Oct 9th 1999. I had no Idea what I was getting myself into. It was a Saturday and one of my best days ever. A few of my friends at UCLA said hey were going to this concert in the desert and that I should come. I was like…OK! This was somewhat new territory for me. My only real concert experiences to date had been a Pearl Jam concert at Golden Gate Park and some random concerts that my Mom would drag me to. One of which was Huey Lewis and the News at the Concord Pavilion. To this day it is still one of my favorite concerts. I think it was because it was the first time I had ever had an experience with live music that moved me on a completely different level.

I can appreciate the effort and creativity it takes to create something original. That Saturday in October was something special that I will never forget. I can remember everything; standing in line at Tower Records on Westwood Blvd to buy the tickets, waiting for the cashier to print them. Looking at them as I walked out the door thinking this is going to be epic! If I remember correctly it was a total of about $50 a day for two days it was a straight $100. For that I got to see and experience something that has had me hooked for the last 16 years.

I have been so fortunate to have been able to watch this festival become what it has turned into. It has changed so much over the years, from the overall layout and stage structure to the musical talents that have performed to the additions of art installations which have gradually changed and morphed over the years as well. Every year has had its own unique experience which has made this so much more than just a big concert.

Going into it’s 15th year Coachella has definitely matured into an experience that I have yet to come across anywhere else. Granted I have only been to a couple of other festivals but there is just something about walking out onto those soft green polo fields slipping off your shoes and feeling the grass between your toes. The extremely warm desert breeze kicking up in the afternoon and a nice cold $7 Heineken (It has seriously been $7 since the beginning) in your hand. Oh and don’t forget the “Freshers”!!

I have had the most amazing moments in this approximately square mile space over the last 16 years one of which will be held forever close to me. I’ll never ever forget the day I got to DJ in front of all of my friends and tons of other people on these same polo fields in 2011. One of many moments with my best friends at this amazing festival that will forever be cherished.

As I look back on all the years I have attend this festival and how great it has been and continues to be. I think about the many things have changed over the years some for the better and some maybe not so good. One thing stays the same year after year though, I know I will be able to experience amazing music in an amazing setting with my most cherished friends for as long as I choose to do so. Here we go again Coachella!!