Here Comes the Stagecoach

Brad Paisley headlines one of the world's biggest country fests.

COUNTRY TIME: So, we're developing this theory that pretty much any art form could have its own weekend-long -- or two-weekend-long -- party in the desert and it might be a huge success. Look no further than Coachella and its hip-close kin Stagecoach, which is set to roll from Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29. (Check out our excellent slideshow comparison of the two right here) It never fails to impress us that two mammoth music festivals can sidle up alongside each other and do so without a seeming hitch. Meaning? More types of tunes should be getting their own bashes. A whole weekend devoted to banjos and saw-playing? We're so there.

ON THE STAGECOACH STAGE: Brad Paisley and his witty verbiage will be making people clap (and sing along; the guy is imminently sing-along-able to, we find). Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton are also on the bold-named line-up. And hi, Alabama and Kenny Rogers! Nope, they're not listed as playing together, but a vintage-country-lovin' gal can dream. (Do you feel a live mash-up between "Mountain Music" and "The Gambler" might rock it? We do.)

JUST FOR FAMILIES: While there are many mondo music festivals in the world, Stagecoach stands out for a few reasons. Here's one we particularly like: They have a special section they call "Just for Families." That's pretty nice, and yep, they keep the country theme going by referring to kid guests as "young'uns." There are activities and games and such in a special family area called "the Half-Pint Hootenanny." Don't you already pre-like it, given the sassy name? And can you imagine if every rock fest had a family area? Stagecoach, please continue to lead the way in this respect; we can only guess it would bring more fans out if they knew the kids could come along.

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