Country music's Stagecoach Festival announces lineup for April 25-26

Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire and Kid Rock will headline country music's annual Stagecoach Festival when it returns to the California desert at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, on April 25-26, as previously announced. The dates assigned to the acts have not been set yet.

Tickets go on sale on November 14 at 10 a.m. (PT) at all Ticketmaster locations, and start at just $99 for two-day passes. A variety of reserved seating, camping and RV packages are detailed at the event's official Web site.

The initial 2009 lineup represents a broad range of musical styles from mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country. Some of the other scheduled performers include Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Charlie Daniels Band, Lady Antebellum, and the Reverend Horton Heat, along with dozens of others.

The festival also includes a leading BBQ competition. 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 state championship. 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 4,000 RVs filled the area. Some of last year’s camping amenities included WiFi access, an internet and re-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 also allowed “in & out” privileges throughout the weekend.

Stagecoach is produced by Goldenvoice, The Messina Group and Moore Entertainment Group, and has quickly developed into the most popular live country music event in the world. The festival launched in 2007, and was held for two days. This past year, Stagecoach was expanded to three days when the Eagles were booked. However, for 2009, the event returns to its original two-day format.