wine, Squeeze, De La Soul, Dr. Dog, more!

Wow, this just flew in...

MUSIC TASTES GOOD Festival, Presented by 89.9 KCRW- Lineup Announced!!

The Specials, Iron & Wine, Sylvan Esso, Squeeze, De La Soul, Dr. Dog, Warpaint, Gallant, Deltron 3030 and Many More Playing

Tickets On Sale Friday, May 13 at Noon

Event Brings Together The Best of Music/Food During One Epic Weekend The lineup for the first-ever Music Tastes Good Festival has been announced and features such names as The Specials, Iron & Wine, Sylvan Esso, Squeeze, De La Soul, Dr Dog, Warpaint, Gallant, Deltron 3030 w/ The 3030 Orchestra, Melvins, Twin Peaks, Girlpool, P.O.S., Living Colour, Cody Chestnutt and many others. See entire lineup below. Presented by 89.9 KCRW, Music Tastes Good will take place the weekend of September 23-25 on the streets of historic Downtown Long Beach, conveniently located within walking distance of the Metro Blue Line (128 W 1st St). Aiming to bring adventurous music fans and foodies together for one epic fall weekend, Music Tastes Good will feature an impressive and eclectic lineup of carefully curated musical acts ranging from iconic genre-definers and singer/songwriters, to world sounds and local favorites, along with the finest culinary offerings, local food vendors, chefs and artists. Each day of the event will feature its own theme with music and food especially curated for that theme. Things kick off on Friday night 9/23, with a high energy music/food block party highlighting craft beer and local vendors, followed by the main event on Saturday 9/24, offering 4 jam-packed stages of music which will take over Pine Ave, plus an optional VIP farm-to-table dinner. The weekend concludes on Sunday, 9/25, spotlighting more great music and a Bloody Mary brunch. 3-day and single day tickets will be available starting at 12pm pst on Friday May 13th athttp://musictastesgood.com/#tickets. See prices below. 3-Day Ticket - $120 DON’T MISS A MOMENT. EXPERIENCE ALL THREE DAYS OF MUSIC TASTES GOOD Friday - Single Day Ticket $25 (one stage) RX BANDITS, LIVING COLOUR, SON LITTLE, THE SOUND OF URCHIN, SPARE PARTS FOR BROKEN HEARTS + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED Saturday - $75 (4 stages) THE SPECIALS, IRON AND WINE, SQUEEZE, DR. DOG, WARPAINT, DELTRON 3030 W/THE 3030 ORCHESTRA, MELVINS, TWIN PEAKS, VINTAGE TROUBLE, GIRLPOOL, P.O.S., EASY STAR ALL-STARS, METZ, KATE TEMPEST, NICK WATERHOUSE, CODY CHESTNUTT, LE1F, POKEY LAFARGE, HIPPO CAMPUS, OPEN MIKE EAGLE, SKINNY LISTER, LOS MASTER PLUS, RIOTHORSE ROYALE, JESSICA HERNANDEZ & THE DELTAS, FOY VANCE, THE DEAD SHIPS, THE ZIGGENS, CAMBODIAN SPACE PROJECT, DUSTIN LOVELIS, RUDY DE ANDA, LEMOLO, MACHINEHEART, SPIDER, LP3 & THE TRAGEDY, NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH, GOLDEN DRUGS, SPECIAL C, MC IMPRINT, THE LOST WEEKEND, AND SISTER CROWLEY Sunday - Single Day Ticket $35 (one stage) SYLVAN ESSO, DE LA SOUL, GALLANT, LAS CAFETERAS, CHRISTIAN SCOTT, EAGLE ROCK GOSPEL SINGERS, SOLO & INDRE, PREGNANT, AND BOOTLEG ORCHESTRA 3-Day VIP - $240 GET ACCESS TO VIP AREAS, A SWAG BAG, AND A TICKET FOR THE VIP FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER Long Beach locals will have the opportunity to purchase 3-day tickets at a discounted rate of $110 dollars at the Live After 5 and Summer and Music events hosted by the Downtown Long Beach Associates happening throughout the summer. A limited number of discounted tickets will also be available at Fingerprints Music. VIP tickets will include access to VIP areas, a swag bag, and a ticket for the VIP farm-to-table dinner, which will pair local Long Beach chefs with acclaimed chefs from across the nation who will build plates using locally sourced items. More details on the dinner will be released in July. Festival founder/curator, Josh Fischel, himself a seasoned touring musician, and 20 year resident of Long Beach says, "Our city is a vibrant, evolving place that’s ripe with community, commerce and culture. Within our city limits, we hold the second largest port in the United States, and proudly claim a dynamic food, music and arts scene. We are leaders in the crusade for equality and environmental rights, residing on the cusp of where Los Angeles and Orange County connect. This is now. Being the world class city we are, we have been long overdue a festival that mirrors the passion and diversity that we experience from our neighbors everyday. It’s time to show off Long Beach and draw the rest of the world in. It’s time for others to experience what us locals have always known. It’s time to allow our residents, once a year, the chance to see Downtown in a different light. MUSIC. TASTES. GOOD." Additional support for Music Tastes Good comes from festival