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Perfect weather sets the stage for the fifth annual Stagecoach Musical Festival taking place today and tomorrow in Indio, CA, just east of Palm Springs. There is no shortage of food, vast array of beverages, vendors selling everything from sunglasses to the infamous "Beer Label Hats." along with a strong line up of some great music.
First set up is "Mane" Stage where you will see the headliners. Today we start out on this stage with Stealing Angels, Steel Magnolia, the deep vocals of Josh Turner, followed by the high energy of Darius Rucker. Capping off the night fans will be treated to the never failing performance of Kenny Chesney.
There is the Palamino Stage where fans can get a bit more laid back scene starting out with David Serby, Lukas Nelson, Phosphorescent, The Secret Sisters, Rodney Crowell, and Mel Tillis. Music icon Kris Kristofferson brings it all around with his rugged raspy sound and charm.
The Mustang Stage gives less of a time frame but not less on talent. There are performances set up by The Cleverys, Gourds, Punch Brothers and finishing the night will be Rhonda Vincent. Bluegrass & country will be abound.
The country crowd is taking over this palm tree city of Indio,CA with a purpose! Country has once again come to town. You see young and old alike strutting their best cowboy hats and boots, settin up camp sites & parking the RV's, and of course taking time to sit back & have a cold beverage. Restaurants & hotels are booming as well.
Gates open at noon both days & once that happens GA ticket holders make a mad dash to stake their ground to spend the day listening to an array of artist's. Sat on the Mane stage they will be greeted with Stealing Angels sharing their strong harmonies. Following with great sounds & bravado will be Steel Magnolia, Chris Young, Darius Rucker and closing out the night will be one of the three headlining acts, the ever entertaining crowd pleaser, Kenny Chesney. What a way to round out the day.
On the Palamino stage one can enjoy the day and unique sounds of Secret Sisters, Rodney Crowell, and country music legend Mel Tillis. To cap off this set will be the music icon Kris Kristofferson who joined the line to replace Loretta Lynn who is recovering from knee surgery.
Do you think this is enough music for one day? It will fit the bill till Sunday when we start all over. There are "rumblings" of a surprise artist appearance but I had not heard anything today. It was a day of driving, picking up tickets & credentials & getting the lay of the land for Saturday's adventure. This will be a music fest for everyone to become family and have a good time. I did remember to pack two very important things: sunscreen & patience.
It happens once a year on a polo field in Indio, CA. A place where some folks would say, "In the middle of no where." But to thousands of music fans this is "somewhere." When the two day music fest is over, they leave exhausted, maybe hung over, sunburned, broke, but asking each other, "I wonder who will be here next year?" This is Stagecoach my friends. Don't knock till you've tried it.
The fifth annual critically acclaimed event--which features an impressive array of artists from the genres of mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country will leave no stone unturned to ensure two great days filled with so much to offer. Not only is there plenty of great music, but those in attendance can see a BBQ competition with competitors from around the country, a special events area for children, The Half-Pint Hootenanny, that includes a petting zoo, dance lessons, western roping, along with various food & craft vendors.
The same will old true this year as in previous years, there will be no shortage of artists that have something for everyone. If you are there for the headliners on the main stage, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts & Carrie Underwood to name a few, then grab your spot and hang on for the ride. But do not rule out stepping away and catching the likes of some wonderful music in the Mustang or Palmino stages. The artist's there may not seem like your headlining artists but rest assured, they have what it takes to give you a good show. I was saddened to learn that Loretta Lynn had to cancel her appearance this year due to her recovery from recent knee surgery, but Kris Kristofferson has been added to the line up in her place and I can say Oh Yes to that!!! Last year fans were treated to Brooks & Dunn who included Stagecoach as part of their last tour as a duo.
Stagecoach has become a sort of stepping stone for some younger new artists like Jason Aldean who debuted in 2007. "There were a ton of people, we did not know what to expect," Jason recalls of his first appearance. "California has always been a place where it has taken us awhile to build a fan base. To this day people come up to me saying: 'I saw you at Stagecoach & that's when I became a fan of yours.' We made a lot of fans that day." http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/apr/15/coachella-stagecoach-music-fests-big-draw-san-dieg/
Stagecoach has grown since its inception in 2007 and from the start has offerd a camping area which has grown into one of the largest annual gatherings of RV and tent camping in Southern California. Each year if you do not jump on one of the five camping lots you will see the "Sold Out" sign real fast. And last year, helping out to make money more mangeable, a lay-a-plan was put in play for your camping fees. Hotels in the area offer shuttles to & from the venue, and the ever popular Carpool Convoy which can possilby garner you a surprise contest winning package. But please do not forget to bring plenty of sun screen, wear a good pair of shoes & comfortable clothing, have patience, do not leave anything in your car because once in there is no going back out till the end. But most of all bring your "Let's have fun game face."
We attended in 2007 for only one day, Sunday, on a GA ticket. Then after hearing the line up for 2008 we purchased seats. I totally enjoyed both experiences, but decided that I had "been there done that" and was leaving the rest of the years to others. So this year I find myself going again, and a large part of the fun in this will not only be hearing & seeing some great artist's but to share it with someone who has never been & meeting up with some friends I have met because of it. Many I have spoken to say it is not all about the music, that is an added bonus, it is about the "Stagecoach Family of Friends" they have connected with through the years, the chance to get away from it all if only for a short time, and the chance to say, "Oh yes, I have been to Stagecoach."
So much for that last post I did about Carrie's label screwing her over, huh?
Afer being snubbed so much this year at the ACM's, Carrie came back with vengeance.
The ACM's last night were pretty awesome.....while there were a few shocker winners. All in all tho, the duets I think made up the night. Carrie's taking the show.
Coming out with "Undo It", I think many people thought it was just another performance, but halfway thru, here comes Steven Tyler! While he stumbled a bit with some of the words, it still came out stellar.
Just when you thought it was over, They went straight into "Walk This Way", Carrie donning a short black skirt and pink in her hair. It was AMAZING! Aside from the awkwardness of him trying to kiss her too much. She handled it with total class.
If only this could lead to a CMT Crossroads.
Congrats Carrie, you proved why you won EOTY twice in a row, and why you should have this year as well.
