NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville celebrity gossip

No Shortage of Music Fans Once Again at Stagecoach Fest

They braved and survived the first day of Stagecoach, and are ready for round two, on this the final day. True to form the early birds were lined up to enter, making the mad general admission dash to stake their ground and settle in for the day.

 

 

The day started out in the Mane Stage with a great set of harmonies from the Harters, followed my new young artist Joanna Farmer, who can draw you in with her soft but outgoing southern charm sound.  Easton Corbin enters the stage at 4:45 and no doubt this young man will kick this day into a higher gear. Josh Turner afterwards will have a tough act to follow but fans are already chatting up how much they are ready to take their day even higher with the deep baritone crowd pleasing voice of Josh.  But to have your day and Stagecoach experience brought all together by mega country artists Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts will be the highest gear there is.

On the Palamino stage the big hitters are the Texas sound of Jack Ingram, followed by the Gatlin Brothers, the legendary sound of Leon Russel and capping the nite off with k.d.Lang.  Can life get better?  Well Ricky Skaggs is on the Mustang stage so that is one not to miss.

The place is overflowing with fans who will have another great day to put in their music memory books.  Catch ya on the ride after

Stagecoach Music Fest Set Up for Great Weather & Music

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.

Just take a ride for now and have some fun.

 

 

 

Fans Ready For Country Music Fest at Stagecoach

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.

The "Stagecoach" Rolls Into Indio, CA THE Music Fest April 30-May 1

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." 

http://www.stagecoachfestival.com/

Thanks to Phil Vassar & His Traveling Circus last year for giving us a little behind the scenes look into Stagecoach:

 

Arizona Country Thunder Line-Up Announced Headliners Jason Aldean, Toby Keith & Martina McBride

JASON ALDEAN, TOBY KEITH, MARTINA McBRIDE
TO HEADLINE ARIZONA COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL APRIL 7–10, 2011

Sawyer Brown to kick-off party on Thursday night!!!

Florence, AZ – Country Thunder - one of country music’s premiere festival events is back with a bang in 2011 with some of country music’s hottest acts. Don’t miss fearless performer, Sunday headliner, Toby Keith. With 15 studio albums and a string of number one hits, he’ll be sure to rock the Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona. Joining him is the beautiful and talented 4 time CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" Martina McBride. This established songstress has the hits and the presence to entertain the Saturday night crowd. But that’s not all... Let the party start with Jason Aldean, the scorching hot artist who’s spent more weeks at the number one spot on country music radio charts than any artist in the last 12 months. His performance on Friday will leave the fans wanting more!

Taking place April 7 -10, 2011, music fans can cowboy-up for a full 4-day general admission pass for the sweet price of only $99.00, this price is valid until November 30th, 2010. That’s less than a hundred bucks for three hot headliners and a full weekend of amazing country music.  VIP and sponsorship packages are also available with added perks including hospitality tent access, preferred parking, and premium concert seating.

For the thousands of new and returning fans of Country Thunder, tent and campsites are available at Canyon Moon Ranch. There are several types of camping available —from primitive rugged to rustic and modern amenities. Check out our new website for all the information!

The announced line-up includes:

Thursday, April 7th Kick-off Party
Music begins at 6:30 pm
Sawyer Brown

Friday, April 8th
Music begins at 2:00 pm
Jason Aldean

Saturday, April 9th
Music begins at 1:00 pm
Martina McBride

Sunday, April 10th
Music begins at 1:00 pm
Toby Keith

More artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Resource tickets and additional information online: www.countrythunder.com

Ronnie Dunn Signs on for Big Valley Jamboree in Edmonton Canada

Even though Toby Keith will be one of the headliners of the 19th annual Big Valley Jamboree which will be held in Edmonton (Camrose) Canada from Thursday July 28th, through Sunday July 31st; the name of another music legend confirmed for the event caught my eye quicker; RONNIE DUNN.  Now how sweet is that?  I do recall in an interview where Ronnie stated he would probably still do some touring by grabbing a band; a bus; and just some songs & hitting the road.  Now I see he meant it.  I can only hope this is the first of many announcements that we will see of Ronnie Dunn on tour. 

Big & Rich together again

 
There's been lots of speculation about whether Big & Rich are done as a duo or not.  Both Big Kenny and John Rich have said that they're not finished with each other yet, they're just taking a break to do their own thing.

Well I don't know if the boys will ever record new music together, but they will be performing together again next year, at least for one show. 

At a press conference this morning, organizers of the Craven Country Jamboree in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, announced that among their lineup for next July's festival will be Big & Rich.

Also appearing at the July 14-17, 2011 event will be Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Johnny Reid, Darius Rucker, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Gretchen Wilson, Mel Tillis, Ronnie Dunn (withough Brooks), Doc Walker, and John Michael Montgomery.

You can find out more information and buy weekend passes for $149 by visiting the festival's website here.