sponsors Lagunitas Beer Co,RideYellow and Lola's Mexican Cuisine. The complete lineup for Music Tastes Good: The Specials Iron and Wine Sylvan Esso Squeeze De la Soul Dr.Dog Warpaint Gallant Deltron 3030 w/ the 3030 Orchestra RX Bandits MELVINS Living Colour Twin Peaks Vintage Trouble Girlpool Las Cafeteras P.O.S. Easy Star All-Stars Metz Kate Tempest Nick Waterhouse Cody Chestnutt Le1f Pokey Lafarge Christian Scott Hippo Campus Son Little Open Mike Eagle Skinny Lister Los Master Plus Riothorse Royale Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas Foy Vance The Dead Ships The Sound of Urchin The Ziggens Cambodian Space Project Dustin Lovelis Rudy De Anda Lemolo Spare Parts for Broken Hearts Machineheart Spider Eagle Rock Gospel Singers Solo & Indre Pregnant LP3 & the Tragedy Neighbors to the North Bootleg Orchestra Golden Drugs Special C MC Imprint The Lost Weekend Sister Crowley ABOUT THE CURATOR:  Josh Fischel is a Long Beach, CA based event promoter/singer/songwriter. He spent nine years touring the world with the band Bargain Music and as a solo act. He has sang and/or played/toured with artists like Los Lobos, Dr. Dog, Run DMC, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Jack Irons (Pearl Jam), Black Eyed Peas, Weezer, N'Dea Davenport (Brand New Heavies), Mike Watt, Monsieur LeRoc, Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Spearhead, Murs, The High Strung, Ikey Owens (Mars Volta and Jack White) and many others. As one of the band of artists and promoters that changed the scope and landscape of the Long Beach music scene, Josh has focused his creativity on carefully conceived, one of a kind events and bringing artists from around the world, to a city that used to be an afterthought, but is becoming a necessary stop for touring musicians. ABOUT KCRW:  KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. KCRW is driven by the spirit of Los Angeles and delivers in innovative ways -- on the radio, digitally and in person -- to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smartphone apps and online at KCRW.com. KCRW has a history of bringing unique live experiences to Southern California and around the country -- whether concerts with musical talent, or conversations between our hosts and the world's leading thinkers and creators. ABOUT LAGUNITAS:  Lagunitas Brewing Company began on a kitchen stove in Northern California in 1993. From actually getting beers into bottles and onto the streets, Lagunitas looks to the future… From expanding the Petaluma Brewery to building a second in Chicago and soon a third in Azusa, Calif., to bringing its flagship IPA across the pond, Lagunitas could probably make good beer on the Moon. Wherever you go, beer speaks, people mumble. More mumblings at www.LAGUNITAS.com ABOUT RIDEYELLOW: Get a safe, reliable ride in Southern California with the RideYellow app. Simply download the app and request a ride to get matched with a nearby car, or schedule a ride for later. You’ll be picked up in minutes and receive live updates from your experienced driver. Pay automatically with your stored credit card and receive an emailed receipt or pay in the cab. Local, safe, and surge free - we're your ride, anytime. http://rideyellow.com/ ABOUT LOLA'S MEXICAN CUISINE: “Lola’s green salsa may be the single most compulsively delicious sauce since the heyday of the white garlic paste at Zankou Chicken.” – Russ Parsons,Los Angeles Times. Established in 2007, our family has always had a love affair with Mexican food. Our grandmother passed down her recipes to Lola when she was just a little girl growing up in Guadalajara Mexico. Everything made from scratch and that is exactly what you can expect here at Lola’s. We hand pick and serve quality farm to table ingredients, using only the choicest organic local meats, poultry, and sustainable seafood. Chef Luis Navarro has dedicated his career to learning and traveling through all of Mexico’s enchanting regions, from Veracruz, Mexico City, Yucatan, Baja California, and Oaxaca studying the craft of the local cuisine, and indigenous ingredients. Lola’s has the perfect blend of traditional and new contemporary recipes and dishes. Our menu changes with the seasons and the availability of our ingredients. Our mission at Lola’s is for our guests to enjoy food the way we have come to know it and love it… right from Mom’s kitchen. We know that you will savor and enjoy our recipes, brought to you from the kitchens of Mexico. Come on in, enjoy lunch or dinner in our festive main dining room or relax on our patio fresco. Either way you’re in for the ultimate taste of Mexico…. Lola’s style!  http://www.lolasmexicancuisine.com How to follow us: Official Website Facebook Instagram Twitter

