Category Archives: Music

Lowbelly BBQ, from Palm Desert, was one of the more popular barbecue tents at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. (Luke Ramseth/Staff)

A couple weeks ago I attended my first Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Indeed it was the first true music festival I’d ever been to, outside a couple small-time jazz fests with my family as a kid.

I spent three days poking around the food tents, gazing up at the soaring art pieces, choking on dust, trying not to get too overwhelmed by hordes of bodies moving from one end of the Empire Polo Club to the other and, of course, taking in a couple of my favorite bands and discovering a few fresh ones.

The Stagecoach Country Music Festival, I found out on Saturday, is an entirely different festival animal. Here are five takeaways from my first Stagecoach:

1. Lay of the land. Stagecoach has fewer stages than Coachella, and the art is gone. What was a largely green, grassy infield for Coachella weekend one had turned to brown or sand this weekend, two weekends later. Somewhere around 90,000 people tromping around for days on end will do that.

Also, it can be a little more tricky to walk around at Stagecoach when compared to Coachella. This is largely because folding chairs are allowed at Stagecoach. There are barriers and walkways set up to navigate through the masses parked in front of the Mane stage, which helps a little bit, but I still found myself accidentally stepping on a few people’s belongings as the crowds grew for Jason Aldean on Saturday night.

2. Demographics. This might come as no surprise, but the Stagecoach country crowd is an older, whiter, and slightly rowdier one than Coachella. Alcohol is limited to several beer gardens at Coachella, but it flows freely throughout the festival grounds at Stagecoach.

Perhaps also no surprise: some Stagecoach-goers are pretty darn patriotic. American flags were everywhere, and chants of “America! America!” or “USA! USA!” would randomly break out in between sets. Go figure.

3. BBQ is the best. My assignment Saturday was to write a story on a Texas style barbecue competition. This ended up as one of my highlights of either Coachella or Stagecoach.

I tracked down the Johnson family. They run Lowbelly BBQ in Palm Desert, and have entered their barbecue at Stagecoach since the festival’s first year, in 2007. Jan Johnson was kind enough to describe the process of producing their premium meats while her husband Gary and son Nic were busy putting the finishing touches on their final brisket contest entry of the day. I of course indulged in a taste test of both the ribs and brisket. Tasty.

4. It’s a mega rock concert. There are fewer bands, fewer stages, and I’ll admit — I’m not much of a country music fan to begin with. But, I never saw such a massive crowd at Coachella as the one I witnessed for Jason Aldean on Saturday night at Stagecoach. Video screens were mounted out into the crowd showing short, flashy clips of Aldean ripping on the guitar. Fans danced and leaned over the barriers, yelling along with each lyric. I didn’t know live country music could be quite like this.

5. Weather. While Stagecoach temperatures were nearly perfect — if anything, it was a little chilly Saturday night — the dust was back, just like Coachella weekend one. Whichever festival you attend next year, bring along a bandanna or one of those cheap white dust masks to cover your face. I’m still sneezing and blowing out dust today.

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.

Jason Aldean performs at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)

With the coolest temperatures in Stagecoach Country Music Festival history, Saturday, April 26, was a party led by one man–headliner Jason Aldean.

The clouds of Friday moved on, but save for the occasional wind gust, Stagecoach, which is typically sweltering around triple digits, had perfect mid-70s temperatures during the day and plenty of sunshine.

But as people bundled up in the cool night, the party got started with Jason Aldean as he came out to a rain of pyrotechnic sparks and opened with “Crazy Town.”

Aldean commented on how he played the very first Stagecoach (like Friday night headliner Eric Church), but he is the only repeat headliner on the bill this year. Aldean also closed the first night of Stagecoach back in 2012. He mentioned how friend Church had his time with the crowd and super close friend Luke Bryan would headline on Sunday.

“Tonight it’s my turn to have a little fun so drink up,” Aldean said.

He also commented on the partying of Stagecoach and encouraged it.

“Have as much fun as you want to,” he said. “This only happens once a year.”

Fans in the crowd sang along as he played hits from his catalog, including “Big Green Tractor” and “Take a Little Ride” as well as a cover of Kid Rock’s “Cowboy” in his encore.

From “Crazy Town” on, the crowd danced and seemed to yell along with every Aldean lyric. With such a huge crowd response, it’s likely we’ll see Aldean back again headlining Stagecoach soon.

See photos of Jason Aldean at Stagecoach 2014.

Trampled By Turtles: The best musicianship of all of Stagecoach 2014 may have been at the Mustang Stage on Saturday evening. Minnesota alternative bluegrass group Trampled By Turtles crafted a set with both high energy and truly soulful points with some of the slower songs.

Singer and guitarist Dave Simonett, mandolin player Erik Berry, banjo player Dave Carroll, bassist Tim Saxhaug and fiddle player Ryan Young are all incredible players on their own, but the sum of the parts and their vocals, really make something special.

At the set’s peak, a square-dancing mosh pit broke out in the back of the tent. Highlights included a cover of the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” and Trampled By Turtles breakthrough set closer “Wait So Long.”

The last time Trampled By Turtles played Stagecoach, they landed a slot at Coachella the next year. I hope that pattern happens again.

See photos of Trampled By Turtles at Stagecoach 2014. 

Jennifer Nettles: The Sugarland singer gone solo took over the Mane Stage at sunset. Fans were into her cover of Imagine Dragons’ “Demons.”

See photos of Jennifer Nettles at Stagecoach. 

