Author Archives: Vanessa

PE LIVE: Enjoy the sounds of Quitapenas

Quitapenas performs at Hangar 24 for a recent filming of PE Live. (Matthew Schoenmann/Freelance Photographer)

There’s no need for a case of the Mondays when you have Quitapenas around.

The Inland-based tropical/Latin/Afro fusion combo has a mission and that mission is to make you dance.

Fun fact: Quitapenas is the first band to have congas on PE Live. Watch “Pa’ Palenque” below and kiss those Monday blues goodbye.

Watch Quitapenas perform “Justicia.”
Watch Quitapenas perform “Vamos a Mi Casa.”
Get to know Quitapenas in the PE Live interview.

The group’s next big show in the area will be the 10th anniversary of Riverside’s Dia de Los Muertos event on Nov. 2 on Market Street between 12th Street and University Avenue.

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In the meantime, you can come to a PE Live taping on Wednesday, Oct. 16 with the great Hobo Jazz out at Hangar 24 Brewery in Redlands. We’ll be starting at 6:30.

Hangar 24 Brewery and Tasting Room is located at 1710 Sessums Drive in Redlands and the show is free.

PE LIVE: Get some ‘Justicia’ with Quitapenas

Quitapenas performs at Hangar 24 for a recent edition of PE Live. (Matt Schoenmann/Freelance Photographer)

Quitapenas has a way of merging traditional music Latin, Caribbean and Afro musical elements and giving them a new life.

Check out “Justicia” below from the band’s recent PE Live session with us from Hangar 24.

Subscribe to the PE Live newsletter below to be the first to hear the brand new PE Live taping with the McKintree Boys this week. We’ll be back at Hangar 24 Brewery in Redlands on Wednesday, Oct. 16 for a new PE Live session with Hobo Jazz.

PE LIVE: Quitapenas wants you to ‘Vamos a Mi Casa’

Watch Quitapenas perform live at Hangar 24 on the newest edition of PE Live. (Matt Schoenmann/Freelance Photographer)

Get ready to dance.

Our PE Live guest this week is Quitapenas, an Inland combo whose name even means without worries.

Soak up the sunshine and enjoy the vibes with the song “Vamos a Mi Casa.”

Subscribe to the PE Live newsletter below to be the first to hear the brand new PE Live taping with the McKintree Boys.

SAN BERNARDINO: Escape from Wonderland announces lineup, camping

Concertgoers dance at the Sunken Garden stage at Nocturnal Wonderland on the grounds of San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore on Sept. 21, 2013. (Vanessa Franko/Staff Photo)

For all of you electronic music fans out there, Insomniac has announced the lineup of Escape from Wonderland, which heads to San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Among the notable DJs on tap for the event are Steve Angello, who you might recognize from Swedish House Mafia in addition to his solo work, Hardwell, Danny Avila, Richie Hawtin and Madeon.

Insomniac added camping to its festivals for the first time at last month’s Nocturnal Wonderland and will offer it again for Escape from Wonderland. The Halloween-themed event will include haunted houses and mazes, fireworks, animatronics and plenty of surprises.

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The festival is only open to guests 18 and older. Tickets are $65 for general admission and $125 for VIP passes, before fees. VIP passes are for guests 21 and older.

The campgrounds open at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and close at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Two day car-camping is still available and costs $125, before fees. A one-day RV camping pass is $150 and a two-day RV camping pass is $200.

You can get tickets and more at the Escape from Wonderland website. What do you think of the lineup?

Check out the full lineup below.

AC Slater
Arboles Pintados
Baggi Begovic
Bassjackers
Brillz
Carnage
Caspa
Cedric Gervais
Danny Avila
David Steven
Delta Heavy
Deniz Koyu
Dubfire
Eats Everything
Gaiser
Guy Gerber
Hardwell
Isaac
John Digweed
Kennedy Jones
Madeon
Manufactured Superstars
Mat Zo
Monsta
Noisia
Ookay
Optiv
Pendulum (DJ Set)
Prolix
Rebecca & Fiona
Richie Hawtin
Steve Angello
The Orb
Umek
W&W

RIVERSIDE: Beers and local music meet at Oktoberfest

El Robo will perform at Inland Empire Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest. (Contributed Image)

The Inland Empire Brewing Company is having music and more at its Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 12.

