(Gulf Shores)

Gulf Shores, AL (March 22, 2012) – The Hangout Music Fest is proud to announce a diverse talent line-up for the Thursday Kickoff Party Presented by Dos Equis on May 17th. Due to very high demand for the pre-party last year, and as there won’t be late night events this year, organizers of the Fest have expanded the Thursday Kickoff Party in a major way.  Now, it’s bigger and better than ever with a larger area and more hours of fun. From 2 pm to 11 pm, fans can check out nine bands on two stages at the Hangout site, including: Big Gigantic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Boombox, Perpetual Groove, Zoogma, Nobody Beats The Drum, Delta Rae, The Kingston Springs, Tauk.  Tickets for the Thursday Kickoff Party, which are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, go on sale this Friday, March 23 at 10:00 am CDT at www.hangoutmusicfest.com.

Recently named “Music Festival of the Year” at the Pollstar Awards, The 2012 Hangout Music Fest’s full weekend line-up was recently bolstered with the addition of Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros.  Taking place at Gulf Shores, Alabama during the weekend of May 18th, 19th and 20th, the line-up also features newly added acts Kaskade, Umphrey’s McGee, Delta Spirit, Heartless Bastards, Greyboy All Stars and Givers, who will join previously announced headliners Dave Matthews Band, Jack White and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Other confirmed artists include String Cheese Incident (playing two sets), Wilco, Skrillex, The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon, Dispatch, Steve Winwood, Chris Cornell, STS9, Gogol Bordello, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mac Miller, Flogging Molly, Coheed & Cambria, Paul Oakenfold, G. Love and Special Sauce, Randy Newman, Dr. Dog, Young the Giant, Cage the Elephant, Dawes, Alabama Shakes, M. Ward, Yelawolf, Switchfoot, Julian Marley, Zeds Dead, Mavis Staples, Shpongle, Gary Clark Jr., Rebelution, Allen Stone, Big Freedia, The Devil Makes Three, Paper Diamond, Futurebirds, Hey Rosetta!, Sleeper Agent, The Lumineers, Archnemesis, Tribal Seeds, Rich Aucoin and Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns.

The 2012 Hangout Music Fest has sold out of all general admission tickets, but is still offering a limited number of VIP, Super VIP and Big Kahuna passes available for purchase now at www.hangoutmusicfest.com/tickets.  Daily tickets will not be available, and tickets will not be available at the door.

Due to traffic concerns, festival attendees are strongly urged to use the upgraded and expanded shuttles for local travel to and from Hangout – click here for more information www.cidentertainment.com/hangout/.

(Gulf Shores, AL) – The Hangout Music Fest announced today the third main stage headliner to the highly anticipated 2012 lineup: the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will be touring in support of their latest Grammy-nominated album, I'm With You.   To be held May 18, 19 and 20 on the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Fest will also feature main stage headliners Dave Matthews Band and Jack White, along with dance tent headliner Skrillex.

(Gulf Shores)

The much awaited 2012 Hangout Music Festival Schedule has been released as follows:  Dave Mathews Band, Jack White, Skrillex, String Cheese Incident, Wilco, The Flaming Lips Perform Dark Side of the Moon, Dispatch, Steve Winwood, Chris Cornell, STS9, Gogol Bordello, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mac Miller, Flogging Molly, Coheed & Cambria, Paul Oakenfold, G. Love and Special Sauce, Randy Newman, Dr. Dog, Young the Giant, Cage the Elephant, Dawes, Alabama Shakes, M Ward, Yelawolf, Switchfoot, Julian Marley, Zeds Dead, Mavis Staples, Shpongle, Gary Clark Jr., Rebelution, Allen Stone, Big Freedia, The Devil Makes Three, Paper Diamond, Futurebirds, Hey Rosetta!, Sleeper Agent, The Lumineers, Archnemesis, Tribal Seeds, Rich Aucoin, Jamie Bergeron and more to be announced (line-up available at http://lineup.hangoutmusicfest.com/).

(Gulf Shores)

West Beach Grille in Gulf Shores is hosting Hangout Music Festival After Parties featuring some of the best musicians around.  The events will begin on Friday night at 11:00 with the music of Kristy Lee.  Saturday night will be the music of Possum Trot featuring members of Rollin in the Hay and A Hank Williams Jr. Guitarist.  The weekend will conclude on Sunday with an incredible local line-up featuring Wes Loper, Cary Laine and Wes Bayliss also beginning at 11:00 p.m.

That mighty rumble you hear coming out of Alabama is none other than Kristy Lee. Her voice like thunder, rolling in before a sweet southern rain, instantly washes the world away. Kristy Lee's unique rhythms are absolutely nourishing, clean, pure, and unapologetic.