Stagecoach offers wealth of Americana, country and rock music in Indio

"Riders" welcome Stagecoach-goers on day 1.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

If there was one thread that tied together many of performances that I caught at Stagecoach last weekend (April 29 - May 1, 2016), it was the spirit of Merle Haggard.

While a slew of the performances acknowledged Hag, who passed away April 6, 2016, there was ultimately an even deeper theme of honoring a range of musical heroes and acknowledging the large part that great music plays in the lives of those who journeyed to take in the sights and sounds at California largest country music festival.
Here is an overview of the noteworthy performances I caught at the three-day festival, held April 29, 30 and May 1, 2016 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

The Malpass Brothers perform in the
Palomino tent. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Friday, April 29

While early Friday performances from Leroy Powell and Aubrie Sellers were entertaining, the first top-tier performance came courtesy of the Malpass Brothers' 45-minute play in the Palomino tent. The five-member troupe (headed by Christopher and Taylor Malpass) honored musical greats ranging from Hank Williams (a Western Swing-flavored "Move It On Over") and Johnny Cash (a buoyant "Folsom Prison Blues") to Jimmie Rogers ("California Blues") to Haggard (an emotive "Sing Me Back Home"). The Malpass Brothers closed their set with several songs rooted in celebrating their heroes, including "Man in Black is Wearing White" (a fitting tribute to Johnny Cash).

Just as strong was the appearance by Austin-based singer-songwriter Dale Watson.  Backed by a tight trio known as "His Lone Stars," Watson paid tribute to honky tonk and authentic country music with every note, including the uptempo George Jones-honoring "Jonesin for Jones." Armed with a rich baritone voice and sharp guitar licks, his 14-song set also featured the retro-styled original "Whiskey or God" and Haggard's timeless country ballad "Here In Frisco."

Emmylou Harris perform in the
Palomino tent. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Memphis country-punk outfit Lucero was a good fit to perform in the Palomino. Sandwiched in the middle of the previous traditional sets from the Malpass Brothers and Watson, and subsequent sets from legends Robert Earl Keen and Emmylou Harris, the band's rollicking style was a welcome change of pace. The piercing "Nights Like These" and hard rocking "The Last Song" thrilled the enthusiastic crowd.