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El Robo, The Revivers and Red Store Bums will provide the entertainment.

The $10 entry fee gets you one beer, the music and access to food.

Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 1710 Palmyrita Ave., Riverside, 21 and older only.

Visit www.iebrew.com for more information.

Here’s a taste of El Robo.

STAGECOACH 2014: Festival founder talks lineup, changes

Luke Bryan performs on the Mane stage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio on Saturday, April 28, 2012. (File Photo)

Three of the hottest stars in country music will headline the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival when Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan take the stage April 25-27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

The country festival started in 2007 as a sister event to the alternative music-focused Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. As Coachella became the tastemaker for alternative music, Stagecoach has become a barometer for country stars on the rise.

The popular festival featured all three of the headliners when they were just up-and-coming acts playing during the blazing afternoon sun.

“This is the most current lineup we’ve ever had,” said Paul Tollett, head of festival promoter Goldenvoice, referring to the main stage acts.

One artist is getting the rare back-to-back appearance at consecutive fests: Florida Georgia Line.

The group opened the main stage on Sunday at the 2013 fest in the high temperatures. Even in the heat, they impressed Tollett so much that they were invited back.

“They were great,” he said.

But the contemporary country stars aren’t the only notable names the festival attracts. Stagecoach snagged legend Loretta Lynn, who was originally scheduled to perform a couple of years ago, but had to back out due to a medical issue.

Tollett noted that she is someone that the festival has been trying to have perform for a long time.

As for Stagecoach logistics, fans can expect some on-site changes.

Traditionally, Stagecoach has had two tiers of reserved seating in front of the main stage as well as general admission passes. Tollett said that the tier in front of the stage would remain fairly empty until late in the day, sometimes up until the headlining act.

To combat that, Goldenvoice is putting a standing-room only pit in front of the stage with the reserved seats behind them, in two areas known as the Corral.

“We want a party there all day,” Tollett said.

The other big change is in the camping policy. In 2013, Goldenvoice instituted new rules in an effort to curb the partying in the campgrounds, requiring RV campers to own the RV they would be taking and filling out an application for the spot.

The announcement brought on a backlash from fans, but Tollett said camping went really well at the festival this year.

For 2014, those wishing to camp will still have to fill out the application, but borrowed and rented RVs are allowed.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at www.stagecoachfestival.com. General admission passes will be $249; the new Corral passes are both priced at $799.

RIVERSIDE: Steve Martin and friends live up to ‘Great Performances’

Edie Brickell and Steve Martin on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Steve Martin, Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers are filming a PBS “Great Performances” at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside. Thursday night, which was filmed, was only open to 500 people. (Kurt Miller/Staff Photographer)

As majestic as the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside looks on any given day, the city’s renovated jewel sparkled even brighter for its close-up with Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell on Thursday, Oct. 10.

While a little bit of the shine came from the iridescent curtains framing the stage, it was the set by musicians in front of them that lived up to “Great Performances,” the long-running PBS show for which the intimate dress rehearsal was filmed.

The night was full of rapid-fire wit and rapid-fire bluegrass from Martin and friends.

“The next song is a singalong but it has no lyrics, so good luck,” Martin said before launching into an instrumental.

Known for his comedy and acting roles, Martin didn’t disappoint on the laughs, even poking fun at the network filming him.

As he tuned his banjo with an electronic device, he joked that he could check his email on it and was watching PBS’ “Masterpiece Theatre” on it.

“Oh wait, it’s the pledge drive; click,” he said.

Steve Martin, Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Oct. 10, 2013. Thursday night, which was filmed, is only open to 500 people. (Kurt Miller/Staff Photographer)

As a crane with a camera swooped over the crowd, which was limited to the orchestra section for the show, Martin told the story about meeting the Steep Canyon Rangers at a party in North Carolina, where they were the local band playing, but admitted that the true story wasn’t very Hollywood.

“There we tell people we met in rehab,” Martin said.

