By: Kristian Corpuz

A beach, perfect weather and great music equaled a recipe for another successful year for The Hangout Music Festival.  Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, The Hangout’s fourth year showcased another explosive lineup with headliners such as Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Kings of Leon, and Stevie Wonder.

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Kings of Leon closed out the first night with an explosive set filled with both new and old Kings of Leon.  Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers topped of night two with a hall of fame set that got everyone up and dancing to the music.  Stevie Wonder however had what may have been the most moving performance all weekend as he played all his classics. At one point during his show, he actually became emotional as he thanked the crowd for the rich energy that the crowd gave him.

The lineup also included hip hop artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Kendrick Lamar.  During Kendrick Lamar’s set, members of the crowd were invited on stage to freestyle which proved to be a memorable task for some lucky audience members.

EDM (electronic dance music) fans also got their fix with high energy performance from Bassnectar and Steve Aoki. Big Gigantic, which incorporates sax player Dominic Lalli in a unique EDM experience, also performed.  (Yes DJs can play instruments too)

Of course, jam band enthusiasts were not left out as Trey Anastasio Band, Gov’t Mule, and MOE. put on heavy performances.  Trey Anastasio played the first year Hangout was held and came back this year with another great performance.  Trey even playing songs from his other band Phish.

Indie bands were present at the festival as well as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played a fun and exciting set.  The Shins also came to play as they played a set that any Shins fan can admire.  Passion Pit showcased both its first and sophomore album, and Jim James had a powerful performance playing his newly released album Regions of Light and Sound of God.

With a unique festival setting and an explosive lineup, The Hangout Music and Arts festival is sure to cause a buzz during this year’s festival season.

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Photos from Spin Magazine and Glide Magazine.