Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather in the Colorado desert in Indio, California, to celebrate one of the largest music festivals in the world: Coachella. Spanning over two weekends, this event features a wide array of music acts, from large-scale pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter to smaller, underground indie bands like Interpol.
This year, Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School hosted its second annual Ida B. Chella, a student-led version of the music festival Coachella.
While Coachella is known for celebrity performances, massive crowds and desert fashion, Ida B. Chella brings that same energy, but with a more local, student-centered experience. Instead of international headliners, the spotlight shifts to student bands, dance teams and community performers who are able to showcase their creativity and talents in front of friends and family.
Ida B. Chella was held on Thursday, May 21, from 3:45-7:00 pm in the IBW courtyard. Last year, the event was held on the football field, but many students felt the courtyard would cultivate a closer community atmosphere more reminiscent of Coachella.
Starting a few weeks before Ida B. Chella, students were given access to a form found in their classroom Canvas page, the Guardian Gazette and on flyers throughout the school. The form allowed them to sign up to perform at the event, as a band, a single artist or even as a DJ. This allowed students to prepare for the event, and also allowed event organizers to curate a schedule of performers.
The night saw many student performances, from popular song covers, such as “One Way or Another,” by Blondie, to original student songs. One band that performed was “Solstice,” a local IBW band that included students from multiple grade levels. At the head of the band was Katie Potts, an IBW Junior and singer-songwriter.
In addition to music, the event also featured a few student vendors. Among these were fundraisers for IBW’s “Guardian News Network” and “The Headlight.” Additionally, there were several student vendors selling clothing or other items throughout the evening. Food and beverages were available thanks to IBW’s leadership team, who worked during the event, cooking and serving food. Many leadership members stayed throughout the evening to ensure the event went smoothly.
Ida B. Chella also featured arts and crafts activities, including a friendship bracelet station and henna. Last but not least, the event also featured an 80-foot bouncy house obstacle course, which was a fan favorite amongst many students.
This year’s Ida B. Chella was a resounding success and will likely continue as a fun event to round off the school year at IBW in the near future.