Speaking of Keen, the 60-year-old Houston, Texas native delivered one of the long weekend's most compelling sets. Hitting the stage a few minutes early (nice!), Keen and his six-member backing band performed one amazing selection after another, fusing country with folk, rock and bluegrass to create an Americana tapestry that worked on every level. The fact that Keen's lyrical insights are as expansive as the tunes he writes was another plus. Highlights included the uptempo tap-along "I Gotta Go," the cliche-free romantic sing-along "I'm Comin' Home" and his set-ending hit "The Road Goes On Forever."  

Fun and games at Stagecoach. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Equally memorable was groundbreaking songstress Emmylou Harris' amazing hour-long performance in the Palomino. Backed by an acoustic trio, she opened with the tender "Here I Am," her evocative soprano conveying emotion and beauty that actually silenced the normally-chatty Stagecoach audience. Other similarly-potent songs included the confessional "Orphan Girl," a reworked and lovingly-delivered take of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer" and stunning recasting of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush," which brought this writer to tears.

Saturday, April 30

Charleston, South Carolina-based Susto provided a big excuse to get to the Empire Polo Club on time Saturday. Kicking things off in the Mustang tent, the Americana quintet reminded this writer a bit of Southern California great Dawes. The band's country folk nugget "Friends / Lovers / Ex-Lovers / Whatever" and introspective piano-adorned "Cosmic Cowboy" were among the band's wonderful originals.

Jamestown Revival. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Another of Saturday's standouts came from Magnolia, Texas collective Jamestown Revival, featuring the dual talents of singer-guitarist Jonathan Clay and singer-pianist Zachary Chance. Mixing up Texas rock, country-western and Americana in spades, the group rocked their original Gram Parsons-styled "Done Me Wrong" and a moving version of Haggard's "Silver Wings."

Young traditionalist Mo Pitney impressed throughout his 45-minute set on the Mane Stage, including with his infectious "Boy & A Girl Thing" and his aptly-titled "I Met Merle Haggard Today," a latter based on a true story where the singer briefly met his hero in 2013.

John Fogerty and Kenny Aronoff at Stagecoach.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Former Creedence Clearwater Revival singer-guitarist John Fogerty packed the Palomino tent with his generous set filled with almost two dozen classics. After a fitting video tribute was shown focusing on the year 1969, including Fogerty's groundbreaking band CCR and major events of the time, it was time for Fogerty to perform 75 minutes or so of classics (with a handful of new material). What isn't to love about Fogerty and an amazing band (featuring drummer Kenny Aronoff) charging through some of the greatest rock songs of all time; "Travelin' Band," "Green River," "Lodi" and "Down on the Corner" for starters. And his folk rockers hold up nicely too ("Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and "Who'll Stop the Rain" in particular). A tremendous set to be sure.

Sunday, May 1

Sunday offered a continuing parade of eclectic choices, leading up to the entertaining festival-ending performance from the solidly-performing rock legends the Doobie Brothers on the Palomino Stage and  Luke Bryan on the Mane Stage. 

William Elliott Whitmore performs.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

That day kicked off with a memorable 45-minute turn from songstress Ruthie Collins on the Mane stage. A highlight in her set was a cover of John Denver's hit "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and her own breezy country-pop song "Ready to Roll."

Singer-songwriter William Elliott Whitmore performed a solo set accompanied by his banjo, bringing plenty of wry lyrics to the Mustang Stage. "Old Beer Jones" provided plenty of laughter, as did my favorite track, the poignant "Civilizations" off his "Radium Death" disc.

Other highlights that welcomed concertgoers on day 3 included a set of '80s hit singles and bona fide humor from American country singer Johnny Lee. The crowd that mostly filled the Palomino was singing along at full force for his 1983 hit "Hey Bartender" and his most-beloved track, the 1980 crossover hit "Lookin' for Love."