This woman means it when she takes her voice out to play! By the time Kristy Lee reached 18, she landed her first album nationwide, to be sold exclusively with "Target Stores" across the states. Kristy Lee's first album gave her an early jump on, what is now, a career. This Alabama girl can pack a house in any state. Tough luck sticking her in a category, because when it comes to writing songs, she has no limits!

Possum Trot is a blues, bluegrass, Americana trio featuring Donnie Skidmore, Stan Foster and Ben Jernigan.  Based out of Mobile, Alabama, you may recognized these names from Rollin in the Hay.

Wes Loper:  Growing up and residing on the South Alabama Coast, Wes Loper progresses into stardom and entertains professionally across the region. He has performed along the gulf coast for the past eight years and continues to mix Rock, Country, Blues, and Folk music to create his own style with a funky, beach side feel.

After enjoying the local success of his debut album, “Take Me Home,” Wes joined with a team from Muscle Shoals and Nashville to record a breakthrough album of Country and Southern Rock! This second studio project entitled “Keep On Growin’” was released in July 2005 and is featured on CD Baby.com and www.wesloper.com. A selection of each song can be played, along with other options such as, booking, schedules, and email. Touring the Southeast to promote this album is first priority for the Wes Loper Band this year.

With well over 1,000 live performances, Wes knows how to entertain a crowd. He has a way of blending music genres that has fans cheering for more. He finds a common ground with the audience and infuses his own flavor until everyone is singing along with the music. His shows are exciting, his voice is outstanding, and his fans are never disappointed.

Wes is working to expand through Texas and the Mid-West. The Wes Loper Band has dedicated musicians interested in bringing their unique and loveable sound to all parts of the U.S. If you enjoy music, then you will enjoy the talented Wes Loper.

Cary Laine, this blonde-haired, blue eyed country girl from the gulf coast of Alabama is quickly gaining attention from the music industry for her unique sound, voice, and songwriting. Cary has performed at various venues across the Southeast including the Broken Spoke Café and Bluebird Café in Nashville, the Hank Williams Festival, Going Country for a Cure and Bayfest in Mobile.

Cary has performed throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee with an emphasis on building a fan base among country fans, both young and old. She won a national songwriting award as well as the 2005 Overall Talent Award at the Jimmie Rodgers Music Competition in Mississippi for her original song, If Im Ready. Cary is busy writing songs, recording and producing a new cd, and performing at various venues, events, and festivals across the Southeast. Recently Cary has been performing across the southeast where she has most recently opened for John Rich, Cowboy Troy, Gretchen Wilson, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Lorrie Morgan. Cary is pursuing a career as professional recording artist and songwriter, and says that she is living out her dream and couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Wes Bayliss:  Wes is a young up and coming musician who has been entertaining audiences on the Gulf Coast for many years now.  He is as talented as they come on many different instruments.  Wes has a very distinct singing voice and has been referred to as the next Jason Aldean. You never know what he will pull out of his arsenal.  Just request something.

May 9, 2011 (Gulf Shores, Ala.) – The second annual Hangout Music Festival is sold out.  The 3-day beach music festival, now one of the largest weekend festivals in the US, takes place May 20-22 with performances from over 70 bands including Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, The Flaming Lips, andCee Lo Green.  

“We are thrilled by the response from music fans around the country,” says Hangout founder Shaul Zislin. “We sold tickets in all 50 US states including Hawaii and Alaska - and even abroad. The entire community is looking forward to hosting our guests.”

"I could not be more proud of our team for reaching this milestone in our only our second year,” says Hangout producer A.J. Niland. “We look forward to delivering another incredible festival experience."

The unique concert beach setting combines sand and sun with a sophisticated urban-festival experience. Fans have booked more than 10,000 condo units and hotel rooms surrounding the festival. In all, more than 35,000 people will attend the Hangout Music Festival for three days of great music.

Bands Performing at the Hangout Music Festival:
Paul Simon
Foo Fighters
Widespread Panic
The Black Keys
My Morning Jacket
Flaming Lips
The Avett Brothers
Cee Lo Green
Primus
STS9
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Pretty Lights
Bassnectar
Girl Talk
Ween
Matisyahu
Warren Haynes Band
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Umphrey’s McGee
Slightly Stoopid
Motorhead
Drive-By Truckers
Amos Lee
Brandi Carlile
JJ Grey and Mofro
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Old Crow Medicine Show
Keller Williams
Galactic
Justin Townes Earle
Xavier Rudd
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Big Gigantic
Soja
Railroad Earth
Minus the Bear
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Portugal.the Man
Beats Antique
Dead Confederate
Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights
Easy Star All-Stars
Mariachi El Bronx
Truth & Salvage Co
Greensky Bluegrass
Kristy Lee
Civil Twilight
Rich Aucoin
A Thousand Horses
Jon Black
Cas Haley
Kris Royal and Dark Matter
Roman Street
Rival Sons
Honey Island Swamp Band
Tony Clifton and the Katrina Kiss My Ass Orchestra
Lynx
Moon Taxi
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
Andrew Duhon
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Romany Rye
The Verve Pipe
The Baby Grands
Lunch Money
School of Rock
The Q Brothers
Peter DiStefano & Tor
Jambo

