While the 2015 Stagecoach headliners are larger than life, there are a lot of other acts you should include in your schedule. Here are our suggestions.
Friday, April 24
Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys
It’s always a good thing to hear the upright bass and banjo at Stagecoach. Featuring singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou, this folk group has a beautiful sound—and Lindsay Lou can sing.
The Lone Bellow
These days, the term “alt-country” is (over-) used to describe country music that doesn’t fall in with the mainstream. Well, The Lone Bellow is often described as an alt-country band, so take that for what it’s worth. Hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., this group has some great tunes that are heartfelt—and isn’t afraid to rock.
Steve Earle
Sugarland wrote a song called “Steve Earle” for a reason: The chorus goes “Steve Earle, Steve Earle, please write a song for me.” He’s one of the best songwriters in country music; heck, he’s even written a novel. He’s also a sensible lad who has written a lot of politically themed songs championing left-wing causes. (Check out our interview with him next week here at CVIndependent.com.)
Merle Haggard
The legendary Merle Haggard is one of the champions of the Bakersfield sound—and he has quite an extensive history that includes a stint in prison, making him a true outlaw. While Haggard has written some tunes that have angered some people, such as “Okie From Muskogee,” he’s still mentioned in the same breath as Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Willie Nelson.
Saturday, April 25
Old Salt Union
There’s a touch of bluegrass in this group’s acoustic rock sound. In fact, Old Salt Union was named the Best Bluegrass Band by St. Louis’ Riverfront Times, and the band has toured all across the country. Show up early to take these guys in.
The Cadillac Three
If you’re looking for some Southern rock, The Cadillac Three are your band. The group has even recorded with Dierks Bentley (who is also performing). These guys have a dirty Southern sound that would make Lynyrd Skynyrd proud; listen to their song “I’m Southern.”
ZZ Top
I last saw ZZ Top about 15 years ago when I was living in Cleveland—and I left disappointed. Here’s hoping they’ll put on an epic show at Stagecoach. The beards of Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill are legendary, and the group reportedly refused millions of dollars from Gillette to shave them. They remarked: “We’d look ugly without them.”
Sunday, April 26
Ben Miller Band
Confession: I’ve been fruitlessly hoping that The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band would be booked at Stagecoach for the past couple of years—but the Ben Miller Band is not a bad consolation prize. Both groups excel with washboards, spoons and a vintage blues sound. These guys should bring the house down on Sunday.
Oak Ridge Boys
In 2013, I had the honor of interviewing Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys. These guys have stayed relevant for four decades, making great music throughout their career. This is one of the vintage country acts you need to see at Stagecoach.
The Band Perry
The Band Perry, likely to appear on the main stage, is excellent. The group has some hints of bluegrass with a Nashville sound. This family act features Kimberly Perry on vocals—and she has earned her stripes as a powerful voice in Nashville.
