Trey Anastasio, Zac Brown Band, The Flaming Lips and More for The Hangout in Gulf Shores, AL – Win Tickets!

As this weekend proved, festival season has officially kicked off. And in a few weeks time there will be a music festival of mammoth proportions taking place just a few hours down the road from us here in Atlanta. The Hangout Beach, Music & Arts Festival starts up in Gulf Shores, Ala. on May 14 and goes through the weekend, with live music from the likes of Trey Anastasio and TAB, Zac Brown Band, John Legend, Ray LaMontagne, Ben Harper and Relentless7 and The Flaming Lips, as well as our local faves The Whigs.

We have a few pairs of tickets to give away for the event, which you can win by emailing us at win@ticketalternative.com with “Hangout” in the subject. Good luck!

We have a great interview here with Shaul Zislin, who told us a little more about the festival.

What gave you the original idea to put together your own music festival?

The site. The venue is absolutely perfect for this festival, not only for the actual shows but the lodging amenities and the community as a whole.

How will The Hangout be different from other music festivals out there?

It’s right on the beach! Being in Gulf Shores, with the ocean and white sand as the backdrop, is going to create a really unique festival experience. The great condos in walking distance and the ability to take hot shower after the show are definitely added bonuses.

You have some big names on the lineup for a first-year festival. Who are you most excited to see & hear at The Hangout Fest?

There are a lot, and the format of the festival will allow me to see most if not all performances.  We can accommodate 35,000 people very comfortably, and give fans a more intimate experience compared to larger festivals.

Walk us through a day at Hangout Fest. What sort of overall experience can people expect?

For me, I’m going to start with breakfast on the balcony of the condo looking at the Gulf, watch for dolphins swimming by and be thankful for being there. Then I’ll walk along the beach to The Hangout and catch the morning yoga session on the beach with my kids.  I’ll look at the art as I head over to the stages for the music. After the show, we’ll get some late night activity then head back to the condo for a warm shower and get ready to do it again.  I just wish it was longer than three days!

The drive from Atlanta to Gulf Shores is about four hours, not a bad road trip. What are three essentials you recommend people bring along for the drive?

Great spirit, sunscreen and love of music

Georgia is definitely well-represented in the lineup, with local favorites like Zac Brown Band, The Black Crowes, The Whigs, and Blind Boys of Alabama on the bill. Could Hangout Fest fill the void left in our hearts after the end of Atlanta’s Music Midtown?

It’s hard to fill voids of the heart as they are rooted in memories, but  I hope to deliver a different experience that for years to come.

With condos right on the beach, Hangout Fest seems like a pretty great vacation. What are some of your favorite vacation destinations?

Gulf Shores is special.  You will not find a single corporate restaurant.  All are local spots rooted in the coastal tradition and very unique.  It has all the amenities you would expect from a great beach town without the commercial bland that is so prominent in other areas.

Gulf Shores is only a gas tank away, and we can share a condo with a bunch of friends, making this a pretty affordable weekend getaway. Is that what you had in mind?

The options are vast.  From a camping spot at the beautiful state park for $25 per night to great beach front condos that sleep six within walking distance to the fest for as little as $40 per person.  There are even ultra luxury houses or condos up to 4,000 square feet that will satisfy the most demanding music fan.

Is Hangout Fest a one-time only project, or can we plan on making the road trip every year?

This will be an annual event that hopefully will be part of Atlanta music scene in years to come.

What are the must-see spots for Atlantans traveling to Gulf Shores for Hangout Fest? We’re looking for your favorite place to grab a bite, the best local hole in the wall, sites to see, etc.

The Hangout restaurant is amazing. It’s really a can’t-miss experience right on the beach.  There are so many great local places that will introduce southern coastal hospitality to Atlantans.

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Tags: alabama, ben harper, gulf shores, john legend, ray lamontagne, the flaming lips, the hangout, the hangout beach music & arts festival, the whigs, trey anastasio, zac brown band

Category: Festivals, Gigs, Giveaways, News