The Deslondes perform in the Mustang tent.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Several fantastic performances closed out the Mustang tent, including an inspired set from New Orleans' the Deslondes, a group able to expertly blend blues, country, gospel and roots music together during a winning 45-minute set. The infectious song titled "Less Honkin' More Tonkin'," tuneful "Louise" and propulsive "One of These Lonesome Mornings" were among the songs showcasing the group's distinctive harmonies and original song craft. 

Stagecoach wouldn't be the same without the inclusion of great bluegrass. The Earls of Leicester fully delivered the authentic sounds of bluegrass, genuinely putting new life into the genre via strong performances of "Big Black Train," "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and the incredible "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke." Headed by Dobro master Jerry Douglas, it was criminal more folks attending Stagecoach didn't get over to catch the group before checking out the Doobie Brothers or Luke Bryan - artists whose roots ultimately extend back to the style celebrated (at least, in part) by the Earls of Leicester.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: 'Cop Rock,' 'Manhunter,' GRAMMY Museum program, Courtney Barnett, Goo Goo Dolls

After several long weekends of covering music in Indio (first Coachella, followed by Stagecoach), I'm actually looking forward to relaxing at home and taking in some entertainment from the comfort of my couch! Here is a roundup definitely geared toward taking in some music on the home front.

I'm highlighting several upcoming releases, as well as special live programs and TV appearances featured throughout the month of May 2016...

Cop Rock is finally coming to DVD on May 17, courtesy of Shout! Factory. All 10 episodes of the Steven Bochco 1990 series that blended police drama with rock-styled musical theater (including songs composed by Randy Newman), Cop Rock was truly episodic television ahead of its time. To quote the media release: "Cop Rock is finally on DVD - a cause for both celebration and a long-overdue reappraisal of a series that has been called one of the most unusual programs of all time."

Speaking of upcoming Shout! Factory releases, one of the best horror-thrillers of the 1980s, Manhunter (1986) is being released as a special Collector's Edition on Blu-ray on May 24, 2016.

Of special interest to music fans are some just-announced bonus features that focus on the music of the Michael Mann-directed film, including interviews with composer Michel Rubini, Barry Andrews (Shriekback), Rick Shaffer (The Reds), Gene Stashuk (Red 7), and Gary Putman (guitarist of the Prime Movers, whose song "Strong As I Am" is particularly memorable. Singer Gregory Markel's vocal performance ranks as one of rock's most compelling performances).

Information: ShoutFactory.com.

The GRAMMY Museum has announced a number of upcoming programs, including "Reel To Reel: CNN Original Series: The Eighties," where the Los Angeles museum will host an exclusive screening of the new episode "video Killed the Radio Star" at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18. The program is free.

The episode, "video Killed the Radio Star," delves into the advent of the digital revolution as MTV launched and audio CDs began to replace vinyl LPs. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring journalist/filmmaker Nelson George and The Bangles' Susanna Hoffs.

Information: grammymuseum.org.

Courtney Barnett / Photo: Danny Clinch

In other news, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett will be featured as the musical guest on the season finale of Saturday Night Live airing on May 21.

This will mark the first time Barnett will play on the popular NBC-TV show. The episode will be hosted by former "SNL" cast member Fred Armisen, who will close out the late-night franchise's 41st season.

Barnett was terrific when I caught her full set at Coachella last month. Her acclaimed album Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit deserves all of the accolades it has earned since its release in March 2015; the disc is out now on Mom+Pop Music.

Information: courtneybarnett.com.au.

Goo Goo Dolls' new album Boxes is out worldwide today via Warner Bros. Records. The album's first single, "So Alive," will be performed by the band on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 12. "So Alive" was the #1 most added song at Hot AC radio upon release, and is already charting at #23 and climbing every week. Information: googoodolls.com.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival highlights: roundup of Weekend #2 of Coachella 2016

Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir of Icelandic collective Of Monsters and Men at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Coachella 2016 provided a number of special and memorable performances as it staged its final Weekend April 22-24 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Those arriving at Coachella early Friday were treated to one of the fest's most spirited performances. Mbongwana Star brought their joyful and otherworldly African rhythm- and vocals-rooted sounds to the Gobi tent at noon confirming the adage that great music is the universal language.