(Gulf Shores)

Come and practice your Downward Dog on Hangout's white sandy beaches with one of NYC's hottest yoga instructors. Renowned yoga teacher Kelly Morris will be hosting two morning yoga practices Oceanside at the Hangout Music Festival Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd.

Kelly Morris is Founder and Director of the Conquering Lion Program and is a lineage holder in the Gelupka tradition of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. She is one of only five Senior Jivamukti yoga teachers in the world and counts a number of celebrities including Willem Defoe, Sting, Russell Simmons, Donna Karan and Madonna as her students.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets to these exclusive Hangout events are $10.  All proceeds will go to benefit The Three Year Retreat For Peace at Diamond Mountain University. Kelly will lead 60-minute yoga immersion practices starting at 10am on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22nd. Festival gates will be open to yoga ticket holders starting at 9:30 am. You must be a Hangout Festival pass holder to purchase tickets and attend Kelly's classes.

(Gulf Shores)

Today's Hobnobgulfshores.com Hangout Music Festival Profile is Khris Royal and Dark Matter.

From traditional jazz to electronic funk, Khris Royal is a dynamic saxophonist and multi-talented young artist whose instrumental dexterity and prowess as a band leader commands attention every time he takes the stage. Royal is putting ambition and experience to work, searing his mark on the New Orleans music scene and beyond. The New Orleans native began playing the saxophone at seven years old, and producing and writing music at fourteen.  To date, Royal has played with everyone from Bobby Brown, to Soulive, to Alvin Batiste, to The Sam Kininger Band. The impressive young artist has recorded with Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Nelly and The Game, Erykah Badu, Goapele, D.J. Quick, and is also featured with the Regiment on Season 2 of The Boondocks. Royal has made a name for himself within the New Orleans music scene, playing regularly with renowned local musicians including Dr. John, Zigaboo Modeliste, Big Sam's Funky Nation, and Troy Andrews, among others. In addition to leading his own band, Khris Royal & Dark Matter, Royal is the only horn player currently on tour with the legendary George Porter Jr. and his Runnin' Pardners.

Khris Royal was born to be a musician. This exceptional New Orleans native began playing the saxophone at seven years old, and producing and writing music at fourteen. Royal‘s musical talents were nurtured at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) High School, in classrooms once shared by jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Terrence Blanchard, and Donald Harrison. At the young age of sixteen, Royal was granted a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. To date, Royal has played with Bobby Brown, Erykah Badu, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis, Christian Scott, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, Tony Clifton, The Sam Kininger Band, and Johnta Austin. The impressive young artist has recorded with Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Nelly and The Game, Erykah Badu, Goapele, D.J. Quick, Ciff Hines, and is also featured with the Regiment on Season 2 of The Boondocks. Royal has also made a name for himself within the New Orleans music scene, playing regularly with renowned local musicians including George Porter Jr, Zigaboo Modeliste, Fred Wesley, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Troy Andrews, Corey Henry, Soul Rebels, Glen David Andrews, Russell Batiste, Groovesect, The Wild Magnolias, Maurice Brown, Herlin Riley , Kirk Joseph, Terence Higgins, and Good Enough for Good Times among others. Khris Royal is a multi-talented artist who has the experience and ambition necessary to sear his mark on the New Orleans music scene. Along with his band, Royal is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impression both locally on the New Orleans music scene and nationally.

Khris Royal & Dark Matter are a young alternative funk band on the forefront of the New Orleans music scene. KRDM are poised to make an impact in a way similar to the other notable funksters from New Orleans. The band is fearlessly led by dynamic saxophonist Khris Royal, who has shared the stage with Erykah Badu, Lettuce, George Porter Jr, “Big Sam” Williams, and many more. To create their signature sound, Khris Royal employs the electric sounds of Groovesect's Danny Abel on Guitar, DJ Raymond on Bass, the stylistic harmonies of Kyle Roussell on keys and the energetic drumming of fellow Runnin' Pardner, Terrence Houston. This innovative group of New Orleans natives brings fresh flavor to the sometimes predictable funk music scene. Khris Royal & Dark Matter’s Space- Funk Jazz-fusion is outta sight and sure to keep you guessing and begging for more.

