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Gas prices, struggling economy, and artist cancellations could make this the last Stagecoach Festival.

The 2009 Stagecoach Festival (California’s Country Music Festival) planning is well underway, but some fear that the days of country music pilgrimages may be coming to a close. The past few years have seen a decline in ticket and merchandise sales for many event organizers and this year expects to be even worse. Fans who are are struggling with keeping their homes, or scraping pennies just to fill up their gas tanks certainly don’t have the luxury of buying music festival tickets or paying the expenses that are incurred on the trip there and back. Even lesser-known artists have been backing out of recent festival appearances because of high touring costs.

But don’t tell that to these country concert stars. Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum have already signed on to appear at  the 2009 Stagecoach Festival in spite of the obvious financial concerns. They will be joined by fellow artists Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Little Big Town, Chris Cagle,  and many more! Tickets go on sale next week, and the success of this festival may determine the future of the event.

Brad Paisley is proud to release his new album “Play” to stores today! This album focuses on Brad’s amazing guitar skills and features collaborations with other chart-topping artists like Keith Urban, Buck Owens, Steve Wariner, BB King and even Andy Griffith. Each track brings forth little pieces of Paisley’s heart and soul. My personal favorites so far are tied between “Kim” which somehow pulls my heartstrings without a word, and the playful intro to “Start a Band” where you can hear him laughing about dropping his guitar pick into the body of the guitar which is something I’ve done more times than I can count.

Now my question is, with the obvious skill, top names, and excellent musicianship on the instrumental tracks of this album, how many tracks do YOU think will get national radio airplay? I believe that Brad Paisley’s “Play” album sets the stage for a resurgence in skilled guitarists taking the spotlight in pop country, which is something I’ve sorely missed.

For more reviews of Brad Paisley’s new album Play, check out our country music forum!