Jamfest gets theatrical

In an effort to stay up with festival developments in other genres, I plan to check out the "world premiere" showing tonight of "Coachella," a documentary film about the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, featuring leading indie and jam rock bands. The film is showing one night only in 115 movie theaters around the U.S., though it is logical to assume there will be other showings to be announced later. Here is where to go for schedules and reservations.

The movie includes performances by Morrissey, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The White Stripes, Oasis and The Pixies, among others.

The New York Times previewed the event in today's edition, describing it as a strategy to give older rock fans access to music that they may not want to experience live, as well as an opportunity for movie theaters to fill seats on an otherwise slow night. The producer, Big Screen Concerts, expects to offer similar access to other concerts and festivals in the future.

The 2006 Coachella Festival is set to run April 29-30 in Indio, Calif. No lineup has yet been announced.