Stagecoach lineup announced

Having seen its audience double in size from 2007 to 2008, STAGECOACH: California’s Country Music Festival-Powered by Toyota Tundra returns to the California desert, Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.

The beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, once again plays host to an impressive lineup featuring some of the top talent in the country music world today including headliners Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Reba and Kid Rock.T

he initial STAGECOACH 2009 line-up, representing a broad range of musical styles, includes Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Poco (Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Rusty Young, Paul Cotton, Jack Sundrud and George Lawrence), Charlie Daniels Band, Darius Rucker, Earl Scruggs, Chris Cagle, Lady Antebellum, Reverend Horton Heat, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, Lynn Anderson, Doyle Lawson, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Danielle Peck, Dale Watson, Zac Brown Band, The Duhks, Waddie Mitchell, Randy Houser, Hot Club of Cowtown and James Intveld.

Alongside the wide variety of musical options -- the critically acclaimed gathering features artists from the genres of mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country in three performance areas -- concert-goers will experience a weekend of fun for the entire family. STAGECOACH also includes a leading BBQ competition and expanded camping area with amenities exclusive to campers.

Last year’s Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned Stagecoach Invitational BBQ Championship cook-off featured nearly 50 teams from across America competing for the official KCBS California statechampionship. By purchasing a five “taste ticket” pack, concert-goers experienced a variety of BBQ choices including chicken, tri tip, ribs and beans. Each taste ticket includes the ability to cast one vote for their favorite team.

Due to overwhelming demand, the STAGECOACH RV camping was also expanded last year to accommodate the number of music fans who chose to stay on site; more than 4000 RVs filled the area. Some of last year’s camping amenities included: WiFi access, an internet andre-charge tent, a 21-and-over clubhouse and cantina with Bloody Mary breakfasts, rest rooms with showers, potable water trucks and holding tanks. Festival attendees staying in the RV and camping area were allowed “in & out” privileges throughout the weekend.

In just two years, STAGECOACH has joined the ranks of top U.S. destination festivals.

The Los Angeles Times (5/6/08) noted: “Stagecoach brought an impressively wide range of performers together across its three stages: young and old, mainstream and fringe, traditional and experimental…The talent lineup also tested the limits of what defines ‘country’ music.”

USA Today (5/5/08) said STAGECOACH has “found a national identity… on the same polo field as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.”

And the Orange County Register (5/3/08) added, “Stagecoach… should be considered a smashing success. Indeed, years from now this second outing may be viewed as the turning point for the budding Americana monolith… The achievement of this year’s three-day and more rock-embracing Stagecoach, however, is much more significant. It has proven that a refined, downscaled (yet in other ways expanded) version of that concept can become every bit as much an eagerly anticipated cornucopia as its sister festival has been for years.”

Tickets for STAGECOACH go on sale Friday, November 14 at 10:00 AM (PT) at all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket prices start at just $99.00 for two-day passes.

A variety of reserved seating, campingand RV packages are also available; to view a complete breakdown of available ticketing and onsite camping/RV options, please visit www.Stagecoachfestival.com.

STAGECOACH is produced by Goldenvoice, The Messina Group and Moore Entertainment Group. For up-to-the-minute information on STAGECOACH, visit www.stagecoachfestival.com.

STAGECOACH is sponsored by Toyota Tundra and Budweiser.

Here’s some additional critical feedback on last year’s STAGECOACH:

Desert Sun (5/6/08): “The Stagecoach Country Music Festival found an identity this weekend as a showcase for the many voices of America's regional music… The three Stagecoach stages were filled this weekend with nontraditional acts, such as The Eagles, John Fogerty and Mike Ness of Social Distortion, who anchored the roots-oriented Mustang Stage on Friday.”

Riverside Press Enterprise (5/3/08): “The second annual Stagecoach Country Music Festival has wrapped, but the event was filled with magical moments-- from the Eagles' playing "Hotel California" to the Judds' reunion. And through it all there were activities for the kids, more than 50 artists and even a little bit of edginess from the Mane Stage.”