Hangout Fest
Once again it’s time to make the run down to Gulf Shores, Alabama for three days of music on the beach. Hangout Fest is back and this year the festival has brought Mumford and Sons, Twenty One Pilots and Chance the Rapper to hold down the headlining spots. Unfortunately, Frank Ocean had to pull out of the festival, but at the last minute the organizers were able to slot Phoenix and their outstanding new stage lights into his spot. Over the last few years the fest has fallen into some rhythms that work perfectly for the beach environment. This year Charlie XCX will slide into the roll of late afternoon pop diva while Chance, A$AP Ferg and Tory Lanez anchor the hip-hop and rap contingent. There are a couple of indie rock stalwarts in Sigur Ros and Franz Ferdinand. These august names are joined by an excellent undercard. An outstanding run of small print bands has become one of the mainstays of the festival. This year they have brought the outstanding electronic duo Bob Moses, the amazing Alynda Segarra’s Hurray for the Riff Raff and the sister driven folk of Joseph just to name a few. One of Hangout’s strongest selling points has always been the beach and the amenities of Gulf Shores. A condo on the beach is way better than a tent in a field any day. The festival begins with a kickoff party on Thursday night and continues through Sunday. Keep an eye on this space for daily updates and photos.
Bayou Boogaloo
If you’re not going to make it down the coast for Hangout, then roll up to Mid-City for Bayou Boogaloo. Every year this festival gets stronger and this year the lineup is a true knockout. The headliners are Cupid, Jon Cleary, Cracker and Zigaboo Modeliste. You can’t ask for a better weekend than that. If that weren’t enough the incomparable Marco Benevento will there along with The Deslondes, the Stoop Kids and Kettle Black. From its roots as a neighborhood party Bayou Boogaloo has joined the ranks of the premier festivals in the city. Make sure to drop in.
To Do This Week
Tonight check out Reckless Kelly at Tips, also Street Eaters will be at the Saturn and X will be at One Eyed Jacks with Rosie Flores. Tomorrow LP will be at One Eyed Jacks and The Bright Light Social Hour will be at Gasa Gasa. On Saturday, Sexual Thunder will be at Tips. Sunday the Simpsons themed metal band Okilly Dokilly will be at Southport Hall and Sigur Ros will play the Saenger. Monday The Black Lips will play One Eyed Jacks (it’s a good week to hang out at Jacks). Wednesdays at the Square this week is Sweet Crude.
To Listen This Week
- Chastity Belt have released an amazing new track from their upcoming record via Soundcloud
- We also got another new track from HAIM this week via Youtube
- Paramore’s new video is wonderful via Youtube
