Five Hangout Festival Conflicts That’ll Make Your Head Explode

Rob Slater on April 23, 2015

Summer music festivals are just the best, aren’t they? It’s true, and it’ll always be true. Few things beat sitting out in a field in the middle of nowhere with thousands of other people watching a band play. That is, of course, until there is another band that you really want to see playing at the exact same time.

True pain is defined by looking at a festival’s schedule and seeing your favorite band matched up with another one of your favorite bands. You’re faced with the impossible and disgusting task of choosing only one, or retreating back to your hotel or tent to curl up in the fetal position and cry. Today, the Hangout Festival released its schedule and while the lineup ranks as one of the most impressive of the summer, there are some conflicts that’ll give you brain pain.

Here are five to start mulling over before you hit the beach and some terrible advice to help nudge you towards a decision.

Foo Fighters vs. Umphrey’s McGee

When and Where: Friday, May 15. 9-11 PM.

Verdict: ¯_(ツ)_/¯

(but that time Umphrey’s jammed “Learn to Fly” out of “Wife Soup” was swell, huh?)

Galactic with Macy Gray vs. J Roddy Walston & The Business

When and Where: Friday, May 15. 7:30-8:45 PM.

Verdict: You have to see what Macy Gray and Galactic are going to do, right? Even if it means sacrificing some good old fashioned rock and roll in J Roddy. Or, you could go see Sam Smith.

Houndmouth vs. Jenny Lewis

When and Where: Friday, May 15. 3:45-5 PM.

Verdict: Find a point between the Hangout and BMI Stages where you can hear both sets. Science.

Future Islands vs. Talib Kweli vs. The Districts

When and Where: Saturday, May 16. 3:30-4:45 PM.

Verdict: Ah, the ol’ triple threat conflict. Future Islands are appointment viewing these days, Kweli is always good for a surprise or two and The Districts have the look and feel of a band you’ll one day tell your friends you saw on a side stage in Gulf Shores, AL. Wouldn’t that be neat?

Lake Street Dive vs. Kopecky vs. TV On the Radio

When and Where: Sunday, May 17. 5-6:15 PM.

Verdict: You’re sunburn is going to be in top form as the festival winds to a close. Go spend some time in the shade at the Salt Life Stage, get a cold beverage and watch Kopecky. Or don’t and make the burn even worse. It’s your flaky, aloe-filled funeral.