For those who wanted a shorter, less extravagant (but still awesome) music experience in the desert (here’s looking at you Coachella), Desert Daze was the place to be. The one day festival brought to the desert an eclectic and talented group of musicians, and faithful fans braved the dust and harsh heat to hear the likes of over 40 bands.
With so much going on in such a small space, there was never a dull moment or dead scene. Just walking from stage to stage brought entertainment from fashionable festival goers to intriguing art and scenery.
Starting at 3 p.m., the festival went on well into the night and offered guests the chance to camp overnight, ensuring the party never stopped.
Bands that stood out included Kim and the Created, Minus the Bear, Mini Mansions, Dan Deacon, DIIV, Chelsea Wolfe, JJUUJJUU (band member Phil Pironne co-organizes this event) and of course Fever the Ghost.
Mini Mansions, who have ties to the desert through band member Michael Shuman (bassist for desert rock band Queens of the Stone Age), played a great set. The band promptly went on just as the sun was setting and set the mood with their single “Freakout.” In their 40 minute slot, Mini Mansions played a powerhouse set that included new tunes off their latest album, “The Great Pretenders.”
Other stand out bands included Kim and the Created, who went on earlier in the day, but brought an insane amount of energy to the Block Stage.
Later in the night bands such as Dan Deacon brought the party and even went so far as to create their own dance floor in the audience while Fever the Ghost brought a spooky and much needed eeriness to the festival with their synth infused desert rock.
The togetherness and unity felt at Desert Daze made it unlike any other. With only four years under its belt, the festival pulled together a collaboration of musicians and fans alike to make the whole hodgepodge of harmony cling together.
Musical acts aside, the art, attendees and various vendors made the festival a unique experience of both the bizarre and fantastic.
Next year, if your budget can’t afford the financial setback that goes with buying Coachella tickets, Desert Daze offers a less conventional and more affordable venture.
Even if you do spend $400 plus on Coachella, spending an extra $50 would top of your desert festival escapades.