GULF SHORES, Ala., Feb. 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hangout Music Fest, which was recently awarded "Best Festival of the Year" honors by leading concert industry outlet Pollstar, is proud to announce its highly anticipated 2012 lineup. Scheduled for May 18th, 19th and 20th on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Fest will feature main stage headliners Dave Matthews Band, Jack White, and a soon-to-be-announced third act, along with dance tent headliner Skrillex. General Admission, VIP, Super VIP and Big Kahuna festival tickets are on sale beginning at 12 noon EST/11 am CST/10 am MST/9 am PST on Fri., Feb. 10 at www.hangoutmusicfest.com/tickets. Fans should act quickly, as demand is high for the event -- the limited number of "Early Bird" passes sold out within three hours of going on sale in November, and 2011's festival sold out well in advance.
The festival's music performances will take place across four stages—featuring two main stages right on the beach and an air-conditioned dance tent. Confirmed artists also include 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/).
The 2012 Hangout Fest will offer even more room for amenities and the comfort of fans, with capacity capped at last year's limit of 35,000 attendees per day, but with a considerable amount of new space added to the festival grounds. Hangout takes great effort in making sure that every concertgoer receives star treatment, and that VIPs are treated like royalty. All fans will enjoy a plethora of amenities including: Hammock Beach, a shaded area with art installations; the Sky-bar tower, offering 360-degree views of the festival; amusement rides; water stations with free refills for all guests; plus live comedy performances and a family-friendly kids' stage at The Hangout club.
VIP pass-holders will reap such rewards as easy access to the site through special VIP entrances; prime viewing areas, including an in-ground pool with views of the main stage; a shaded VIP Grove with complimentary drinks and food as well as private restrooms; and more. Super VIPs will also receive 24/7 concierge services; access to a private, air-conditioned dining room and lounge featuring exclusive meals prepared by renowned chefs; admittance to the Pre-Fest party; golf cart chauffeur service; priority on-site lodging reservation privileges; and more. Additionally, "Big Kahuna" pass-holders will enjoy all of the above, as well on-stage access for most performances at the main stage; access to the artist compound at the Hangout; "headliner" status post-show transportation; and much more. Visit www.hangoutmusicfest.com for specific amenities included in each level.
Gulf Shores offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxury to budget to family-friendly, many within walking or biking distance of the site – packages are available at www.hangoutmusicfest.com/info/lodging/. Travel package information is available at www.hangoutmusicfest.com/tickets/travel-packages/.
The Fest has teamed up with ReverbNation for the "2012 Hang Loose Band Competition" to find one more band for the event. The winner will perform at the festival, and receive three-day passes to enjoy the whole experience. Competition submissions and rules can be found at www.hangoutmusicfest.com/reverbcontest/.
ABOUT THE HANGOUT MUSIC FEST:
The inaugural Hangout Music Fest was launched on May 14-16, 2010, and featured performances from Trey Anastasio, The Zac Brown Band, John Legend, The Roots, Ben Harper and Relentless7, The Black Crowes, Alison Kraus and Union Station, and more. Singer Grace Potter described 2010's Fest as "Coachella on the beach." The second Fest, which hosted a crowd of 35,000 concertgoers per day, took place on May 20–22, 2011, with performances from Foo Fighters, Paul Simon, The Flaming Lips, Widespread Panic, My Morning Jacket, Cee-Lo Green and The Black Keys, among many others. The 2011 event was estimated to have generated approximately $30 million for the Gulf Shores area economy, while Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl remarked that "This is the funnest festival I have ever been to in my entire life."
Members of the press interested in attending the festival may apply for credentials at http://marketing.musicallies.com/media/Hangout-Festival-2012
Media files are available for download at http://www.hangoutmusicfest.com/media-downloads/
The Hangout Music Fest logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11582