Summer has a new name; Hangout Fest
A flight from Texas to Gulf Shores, Alabama took me on an extraordinary journey to Hangout Fest, an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. As a passionate music lover, attending festivals is like stepping into a world where time stands still, and the magic of live performances takes center stage. It had been years since my last festival in 2019, and the anticipation of this festival, with headliners like SZA and Red Hot Chili Peppers, filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know that the next few days would be filled with unforgettable moments, incredible music, and the formation of lifelong memories.
Arriving at the festival grounds on the first day, I could feel the buzz of anticipation in the air. The first stop was the box office to collect our wristbands, and to my delight, the process was remarkably smooth. The kind women who ran the booth ensured that we had everything we needed, setting the tone for the warm and welcoming atmosphere that would permeate the entire festival.
As we walked towards the festival grounds, we were met with friendly greetings from the Hangout Fest staff. They handed us a giant map, complete with a QR code to download the festival map on our phones, as well as an app to stay updated on set times and any changes that might occur during the festival. Stepping into the VIP area felt like entering a lively party, with staff members guiding us to restrooms and a wide array of food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. From mouthwatering American classics to tantalizing Chinese delicacies, the culinary options were a treat for the senses. The exceptional hospitality of the staff left an indelible mark on our festival experience, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Emily, whose assistance throughout the weekend ensured that every moment was truly memorable.
Inside the media tent, I had the pleasure of connecting with a community of talented photographers who had traveled from far and wide to capture the essence of the festival. Engaging in conversations with these passionate artists, we bonded over stories of our respective hometowns and shared our favorite concert photography experiences. Witnessing the diverse perspectives of these photographers as they captured the same artist in their unique styles was a testament to the power of art and individuality. After photographing the mesmerizing performance of Two Feet, anticipation grew for Thundercat's set. It was during this performance that I had the opportunity to reconnect with the photographers I had met earlier, sharing stories of our diverse festival experiences and the distances we had traveled to be a part of this momentous event.
Exploring the festival grounds was a delightful adventure, where unexpected discoveries awaited us at every turn. We found ourselves spending time with the Shien team, who generously gifted us a goodie bag filled with beach essentials. As hunger struck, we ventured towards the food tents and were greeted by a mouthwatering aroma that led us to the most extraordinary chicken tenders I had ever encountered. Savouring our meal on the beach, with the sun setting as a breathtaking backdrop, we were reminded of the sheer beauty and joy that surrounded us.
On our way back, preparing ourselves for the highly anticipated performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, we crossed paths with an older couple who were peacefully enjoying the sunset. Engaging in conversation with them, we discovered that they had been attending Sunset Fest every year since its inception, reveling in the joy of people-watching and immersing themselves in the music. As we delved deeper into discussions about life, they shared their wisdom on sustaining a relationship of over 20 years. These heartfelt exchanges left an indelible impression on me, reminding me of the power of connection and the significance of shared experiences.
As the time for the Red Hot Chili Peppers' performance drew near, my heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The weight of capturing a great picture of my mom's favorite band, whose music had accompanied me throughout my childhood, added an extra layer of pressure. The stage lights dimmed, and Flea emerged, performing acrobatics that mesmerized the crowd. The rest of the band joined in, and their performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The energy and passion they brought to the stage were palpable, transcending the boundaries of time and space. As they played their final song, fireworks illuminated the sky, marking the end of a magical first day at Hangout Fest.
Day two greeted us with a mix of exhaustion from staying up late editing and preparing posts, and an unwavering eagerness to embrace the day ahead. Fueling ourselves with a hearty breakfast, we met our friends at the media tent to strategize our day. The festival schedule was jam-packed with incredible artists, making it a challenging task to decide which performances to prioritize. Our first stop was Mariah the Scientist's performance, which unexpectedly turned out to be the highlight of the entire day. Her magnetic stage presence and soulful voice captured the hearts of everyone in the audience. After her set, we were fortunate enough to engage in a delightful conversation with her, discussing her performance and outfit. It was a surreal moment, connecting with an artist whose music had resonated with me deeply.
With excitement building, we eagerly awaited SZA's performance. As she took the stage, a wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. From the first note she sang, it was clear that we were in the presence of a true superstar. Performing songs from her acclaimed albums "SOS" and "CTRL," SZA commanded the stage with confidence and grace. Her soulful voice washed over us, evoking emotions that only music can conjure. As the final notes of her performance lingered in the air, a mesmerizing fireworks display lit up the night sky, leaving us in awe of the collective experience we had just shared.
On day three, we made the conscious decision to take it slow, acknowledging the toll that the sun and late-night editing sessions had taken on us. We kicked off the day with Yung Gravy's set, which transformed the festival grounds into a giant beach party. Although I wasn't familiar with Yung Gravy's music before, his infectious energy and captivating stage presence instantly won me over. He poured his heart and soul into his performance, igniting the crowd with an unrelenting energy that set the perfect tone for the day. In between performances, we took the opportunity to connect with the staff and fellow festival-goers, swapping stories and immersing ourselves in the vibrant community that had formed over the course of the weekend. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion for music was palpable, and it made each interaction a treasure to be cherished.
As the Australian superstar, The Kid LAROI, took the stage, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Prior to his set, we unexpectedly crossed paths with him, catching a glimpse of his excitement to perform. Little did we know that his performance would become the highlight of the entire weekend. The Kid LAROI's infectious energy and undeniable talent captivated the crowd, with every person in the audience singing along to every word. From his latest projects to his earliest works, his performance was a testament to his artistry and the connection he has forged with his fans. The energy reached an all-time high, leaving us with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
And then came the grand finale, as Calvin Harris took over the stage, ready to close out the festival with a bang. Playing hit after hit, he unleashed a wave of euphoria that swept through the crowd. The pulsating beats and dazzling visuals created an atmosphere of pure bliss. As the fireworks illuminated the night sky, tears welled up in my eyes, a testament to the overwhelming emotions that swelled within me. Reflecting on the incredible connections we had made with fellow music lovers, the unforgettable performances, and the tireless efforts of the Hangout Fest staff, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Hangout Fest was not just a music festival; it was a journey of self-discovery, connection, and celebration. The exceptional staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the festival played an instrumental role in creating an atmosphere where music could transcend boundaries and forge bonds between strangers. Their kindness, guidance, and provision of essentials like water bottles in moments of need were gestures that will forever be etched in my memory.
As I left Hangout Fest, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for the power of music, and the knowledge that festivals have the remarkable ability to bring people from all walks of life together in celebration of a shared passion. Hangout Fest will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a reminder of the beauty that exists within the realm of live music and the incredible experiences that await those who dare to immerse themselves fully in its embrace.
