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This year, we did things differently. Normally, the grounds at Indio get my undivided attention, but with inspired events, social-space snagging brands, and an influx of folks flocking to the fest, there were a bunch of bashes worth the crashes (Harpers Bazaar + Neon Carnival to name a few!) 

On the tune front, it was the new Yuma tent (full of tech house sounds, some from the father himself - Richie Hawtin) that fueled my fuel band; the Sahara Tent continued to impress with hard hitting acts like Hardwell, Benny Benassi and Fedde Le Grand.

But there’s still something about the stages - lined along the grassy lawn that make Coachella so unique. And having the The XX, Lumineers, Wu Tang and Red Hot Chilli Peppers perform? Well that certainly made the trek worthwhile… even in a sandstorm.

More on Instagram… 

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There is no reason for yet another reason to book it to Berlin. The city is teeming with talent - food, culture, nightlife and fierce fashion. The scene is the type of scene I’m dying to see, but add The XX? Now, we’re talking. Day + Night is the pop-trio’s first foray into the festival game. Three highly curated musical experiences are set to take place in a series of unusual locations in May and June 2013. Venues include a waterfront park in Portugal, an abandoned Berlin theme park and a London palace. The XX will headline each night, but the events will begin in the afternoon and feature a full bill of acts. 

Madley Croft explained to NME how the three locations were chosen. “London is home and Berlin and Lisbon are both beautiful cities that we love. When we were thinking of our favourite places that we’ve been, they were the ones that came up. The London one is actually just outside of London but it’s on the tube, so people can get there. It’s a beautiful old park with a house and a lake in it. I like the idea of taking people on a journey somewhere rather than just playing the usual venues.”

Needless to say, I’m giving an A+ to the badass city of Berlin. Lose yourself in the love. For more on Day + Night, tickets, the whole shebang… 

There’s a first time for everything, so I’m heading out West for Sundance Film Festival,  the premier showcase for independent film held each January in Utah. So put on your parka! You can catch me balling (or falling) with Burton Snowboards and feeding all fancy with Facebook, but here are my top 5 ways to play in Park City, Utah…

Stylecaster x May In Summer.
Stylecaster’s The Vivant & Elle Driver Premiere Party For May In Summer, taking place on Thursday, January 17 in nightlife guru Nur Khan’s pop-up. Music a la Asher Roth and DJ Theory

Uber Sundance: SUVs and Hot Cocoa.
It’s SXSW sans BBQ and rickshaws… Expect an Uber fleet of SUVs for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Oh, and did I mention hot chocolate? All you have to do is tap the Uber app and we will come wherever you are to deliver sweet salvation from the epic cold. #UberCocoa is $15 for 2 cups of cocoa ($7 for each additional cup, up to 6 cups). Plus we’re going to give you one pair of touch screen gloves (per order) to keep your fingers warm when requesting your ride (while supplies last)

4AM DJ’s Takeover.
4AM DJ’s are descending on Park City, so get in like a groupie. From Stylecaster, Paige Group, BMF Media and more, this team is taking over the street with beats. But save your strength for Sunday FUNDAY at TAO Park City with DJ Sinatra and DJ Theory. 

Magellan Jets: House of Luxury.
My friends at Magellan are playing host to Park City’s Playboy Mansion. 
4 words: wine, cars, jewelry and films. I’m scared and excited at the same time.

Wynn: Avicci, Afrojack, Gervais.
French house music DJ and producer Cedric Gervais is a new addition to the Wynn residency roster and will bring his dynamic sound to Park City Live on Monday. Avicci on Saturday, Afrojack on Sunday, so let’s hope you can make it. It’s a marathon…

Oh wait, there are movies…

Blackbook, Short Film Picks 
This week, Blackbook expressed which upcoming Sundance films we’re most excited for —from Richard Linklater’s third installement in his decade-spanning separated love series with Before Midnight to Shane Carruth’s long-awaited bewildering sophomore feature, Upstream Color. But it’s not only the feature length debuts that will be receiving praise and recognition—the short films this year are certainly not to be missed. Check Out Eight New Sundance Short Films Online 

@UltraMusic Festival is hitting the Croatian coast on July 12, 13 & 14, 2013 for ULTRA EUROPE. Taking place in the city of Split July 12 & 13 and the island of Hvar July 14 for the very first time, organizers have also revealed the further news that Ultra Europe will now be housed exclusively in Croatia for at least the next five years.

