INDIO—The city of Indio and the Coachella Valley hosted the Stagecoach Country Music festival over the weekend with some of country’s biggest and talented acts including Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Chris Stapleton and many others. The three-day festival in the desert near Palm Springs is a institution in this area, along with its sister festival Coachella, which had run the previous two weeks in the same location at the Empire Polo Grounds.
Snoop Dogg even found his way onto the stage with Sam Hunt on Friday along with fellow rappers G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha. A crossover that seemed to amplify an already electric lineup. Eric Church then ended Friday night with an always solid performance. “Mr. Misunderstood” was his album he was supporting, and his fans roared their approval.
Saturday night was by far the best night of the festival. Carrie Underwood continued her tradition as the Queen of Stagecoach when she ripped off her shoes halfway through her set and yelled, “I promised I would never do this, but these heels are coming off, I want to get down and I can;t. My feet are going to be destroyed.” She then proceeded to tear through her set to 85,000 screaming fans, one hit after the other. Bravo, Carrie- it would have been hard to do it any better.
To conclude the festival Luke Bryan did his set to the adoring throngs of females near the front of the stage. He proceeded to “kick the dust up,” literally ending what was an exhilarating three days of music, fun and camaraderie among the concert goers. Concert promoter Goldenvoice made special pains to ensure the safety of all in attendance and to keep the fans cool in the intense desert heat.
Thanks to the staff who were extremely helpful, the misters, the many cooling down stations were welcome respites for the many attendees. See you in 2017 STAGECOACH!