Catch the Hag's Stagecoach performance on your TV/Radio

Stagecoach is going on this weekend in Indio, California, and even though the majority of us wont be lucky enough to go that does't mean you can't enjoy a little bit of the music...if you have Sirius radio/TV that is. 

Merle Haggard will be performing tomorrow at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California as part of the festival and if you have SIRIUS channel 63 and XM channel 12 you can check out his performance starting at 10 p.m. ET. 

I myself will be fast asleep at that time, but maybe if you're partying the night away you can do it with the help of the Hag. 

Stagecoach is gonna be the place to be again next year

This year I was invited to Stagecoach but couldn't go myself due to the short notice.  But I'm telling you what, I have GOT to be there next year.  Check out the amzing lineup announced for Stagecoach's Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2010 concerts.

ABC DAYTIME AND SOAPNET PRESENT STAGECOACH:  CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL will mark its fourth outing--at the beautiful Empire Polo Club--with a line-up that once again plays host to an impressive array of artists from the genres of mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country.  The initial STAGECOACH 2010 line-up includes headliners Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland joined by Billy Currington, Gary Allan, Phil Vassar, Merle Haggard, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamey Johnson, Ray Price, Carlene Carter, Joey + Rory, BJ Thomas, The Avett Brothers, Bobby Bare, Nick 13, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Baxter Black, Steel Drivers, Easton Corbin, Mallary Hope, Chuck Mead, Mary Gauthier, Bill Anderson, Waddie Mitchell and Trampled By Turtles.

Initial Stagecoach lineup?  Does that mean there's more to come?  Let's hope so!  Make sure you pick up your tickets here.

Canadian music festival turns deadly

 

Picture via the Calgary herald

I knew something bad had happened when I opened my email this morning and there were 32 messages in my inbox.  I was right, something bad had happened.

A massive storm blew through the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, Canada last night causing the stage to collapse, killing one and injuring, by some reports, up to 75.  This was the same stage that Billy Currington had just been singing on. 

I was in the process of writing about this story when I got an email from Dave who is a DJ at Today's Country-CISN 103.9 in Edmonton.  He did such a great job of describing what happened, I decided to use his account.  Thank you Dave.  You can also see a short video of the aftermath here.

Hello again. You may have heard the news already, but we had a tragedy strike at Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta about 50 minutes SE of Edmonton. At about 6pm last night, a massive Thunderstorm hit suddenly, with huge gusts of wind, the stage was in the process of being evacuated and the concert being shut down, when the stage collapsed. This is a massive stage, with lights, a jumbotron and a set of bleachers suspended above the stage for fans on each side of the stage. 1 person is confirmed dead, 2 more are in critical condition and many, many more were injured by the falling debris. Billy Currington was on stage at the time, and he did receive some minor injuries as well. It's an extremely tough day around our station, our listeners are like family and this is the biggest event of the year in our province for country music.

I just wrapped up my own show, and I walked past the stage, into a tent beside the stage for dinner. I knew that a storm was coming, but all of a sudden people start running into the tent or just to find shelter, next the tent started shaking violently and people were panicking, lights were falling and the large polls holding it up in the centre were bending the wind was so strong. I started hearing people say the stage had collapsed. I ran out to see if I could help and to check on our staff still in the concert bowl. I couldn't believe how this stage where Billy Currington was singing good directions on just 5 minutes earlier was nothing more than a heap of twisted metal. Chairs were thrown around, children were running around crying, people had left personal belongings like purses and bags beside their chairs as they ran for shelter. Our tent the radio station was broadcasting from and doing a promotion in was completely collapsed, everything we had was totally the fence behind was collapsed. It was complete mayhem, something I will never forget and something I never want to see again.

Today Tim Mcgraw, Tracy Lawrence and Canadian group Doc Walker were scheduled to perform, that has obviously had to been cancel as the cleanup continues.

One of Billy's band members was also injured severely in the mayhem. From a piece in my inbox I received...

A Billy Currington band member was assisted from the wreckage. His bloodied arm was badly injured. His band was playing when the stage went down.

Vancouver-based country music singer Jessie Ferrel said it was a terrifying experience.

"It felt like bombs were going off around us in this concrete and steel building. Huge hits of power hitting the building, and then the lights were off," she told CTV News.

"People were missing and trying to find each other and there was a woman who was trying to tell everyone to stop panicking and she was panicking on the speakers."

Justin Bell, a freelance writer covering the festival for Sun Media, watched the storm hit.

"It was calm and eerie for about 20 seconds then people began running," said Bell.

The Big Valley Jamboree Web site said Kevin Costner and his band Modern West was next on the lineup to perform when the storm hit

My heart goes out to everyone who was there.  So sad when all you're trying to do is enjoy a little country music and to have this happen.  But I must say that it sounds like it could have been a whole lot worse than it was so I guess we have to be grateful for small miracles. 

 

The stage before and after the storm (pictures via inews880)

Here's a picture of Billy's bassist, Alex Stevens, and his injured arm

And Billy being escorted away, obviously concerned about those behind him