2011 Hangout Festival

Posted in Entertainment by sceneandheardblog on June 6, 2011

The Hangout Festival

When the Hangout Festival announced the 2011 lineup , there was little question that the festival organizers were serious about making it a major music event. With headliners such as Widespread Panic, The Foo Fighters, and Paul Simon, along with many of the music’s hottest artists brought immediate attention to the festival.

The 2010 Festival was attended by approximately 15,000 people. This year The Hangout Festival sold all 35,000 tickets including, 300 Big Kahuna ($900), and 1000 VIP ($500) which included a swimming pool along with special access to all stages.

Beautiful weather and five stages full of top acts on the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama made for an amazing event. This event differs from many of the other festivals in the fact that there is no sanctioned camping, the festival grounds are long and not as wide open, both main stages offer large viewing screens and the grounds host a ferris wheel and tower ride.

Friday was highlighted by stellar performances by Umphrey’s McGee, the energy of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, a soulful set from The Warren Haynes Band, a monster set by My Morning Jacket. Widespread Panic finished the day with a blistering performance followed by a fifteen minute fireworks display.

Saturday was a day full of amazing performances, including Primus, Avett Brothers, Pretty Lights, and the Flaming Lips. A surprise early set from Foo Fighters that included rock classics, “Schools Out, Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down” and a collaboration with Cee Lo Green. The Foo Fighters evening set was a powerful display of heavy metal that left all involved exhausted.

Sunday brought another sun filled day and hot music. Matisyahu, Amos Lee, Ween, and Michael Franti revved the crowd up for a stellar show by The Black Keys. Paul Simon was the perfect act for the final performance of the festival, his beautiful voice and legendary music was just the what was needed for the worn out sun soaked fans.

The Hangout Festival has arrived as one of the South’s top festival’s in a matter of two short years. This event should be on your bucket list. But don’t wait long to get your tickets.