Stagecoach is one of the top country music festivals in the world. Now in their 12th year, the 3-day festival brought a blend of established top country artists as well as up and coming talent to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Country music performances by Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Lillie Mae, Midland, Brown & Gray, and Lindsay Ell just to name a few.
Photo courtesy of Stagecoach
There is more then enough things to see and do. With the Mane Stage, Palomino Stage, Sirius XM Spotlight Stage, Honkytonk Dance Hall, Half-pint Hootenanny as well as the Toyota Music Den Stage, scheduling your day or weekend is everything. Keeping hydrated is key.
Mane Stage
Palomino Stage
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri showcased the Stagecoach Smokehouse serving up not only delicious barbecue but a 40,000 square-foot tent with plenty of room to kick back and enjoy some ribs and a beverage. There was also plenty of food venues throughout, with lots of variety and pre-ordering a beer didn't hurt either.
Chef Guy Fieri and friend talking about life.
Besides music, you could learn how to drive a Harley motorcycle, take a Toyota thrill ride with a professional driver, or take a lesson on two-stepping. Plus shop or browse the various markets for western clothes, jewelry, art, and festival merchandise. Nikki Lane's Stage Stop Market was a hit for her vintage, eclectic style, made extra cool with Nikki Lane herself and company singing in an intimate, casual setting. Shopping and live music always resonates nicely.
Nikki Lane
Mason Ramsey - "Lil' Hank Williams", Walmart yodel sensation, made a surprise appearance with Florida Georgia Line to perform Hank William's song "Lovesick Blues".
Photo courtesy of Stagecoach
Closing the night on Mane Stage, headliner Garth Brooks brought the fire to the record-breaking attendance.
Photo courtesy of Stagecoach
If you have attended once, it's hard not to become a repeat visitor. With RV parking and off-site camping, there are many options for accommodations. Talking to many locals about Stagecoach and Coachella, they mostly love it. They kind of miss it after it's over. Yes it's busy and loud, but the restaurants, bars, shopping and accommodations, all thrive. It's an established, organized hub for drawing some of the best.
*Article by Barbara Brander
*Photos courtesy of Stagecoach and Barbara Brander
*Stagecoach Country Music Festival 2018 - April 27-29 *Empire Polo Club Field in Indio, California.
*Full schedule/info Stagecoachfestival.com
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