From the moment the lineup was announced, Stagecoach was set up for a weekend of great music and unique experiences, especially with the variety of artists on the bill. Headliners Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan more than delivered with their trademark stage presence and hit songs, that was enhanced by the surprise guests that gave the sold-out crowds unforgettable memories. Right off the bat during the first night did Jelly Roll bring out Machine Gun Kelly to perform a cover of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and the guests would keep on coming with Lana Del Rey, Shaboozey, Wiz Khalifa, Alex Warren, BigXthaPug and Brandon Lake. Luke Combs had the ultimate crossover guest with Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte join him to perform “The Anthem” and then later on, joined the Backstreet Boys to perform “I Want It That Way.” Paris Hilton, who DJ’d at Diplo’s HonkyTonk, was joined by Lizzo and Kesha made an appearance during T-Pain’s set.
Announced literally the morning of, Mumford and Sons performed on the first day of the festival and had an overflowing crowd at the Palomino stage where the singalongs and energy were overwhelming and infectious. Lana Del Rey followed thereafter on the same stage, and although some of the crowd trickled out after Mumford and Sons to catch other sets, their spots were immediately filled, making it just as jam-packed with fans. Her set design was reminiscent of a porch in the front yard with trees and lamps illuminating the stage, while Lana and her backup dancers and singers were all dressed in vintage 1950s era clothing and dresses. The set was absolutely ethereal with a good mix of her trademark songs of “Video Games” and “Summertime Sadness” sprinkled in with covers of “Stand by Your Man” by Tammy Wynette and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, the latter performed with The Secret Sisters and George Birge(who showed up earlier to perform his song “Cowboy Songs” with her).
Guest appearances aside, the Stagecoach lineup continued to provide something for everyone to keep their festival days exciting. Electronic duo Sofi Tukker thrilled the Honky Tonk with a fun set filled with their trademark songs, while DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak) played a nostalgic set filled with tunes from the 80s and 90s, mixed in with a few currents like “Day n Nite” by Kid Cudi and One Republic. The HonkyTonk has continued to push the boundaries and introduce country fans to a genre that matches their lifestyle and other interests, which can also be said for the hip-hop element. That was most evident during Nelly’s set, whose songs harkened back to many fans’ middle school days. A surprise appearance by Too $hort at the Malibu Rum activation during Brandi Cyrus’ set was one of the more unique experiences for fans who just so happened to be stopping by for a break and a drink.
Outstanding emerging acts like The Castellows impressed many and had a passionate audience at the smaller Toyota Music Den. The trio of sisters were engaging and polished on-stage, showing their potential to take the next step is inevitable. Eighteen-year-old Waylon Wyatt was enthralling at his Stagecoach debut, whose smooth delivery and confident stage presence was undeniable. Joined on-stage by another emerging act, Willow Avalon to perform their recent release, “Smoke and Embers”, Wyatt showed his poise and ability to entertain.
Stagecoach may be billed as a country festival, but it’s much more than that and over the course of three days, there’s a little bit of country, a little bit of soul and not to mention lots of great memories to be made. This year’s event lived up to that billing and is certainly an event worth checking out next year.
You must be logged in to post a comment.