Topped by the big three – Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert and anchored by rock legends ZZ Top and Gregg Allman the sold-out 9th Annual Stagecoach Country Music Festival drew 225,000 fans to Indio, California. “That first year, we had 12,000 people,” said Paul Tollett, StageCoach creator and Coachella co-founder.
ZZTOP
Marc Quiñones, Oteil Burbridge, Warren Haynes, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Derek
Stagecoach offered a curated lineup of 64 acts from powerhouse Dierks Bentley to country vets Merle Haggard as well as some promising newcomers like Lindi Ortega, Logan Brill, electric-guitar wielding singer-songwriter Clare Dunn and my personal favorite The Cadillac Three.
The Cadillac Three & FestPop CEO/Founder Scotty Moore
Camping | Hotel | RV
I have attended stagecoach the last 2 years, but this was the first year I camped. Camping really completes the experience, gives you the complete stagecoach feel the entire weekend rather than just the concerts. If you just want to see concerts, get a hotel, and go VIP. If you want to experience the entirety of country music, stagecoach, and the fans, grab yourself some general admission tickets and a camping spot. You will not be disappointed. There is also plenty of RV parking where you’ll find free WiFi in the activities tent in the RV resort.
The Food
There’s a competition of sorts among food vendors at the Stagecoach Festival for who’s serving this year’s must-try food. Want a gyros? Pizza? Cheesburger? Check. Chinese noodles. You got it. There’s fried cheese, tacos, Pink’s hot dogs, burgers and every carnival food you can imagine. The best barbecue was definitely northern California based KINDERS www.kindersbbq.com
Parking
There was free self parking but the hike to the entrance was about a mile so bring good shoes or get a Pedi-cab.. Life saver for $10 bucks.
Fashion (Source: E Entertainment)
While Coachella fans favor their flower crowns, crop tops and boho maxi dresses, Stagecoach attendees tend to get a little more down and dirty with denim top, fringe bags and good old fashion cowboy boots.
Each row from left to right: Urban Renewal Vintage Well Worn Bandana, $6; Women’s Frayed Brim Raffia Hat, $25; Marc by Marc Jacobs Aviator Sunglasses, $98; Two Leaves Arm Cuff, $8; Chico’s Reagan Multi-Strand Necklace, price unavailable; Merica Made Cowboy Boots and Home Grown Roots Tank, $20; Boot Barn Tony Lama Filigree Belt, $33; Unique Bikini’s American Flag Bandeau Bikini Set, $19; Free People Dark Bloom Lace Tank, $78; Rebecca Minkoff Mini Fringe Cross Body Bag, $125; H&M Denim Shorts, $12; Ariat Women’s Heritage Western R Toe Cowboy Boots, $150; Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion, $16; Shiseido Urban Environment Oil Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Face Sunscreen, $32
StageCoach Interviews
Clare Dunn
For Dunn, playing Stagecoach caps off an amazing year when she got heavy rotation on Sirius/XM’s The Highway; and was called a face to watch in 2015 by USA Today, Billboard, and others; landed a record contract; and opened for stars ranging from Dierks Bentley to Bob Seger. Visit her official website at www.claredunn.com. Like her Facebook page at facebook.com/claredunnmusic
Logan Brill
Logan Brill was born in Knoxville, Tenn. She grew up listening to artists like Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Patty Griffin. Visit her official website at www.loganbrill.com. Like her Facebook page at facebook.com/loganbrillmusic
The Cadillac Three
The Cadillac Three group that draws as much from Mötley Crüe as they do from Waylon Jennings. Im looking forward to tasting their white lightning collection. More importantly FestPop first exclusively reported across social media April 25, 2015, The Cadillac Three will be collaborating with mega talent Tom Petty on CMT Crossroads this year…Stay tuned. Visit their official website at www.thecadillacthree.com. Like them on thier Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCadillacThree
The Stagecoach Experience
What makes the Stagecoach Festival great is its one-of-a-kind vibe and culture. While you came for the music, you’ll also want to experience the many different events and attractions Stagecoach features. The Toyota Drive Center (great for lovers of off-roading), Half Pint Hootenany (perfect for the kids), Honky Tonk Dance Hall & Pasture (for some boot scootin’ boogie-ing), The Ferris Wheel (for killer views) and my favorite the Playstation Experience featuring the new Playstation 4 (for the music-loving gamers). The demo is definitely family-friendly and for all generations. The local police only reported 6 minor alcohol related arrests which is incredible considering a small town of 200,000 will have more arrests in one hour. I will definitely be back next year sporting a RV and encourage my parents and siblings to attend.
In closing, if you cant get enough Country music the Stagecoach producers are rolling out a east coast version of Stagecoach. Check out the new Big Barrel Country Music Festival June 26-28 in Dover, Del. Lambert, Shelton and Carrie Underwood are headlining that event.
Written by FestPop Founder
Scotty Moore
Email comments to: scotty@FestPop.com