Just when I thought I was out, the polo field pulls me back in: I’ll once again be melting this weekend outside Indio, California, where the organizers of Coachella are debuting the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, a two-day affair featuring what can only be described as "the biggest names in country music coming together to force Whitney into making more tough decisions about where to spend her time." How else to explain these conflicting set times: George Strait vs. Neko Case? Sugarland vs. Emmylou Harris? Marty Stuart vs. Gary Allan? Or worst of all, Brooks & Dunn vs. Drive By Truckers? (Hint: Saw DBT last fall. Haven’t seen B&D since high school.)
While I won’t be dragging my laptop all over the fields this time, I will be back on Monday with a recap of all the hot hoedown action. The Texan in me is psyched — I sort of feel like I’m getting to go to every night of the rodeo all at once. And I can’t wait to see the difference between 60,000 Rage Against the Machine fans and 60,000 Kenny Chesney fans. A little part of me is afraid there won’t be much difference at all, just replace "righteous anger" with "beer," and there ya go.
In the meantime, PopWatchers: Who do you think I should see? And do you have questions for any of the acts performing? Never know who I’ll run into at the watering hole.*
*NOTE: Folksy turns of phrase will be largely absent from Monday’s recap.
Comments (1-12) of 12 Add your comment
Not that I would be one to tell you what to do, but if you choose Sugarland over Emmylou I will cry for your soul.
George Strait vs. Neko Case? I know George has the old skool thing going for him, but man, Neko Case!
I also throw my vote into the Gary Allan cloumn. Not that I’m a country music fan. No siree Bob.
RIP DBT. Isbell was the soul of that band. Not that seeing Botox & Dunn will be better than an Jason-less Truckers.
My only advice is to avoid Garrison Keillor like the plague.
I haven’t checked the full list of performers, Whit, but I sure hope Rascal Flatts isn’t on it for your sake.
The Drive-by-Truckers rule, for anyone that cares…
Definitely see Nickel Creek. I caught them my freshman year at Virginia Tech, and they put on an awesome show. Besides, they probably won’t be a group much longer, they all seem intent on going their separate ways. They put more heart and soul in their music than most of the other groups. (Brooks & Dunn are also a good choice. Saw them last year.)
I think Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland is awesome; How old is Emmylou Harris anyway? My vote is for Sugarland!
Don’t worry, Whitney, I’ll make your decisions for you:
George Strait Vs. Neko Case: NEKO!!!!
Sugarland vs. Emmylou: Sugarland. I love Emmylou, but would rather see Kristian Bush, late of one of my favorite bands, Billy Pilgrim.
Marty Stuart vs. Gary Allan: Marty Stuart. It’ll be a better crowd.
Brooks & Dunn vs. DBT: Dunno. (sorry)
You should also see Miranda Lambert, Lucinda Williams, Old 97s, and Nickel Creek. Man, I wish I was going to this . . .
Skip the Kenny Chesney. Total suckfest. 60,000 fans CAN BE WRONG.
Lucinda, definitely.
Neko. Check.
Emmylou. Check twice.(Sugarland also sucks)
Marty Stuart (although it is rumored strongly that he threw the match that burned down JC’s house) – a superb musician.
John Cowan Band.
Raul Malo.
Del McCoury Band.
Most definitely, do not miss:
ROBERTEARLKEEN ROBERTEARLKEEN ROBERTEARLKEEN
You will not be sorry.
You said this was Indio. It smokes more like Outdio.
NICE “Friday” reference, Ep. I hope everyone else got it.