Stagecoach: The highs, the lows and the classics of Day 3

The final day of the 2024 Stagecoach country music festival ended with Morgan Wallen on the Mane Stage, but by day it was the classic country artists on the Palomino stage that were captivating the crowd.

Here are the highs and lows from Sunday's final day of Stagecoach, starting good note:

Pam Tillis was a triumph at Stagecoach

I'm just going to say it. Pam Tillis' Stagecoach set on Sunday afternoon was the best thing I saw this entire festival. The iconic country mainstay showed she hasn't missed a beat as she effortlessly entertained, breezing through her hits like "Spilled Perfume," "Don't Tell Me What To Do" and fan favorite "Shake The Sugar Tree." She finished with her biggest hit "Maybe it was Memphis."

She even had jokes. She wore a yellow poncho-style shirt with long fringe that almost touched the floor, prompting her to say "I've got fringe in low places" for a solid country-music-specific joke.

It was just one of those all-around professional sets. Powerful voice, great stage presence, fun patter, and all the hits. Bravo Pam, take a bow ... but don't let that fringe touch the ground.

Clint Black in business on Palomino stage

Another classic country icon, Clint Black, followed Tillis on the Palomino stage and continued to show that a true pro knows how to put on a show in a way that the young country stars, simply don't yet.

The 62-year-old still has it. That was clear Sunday, he powered through his 45-minute set, playing guitar, harmonica and engaging with the crowd with his trademark smile.

He played his biggest hits like "Better Man" and "Killin' Time." He also brought out a few special guests. His daughter Lily Pearl Black, an artist in her own right, sang "Never Knew Love." Rising country music talent Drake Milligan joined Black for "Killin' Time."

It was the type of set that left both Clint Black-aholics and new listeners wanting more.

Early party in the Stagecoach pit

This is a cool thing that Stagecoach does for its early-arriving fans and early-playing artists. The first three acts on the Mane Stage are open for anyone to walk all the way up and be in the pit right in front of the stage. I tried it for the first time Sunday, going up close to see Willie Jones. I had never been up in that area before and it's a fun way to see an artist. To be up close and personal at one of the most vast country stages around, gives you a better sense of what the artists must see when they look out at the sea of bodies.

And now for the lows:

Beyonce it ain't so at Stagecoach

The "Cowboy Carter" airplane flyovers both at Coachella and Stagecoach, a "Cowboy Carter" semi-truck pulling into town last week, multiple collaborators performing at Stagecoach from the album, and yet nothing. It seemed like it was going to happen. It all made sense, but Stagecoach came and went without a sighting. But her absence sort of hung over this year's festival like a specter all three days. A potential mega-moment that never materialized. Side note: Since when does Beyoncé need airplane-banner advertising to get the word out about her and her new album. Yeah, Bey, we've heard of it. You're good. I'm assuming it was a decision made without her knowledge. Feels a little thirsty for her.

More Beach Boys, less Stamos

I get that John Stamos is pretty much embedded with The Beach Boys and the band loves having him as part of the production, but he was so involved in the show, that it got to an eye-rolling point. Let's just roll through some Beach Boys hits, you know one of the most iconic bands of the last 50 years, and maybe not have Stamos sing a song as his character Jesse from the show "Full House" and the fictional band Jesse and the Rippers.

Throwing a hint for more shade at Stagecoach

I'm throwing shade because I'd like Stagecoach to throw a little more shade than it does. Sunday was the hottest day of the weekend and it was noticeable just how few opportunities for shade there are around the grounds. Coachella has its oversized art pieces which help the shade cause. I'd like to see Stagecoach add similar country-themed art installations, but failing that, perhaps add some infrastructure that provides shade.

Shad Powers is a columnist for The Desert Sun. Reach him at shad.powers@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Stagecoach 2024: The highs and lows of the festival's final day