Notes from Stagecoach, Day 1:

It was the cover of the Eagles’ 1976 album, “Hotel California,” brought to life.

There they were — Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh — silhouetted against a desert oasis, surrounded by gently swaying palm trees and a crowd of 40,000. But this was no flashback mirage. This was opening night of the second annual Stagecoach festival in Indio, California — a three-day country music event just outside Palm Springs.

“We thought it would be a good chance to broaden our horizons in terms of our audience,” said Henley. “Maybe there’s some country fans who haven’t really heard us before. California figures prominently in our history, as does the desert. So we’re glad to be here.”

Some of the 14 other musical acts on Friday expressed excitement at sharing a bill with the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Michelle Branch’s parents made the trek from Arizona to catch her set — but not before asking, “Hey, can you get us tickets to see the Eagles?”

“First, they want to see the Eagles, then their granddaughter, then me. I’m not even sloppy seconds. I’m sloppy thirds!” Branch laughingly complained, as her 2-year-old daughter, Owen, ran around the artist compound — a little mini-me in a sundress and pink sandals.

Henley chuckled when informed of Branch’s comments. “I gave her a guitar when she was starting out. Tell her I said hi.”

Backstage was a big mutual admiration society for the artists. Henley interrupted his interview for a moment when Trisha Yearwood’s elegant vocals came soaring through the window of his dressing room trailer. “I hear Miss Yearwood singing. Her voice is unmistakable. God, she’s good.”

John Fogerty — a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer himself with Creedence Clearwater Revival — admitted, “I’m a huge fan of the Eagles, and I just ran into Glen Campbell.”

After his set, Shooter Jennings also caught up with Campbell, who was friends with Shooter’s late father, Waylon, back in the day. “It’s been great seeing you grow up,” Campbell told Shooter affectionately.

“I’m trying, man!” the younger Jennings replied. “I’m hanging on like a hair in a grilled cheese sandwich!”

The two embraced briefly. As Waylon’s son left his trailer, Campbell spontaneously burst into a Foo Fighters song. “It’s times like these you learn to love again!”

Outside, a roadie brought a dual-necked guitar onto the main stage. That could only mean one thing. The Eagles were just about to launch into “Hotel California.” In the ’70s, it was a metaphor for decadence. But on this night, it stood for camaraderie within the country rock community. Henley’s poignant voice rose above the crowd, which had joined him in singing, “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!”

A cheer rose, as the familiar guitar solo wailed and palm trees danced against the desert backdrop. For a brief moment, Hotel Calfornia was once again filled to capacity.

– Denise Quan, Music Correspondent/Senior Producer, CNN Entertainment

On Saturday, 47 acts took the stage for Day 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California — but the one name that seemed to be on everyone’s lips was Prince. His announcement two weeks ago as the evening’s headliner surprised many who thought the ’80s pop superstar was an odd fit at this mecca of indie rock.

But at Coachella, anything goes. Two years ago, Madonna played a dance set in the DJ tent.

When Prince finally hit the main stage shortly after 11 p.m., he played for nearly two hours in an all-star Vegas-style revue that showcased his 25-year career. The Time’s Morris Day and Jerome Benton added their signature dance moves to “Jungle Love,” and Sheila E pounded the skins for “Glamorous Life.”

Thirtysomething fans sang along at the top of their lungs, while a number of twentysomethings looked on, a bit bewildered.

The diminutive Rock and Roll Hall of Famer finally connected with all ages of the alt-rock audience when he unveiled an impassioned cover of Radiohead’s 1993 single, “Creep” — complete with a blistering guitar solo that channeled Jimi Hendrix. Prince’s rendition of the Beatles’ “Come Together” was also a crowd-pleaser.

Then there were his selections form his own vast songbook. “1999,” “Little Red Corvette, “Cream,” “U Got the Look” and “7″ all made the Coachella set list. Prince waited until the first encore to bust out a majestic arrangement of “Purple Rain,” and when he finally concluded his set at 1 a.m. with “Let’s Go Crazy,” the jubilant crowd did just that.

On Sunday, Roger Waters revisits “Dark Side of the Moon” to close out Coachella 2008.

– Denise Quan, CNN Entertainment Producer

This year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, kicked off with a tone as laid-back as Friday night’s headliner, Jack Johnson. Forty-three acts performed on five main stages in 96-degree weather.

Our highlights — and one or two lowlights — can be found below (on a scale of one through five, five being best):

Breakout bands:

The Raconteurs *****

Jack White, Brendan Benson and company channeled Led Zeppelin in a highly charged set that took the band to the next level, and caused many fans to wonder which group was really White’s side project — the Raconteurs or the White Stripes.

Vampire Weekend ****

They’ve gone from the Ivy League to the big league faster than you can say “rehearsal in my dorm room at Columbia University.” The year’s biggest buzz band charmed an overflowing crowd with happy-go-lucky Afro-pop. We’ll even forgive the Chachi factor — bassist Chris Baio is the nephew of actor-turned-reality star Scott Baio.

Pendulum ****

Festivalgoers bounced their heads to the beat long after the electronica rock outfit from Australia left the stage. Obviously, this Pendulum is swinging in the right direction.

Rating the reunions:

The Verve ****

When singer Richard Ashcroft launched into the band’s classic “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” the song was every bit as fresh and haunting as it was 11 years ago. Here’s a reunion that sounded like the group had never left.

Breeders **

Unfortunately, the Breeders’ first live set in six years sounded as ragged as their troubled history. Kim Deal and her twin sister, Kelley, could have used a bit more rehearsal before taking the main stage — where many in the audience drifted off to see Vampire Weekend next door after the Breeders failed to connect.

The scene:

Star power *

Shia LaBeouf, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, Gary Dourdan from “CSI” and the dude who played Bud Bundy on “Married With Children.” [Editor's note: David Faustino.] Where are Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Tara Reid when you need them?

Parking:
You get what you pay for *

Parking may be plentiful, and the price is certainly right (free) — but at the end of the night, cars were at a standstill for more than an hour. Turns out somebody forgot to unlock the gate.

– Denise Quan, CNN Entertainment Producer