Hangout Music Fest 2011: Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic Headlining

Last year, the first Hangout Music Festival, held on the coast of Gulf Shores, Ala., instantly established itself as a certified player on the American music festival circuit. Grace Potter even called it "Coachella on the beach." But last year was also an awkward inauguration as the festival temporarily rebranded itself, at the last minute, as the Concert for the Coast, generously donating 100 percent of the profits to Gulf Coast relief, following that massive oil spill that had the entire country up in arms at the time.

That was a noble beginning, for sure. A classy way to start what will no doubt become known as a luxury festival -- with palm trees and picturesque ocean views as part of its setting, nature really helps out on that front. But so does the lineup. This year's Hangout Music Festival, which takes place on May 20-22, will feature headlining sets by Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, the Black Keys and My Morning Jacket.

And the rest of the lineup is just as impressive. It includes: Flaming Lips, Cee Lo Green, Primus, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, Girl Talk, Ween, Matisyahu and Umphrey's McGee. The Drive-By Truckers and Warren Haynes Band will represent the dirty part of the south while Galactic and Trombone Shorty will infuse the beach with the flavors of New Orleans. The list goes on and is expected to expand even more in the coming weeks. (Sorry Phish fans -- the heavily-circulated rumors were false).

With five stages, including an air-conditioned tent, the festival is certainly going big. In fact, they're creating an immersive experience (as if being right on the coastline wasn't, in itself) with a replenishing salt-water lagoon called Hammock Beach. The shady, hammock-filled area will feature art installations and the Sky-Bar Tower -- a structure specifically built to offer sweeping 360-degree views of the festivities.

And while camping in a dusty field after a full day of dancing is just part of the experience at many great festivals, the Hangout has thousands of more sophisticated lodging options -- including vacation-rental condos and beach houses -- all within walking distance of the front gates.

Tickets go on sale Wed., Feb. 2 at 9AM CT. Check out full details on the official website and, um, yeah -- welcome to the major leagues, Hangout.