Note: This article is being posted by Andrew Hall for JaNae Thomas, who wrote it.
Infused by the festive activities involving hipsters and art ,and drawn together by the common allusion of music, put together one part frenzied music lovers, one part desert swelter, and one part massive headliners, and you have the tripod that equals Coachella. Coachella is a huge two weekend music and art festival held annually in Indio, California. Collaging various genres of music and art, the outdoor festival is supported by celebs, good weather, and random fun. Though being semi- aware of what Coachella brings by knowing the proposed lineup, the festival is known to not only showcase music greats but reunite groups, and give up and coming artist the spotlight. Legendary historical moments have also echoed in the history of Coachella. In its opening weekend, Coachella brought yet more surprises and surpassed some the he say/ she say of its past. Outkast headlined the first night of Coachella giving fans a chance to witness history right before their eyes. After about 7 long years, the group composed of the dope Andre 3000 and Big Boi rocked Coachella performing some of many of their hits, “ ‘So Fresh, So Clean,’ “Hey Ya!,” “Miss Jacksonand “The Way You Move,” just to name a few. 2014 marks 20 years since Outkast debuted their first album in 1994. Coachella was just the beginning of many performances they have set for this year.
Outkast at Coachella 2014
The Power Couple Jay and Bey chose to play their own game of pop up at Coachella this year. Although neither one was scheduled to perform on the festival stage, Coachella lived up to its history-making name as they made their presence known. Legends definitely relived. 20 years brings yet another anniversary but this time for the one and only Nas. This year marked 20 years for the rapper’s hit debut album “Illmatic,” and he celebrated as such. As if it wasn’t enough to be jamming to Nas alone while he performed, he brought out “HOV,” Jay Z during “Dead Presidents” and “Where I’m From.” Jay then genuinely congratulated the legend on his “Illmatic” anniversary. To further the aftermath, Nas then brought out another surprise guest performing “Hate Me Now” with Diddy.
To add to the cool of Coachella, the “Queen Bey” made an unannounced appearance as her sister Solange performed the last song of her set “Losing You.” The “Drunk in Love” singer ran from back stage like an excited child and jumped right in doing the exact same choreographed dance as her little sister. The crowd roared with excitement and the bond of sisterhood was expressed in every moment as they both graced the spotlight. Smiling from ear to ear, Beyonce’ hugged and kissed her little sister as the set ended and Solange thanked everyone even her sister for coming out!
Fans were thrilled by the Knowles sisters’ surprise visit
“Happy” singer Pharrell Williams also did it big during a desert sand storm that almost ended his set during Coachella, Saturday night. However, he did not let that stop him, wowing the crowd with numerous guest performances including: Snoop Dogg, Busta Ryhmes, Tyler the Creator and Nelly. “Royals” singer Lorde also killed Coachella, as did many other music favorites. The Coachella music and art festival will resume for its second weekend as it closes out, yet another history- making year. Beginning with a super dope first weekend, one can only expect the unexpected.
For photos and event coverage, visit Billboard!
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