Stagecoach Country Music Festival attendees walk in front of the Ferris wheel as the sun sets at the Empire Polo Club on Sunday, April 27, 2014 in Indio. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)
You made it! After three days of country music and partying the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival has called it a wrap. Here are some of the highlights from Sunday, April 27. (We have even more coverage over at the iGuide Stagecoach page.)
Luke Bryan performs the final set at the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival on April 27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)
Luke Bryan: With his swiveling hips and deep voice, Bryan burst onto the stage as a line of fire burned on the front of the stage as part of the pyrotechnics for set opener “My Kind of Night.”
The last time Bryan was at Stagecoach, back in 2012, the sun was still out. In the years since, he has grown to be one of the biggest draws in music.
Of the three headliners, he seemed to win the contest of the most fans wearing his shirt. The most popular one was “Luke and Whiskey Make Me Frisky,” a reference to his song “Rain Is a Good Thing,” which was the second in his set.
Much like Saturday night headliner Jason Aldean, Bryan encouraged fans to enjoy the fun.
“This is your last night, are y’all ready to party your … off with me?” he asked early in the set.
The packed field obliged.
See photos of Luke Bryan at Stagecoach 2014.
Florida Georgia Line: After commanding the crowd in the bright sun and blazing heat at Stagecoach 2013, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley earned a penultimate Mane Stage slot this year at Stagecoach.
From the time they passed a bottle of Fireball whiskey back and forth, you knew they were ready to party just as much as the fans. Judging by the crowd’s response, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them headline after their next record.
See photos of Florida Georgia Line at Stagecoach.
Susanna Hoffs performs at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Sunday, April 27, 2014. (Vanessa Franko/Staff)
Susanna Hoffs: Early in the afternoon, I started my Stagecoach off with Hoffs, who is best known for her work with The Bangles. The set opened with “Hazy Shade of Winter” and also included Bangles hits such as “Eternal Flame,” “In Your Room,” “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.” All were fun, but the most countrified it got was using a slide on “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
However, she did sing the Bob Dylan penned “I’ll Keep It With Mine” for the first time since she recorded it 30 years ago. Another highlight was her cover of Big Star’s “September Gurls,” because there should be more power pop at Stagecoach.
See photos of Susanna Hoffs at Stagecoach.
Sleepy Man Banjo Boys: Last week, the young gents in metal band Unlocking the Truth blew me away at Coachella. This week, it was the bluegrass brother group Sleepy Man Banjo Boys. The Mizzone brothers, banjo player Jonny, fiddle player Robbie and guitarist Tommy, played an authentic bluegrass set at the Mustang Stage and even sang live for the first time. And did I mention they’re from New Jersey?
They’re going to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, April 28 and have a date at the New Orleans Jazz Fest this weekend. Check them out before they get huge.
Here are a couple of photos of Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.
Wanda Jackson: I missed Wanda Jackson the last time she played Stagecoach because I was at my sister’s wedding (it was the only Stagecoach I’ve ever missed), but the pioneering rock and roll star was in fine form Sunday at the Palomino Stage, despite having recent shoulder surgery.
Her voice is still in top shape and she regaled the crowd with the tales of her musical journey, including how she became friends and first toured with Elvis Presley, right after she graduated from high school in 1955.
“At the time I had never heard of him, I just thought he had a funny name,” she said.
“He gave me his ring to wear and I wore it, too,” Jackson added.
Elvis convinced her to try this new type of song. It didn’t have a name yet, but it was rock ‘n’ roll.
On behalf of all of us, thanks Elvis!
“Funnel of Love,” “Fujiyama Mama,” and “Let’s Have a Party” were among the highlights of the set. She also had a fine backing band, which included Los Angeles guitarist Rick Shea, who grew up in San Bernardino.
See photos of Wanda Jackson, Michael Nesmith and John Prine.
Want more Stagecoach photos, updates and stories? Visit the iGuide Stagecoach special section. Also, check out The Best of Stagecoach 2014.