Ocote Soul Sounds at the 2009 Joshua Tree Music Festival, Richard Lui, The Desert Sun

Now it’s time for a music festival Joshua Tree style.

The 10^th annual Joshua Tree Music Festival is coming up May 18-20. More than 20 artists from all over the world will perform at the outdoor venue.

What kind of music is it?

Try on labels like afro-house (Wunmi, UK/Lagos), life-affirming (Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars), roots reggae with funk, soul, dub and rock (See-I, DC) and classical and fiddle-style violin on electronic beats (Kytami, Canada) for starters. All but three artists (Loyd Family Players, Ganga Giri and Medicine Drum) are newcomers to the independently-produced event.

Here’s what you need to know about festival culture:

Event producers describe themselves as funsters and music lovers. Water is free, so you’ll have more money for organic microbrews and wine on site; You can bring your own food or buy some there; and this year, get ready for Festival Olympics, where you can win prizes for performing absurd tasks.

I hope that gives you a feel of the fest. For a complete lineup and to purchase tickets, go to www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com.

The fest costs

$120 until May 14 and $130 at the gate for all three days

$50 Friday only

$70 Saturday only

$50 Sunday only

Bands play

3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday

10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

See them at

Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road.