The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival

I think most people would agree that the beach, particularly along the Gulf Coast, is an ideal place to be in May. Throw in some live music and a festive atmosphere and you’ve got quite a party—or The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival.

This is a first-time event that will take place May 14th, 15th, and 16th on the beach, next to the Hangout in Gulf Shores, and will feature more than 60 musical artists—including some Grammy Award winners (view a complete list of artists here). Bring a friend or two, a group, or the entire family. It’s a great opportunity to have fun on the beach and enjoy an assortment of music.

The best way to enjoy this festival is to never have to leave. Brett/Robinson vacation properties are available onsite, so traveling to and from doesn’t have to be a concern. Go to the Brett Robinson web site for more information.

Music, music and more music

Wow, if you are a music lover, the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast is the place to be. The offerings in 2010 will fit any taste for any genre. Blues, rock, gospel, country, bluegrass, and everything in between, we have it all.

One of the most exciting new events of 2010 is The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival May 14-16. This inaugural large-scale festival will actually take place on the Gulf Shores Public Beach. There will be four stages with the two main stages on the beach. The people on the stages for this event are the big news. With 60-plus artists, someone is bound to catch your ear.

One of my favorites, Alison Krauss and Union Station, is on the list. Also, The Black Crowes, Ben Harper and Relentless7, Trey Anastasio and TAB, Zac Brown Band, John Legend, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jerry Jeff Walker, and the list goes on and on. A full listing of the announced artists can be found at www.Brett-Robinson.com under latest news. Brett/Robinson is a sponsor and has the only accommodations bordering the site with Phoenix All Suites Hotel, Island Winds East and Island Winds West.

Of course, The Hangout isn’t the only place that has it going on this year. Another new event is just north of paradise at the intersection of County Road 20 and the Beach Express. The Festival of Musicians will take place March 12-14 at 21774 Miflin Road in Foley. The posters for this event tout 12 stages with hundreds of acts. Check their Website, www.festivalofmusicians.com for the latest on the festival news.

Not to be outdone, The Amphitheater in Orange Beach has also released an impressive lineup of artists for the 2010 Pepsi Star Series. Rascal Flatts with special guest Darius Rucker starts the series March 6. Also in March, Corey Smith with the Randy Rogers Band come in on the 13th. April 11, country superstar Tim McGraw takes the stage with special guest Lady Antebellum and the Lost Trailers. May brings Widespread Panic, with special guest Band of Horses, for two nights on the 7th and 8th. Jason Aldean is scheduled for June 26. Montgomery Gentry makes a return appearance to celebrate Independence Day and lead up to the fireworks spectacular on July 4.

Like I said, there is something for every musical interest and that is just the first half of 2010. I am looking forward to spending some time listening to music in the sand, under the sun and under the stars.

The Hangout Returns

Anyone who spent time in the summer in Gulf Shores in the 50’s and 60’s remembers the Hangout. Chiefly because the Hangout was the only place to be. The new Hangout is at the corner of Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard, just like the old Hangout. That area is affectionately known as “the T” to the locals. The new Hangout will be an open air restaurant and bar, with a big projection screen that will be showing beach and surfing style movies. The grand opening is May 2nd, the memories and good times will be flowing just like the good old days. I’ll be staying at Phoenix All Suites, a short walk from “the T”.

See you at the Beach!