'TIS THE SOUND-FILLED SEASON... for big desert tune to-dos, from the Coachella Music and Arts Festival to Stagecoach, which brings top country acts to Indio at the very end of April (and start of May). But if you're out enjoying the arid landscape, and you adore a large-scale -- but not too large -- lark that's all about songs plus yoga plus art-making, then best stick around, or return for, the Joshua Tree Music Festival. This is the twice-a-year festival that not only is very much about good vibes, and appreciating nature, and tunes inspired by global rhythms, and downward dogs, but it also has a distinctly family-esque feel. There are several activities for the tots in attendance, from Bubbles and Wands (cool) to Face Painting (neat) to a Kids Silent Disco Dance Party (awesome). A project involving Tie Dye Tiles, and an interactive mural, are also on the family-sweet docket. As for the concert side of the...
MAY 12 THROUGH 15 FESTIVAL? Look/listen for Desert Rhythm Project, Dhara World Music, All Good Funk Alliance, Greener Grounds, 3rd Ear Experience, and several more artists and acts. Other quintessential experiences around the sun-bright spread include the Positive Vibration Station, the Yoga & Healing area, and Astronomy Theater (the better to soak up all of that velvety night sky). The easy-breezy flow is strong with this bi-yearly party, one that's summed up nicely on the Frequently Given Answers page (which in itself is emblematic of the fest, as "answers" replaces the usual "questions"). One nice note to ponder from the page? "Dancing is not required, but virtually unavoidable." That says much about the JTMF, which marks its 14th spring outing in 2016.
