The second day of the California country fest showcased emerging talents reveling in their success, alongside renowned veterans delivering memorable performances.

Jelly Roll for Stagecoach
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach
The energy and excitement continued on the second day of the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, on Saturday (April 26). This day proved to be monumental for emerging artists who enjoyed a series of triumphant performances, celebrating their recent successes alongside the thrill of performing at one of the biggest country music festivals.
Among the highlights was rising country-grunge star Koe Wetzel, marking his debut at Stagecoach, while Shaboozey elevated his previous year’s performance by commanding the main stage with a massive crowd. The standout moment was undoubtedly Jelly Roll, who not only surpassed his audience size from the previous year significantly but also brought a record number of special guests to join him on stage, including Shaboozey, making the event unforgettable for fans.
In addition to the rising stars eager to claim their place among country music’s elite, numerous legendary artists also graced the festival on day two. Among them were acts from outside the traditional country music genre, such as post-grunge icons Creed and the hip-hop superstar Nelly, both of whom delighted audiences with nostalgic performances. The 1960s hitmakers, Tommy James and the Shondells, also demonstrated their enduring appeal, showing that they still possess the energy and charisma to entertain large crowds.
Here are eight of the most memorable moments from the second day of the 18th Stagecoach Festival, with one more exciting day to come this weekend.
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Dasha Ignites the Mane Stage with a High-Energy Performance
Dasha captivated a vibrant audience during her 3:20 PM set on the Mane stage, delivering an electrifying performance featuring her dance-pop tracks such as “Not at This Party.” Making her debut on this prominent stage, she exuded joy and enthusiasm, eager to create lasting memories for her fans.
“I played the Mane Stage at Stagecoach!,” she exclaimed, jumping with excitement before launching into her hit “Didn’t I.” Accompanied by dancers and a lasso performer, she showcased dazzling choreography that got the large crowd moving and grooving in unison.
Dasha picked up her guitar for “Way Too Drunk,” sharing a relatable story about her wild adventures. She energized the audience with a rendition of Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For the Party” before concluding her set with an extended performance of “Austin.” As the crowd joined in on the song’s popular dance, Dasha leaped into the audience, singing along and creating a truly interactive experience. — JESSICA NICHOLSON
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Tommy James Revives the Classic “Mony Mony” for a New Generation
Nearly 60 years after its initial success—and almost 40 years since Billy Idol popularized it with his cover—Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Mony Mony” still ignites the party atmosphere. During their afternoon set at the Palomino stage, the audience eagerly responded to James’ calls, echoing his “Yeah!”s and enthusiastically participating in the iconic chorus.
The audience was thrilled to join in the famous chant during the song’s verses, proving the timeless appeal of this classic hit. It’s clear that “Mony Mony” remains a beloved anthem, with fans reliving the excitement of this crowd-pleasing classic. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
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Dylan Gossett Draws a Massive Crowd at Palomino Stage
On the Palomino Stage, Texas native Dylan Gossett attracted a packed audience for his set that began just before 5:00 PM, reminiscent of the time when Zach Bryan filled the same stage three years ago before skyrocketing to fame. Gossett’s performance featured heartfelt renditions of “If I Had a Lover” and “To Be Free,” captivating the crowd who hung on every word.
The audience was particularly drawn in during “Beneath Oak Trees,” a song inspired by his marriage a few years prior. Gossett showcased his band’s versatility as they transitioned from acoustic melodies to high-energy tracks like “Hangin’ On,” culminating in a lively rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” His charismatic performance style resonated with the audience, leaving them wanting more. — J.N.
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Shaboozey Celebrates Main Stage Milestone with New Music
Shaboozey was visibly thankful to see how far he has come since his previous performance at Stagecoach, where he played to a modest crowd of about 1,000 on the Bud Light Stage in 2024. He humorously noted, “A whole lot more than a thousand people here,” acknowledging the staggering turnout in front of him. He celebrated this achievement by debuting a heartfelt cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” a classic sure to resonate with festival-goers.
He seamlessly transitioned into his new song “Amen,” which cleverly referenced themes from Dylan’s classic while sounding triumphant in its own right. The audience could feel the energy and joy radiating from Shaboozey as he relished this moment of success. — A.U.
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Koe Wetzel Delivers a High-Energy Performance at Stagecoach
Koe Wetzel brought his unapologetically gritty and energetic style to the Palomino stage, receiving thunderous applause from the audience eager for high-octane country music. He powered through popular tracks such as “Sweet Dreams” and “Damn Near Normal,” along with the fan-favorite ballad “Drunk Driving.” His engaging presence and excitement encouraged the crowd to fully embrace the spirit of the festival.
Wetzel concluded his set with a special guest appearance from Jessie Murph, joining him for their Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 hit “High Road.” Although Murph’s vocals occasionally felt slightly muffled, their performance provided a fitting climax to Wetzel’s energetic set, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. — J.N.
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Nelly Makes a Splash with Florida Georgia Line Collaboration
While some of the non-country artists appearing at Stagecoach raised eyebrows among fans when announced, Nelly’s presence was a natural fit. His debut album was aptly titled Country Grammar, and his collaborations within the country music scene solidified his place at the festival.
During his performance, he treated the crowd to his iconic remix of “Cruise” with Florida Georgia Line, a track that became a groundbreaking top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the best-selling country songs of the iTunes era. Nelly also reminded fans of their follow-up collaboration, “Little Bit,” which, while not as commercially successful, was just as enjoyable, as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowd dancing along outside the Palomino tent. — A.U.
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Sturgill Simpson Delivers a Powerful Set with Unique Covers
Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson returned to the Stagecoach Mane Stage, delivering a blistering and tightly packed hour-long performance. This marked his first appearance at Stagecoach in nine years, and he showcased his impressive musicianship throughout the set.
Simpson powered through a series of songs, including the laid-back “Brace For Impact (Live a Little)” and “Life of Sun,” as well as a captivating cover of “Don’t Miss Your Water,” originally recorded by William Bell and Otis Redding. His set adopted a jam-band vibe, focusing on intricate instrumentals that highlighted his band’s talents. He even surprised the audience with an unexpected cover of Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time,” showcasing his versatility and creativity. As his performance wrapped up, Simpson acknowledged the crowd with humility, raising one hand in appreciation before exiting the stage. — J.N.
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Jelly Roll Celebrates Headliner Status with Star-Studded Performance
Jelly Roll was filled with gratitude as he embraced his new role as a headliner on Saturday night, celebrating this milestone with close friends and fellow artists. The star-studded event featured a remarkable lineup of collaborators, with many notable figures from his circle joining him on stage, demonstrating the strong connections he has built in the music industry.
Jelly Roll’s humility shone through as he acknowledged the support and love he received from his friends and fans. This celebration was not just a performance; it was a heartfelt gathering of artists and friends, all reveling in Jelly Roll’s well-deserved success. For him, it was a night to be thankful for the journey that led him to this incredible moment. — A.U.