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Coachella celebrates 20 years of the Do Lab’s water guns, surprise sets and continuous dance parties

BBG News

20 years ago, if you had visited The Do Lab, you’d have been welcomed by oranges, water guns, and the rhythmic beats of unofficial DJ performances echoing beneath a modest geodesic dome.

Back in those days, life was refreshingly straightforward for me. The passion that burned within us was merely to express ourselves artistically and craft experiences. We were all about seizing the day and sharing joyous moments with our cherished companions. That was the essence we shared with Coachella when we pitched them our vision, which my brothers Jesse and Dede joined me in founding.

At Coachella, the distinctive, multi-tiered stage adorned with vibrant rainbow fabrics and unique mushroom-shaped structures is a must-visit for many festival attendees. This area boasts its own unique lineup distinct from the main festival and offers a captivating ‘festival within a festival’ experience. Over the years, its dynamic setup has provided a platform for rising DJs, a bustling dance floor for energetic revelers, and an unexpectedly intimate space for established artists. After two decades of curating this renowned DJ hotspot, the Flemming brothers note that the only things that have evolved are the scale, the stakes (and also the absence of orange slices).

Backstage, amidst the hustle and bustle of the ongoing Lightning in a Bottle festival at Buena Vista Lake, the three-member team, who are also instrumental in organizing this event, are enjoying a brief respite from the pulsating speakers and dense crowd. They’ve been in the desert valley for more than a week now, continuing to construct the venue. Each aspect of the production is overseen by them, with Jesse focusing on music selection, Josh dealing with the physical structure, and Dede managing business and operations.

As they discuss their process for choosing The Do Lab’s performers, a thunderous cheer erupts from the vast audience just a stone’s throw away. The three siblings exchange glances, with Dede commenting, “Such a shout is uncommon.

Trixie Mattel, known as the first drag queen to perform on stage, was now set to rock the decks with her unique mix of popular tunes. Alongside Mattel, entertainers such as Zulan, DJ Pee .Wee (also recognized as Anderson .Paak), Zack Fox and Blu DeTiger have made a significant impact on this year’s vibrant music forest. Even more exciting, special guests like Flavor Flav and Too Short dropped in.

For several past seasons, some prominent acts such as Billie Eilish, Skrillex, Zedd, Odesza, and Major Lazer have graced our stage. In keeping with the Do Lab’s secret performance custom, these appearances were all hush-hushed.

Jesse stated, “We essentially remained faithful to our work, and this authenticity was acknowledged by other artists who began approaching us.

Initially, the trio didn’t aim at designing a fresh Coachella stage; instead, they assert that their main goal was to develop a unique and engaging experience.

Jesse shared that they always carry music with them wherever they go. When they arrive at a new location with a truckload of items, their immediate action is to unpack the speakers and set them up. They play music as they work, making every other job site seem silent in comparison. Initially, they’d surreptitiously bring speakers because they weren’t sure if it was permitted. They didn’t ask for permission and they didn’t inform anyone. Back then, most of their friends were DJs, so the music kept playing throughout the entire weekend without a break.

Festival attendees are eagerly looking forward to spending their entire day basking under the popular misting systems, thanks to the unexpected visitors and diverse lineup of DJs. Joseph Bocanegra, who has attended 11 Coachellas, values the array of performances provided by The Do Lab.

According to Bocanegra, there’s no end to the charm of The Do Lab. It provides a wonderful escape from everyday life and it’s always got just the right atmosphere during sunset. We find ourselves wishing we could stay there for longer each time.

Among Bocanegra’s circle of companions, there’s a general consensus that they would likely devote the greatest duration within Coachella’s various stages, immersing themselves deeply within the vibrant atmosphere of the Do Lab.

Jesse remarked, “Many individuals ponder departing, only to question, ‘What’s the point of searching for something new if I’m enjoying myself?’ When they do depart, they often yearn for the same atmosphere and wind up returning.

When Tokimonsta performs at The Do Lab, she likens it to attending a boisterous family picnic, but instead of being in a backyard, it takes place inside a massive music tent. Known as Jennifer Lee when offstage, this DJ is a frequent performer at The Do Lab, having made her debut in 2015 and consistently returning. She’s set to take the stage again during Weekend 2, as the lineup varies between weekends at The Do Lab.

According to Tokimonsta, the spotlight isn’t primarily on who’s playing or DJing. Instead, it’s about creating the right atmosphere for the entire audience on stage. As an artist, you play that stage out of kindness and a genuine passion for it. I return and perform it because I truly enjoy it, and I rarely do things I don’t appreciate.

As they conceptualized the Do Lab, the Flemming brothers didn’t focus on what came after. To their surprise, the original art dome they envisioned grew to become a crucial element that significantly enhanced the overall Coachella experience.

20 years have passed since we were among the youth in those crowds. Yet, we retain that youthful spirit and continue to provide a platform for today’s young ones to revel in. It’s peculiar, but we hardly sense our real age, according to Dede.

Jesse chuckled and playfully remarked, “Over the next two decades, I suppose we’ll convert this place into a senior living community.

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2025-04-14 01:01

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