Desert Hearts: Coachella Hotties Strut Their Stuff

The first weekend of this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in southern California is behind us, with a repeat performance only days away. The most buzzed-about moments weren’t necessarily the best (e.g., Madonna laying one on Drake was distracting and forced), but there was no shortage of high notes.

While Kele Okereke, one of the biggest out musicians to emerge out of the U.K., abruptly pulled out of performing on Sunday, similar queer artists represented. St. Vincent channeled classic Joan Jett in a spirited show that managed to drown out some of the noise from the mega-rave Kaskade was hosting on a nearby stage. Seattle artist Perfume Genius, he of the catching single “Queen,” turned heads with his nouveau-Bowie act, complete with bright red lipstick and fingernail polish, while Grammy-nominated DJ Danny Tenaglia got the millennials moving in one of the dance tents. Jack White, formerly of the White Stripes, even dedicated a song to transgender folks during his headlining gig.

Meanwhile, ally Jenny Lewis brought out some of her old Rilo Kiley bandmates and, later, L.A. girl band Haim; the women jammed to a new song called “Girl On Girl.” Florence and the Machine put in an energetic performance and implored the packed crowd to jump and strip off their clothes (she was somewhat successful). Alabama Shakes, on the other hand, made history with their sweaty, intensive set that never let up. London DJ set Gorgon City managed the same feat and amped up the energy with a little help from Jennifer Hudson, who sings on their dance hit “Go All Night.”

Other than the music and art installations, which included a massive moving caterpillar that turned into a butterfly, the people-watching was A+. Take a look on the next pages at some of the beauties who roamed the Empire polo fields.
 

All photos by Neal Broverman

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