While the jokes were entertaining, the true musical talent is what showed off the Fox as a gem of a theater. The vocal blend amongst the Steep Canyon Rangers, whether on an a cappella version of the spiritual “I Can’t Sit Down,” or joining Martin on the hilarious “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs,” proved the Fox as an acoustic “sweet spot.”

Martin explained that he doesn’t think of the Steep Canyon Rangers as his backup band.

“I think of them like I am their celebrity,” he said.

Despite the incredible talent the Steep Canyon Rangers possess on their own, it was the combination of them, Martin and Brickell that made the night so special.

Brickell shared the stories behind the songs she and Martin wrote together for their latest release, “Love Has Come for You,” explaining that Martin would email her audio files of him playing the banjo and she would walk around singing along to them until she found the right lyrics.

One of them, which became “Sarah Jane and the Iron Mountain Baby,” had Brickell singing “Whooo baby” along to it, like a train’s whistle. It inspired her to search out trains on the Internet and she came across the tale of the Iron Mountain train and a man who rescued an abandoned baby along train tracks in Missouri. He took the baby home to his wife, Sarah Jane, and they raised him.

“I could not believe my good luck that her name rhymed with ‘train,’ ” Brickell said.

The song was among the dazzling show’s highlights, as well as Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers’ “Jubilation Day,” the newly penned murder ballad “Pretty Little One” with all of the performers and the main set closer “Auden’s Train,” which featured blistering fiddle work from the Steep Canyon Rangers’ Nicky Sanders.

Friday night’s show will also be filmed for “Great Performances,” which is set to air in March 2014 and will likely live on in pledge drive perpetuity.

STAGECOACH 2014: What you need to know about the festival

Luke Bryan performs on the Mane stage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio on Saturday, April 28, 2012. (File Photo)

With the announcement of the Stagecoach Country Music Festival lineup today, here are some basic questions you might want to know the answers to if you’re planning on hitting up the festival’s eighth year in Indio next spring.

Q: When/where is the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival?
A: Stagecoach 2014 will be held April 25-27, 2014 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Q: Who’s playing Stagecoach 2014?
A: Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are headlining. Other notable acts include Loretta Lynn, Hunter Hayes, Jennifer Nettles, Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, Crystal Gayle and more. You can see the initial 2014 Stagecoach Lineup here at the Audio File blog.

Q: How much are Stagecoach tickets?
A: General admission passes are $249. The new Corral reserved seating and new standing pit areas will be $799. Kids 10 and younger get into the general admission areas for free.

Q: When do Stagecoach 2014 tickets go on sale?
A: Tickets for the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 at http://stagecoachfestival.frontgatetickets.com. Do yourself a favor and set up an account early.

Q: Can I camp at Stagecoach? How much does it cost?
A: Yes, but only RV camping is allowed. If you are camping with a 50 AMP power source, the price is $950. It’s $850 for a 30 AMP power source. Dry camping is $550.

Q: Can I borrow or rent an RV to camp in?
A: Yes. After changing the RV policy for Stagecoach 2013, the policy has been amended and you are allowed to rent or borrow an RV to camp at the festival. However, you still have to apply to camp at Stagecoach and your application must be in by 5 p.m. Oct. 15.

Q: How can I get more Stagecoach Festival updates?
A: Sign up for the Press-Enterprise’s Stagecoach newsletter. Just fill out the form below.

Q: I have more questions. Where can I find more answers?
A: Check out the Stagecoach Festival official site.

STAGECOACH 2014: Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan to headline

Jason Aldean performs at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on April 27, 2012. (2012/File Photo)

The big news in our corner of the music world today is that the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival dates and lineup has been announced.

The headliners are three big names and they all have been to Stagecoach before. Eric Church will top the bill Friday, April 25, Jason Aldean will headline Saturday, April 26, and Luke Bryan closes out the fest on Sunday, April 27.

One of the most notable things is that Aldean has been the only one to headline the fest in the past. All three came up from early slots on the main stage and have risen to be headlining material.

Let’s take a look at their Stagecoach pasts.

Eric Church will headline the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival. (AP Photo)

Eric Church
Friday night headliner Church performed at the inaugural Stagecoach Festival back in 2007, where he busted out riffs from Ozzy Osbourne (“Crazy Train”) and Ted Nugent (“Cat Scratch Fever”). Later that year, he played San Bernardino country music club the Brandin’ Iron, which has been a stepping stone for a lot of Stagecoach artists.

