05.22.2011 - Hangout Festival Day 3 @ Gulf Shores, AL

Mel Mead Mic June 14, 2011 Mic Hangout Festival Mic Gulf Shores, AL

 

 

Hangout Festival Gulf Shores Alabama

Our final day of the festival had us running across the beachfront and from stage to stage to catch all that we could before heading back north.

Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights at Hangout Festival

We first popped in to Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights set at the Boom Boom Tent. It was already hot as hell on the beach, so it was nice to duck into the tent to catch the show. This is a band deeply rooted in classic rock such as Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones. The Dallas band released their new album, Pardon Me , in late April and have been touring in support of the album since. They got the crowd rocking with “Gypsy Woman,” “Hot Sake,” and a Hendrix and Stones cover. No doubt that this band has big things ahead…expect to see them headlining bigger stages in the near future.

Portugal.The Man at Hangout Festival

Next we were on to Portugal. The Man at the Surf Style Stage. Though the crowd on the beach was boiling in the sun, Portugal had them dancing with cool drinks in hand, enjoying a high energy morning next to the sea. Portugal performed songs such as “Guns and Dogs,” “The Sun,” “New Orleans,” and quite a few more from their previous releases. A new album is due out in July and if you want to be one of those people on top of your musical game, it would do you well to study up on this band and pick up the new album when it drops.

Old Crow Medicine Show at Hangout Festival

We made our way back to the Boom Boom Tent for Old Crow Medicine Show. If you are loving bands like the Avett Brothers or Mumford and Sons, these good ol’ boys are right up your alley. Their biggest hit “Wagon Wheel” is one of those songs that make you wonder why someone didn’t have the good sense to write it before now and feels so familiar. The brought some kick ass old timey music to the crowd with banjos, fiddles, an upright bass, and vintage guitars. They know how to have a good time and showed the gathering at the Boom Boom Tent that the older it sounds, the better.

Another run at the Surf Style Stage got us a chance to check out Matisyahu. The beachfront crowd gathered to hear the positive and upbeat message he had to share. Matisyahu has a very loyal following and it was evident that they showed up to support the man that has inspired them to reflect and dance. He performed “Illegal Dub,” “On Nature,” “Jerusalem,” and many more. One of the more interesting acts of the festival, Matisyahu came ready to tell the crowd to love themselves and each other to make the world a better place.

Matisyahu at Hangout Festival

Finally, we ended the day over in the children’s area of the festival. One of my favorite aspects of this festival is that it is family-oriented. Children could go to their own section of the grounds and color, build their own drums, rock out on a variety of instruments, and see special shows from some of the artists. We were there to catch one such show from Michael Franti, who is releasing a children’s book. Certainly, many adults came over to catch the show, but let the kids have access to the very front to rock out.

Michael Franti at Hangout Festival

Franti opened up the small set with a song that taught us all how to say “Hello” in a variety of languages and had the all ages audience dancing and singing along. He also had everyone going with the infamous “Sound of Sunshine,” and “Say Hey.” Franti really seemed to enjoy the opportunity to play the impromtu set for the kids and grown ups and was simply there to share his message of living life to the fullest and enjoying each day we get to experience the warmth of the sun. It was a great way for us to end our Hangout Fest experience (I know…we left early, but remember, we unfortunately still have to hold down our “real” jobs).

Well done Hangout, well done. We had such a blast! We loved the entire experience and we cannot wait to come back next year!









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