Diplo’s Honky Tonk Stage Brings Line Dancing, EDM Acts to Country Event – ​​Orange County Register

From the moment fans walked through the mid-afternoon air-conditioned doors of the Honky Tonk Stage at the 16th annual Stagecoach Country Music Festival, the atmosphere was alive with the rhythm of two-steps, line dancing and cha-cha slide. , essential movements for all those who participate.

The juxtaposition of country dance moves on EDM and pop tracks, with DJ Slim McGraw on the decks on Friday, April 26, to tunes like rap sensation Jack Harlow’s “What’s Poppin” or Lady Gaga’s hit “Rain On Me” might seem strange to some amidst the sea of ​​cowboy hats and boots. However, for the majority of participants, it is a harmonious fusion.

“It’s one of my favorite things about Stagecoach and why we wanted to come back this year,” shared Lucy Ranger, who was driving from Sedona, Arizona, as she split out of the crowd steps taught by a team of instructors on the dance floor. “It’s a perfect compromise between my partner who is a big fan of electronic music and me who loves country. Both worlds make sense.

At the forefront of creating a new blend of electronic music and DJing is none other than longtime collaborator and Late Night in Palomino performer Diplo. Known for his EDM star power, Diplo is known for bringing friends and familiar faces to the stage, and this year is no different.

Friday’s Honky Tonk party was kicked off by Alana Grace, Cheat Grace, Cheat Codes, Dillon Francis B2B Ship Wreck, Honky Tonkin’ in Queens and DJ Famous Dave. On Saturday, April 27, DJ 30Rack, DJ Kevin Bolt, Yoga, The Chainsmokers, Brandi Cyrus, Backwoods Barbie and DJ Rick Dominguez will take over. Closing out on Sunday, April 28 will be DJ Keahi, DJ Lauren, James Kennedy, Diplo B2B Cloone, Vavo and DJ Slim McGraw.

Although most of the artists featured are EDM-based, they maintain the skills to engage with a largely country-loving audience by transforming classics into danceable remixes. For San Diego’s Nori Kingston, the collision of these musical worlds adds to the excitement of attending Stagecoach.

“The collision of all these genres is what makes the movie so fun,” Kingston said. “I’m not limited to country or pop, I like a little bit of everything and coming to Honky Tonk I feel like you can explore everything.”

Honky Tonk not only serves as a stage for EDM artists, but also as a lively dance hall where fans can boot up, scamper and dance.

Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to learn simple dances and line dances from a group of teachers who walk around to help dancers get their bearings. There are also occasional dance performances, where fans can see bands like the Los Angeles Wranglers throughout the day.

Inside the tent, a complete transformation occurs with huge fake cacti, towering disco balls and even a metal horse hanging in the center of the dance floor creating an otherworldly atmosphere. “It’s like entering a completely different city,” Kingston remarked, noting the stark contrast with the dusty surroundings of the Empire Polo Club grounds. “You kind of get to experience the feeling of sitting on nothing but dirt watching the headliners outside and then come here in the evening to party and rave under the disco balls.”