Next show at Coachella may be a disappearing act

Indio has earned itself the nickname “City of Festivals” based on two big draws that happen every April: the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals. But a recent dispute between the city and fest producer Goldenvoice has opened up a decade’s worth of bad blood. Speculation is that Goldenvoice is now eager to find an alternative location for the two fests… is this the day that the music died in the desert?

The current contretemps stems from an abortive effort by Indio city councilman Sam Torres to levy an $18 tax on ticket sales for both festivals. Goldenvoice immediately threatened to move the festivals out of the Valley, and Torres hastily backed down, with tail squarely between his legs:

“Personally as the main proponent of this effort, I accept all criticism and responsibilities for any strain or anxiety that has been incurred by the residents and businesses of Indio and indeed the entire valley.”

But the damage was done, and Goldenvoice apparently views the attempted tax as the straw that broke the camel’s back. The production company has a list of grievances that stretches back nearly to the Clinton administration:

• They were angered at the city’s unwillingness to give them a long-term contract.
• They were fined heavily for breaking midnight and 1am curfews.
• They received multiple hassles regarding the volume and direction of sound from the performances.

Goldenvoice is kicking the tires at other venues, mostly nearby. They have an upcoming festival in Irvine, and that city may be auditioning for Coachella and/or Stagecoach. There is even talk of suspending the fests for a year if necessary to work out relocation details.

Whatever happens, it looks like Angelenos won’t permanently lose either one of their favorite “local” festivals. Coachella and Stagecoach will either stay in Indio, or they will relocate to a nearby venue. Good news for us, maybe bad news for Indio (can that area stand any more adversity?), but the shows will go on.