Catch Khris Royal & Dark Matter every Weds in March @ the Maple Leaf Bar!

(Gulf Shores)

Today's Hobnobgulfshores.com Hangout Music Festival Profile is Honey Island Swamp Band.

NEW ORLEANS –Great music begins with great songs, and great songs are what the Honey Island Swamp Bandis all about. The band came together when Aaron Wilkinson(acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Chris Mulé (electric guitar, vocals) were marooned in San Francisco after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. After a chance encounter with fellow New Orleans evacuees Sam Price(bass, vocals) and Garland Paul(drums, vocals), and with no prospects of getting home any time soon, they figured they’d better cook up something new, and quick!
www.HoneyIslandSwampBand.com  504.982.9112

A few days later they had put together a song list, landed a weekly gig at San Francisco’s Boom Boom Room, and settled in to share a little taste of Southern culture with their new West coast neighbors. Their 7-song eponymous debut was recorded in 2006 at famed Record Plant studios in Sausalito, CA, and was received so well that the band decided to make the new group priority number one upon moving back to New Orleans in early 2008.

Honey Island Swamp Band's sound has been described as "Bayou Americana", with timeless songs from Wilkinson & Mulé, highlighted by Mulé's searing guitar, Wilkinson's sure-handed mandolin, and 4-part vocal harmonies, all anchored by the powerful groove of Price & Paul's Louisiana stomp rhythm section. Their music draws from a variety of influences in the world of roots music, including artists such as Lowell George & Little Feat, The Band, Taj Mahal, Gram Parsons, Jerry Garcia, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Reed, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and New Orleans’ own Earl King and Dr. John.

In April 2009, the band released its first full-length album – Wishing Well – produced by Tom Drummond of Better Than Ezra. Throughout the rest of 2009, the band toured relentlessly in support of Wishing Well, on the strength of such songs as "Natural Born Fool", "Till the Money's Gone", and the album's title track. In January 2010, Wishing Well was named 2009's “Best Blues Album” at OffBeat Magazine's BEST OF THE BEAT Awards, where HISB was also honored as 2009’s “Best Emerging Artist”.

The newest offering from HISB – Good To You – was released in April 2010, and has quickly become a staple of most DJs on the Crescent City's legendary radio station WWOZ, as well as on Sirius/XM satellite radio’s Bluesville and traditional stations from coast-to-coast. OffBeat Magazine nominated Good To You as 2010’s “Best Roots Rock Album” at this year’s BEST OF THE BEAT Awards, in addition to the band winning the prize as 2010’s “Best Roots Rock Artist”. Featuring the southern strut of songs such as “Be Good”, "300 Pounds" and the album’s first single “Chocolate Cake”, Good To You illuminates the mix of country-inflected rock and New Orleans funky blues that makes Honey Island Swamp Band's music so familiar and unique at the same time.

(Biography provided by honeyislandswampband.com)

(Gulf Shores)

Today's Hobnobgulfshores.com Hangout Music Festival Profile is "Slighty Stoopid"

With more than a decade of making music together, the members of Slightly Stoopid have perfected one of the rarest and most valuable skills a band can develop: the art of the stealth groove, that knack for quietly, almost innocently, sliding into a composition, and utterly lassoing anyone within earshot by mid-song.  That's where the band has come to reside, musically: deep in the pocket, that ever-elusive, funky trench where a band can entrance an audience, hypnotize it and hold on to it until the set or CD is finished.  Built on a bedrock of nasty, oceanic slabs of dubby bass, meditative vocal harmonies, rock-steady guitar licks and tightly syncopated percussive rhythms, Slightly Stoopid illustrate a case study in underground success, steeped in years of hard touring, an improvisational business model, and a creative process that continues to unwind and push the envelope of a new jam-based genre the band helped to create.

Slightly Stoopid's dual front-men Miles Doughty (Guitar, Bass, Vocals) and Kyle McDonald (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), created their own label, Stoopid Records, in the early 2000’s to avoid signing a record deal and keep their DIY work ethic and freedom away from music industry politics. The west coast sound pioneers later added musicians Ryan ‘RyMo’ Moran (Drums) and Oguer 'OG' Ocon (Congas, Percussion, Harp, Vocals) from the B Side Players, as well as C-Money (Trumpet, Keyboard) and Dela (Saxophone) from John Browns Body; solidifying their on stage line up. Slightly Stoopid has built a large n’ loyal fan base, and has soared to one of the most successful independent artists of this decade.  The buzz surrounding the group continues to increase with each successive release; their album catalog sales have topped the 700,000 mark and the group continues to fill the most prestigious concert venues around the world, and continues to create a legion of "stoopidheads" in the process!