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Written by Matt Wallin Tuesday, 29 May 2012 21:04

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Hangout Music Festival | 05.18-20.12
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Sunday

Sunday is always my hardest festival day. I’m so excited on Friday that I try to make myself see every second of every show, and by Sunday it’s all caught up to me. A lot of Sundays find me exhausted and not really enjoying some of the sets. But the comfortable weather, small crowds, cozy bed, walking distance of the festival, and three meals a day left me feeling great and excited.

Delta Spirit had one of the shortest sets of the weekend. Their 45-minute slot was shortened even more by sound problems. When they finally got started, they put on a great show. Their lead singer spent some of the time between songs rambling and making fun of band mates in such a way that I didn’t know if he was kidding or if the band was having problems.

Young the Giant was one of my most anticipated shows of the weekend. Their debut album has been one of my favorites since it came out in 2011, and until now I had never had the chance to see them play live. Their show was a lot of fun; they were high energy and sounded great. It’s strange when you’re the only person you know who likes a band and you see them at a festival where everyone knows the words to every song. Cage the Elephant followed and put on a loud, rocking show, playing originals and a cover of the Pavement song “False Skorpion.”

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros delivered one of the best shows of the weekend. Their 12-piece band ran through a dozen songs, including highlights “40 Day Dream,” “Janglin',” and “Home.” Band leader and lead singer Alex Ebert spent almost as much time in the crowd as he did on stage. He walked among us singing, dancing, hugging people, and saying hello. As he ran through us, people crowded around for the chance to high five or hug him. It really got the crowd into the show, and even though people were tired, it got them up and dancing. After the Edward Sharpe show, we made friends with some people who had come in to get a good spot for the Dave Matthews Band. We had such a good time with them, and were so tired, that we decided to hang out and keep our good spots for the DMB show instead of trying to cross the beach to see The Flaming Lips. Everyone was so friendly all weekend, and especially at this show, that it made the wait go by quickly.

The Dave Matthews Band was the final headliner of the festival. For reasons that I’ve already mentioned, they had a tough task: Close a three-day festival where everyone is tired and has a long drive ahead of them. Depending on who you asked, the show was either the best someone had ever seen, or their least favorite DMB show to date. From my perspective, it was somewhere in the middle. The band did several jammed-out versions of older songs and played some of their best new music. The encore of “Save Me” and Stefan solo/“All Along The Watchtower” would have probably been cool for someone who had never seen it, but for someone seeing it for the hundredth time, it left something to be desired. But it was obvious that the band was enjoying playing in such a beautiful location, mentioning it several times and looking fresh and vibrant during their set.

The Hangout was an incredible experience. While some festivals can feel like work, the Hangout felt like a vacation. It’s such a beautiful and comfortable place that even a lineup that doesn’t completely meet your needs can come to life and be a blast. The smaller crowds mean you can get closer to the bands, and the amazing weather means you have the energy to enjoy it. Hangout plans to be back next year, and now, so do I. | Matt Wallin