Main mix-up: Chilean band Los Bunkers, scheduled to open the main stage on Sunday, was a no-show. That made London-born pop singer Eliza Doolittle, wearing a black-and-green headdress and matching green shorts, an early afternoon attention-grabber during her set in the Gobi tent.
Sunday's main stage was later to feature Duran Duran, The Strokes and Kanye West.
Headliner shuffle:Kings of Leon were the Friday headliners, but the powerful electronic group the Chemical Brothers was the night's final act, starting well after midnight because of scheduling delays.
Arcade Fire, which performed two of Coachella's greatest sets in 2005 and 2007 as supporting acts, surpassed even those memorable moments on Saturday, playing with abandon on songs from its recent Grammy-winning album The Suburbs and older anthems such as Intervention and Awake. The Canadian band released hundreds of large glowing balls during the latter song as the crowd sang along to the chorus.
The numbers: Promoter Paul Tollett of L.A.-based Goldenvoice production company declined to release crowd estimates. The city of Indio gave Goldenvoice a permit for 80,000 people, plus concert and event personnel, but Tollett said he didn't want to allow that many people after overcrowding and counterfeit-ticketing problems evoked criticism last year.
That festival drew record crowds of 75,000 people a day, so Goldenvoice purchased more acreage for the festival and invested $50,000 to expand a nearby road. Attendance may have exceeded 75,000 by the time the Black Keys finished their blues-based set at 9:30 p.m. Friday, but the congestion was largely mitigated.
Starry crowd: Paul McCartney generated more excitement walking through the VIP section than he did onstage at the 2009 Coachella. Normally jaded media people squealed as if it were the British Invasion all over again. Rihanna, Kirsten Dunst, Katy Perry, Aziz Ansari and Sting also generated buzz. Regulars such as Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne and Danny DeVito attended, and DeVito jumped onstage Friday during a set by the Aquabats.
Delightful enlightenment: Goldenvoice announced plans to "reinvent" the festival-going experience, and it definitely took it up a notch with a multimedia collaboration with the Creators Project, a global cultural initiative by Vice and Intel Corp.
The Sahara tent, redesigned for collaborations with electronic artists, featured flashing light designs hanging vertically and horizontally over the audience to create a multidimensional effect. They greatly enhanced presentations by noise-rock pioneers Black Dice and Animal Collective.
Festival attendees Kenny Gedelian of San Diego and B.B. Ingle of Palm Desert said they enjoyed the light shows and tent experiences as much as the music.
• FEAST OF FESTS: Highlights of the warm-weather season
Musical moments: Diverse musical highlights on Friday ranged from Ms. Lauryn Hill, who brought new dynamics to old hits, to the English folk band Mumford & Sons and Rock en Español pioneers Caifanes.
A low moment came when R&B star Cee Lo Green arrived late and had the plug pulled on his sound after five songs. His last complete song was the 2010 hit F—- You, which proved to be an apt reflection of his anger at not being able to complete his set.
Up-and-comers: Most impressive in the midsize Mojave tent were the Sleigh Bells, who benefited from a creative light show, and The Foals, who listener Ian Woodward of Tempe, Ariz., said are ready to move onto the main stage.
The final word: Indio — home to the "Big 4" thrash metal tour date with Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer next weekend, and country music extravaganza Stagecoach on April 30-May 1 — calls itself the city of festivals. City councilwoman Elaine Holmes said Coachella made her feel "really, really proud" to be a resident.
"There was so much energy at Coachella," she said. "There were people from every continent in the world. I heard many languages spoken as I walked around. It is truly an international event, and the one thing we all had in common was great music."

By Bruce Fessier, Special for USA TODAY

Reunion fever is reverberating throughout the pop and rock worlds as nearly a dozen disbanded or dormant acts from the past five decades are giving it another go, either on record, on tour, at festivals or all of the above.

The retro-retooling spans seminal '60s rockers Buffalo Springfield, '70s New Wave hitmakers The Cars, '80s post-punks Big Audio Dynamite, '90s alt-country stars The Jayhawks and pop-punks Blink-182, who toured last year but last recorded in 2003.

Some get-togethers sound temporary, while others appear fully energized:

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A CLOSER LOOK: Rock acts reuniting

•The four surviving members of The Cars (co-founder Benjamin Orr died in 2000) shun the "reunion" label but have recorded Move Like This (out May 10), their first album since 1987, and have announced a 10-date tour starting May 10 in Seattle.

