There's no denying it: We've got it pretty good here in San Diego. Aside from the obvious reasons, one particular perk of our locale is its proximity to a little shindig called the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival.
Not only are we within driving distance of one of the world's biggest annual musical events, Coachella artists will often bring their shows to us as well. Every year, acts book surprise concerts in and around San Diego that usually get announced without much advance notice in order to sidestep the typical "do not compete/radius" clauses that generally pepper big festival contracts.
On Wednesday afternoon, in keeping with that tradition, the Observatory North Park announced four huge shows that may be of interest to Coachella-goers (or those that couldn't snag passes or simply don't want to deal with the hassle): The War on Drugs return on April 15 for a proper headlining show, Jungle make their joyously funky way to town the following night, Colombian-American superstar Kali Uchis performs on April 17, and pop/rock goddesses HAIM grace us with their presence on April 19.
No better way to treat your Valentine than with tickets to a show, amirite? Each of the four concerts go on sale to the general public at observatorysd.com on Friday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m.
The venue -- which has been on a tear lately by announcing other shows with Hayley Kiyoko (tickets also go on sale on Friday), Tash Sultana, King Krule (all three of which are also playing Coachella), Bishop Briggs, Built to Spill/Afghan Whigs, George Ezra, Sofi Tukker and Dr. Dog (among others) -- has definitely made a case for avoiding the Indio trip altogether this year. Why see abbreviated sets by your favorite artists in triple-degree heat when you can just stay in town and see 'em in all their headlining glory instead?
Of course, other San Diego venues are welcoming their own Coachella acts to town: Chromeo play Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on April 10, Angel Olsen hits the Music Box April 12, Ibeyi's at the Belly Up on April 16, David Byrne performs at San Diego Civic Theatre on April 17, Alvvays roll through the Music Box April 18, and Japanese Breakfast headline the Irenic on April 20.
As time marches on, expect even more San Diego shows to be announced featuring Coachella acts -- will we see a Beyonce/Weeknd Petco Park blockbuster? A MIGOS/Cardi B co-headlining show at Mattress Firm? One can dream, right?
Dustin Lothspeich books The Merrow and runs the music equipment-worshipping blog Gear and Loathing in San Diego. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly.