Over 60,000 attendees are expected to descend upon Croatia for the debut edition of the annual event next summer, which means there’s enough eye candy for you and beau. So hit the beach babe… 

Holy BPM just dropped a bomb on my inbox…The annual music festival, now in its sixth year, takes place in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico from January 4 to 13, 2013. It’s as much known for it’s postcard perfect playa as it is for the party. Say hello to Phase 1: Benoit & Sergio, Carl Cox, Cassy, Dixon, Eats Everything, Henrik Schwarz, Justin Martin, Luciano, Maceo Plex, Nicole Moudaber, Sasha, Sven Väth, Tale of Us, and The Martinez Brothers, as well as a dangerous amount of other artists. Did I mention Marco Corola?

All day and night events will be ticketed and entrance to all events is included with the purchase of 3-Day VIP | 7-Day VIP | 10-Day VIP passes, now available at www.wantickets.com/bpm. 

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The sea, a tiger and me? Sounds like a dream lineup. As does the one for the 50th Annual New York Film Festival. Aside from the previously announced opening and closing night films — Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, which will open the festival with NYFF’s first-ever 3-D screening, and Robert Zemeckis’ Flight — NYFF has laid out 32 films to be screened at this year’s fest. And the list includes a few projects you’ve probably already caught wind of.

The Bill Murray-starrer Hyde Park on the Hudson is the film in which the classic comic actor takes on Franklin D. Roosevelt. Cineophiles who’ve been waiting patiently to see the winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palm d’Or can rejoice because Amour is also gracing the long list of films hitting New York’s Lincoln Center. Other highlights include Christina Hendricks as an unhappy mother in Ginger and Rosa and Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace in Brian DePalma’s erotic thriller Passion. 

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This Follow Friday, is dedicated to dear friend who comes once a year, who always knows what I want to hear. The three-day dance party on Randall’s Island has no shortage of new acts and new tracks. Be you a power-pit-player or a VIP best, New York’s famed Electric Zoo Festival is back, and greener, bigger and louder than ever. Here’s my roundup of not to miss moments on the 24-acre island for 12-hours-a-day over Labor Day…

Angeer Dimas.
For a chameleon collaborative sound, serious tech inclination, and a “how does everyone not know about this?” moment.
 

Provacateur.
To relax while you rage with the you-can’t-get-in-door at the Gansevoort club’s private reserved raised seating and waitress table service in the Main Stage VIP area or Sunday School Grove.

Netsky.
Add a little bit of Belgium bass in your life…

Best Buy Theater.
The big boys came out to play with after parties in badass venues.
 

Maya Jane Coles.
New girl on the block is a first-timer to the fest.
 

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Add more fests to the fire… 
Foo Fighters, Florence & The Machine, Pearl Jam, T.I. and Ludacris will headline two days of concerts in September at Atlanta’s Music Midtown.

Organizers of the music festival announced on Tuesday that the event will take place at Piedmont Park. The musicians are slated to perform from Sept. 21-22.

The two-day concert marks the second straight year Music Midtown will be held after a five-year break. Coldplay and Black Keys headlined the one-day festival last year.

This year’s lineup also will feature Florence and The Machine, The Avett Brothers, Joan Jett, The Blackhearts, Girl Talk, Civil Twilight, LP and O’Brother.

Tickets go on sale April 28. In other news, here’s how to drive race cars in the ATL.

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This year, we’re going to try things differently. The (evidently soggy) grounds at Indio get my undivided attention, but with questionable weather, social-space snagging brands, and an influx of folks flocking to the fest, there’s no doubt that a bunch of bashes are worth the crashes.

Here’s where to party in Palm Springs…

Neon Carnival.
Neon Carnival was created by Bolthouse Productions in 2010 and continues annually at the Aviation Airport during music’s biggest festival weekend in Coachella Valley. For two years and counting, it has become a playground for its invited guests consisting of celebrities, music VIPs, and concert goers. Recreate the scene from Fear. Yeah I said it. 

Burton Bash.
Busy P and a BBQ sound brill, but Burton Girls, sound even better. Mingle with the Madame’s at Burtons backyard bash. And no, this is not just because I’m a Burton Girl… It’s because of Nina Dobrev. 

The Saguaro Desert Weekend.
From A-Trak to Brodinski, The Saguaro has a weekend lineup to fill the festival hungry LA crowd, who may or may not actually make their way to Indio. 

Lacoste LIVE.
Photobooths, Elijah Wood, more Busy P and some mysteries, Lacoste will serve up 6 hours of wholesome fun in the sun.  

MUSE & The Art of Esylum.
Join Wildfox, CIROC and Muse for an all out sensory experience. Think light installations, themed lounge areas, a dance floor with surprise guest DJ’s, Geodesic domes, and art installations done by fine artists Anthony James and Kevin Llewelyn, this event will BLOW YOUR MIND.