•Buffalo Springfield founders Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay (Dewey Martin and Bruce Palmer are deceased) will tour for the first time in 43 years — a six-date, early-June California jaunt plus a set June 11 at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn. There are no plans to record, but Furay's website hints at more tour dates.

•Newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John and his fellow New Orleans funkmeisters The Meters (who are now billed as the Original Meters) recorded just one album together, 1974's Desitively Bonnaroo. They'll play it in its entirety — one time only — at the June 9-12 Bonnaroo (exact date isn't set) in honor of the 10th anniversary of the festival that was named after their work.

•Ex-Clash guitarist/singer Mick Jones, 55, whose original version of Big Audio Dynamite spanned from 1984 to 1990, calls his association with the four other original members "a re-formation." They are touring (including April 16 at the Coachella festival in Indio, Calif.), will probably record and have long-term plans.

"We've all been quite busy, but it seemed like the right thing to do," Jones says. "I brought something new to it. It's called age. The songs have a new life, I play and sing better, I understand the music better, and that has given us a context to proceed from."

Jonathan Mayers, head of the company that produces Bonnaroo, says this year's two "big gets" of Buffalo Springfield and Dr. John/Meters are in keeping with the festival's tradition of hosting reunions (The Police in 2007) and unique pairings of disparate artists.

Fans want to see "something different that they may never get a chance to see again," Mayers says. Groups reunite for many reasons, he adds, with decisions "driven by whether (members) want to play together and whether audiences want to see them. I assume money also comes into play in some cases."

His dream reunions: Talking Heads and Led Zeppelin.

By Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

If you are planning on heading into the Palm Springs area for the Coachella Music Festival this weekend, please stop by the LLQ Hotel & Chateau for cocktails before & after the event. We are featuring a Red Bull & spirits bar and the Hathaway’s Bloody Mary bar to get the festivities started. Also daily VW shuttle service available for a safe and hassle free transport to and from the festival. While you are there check out some of the new changes to the LLQ hotel as listed below – let us know if you will be in the area this week so we can try to meet and say hello.

Hope to see you,
Giovanni and Rianna

The all NEW LLQ Hotel & Chateau.
We have been making many improvements to our luxurious boutique hotel and we are very excited to share them with you. Our decor is undergoing a transformation as we start with new paint, carpet, flat screen TV's, and wind down our themed rooms. Relax and enjoy as a more contemporary and fresh vibe ensures your special getaway is the ideal experience you were hoping for – and we're not stopping there! Our changes also include corporate responsibility for the planet and the health of our guests. We have gone GREEN with two big improvements. Our cleaning and laundry products are now non-toxic and eco-friendly. And even better, those wasteful, tiny plastic bottles of bath amenities are now large, spa-quality refillable bottles – the smartest improvement in the eco-savvy hotel industry – featuring a non-toxic, natural spa collection by innovative Los Angeles Brand launched at Fred Segal, Organic To Green. You can pamper yourself knowing we care about you and the planet.

LLQ has been an award-winning property for over a decade. This beautiful chateau and spectacular, estate-like grounds are already a getaway favorite and soon it will also be a hip destination to unwind with a drink, socialize, or plan any private event from weddings to a girls night out or even a super bowl party enhanced by the future transformation of our living and dining area into a bar lounge by Fall of 2011. Many of these new improvements are already complete and our transformation is underway – so come in and see what we've been up to!

Newly completed and future improvements include:
• New names for previously themed rooms
• Fresh paint and carpet
• Flat screen TVs
• New white bed linens and duvets
• Luxurious bath amenities, eco-friendly/refillable, Natural Spa Collection by Organic To Green
• Contemporary and fresh modern decor (chateau suites at this time only)
• Renovated pool deck with ‘cool deck’
• New pool chaises and umbrellas
• Re-surfaced pool and spa
• Non-toxic cleaning and laundering products
• Contemporary decor upgrade to Bungalows and Spa Villas (in process)
• Living/dining areas transformed into bar lounge (renovation completed Fall 2011)
• Facelift to our website (in process)

Ready For The World’s success dates back to their start in 1985 and some hits include “Oh Sheila,” “Tonight,” “Digital Display,” and “Deep Inside Your Love.” The other group performing, Sisters With Voices (SWV), has been making hits such as “I’m So Into You,” “Weak,” and “You’re the One” since 1991.

