Story by Laurie Hirth ~photos by Pat Krause
Stagecoach Festival in Indio started earlier in the day when they opened up all three stages. Palomino Stage started first with Sara Watkins at 1:00 in the afternoon. Mustang stage started at 2:00, and Mane Stage with the headliners started at 4:00. This gave the early fans a chance to see some of the best in blue grass, Dixie’s land and mountain music.
Sara Watkins started the day at Palomino Stage. She was followed by The McEuen Sessions. A father and sons group. The dad is part of the Nitty Gritty Dirt band. The McEwen had just released a new CD. Following came Dave Alvin, and the Guilty Ones followed by JD Souther at 4:00. The Jay hawks started at 5 with Chris Isaak following at 6:20. The final act at the Palomino was The Mavericks.
Mustang stage saw Old Man Markley at 2 and JD Crowe and the New South at 3. Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys were next on 4. Mustang Stage was filled when comedian Steve Martin, and the Steep Canyon Rangers came on Stage. Steve Martin plays a mean banjo, and the Violinists were magnificent. He put in a few comedic moments, but he is a very dedicated and serious musician, and the band has won many awards.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers were named entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards in Nashville last year. All the music they shared with their fans on Saturday was written by them.
The Mane Stage started with Sunny Sweeney at 4, Justin Moore at 5:15 and Luke Bryan came on Stage at 6:30. Blake Shelton came on Stage at 8 followed his new wife Miranda Lambert at 9:45. They both rocked the stage with screams from the fans. Blake said he wanted the fans him and his music. Miranda’s show is always fun to watch as she flips her hair a lot during her performance while she continues to play the guitar.
