An Introduction to Stagecoach

            Attention all connoisseurs of country and buckaroos of bluegrass: This one’s for you. Those who prefer a banjo’s light plucking over an electric guitar’s bass-heavy riffs, you humble folks partial to a Southern crooner’s twangy drawl instead of some indie artist’s eccentric vocals, and everyone who would pass up some time in the rave tent for an easy-going line dance, fear not because your complete preview of Stagecoach is right here.

            The one music festival that lags behind the all too pretentious shadow of Coachella Fest is brought to light as the season of Stagecoach draws near. What? Never been to Stagecoach, you say? Not a fan of country music? Well, dear readers, allow me to elaborate on the magical workings Stagecoach has to offer, for the festival provides much more than just barbecue and fiddles.                                                                                                             

           Though the attendance level at Stagecoach seems packed, it’s roughly 55,000–a bit of leeway compared to 75,000 at Coachella. People arrive earlier and stake their claim to a spot on the field adjacent to the stage with chairs and blankets in tow behind the reserved seating section. Granted it’s first-come-first-serve, but the optimum viewing experience features a chill atmosphere (and happy hour at sunrise).

            There are polite musicians in every music genre, but country acts here tend to ask, “Do you mind if I play a new song?” rather than stating what they’re going to do next and force feeding psychedelic beats to the audience. Since both children and grandparents are among the  Stagecoach concertgoers, a friendlier all-around attitude is thus present.

            So there you go, Stagecoach skeptics. And as for you festival attendees, go on. Set forth on your all-American adventure for musical satisfaction. Corral a posse together, trade a fanny pack for a snazzy belt buckle, and sow your wild oats in the midst of the sun-drenched desert plains, where tumble weeds keep rolling and dusty trails dirty your cowboy boots.