Be sure to set aside April 2^nd at 8pm to go see these 3 talents in person! Tickets start at only $35 and the best seats in the house are only $50! Be sure you make the Lake La Quinta Inn your first choice in accommodations to make the most out of your trip! We have great specials for those attending this concert, so be sure to mention that you are going when you call to make your reservations (760) 564-7332.

The Lake la Quinta Inn will be having special rates for those going to the show!! Contact us for details! 760-564-7332

For something in between those two extremes, consider Palm Springs.  The desert might not be the first place you think of when planning a romantic getaway, but why not?  It’s warm, there’s plenty to do, there are great restaurants, you don’t need a passport . . . the idea is starting to sound pretty good, isn’t it?

Everyone knows that if you love golf, you will be in heaven in Palm Springs.  But assuming that one or both of you is not a golf enthusiast; fear not, there’s still plenty to keep you busy.  For the active couple, consider the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which offers a beautiful view as it takes you up to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park where you can then hike, camp, or take a guided nature walk.

For something a little less active, try visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum.  Located in downtown Palm Springs, the Art Museum has an impressive permanent collection and also features special temporary exhibits throughout the year.  Another relaxing option is the theatre.  Valentine’s weekend, two talented jazz musicians will be performing at the McCalllum Theatre, just a few miles from Palm Springs in Palm Desert.  On February 13^th, you can enjoy the smooth vocals of Spencer Day.  Day’s music combines jazz, contemporary, and folk to create a gratifying sound that many have compared to that of Norah Jones, Michael Buble, and Harry Conick Jr..  Then, on Valentine’s Day, popular jazz instrumental artist, Chris Botti will be serenading audiences with his silky trumpet sound.

The most important part of your Valentine’s Day planning is your accommodations.  For a romantic getaway, definitely check out the Lake La Quinta Inn (www.lakelaquintainn.com).  Just outside of Palm Springs, this beautiful bed and breakfast offers couples a quiet retreat.  Nestled between the lake and the mountains, every window of this peaceful chateau offers a picturesque view.  You’ll love your suite so much, you might just decide to skip all the activities Palm Springs has to offer and stay indoors.

As the home of Indian Wells Tennis Garden where the BNP Paribus Tennis Open is held, as well as the Indian Wells Golf Resort which hosts the Skins Game, Indian Wells has its own surge of people throughout the year and boasts many amazing resorts.  Many people traveling to Palm Springs, especially those with young children, often schedule a visit to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is in Palm Desert, just outside of Palm Springs.  If you are looking for a romantic escape and seek peaceful seclusion, you can’t beat the Lake La Quinta Inn (www.lakelaquintainn.com).  This intimate bed and breakfast is nestled between the lake and the mountains offering guests peace and quiet while they are on the grounds, but this charming chateau is close enough to the tourist attractions to not miss out on any activities you choose to enjoy.

With the economy still preventing many people from being able to enjoy extended holidays to far off destinations, it’s good to know that there are still places in the United States that offer travelers a little fun, a little sun, and a lot to do.

Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open 2010

Aside from the four grand slams, the BNP Paribas Open is the most attended tennis tournament in the world.  It is the first major U.S. tennis event of the season.  This event features over 300 of the world’s best players.  The top ranked female player is Serbian born Jelena Jankovic whose aggressive style and amazing footwork have won her a lot of attention and placed her in the top 5 WTA players.  For the men, the top ranked player at the tournament is Rafael Nadal from Spain.  Having placed high in rank for the last several years, Nadal is the first player to simultaneously hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hardcourt, though his great achievements on clay have earned him the nickname, “The King of Clay”.  The BNP Paribas Open also has an extensive list of doubles players.

While you’re enjoying the excitement of the BNP Paribas Open, consider heading a little south and extending your pleasure with a getaway to Lake La Quinta Inn.  Nestled between the lake and the mountains, there is a beautiful view from every window.  The peace and quiet at this exclusive bed and breakfast lets you escape from the rest of the world so you can enjoy an evening or two with that special someone.

As reported by us (and many others) before, Festival 8 will be a 3 day concert extravaganza with Phish performing 8 sets including a Halloween show where the band will do a musical version of dressing up in costume and perform another band’s album.  (Past albums covered include the Beatles’ White Album and The Who’s Quadrophenia.)