Don McLean: If Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was the anthem of opening day of Stagecoach 2014, McLean’s set-ending “American Pie” was the anthem of day two.

See photos of Don McLean at Stagecoach.

Hunter Hayes plays the drums on stage at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)

Hunter Hayes: The boy wonder delighted the crowd by playing multiple instruments and drawing fans away from the beer tents to pack the field and their seats.

See photos of Hunter Hayes at Stagecoach. 

Corb Lund: Corb Lund might be the funniest person at Stagecoach. He sang songs about cows, whiskey and keeping a bible on the dashboard to keep a band out of trouble while touring.

If you’re into the alt-country of Hayes Carll, you’ll love Lund.

Quote of the set: “This next song I wrote strictly for the girls. It’s a military history song.”

Jason Isbell: There’s always one songwriter on the Palomino Stage that gives me chills. In the past it’s been Nick 13 and Jason Intveld. This year, Jason Isbell was it.

He has such a soulful voice, which was the star on songs such as “Alabama Pines” and “Cover Me Up,” but the highlight was the rollicking set-closer “Super 8.”

See photos of Jason Isbell at Stagecoach.

–Freelance reporter Charlotte Bray contributed to this report.

Want more Stagecoach photos, updates and stories? Visit the iGuide Stagecoach special section. Also, check out The Best of Stagecoach 2014.

The Wild Feathers perform on the Palomino Stage on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)

The Wild Feathers opened the a Stagecoach Country a Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on Friday with a rollicking set on the Palomino Stage.

“This is a beautiful venue,” guitarist and singer Ricky Young said in an interview after the band’s set.

Band members explained that when they’re playing a country festival, such as Stagecoach, they’ll get comments that they’re rock and roll, but at a place such as the more rock-oriented Outside Lands in San Francisco, the crowd gives them more of a country label.

“I think we’re very versatile,” guitarist and singer Taylor Burns said.

The first album he remembers taking from his dad was The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul.” His father also played in bands and practice would often be in their living room.

“I just thought it was normal,” Burns said.

Young’s mother worked in a honky tonk called Moe’s, now famous, but then a dive that smelled of stale beer, cigarettes and had a house band.

He was in his dad’s truck and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” came on the radio. He didn’t know what it meant, but he knew the words meant something.

The Wild Feathers’ early Stagecoach set, which had shades of Led Zeppelin and Whiskeytown, featured material off its 2013 self-titled album.

Burns said the members holed up in a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains for two weeks, writing 40 songs for the album.

They have a busy summer coming up, with tour stops at Bonnaroo and a tour with Sheryl Crow. I’m hoping the band follows the Trampled by Turtles route and plays Coachella next.

See photos from The Wild Feathers at Stagecoach.

Eric Church performs on the Mane Stage on Friday, April 25, 2014, at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)

The 2014 Stagecoach Country Music Festival kicked off with a full day of country fun under the sun and later in the day, clouds, as mild temperatures kept the sold out crowd happy.

Eric Church: Stagecoach was only the second U.S. tour date for Church on his new tour supporting new album “The Outsiders” and it was his first time headlining the event. He played the very first Stagecoach back in 2007 on the Mane Stage in an early afternoon slot.

He also knew the reputation of the sold-out Stagecoach crowd.

“I have seen how drunk you people have been today,” he said early in the set.

He encouraged the wild behavior of the fans.

“I expect nothing less and I have a very high bar for what this show is going to be,” he said from the stage.

Church started off with “That’s Damn Rock & Roll,” off the new record before going into his catalog, with “Cold One,” crowd favorite “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Guys Like Me” and “Sinners Like Me” early in the set.

His set wasn’t flashy, but was representative of Church, who puts a premium on songwriting and musicianship.

See photos of Eric Church at Stagecoach 2014. 

The Wild Feathers: The Wild Feathers might be the most rocking band at Stagecoach. This Nashville group got the party started in the Palomino Tent on Friday. I would love to see them do Coachella next year, not unlike how Trampled By Turtles did it in the past.

Read more about The Wild Feathers. See photos of The Wild Feathers at Stagecoach.

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers: I fell in love with this group’s creative covers in their “Van Sessions” videos, but they brought plenty of energy with their originals today. However, their cover of “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstandt was spot on today.

See photos of Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers.

Shelby Lynne: The last time Lynne played Stagecoach, she wasn’t pleased to be on the main stage playing for an empty pit of VIPs. On Friday she had a fantastic set on the Palomino stage with a wide-ranging set that even included some gospel and backup singer Maxine Waters, from the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet from Stardom.”

The Wailin’ Jennys: The harmonies were lovely from this group, plus they had the best apology of the day–saying sorry to the people at the Mustang stage who thought they were coming to see Waylon Jennings.

Katey Sagal and the Forest Rangers: After filling up the Mustang Stage last year, the group, led by the actress and singer which is essentially the house band for “Sons of Anarchy,” on which Sagal is the star, drew a large crowd to the Palomino Stage. People cried “GEMMA!” At Sagal, after her character on the show.

Lynyrd Skynyrd: The legendary Southern rock band was the only one to really bring a massive crowd away from the Mane Stage, and people started running to them. There were a lot of American flag bandannas in this crowd. The band played its biggest hits–including “What’s Your Name?” “Simple Man” and “Tuesday’s Gone.”

The massive Palomino stage, which is the largest outside of the mane Stage, was overflowing with fans. The band’s set ended with “Gimme Three Steps” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Want more Stagecoach photos, updates and stories? Visit the iGuide Stagecoach special section. Also, check out The Best of Stagecoach 2014.