Hangout Music Fest 2012: Fans pick highlights

What a weekend! The past three days felt more like a month of fun at the Hangout Music Fest in Gulf Shores, Ala. Fans partied 24-7 and from one end of the beach to the other.

Highlights were many. Up-and-comers such as Delta Rae, the Givers, Alabama Shakes and Sleeper Agent warmed up the mornings, while the headliners -- Jack White, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band -- burned up the beach after dark. Soul maven Mavis Staples took us there, and held us enthralled, during her Sunday set.

Even with dozens of bands on the bill, fans found it easy to point out favorites this weekend at the festival in Gulf Shores, Ala.

The headliners were enormously popular.

Skrillex also was among the fan favorites.

"Jack White is one of the best shows I've ever seen," said Chris Knox, 27, of New Orleans. "It was incredible."

Knox was not the only one who enjoyed White's performance on Friday night.

"Jack White was pretty crazy," said Will Hazen, 18, of Bay St. Louis, Miss. "He had really good showmanship, and he could control the crowd. He looked like he was having the time of his life up there."

Hazen said that another one of his favorites was Skrillex, electronic dance music that attracted a huge crowd on Saturday.

"Everybody was going crazy there," Hazen said. "It's party music, so everyone was dancing around."

Red Hot Chili Peppers was mentioned by several fans as the highlight.

"They're a great band, and they put on a great show," said Dominique Becnel, 18, of New Orleans, La. "Everyone around us was into the music, and Anthony was really engaging the crowd."

Lauren Cox, 30, of Baton Rouge, La., said that she was impressed with Red Hot Chili Peppers.

"I can't believe they still sound so good," Cox said. "They're amazing."

Having the festival right on the beach doesn't hurt, either.

"Just being out here in this weather is phenomenal," said Cole Hillebrandt, 28, of Lake Charles, La. "Everybody here is having a good time. It's pretty awesome."

MORE STORIES

• HANGOUT PICTURES: Hundreds of photos of bands, fans and crowds.

• VIDEOS: Band interviews and performances, quirky festival characters and more.

HANGOUT STORIES:
•Mavis Staples throws down old-school lesson in how to be a music legend.
• Fans pick festival favorites.
• 10 random thoughts while NOT seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Skin show: With all that skin on display, we collected some cool tattoos to show off.

And, as always, look for your shiny happy face on GoPensacola all day every day. :)

Hangout Music Fest 2012 schedule