Festival 8 will be held at the beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.  This is a great venue with lush lawns and palm trees surrounded by mountains.  It would be hard to find a more scenic landscape to spend 3 days.

Tickets are still available and will cost you around $200 for all 3 days of the event.  The venue will provide both shade and mist tents, sinks, toilets, trash and recycling stations, on site medical and security services, ATM, a 24 hour general store, cell phone charging stations, and potable water.  Sounds like they’ve thought of everything!  Check out the Phish website for a full list of do’s and don’ts as well as a ton of other information about this awesome 3 day festival.

If you don’t want to spend 3 days cramped in your car or you’d like a place to stay to treat yourself after spending 3 days cramped in your car, consider the Lake La Quinta Inn.  It’s a beautiful bed and breakfast that is perfect for a quiet getaway after the noise and crowds of an incredible music festival.

Phish Festival 8

Past “trick-or-treat” sessions have covered  the Who’s Quadrophenia, the Beatles’ White Album, Talking Heads’ Remain in Light, and the Velvet Underground’s Loaded.  This tradition has been dormant since 1998 and there has been no mention of which album will be covered this year.  Be sure to check out the band’s website for the latest festival news as well as a list of do’s and don’ts (not to mention a few good chuckles at their irreverent wit).

Festival 8 will be Phish’s eighth festival (hence the name) but their first West coast festival.  Indio, where the concert will be held, is in the Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs.  The desert is no stranger to big events or tourists and should be an ideal location.  If you’re interested in going to the concert but the idea of sleeping in your car doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of hotels in the area from which to choose.  If you will be traveling with your special someone, there’s no better couples getaway than Lake La Quinta Inn, a beautiful bed and breakfast with an amazing view of the lake and helpful staff.  After a long day in the sun, surrounded by screaming crowds and loud music, treat yourself to a comfortable, quiet, private evening

The term Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands as well as their descendents.  Hawaii is most commonly thought of as just one of the 50 states that make up the United State of America but the region has a unique history that is generally divided into four main periods: antiquity, monarchy, territorial, and statehood.

Antiquity, or Ancient Hawaii refers to the period of time before the unification of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 by a chief who later became known as Kamehameha the Great. This period is probably the least well known to the general population.  The human history of this area began sometime between 300 and 800 AD when Polynesian explorers settled in the area and developed their own rich culture.  A full social structure complete with religion and class standings had been long established by the time Captain James Cook first made contact in the late 1700’s.

From this era until its eventual statehood, Hawaii struggled with foreign encroachment as well as local issues regarding governmental structure.  To think of Hawaii as just another of the United States would ignore its distinctive history and culture.  It is the recognition and preservation of this past and the region’s native traditions that the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum works hard to maintain.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, make your reservations to attend this year’s dinner.  The evening will begin at 5:30 with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, entertainment, and a live auction.  Seating is limited.  For more information, call Mary Perry, Associate Director of Development, at 760.778.1079, Ext. 116.

If you are coming in from out of town and need a place to stay, consider the Lake La Quinta Inn.  Its luxurious bedrooms and friendly staff make it a top choice among couples traveling to the area.

Crosby, Stills and Nash has been around since the late 1960’s.  The group is probably as well known for their in-band bickering as for their music, but maybe all that drama is part of what keeps us interested.

Crosby Stills Nash

Of course, the other, much larger part of why we love them is their music.  The trio, and sometimes quartet, has had many hits not only as a group but as solo artists.  In the early 70’s all four members released high profile solo projects.  Crosby with his album, If I could Only Remember My Name, Stills with Stephen Stills, Nash with Songs for Beginners, and Young with After the Gold Rush.  All four albums placed high on the charts.  Tours and albums followed and for a while, everything was going well.

Unfortunately, nothing that good can last.  Drugs, egos, and personal tensions between band mates lead to repeated break ups, reunions, and attempted reunions.  Though relations seem to be better nowadays, you never know when old issues might creep up so take this opportunity to see Crosby, Stills, and Nash perform while you can!

To celebrate this successful reunion, grab that special someone and make a weekend of it!  The best place for couples is Lake La Quinta Inn, located just outside of Palm Springs.  The Inn provides a quiet and romantic place where couples can escape.