Jason Aldean performs at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on April 27, 2012. (2012/ File Photo)

Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean headlined the Friday night of the 2012 Stagecoach Country Music Festival, the first year the fest returned to three days and offered limited programming on the Friday.

Aldean also performed at the inaugural Stagecoach back in 2007 when he was just emerging as a star. He was added to the 2010 lineup as a sub-headliner, too.

Luke Bryan performs on the Mane stage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio on Saturday, April 28, 2012. (2012/ File Photo)

Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan is the headliner for the final night of the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival.

Bryan most recently played Stagecoach as the sun was setting on the festival back in 2012. He was on the main stage.

He also played the fest in an early afternoon spot when he was just emerging as an artist in 2008.

STAGECOACH 2014: Festival dates, lineup, prices announced

Country music fans listen to Martina McBride as she performs on the Mane stage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio on Sunday, April 29, 2012. (File Photo)

Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan will headline the 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival. The festival will run April 25-27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. General admission passes will be $249. The new Corral reserved seating will be $799, as will the new Corral standing pit passes. The Corral Standing Pit is a standing room only section directly in front of the main stage. The other choice to be a VIP is the Corral Reserved Seating which will be like the traditional VIP seating at the fest, but behind the pit.

For all tickets, taxes, shipping and fees are included in the ticket prices. There are layaway options available. Children 10 and under get in for free to general admission areas. There is no re-entry to the festival unless you are camping in the RV resort.

The Stagecoach 2014 Poster. Click to enlarge. (Stagecoach Festival)

LINEUP

Friday’s lineup is topped by Eric Church and includes Brantley Gilbert, Easton Corbin, Loretta Lynn, Thomas Rhett, Shelby Lynne, Eric Paslay, Jon Pardi, Corey Smith, Katey Sagal and the Forest Rangers, The Wailin’ Jennys, Shakey Graves, The Black Lillies, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, Lindsay Ell, JD McPherson, Sarah Jarosz, The Howlin’ Brothers, Hannah and Talbot, Radney Foster’s Bluegrass Trio and the Wild Feathers.

PHOTO GALLERY: Here’s who’s playing Stagecoach 2014

Saturday’s lineup is topped by Jason Aldean and also includes Hunter Hayes, Jennifer Nettles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Crystal Gayle, Tyler Farr, Ashley Monroe, Don McLean, John Conlee, Trampled by Turtles, Daniel Bradbery, Holly Williams, Dan + Shay, Jason Isbell, Hooray for the Riff Raff, Spirit Family Reunion, Sara Haze, Whiskey Shivers, The Seldom Scene, Willy Watson and Corb Lund.

Sunday’s lineup is topped by Luke Bryan and will also feature Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, John Prine, Dustin Lynch, Chris Cagle, Michael Nesmith, Asleep at the Wheel, Charlie Worsham, Brenda Lee, Duane Eddy, Shovels and Rope, Sleepyman Banjo Boys, Kelleigh Bannen, Johnny Fritz, The Railers, Susanna Hoffs, I See Hawks in L.A. and Shelly Colvin.

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CAMPING

One of the changes for fans is that camping has been expanded for 2014. In 2013, promoter Goldenvoice curbed Stagecoach’s campground partying by limiting the number of RV camping passes and adding more rules to the area.

This year you ARE allowed to have rented RVs and borrowed RVs. For each RV, you can get 8 RV resort wristbands. Children 10 and younger are excluded. You still have to apply for the RV campground, though. Applications for RV camping are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 15. If you are camping with a 50 AMP power source, the price is $950. It’s $850 for a 30 AMP power source. Dry camping is $550.

Read more about the RV resort on the Stagecoach site.

PARKING
Day parking is free at the festival. However, if you are camping in an RV and arriving separately from it, the companion parking pass is $30. Preferred parking is $100.

STAGECOACH HISTORY

The country festival started in 2007 as a sister event to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and has hosted the biggest names in country music since its inception, including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire and more.

Take a look at our Stagecoach timeline:

What do you think of the lineup? Are you happy with the artists?