Big news for fans of desert music: Next year the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be over two consecutive weekends. Tickets go on sale this Friday. That's right. Almost a full year away.

The reason for both the expansion and the early ticket sales, according to Coachella.com:

We know many of you were unable to attend this year's festival because passes sold out much sooner than anticipated. We were truly surprised by the overwhelming response and remain honored by your passion and enthusiasm. We also know some of you purchased through non legitimate sources and were inconvenienced, gouged or totally scammed.

See the full press release, with information on how to buy legitimate tickets:

COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2012

TO BE HELD TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS

APRIL 13-15 AND APRIL 20-22

COACHELLA 2012 will be two separate events, held over two consecutive weekends (April 13-15 and April 20-22) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.  Festival organizers will attempt to produce two identical festival weekends–same lineup, same art, same place, different people.

Weekend passes go on sale beginning this Friday, June 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM (PT) until the following Friday June 10, 2011 at 10:00 PM (PT).  This advance sale will be the only opportunity to take advantage of the COACHELLA Payment Plan. Passes will be available through a payment plan of 10% down and 8 equal monthly payments OR by payment in full. The price of three-day passes remains at $269 plus fees for the sixth consecutive year.

Stay tuned to www.coachella.com for the latest 2012 COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL news and information.

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