The festival's most senior performer of 2016, 76-years-young Mavis Staples' energetic sound blended blues, gospel, soul and more. She also honored her friend Prince with an acappella chorus of "Purple Rain," and reflected how the Purple One was "the most beautiful spirit I have ever met."

Foals singer Yannis Philappakis goes into the crowd.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Foals had no trouble attracting the masses to the main Coachella Stage despite high temperatures and gusty dust-filled winds. The band's 50-minute set included a dreamy "Olympic Airways," atmospheric "Give It All" and rapid fire rocker "What Went Down."

Icelandic collective Of Monsters and Men was the perfect artist to perform on the Coachella Stage as night fell, with the group's shimmering and soaring material providing true magic on day one. The infectious "Empire," and several hits off the band's debut ("Dirty Paws," "King and Lionheart," "Little Talks") thrilled the crowd gathered at the expansive Empire Polo Club.

The genre-defying Last Shadow Puppets weighed in on Coachella with a truly genre-defying sound that somehow mixed up Paul Williams pop sensibilities, rock, baroque pop and more. But the band killed it for the final number, an epic and rocking take on the Beatles "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." 

The sun sets on Friday, April 22, 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday, April 23, 2016

I had never heard of The Dead Ships before I caught their energetic set inside the Gobi tent early Saturday. The original song "Big Quiet" made quite an impression via my single listen, with the Los Angeles band driving the song's melodic and rhythmic textures in a powerful display of force. The mighty melodic rocker "Canyon" made an equally strong impression.

For jazz fans, taking in GoGo Penguin's early afternoon performance inside the Gobi was critical. The British trio impressed with a 45-minute set of original compositions, including a swirling "Branches Break" and propulsive "Initiate," the latter that worked flawless drum, bass and piano solos into the track's dynamic flow.

GoGo Penguin pianist Chris Illingworth performing. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Australia's DMA's created such a compelling and expansive sound throughout their fast-moving 45-minute outing, I could easily see the band returning to play on one of the larger outdoor platforms next time around. Featuring material from their 2016 album "Hills End," the DMA's conjured up the best of Oasis as they unleashed rousing rock that was both inspired and inspiring. Standouts in the band's terrific appearance included the soaring rocker "Too Soon" and undeniably catchy "Lay Down."

No matter how many times I've caught singer-songwriter-guitarist Gary Clark Jr. in concert, I've been floored by the strength of his performances. It was no different when the Austin-based great performed on the Coachella Stage on Saturday. His set featured a splendid 7-minute "Bright Lights," that segued right into the Chuck Berry-styled rocker "Travis County." Subsequent tracks continued to showcase his amazing guitar work, as well as his soulful vocals (notably on "Our Love").

Pioneering English quartet Lush (who formed in the late 1980s and disbanded in 1998 before reuniting in 2015) played a wonderful set of dream pop-meets-alt rock in the Gobi tent. "Breeze" was one of many wonderful songs they played that came off as a kind of amped-up version of Mazzy Star, while "Ladykillers" simply rocked to the delight of the crowd moving with the music. 

Courtney Barnett hails from Melbourne, Australia, but the young singer's blend of insightful and literate-but-rambling lyrics delivered in a kind of deadpan manner amidst a sparse alt-rock attack made for an involving set for those gathered in front of the Outdoor Theatre. To be sure, her songs can be as catchy as any in memory (the chorus of "Dead Fox" and the folk rocker "Depreston" being obvious examples), and the large setting allowed Barnett to really showcase her hard rocking instincts via the freewheeling rocker "Pedestrian At Best" and "Nobody Really Cares if You Don't Go to the Party."


Silversun Pickups' made a triumphant return to Coachellafest, and I can't think of many performances that played out over Weekend #2 that were stronger. The quartet's driving version of "Well Thought Out Twinkles" and "Panic Switch" were standouts.

