James Mercer of The Shins (photo by Marilyn Chung)

The Shins, fronted by James Mercer, played a mellow set to a gathering crowd just after nightfall on the Coachella Stage. The band, which gained nationwide popularity by appearing on the soundtrack to the 2004 film “Garden State,” played their current single, the power-pop “Simple Song,” early on in the set.

Among the crowd watching The Shins in the VIP area was Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, who chatted with a friend and graciously posed for photos with fans.