Desert Oasis: Day One

Courtney Chambers

Courtney Chambers

Courtney Chambers / Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Janelle Phillips

Around Desert Oasis

Around Desert Oasis

HIRIE

HIRIE

HIRIE

HIRIE

HIRIE

HIRIE

HIRIE / David Macias Music

David Macias Music

David Macias Music

David Macias Music

David Macias Music

Around Desert Oasis

Fishbone

Fishbone

Fishbone

Fishbone

Fishbone

Fishbone / Quinto Sol

Quinto Sol

Around Desert Oasis

Murs

Murs

Murs

Around Desert Oasis

The Green

The Green

The Green

The Green

The Green

The Green

Around Desert Oasis

Los Lobos

Los Lobos

Los Lobos

Los Lobos

E-40

E-40

Around Desert Oasis

Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse

Around Desert Oasis

Damian Marley

Damian Marley

Damian Marley

Desert Oasis, the newest fest to join the Coachella festival family, began its inaugural journey on a bright and hot early October afternoon. Despite extreme Indio temperatures, festivalgoers filled the Empire Polo Club grounds fast as the best acts in reggae, ska, Latin and hip hop took to the three erected stages. Courtney Chambers kicked off the side stage, straight out the gate, followed by San Diego's own Janelle Phillips and HIRIE on the two main Mirage and Oasis Stages. David Macias Music was up next on the smaller Mecca Stage, bringing the first of the Latin flair to Day One. Fishbone's skank-worthy ska vibes got the people moving, and consequently sweating. Nobody cared though, for everyone was melted by this time. Murs brought the beats followed by Quinto Sol's solid rock sounds. The Green satisfied the crowd's island urges and Los Lobos proffered some good ol' fashioned rock-and-roll, Latino style. The night ended with E-40's bay area rap, Steel Pulse's reggae riddims and the master that came back again, Mr. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. Saturday was a success and everyone split from the fairgrouds to regroup for Day Two. For more Desert Oasis coverage, check the Top Shelf Reggae recap and stay tuned for the Day Two photo gallery coming soon.

Photography by Kristy Rose 

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