Did Guns N' Roses deliver at their second appearance at Coachella? The quick answer is yes. Despite lead singer Axl Rose being confined mostly to his throne (in the wake of a broken foot he suffered at a warm-up gig in early April), GNR impressed fans with their version of classics such as "It's So Easy," "Welcome to the Jungle," "Live and Let Die" and "Sweet Child O' Mine."They also unveiled the tour debuts of "Out Ta Get Me" and "Used to Love Her" this night. 

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats turned in an entertaining set highlighted by bouncy, soul-fueled "I Need Never Get Old," R&B "Howling At Nothing" and "Wasting Time," the latter soulful blues song that allowed Rateliff to showcase some cool guitar lead work. 

Singer-songwriter Pete Yorn led his band through an essential
set at Coachellafest. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Pete Yorn turned in the first of two essential sets I caught on the final day of the event. His 45-minute set showcased the singer-songwriter's amazing gift at wrapping his infectious songs in a style blending alternative and folk rock layers. Playing both early standouts ("Strange Condition," "Life on a Chain") and new songs from 2016's amazing "ArrangingTime" album (the aptly dubbed "Lost Weekend" and wistful "Tomorrow" pulled in everybody immediately), Yorn's set was one of the best of the long weekend. 

Chris Stapleton performed at Coachella, and played the next weekend at Stagecoach for good reason. The talented singer-songwriter-guitarist showcased one great song after another off his great debut "Traveller," with the honest ballad "Nobody to Blame," gorgeous "Fire Away" and rousing cover of Waylon Jennings' "I Ain't Living Long Like This," displayed the Kentucky artist's rich baritone and top-tier band (including his wife Morgane Stapleton adding amazing vocals to the set and harmonica legend Mickey Raphael).

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Desert Trip: The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Roger Waters, The Who

Rumors have been circulating for a few weeks that this event was happening! I had a blast covering both Coachella and Stagecoach this year, and many of my media friends were also discussing the excitement surrounding this event. This promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event to be sure!

Robert Kinsler

Friday Night - October 7

THE ROLLING STONES · BOB DYLAN

Saturday Night - October 8

PAUL McCARTNEY · NEIL YOUNG

Sunday Night - October 9

ROGER WATERS · THE WHO

                                                                                                                          

Empire Polo Club · Indio, California

PASSES ON SALE MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016

10 a.m. Pacific Time

May 3, 2016 – This once-in- a-lifetime concert will take place in Indio, California on October 7, 8 and 9 when six of the world’s most iconic and influential rock and roll artists come together for Desert Trip.

An artist's rendering of the Desert Trip setting in Indio, California.

The three night concert kicks off Friday night, October 7 with The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan and His Band, followed on Saturday night, October 8 by Paul McCartney and Neil Young + Promise of the Real, with the weekend coming to a close on Sunday night, October 9 with Roger Waters and The Who. 

With performances starting after sunset, each artist will play a full set, serving up three incomparable nights of rock ‘n roll. Located at the home of the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this is the only time and place to see this incredible lineup.

Reserved seats and general admission passes go on sale Monday, May 9 at 10am Pacific Time at DesertTrip.com

Ticket prices are as follows:

3 day passes

General admission - $399

Reserved floor - $699, $999, $1,599

Reserved grandstand - $999, $1599

Standing pit - $1,599

Single day passes

General admission - $199

Passes subject to applicable service charges

Hotel packages, premium seating, RV and tent camping available.

The weekend will feature an all-star lineup of world renowned chefs and 40 of the best restaurants from Los Angeles to New York. 

Visit DesertTrip.com for passes and details.

This event is produced by Goldenvoice.

ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO click here

Website: www.DesertTrip.com

Facebook: DesertTripIndio

Twitter: @DesertTripIndio

#DesertTrip

Music Worth Buying: 2016 Coachella and Stagecoach recap

Robert offers a quick recap of some of the far-flung artists he caught at this year's Coachella and Stagecoach festivals in Indio, California: