Michael Franti & Spearhead

I wrote this article for The Good Men Project after the concert in Philadelphia. Feel free to share it wildly!

https://goodmenproject.com/guy-talk/staying-human-wcz/

Music is my lifeblood. It infuses me with energy and inspiration. I sing along, dance along, write along and dream along to it. One of my favorite artists who came into my life with the release in 2006 of his album called Yell Fire! is Michael Franti. I first heard this musician, activist, and barefoot yogi on WXPN and from the first note, I was hooked. The way I describe the genre is that it is hip hop, rap, and reggae, "not the women are bitches and 'ho's' style, but rather love and life-affirming."I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Michael shortly afterward, when he, Sharon Gannon and David Life (Jivamukti Yoga teachers) facilitated a workshop at Omega Institute called Power to the Peaceful. It combined music, yoga and peace and social justice. The only way it could have gotten any more enticing for me was if they offered chocolate. One of my fondest memories of the weekend was when I was sitting on the floor in a large meeting room where the activities took place and I had just finished interviewing Sharon and David. Michael comes charging in, dreads flying, does a belly flop and slides in, declaring enthusiastically, "Okay, I'm ready for my interview!"When the opportunity arose to see him here in Philly, for the Stay HumanTour knew I had to be in the crowd.  Uncharacteristically, I waited until the last minute to make the final plans. I had posted something on Facebook to see if anyone I knew was going. Five minutes later, my friend Jessica chimed in that several were planning on being there and that one of their friends couldn't make it and I could purchase her ticket. Once again, the Universe calls us to be where we are meant to be. I had no idea that it would be the unqualified best concert I have ever attended. Hours of high-intensity music, jumping up and down dancing, which he encourages audiences to do, unfolded seamlessly. As a tribute to the healing power of music, was that going in I was nursing a strained Achilles tendon from over-exercise, with a brace supporting my ankle. I wondered how I would manage to stand for hours since the tickets were all general admission with no seats on the main floor. By midnight when I headed home, the pain had whittled down to minor discomfort and that included a seeming super-powered ability to dance.The concert began with a video message to his toddler son Taj and his wishes that the tiny human sees life through the lens of love, compassion, and cooperation, despite how the world seems at the time. Images of war and destruction were juxtaposed with shots of kindness and beauty and the enthusiastic playing, drumming, eating, and cuddling by the adorable kiddo who was napping backstage during the concert. The family travels together and Sara Agah Franti, nurse, jewelry designer and co-founder of Do It For the Love Foundation (I will be writing another piece on the organization) joined him on stage when he performed one of my favorite songs called Life Is Better With You. The love, passion, playfulness, and commitment between them, was sweetly evident.From the onset, the concert was a true love-fest. I brought my Hugmobsters Armed With Love Sign and wielded it wildly. Willing huggers opened their arms and hearts. Not that they needed my invitation since Michael encouraged that activity throughout the night. I have never attended a concert that so blatantly put love into action since seeds were planted that I know will sprout out in the world.More than mere entertainment (that alone would have been well worth the price of admission), it was a call to action for peacemakers of all ages. As I looked around the room, I saw multi-generational families singing and dancing along. At several points, he invited people up to the stage to sing and dance, including, at the end of the concert, all the children who wanted to join him. Their moment in the spotlight that hopefully they will remember forever.Despite what I imagine was exhaustion following the over the top performance, Michael and the band members took time to greet, hug and take photos with the audience.The multitudinous moments will remain with me as well, as this Soul-rocker/Hugmobster is heeding the fully human call to be a greater force for good in the world.

Absolutely adored our first time seeing Michael Franti. He is a force of peace and love. I've never witnessed an artist so willing to be a part of the crowd and connect with his fans. He is someone we will be seeing often from now on. The playlist was awsome and I couldn't have been happier to feel like Michael really cared about each and every one of us there. He just seems like a really genuine spirit. I was also quite happy with the other two performances. They were fun and refreshing.

I do wish there were some organic options other than popcorn, juice, and vegan food. But it was nice that the effort was made. I'm also happy that Cornerstone and a few other vendors were there.

As for the venue I was a little dissapointed in the setup. It seemed really awkward for viewing. However, it is nice that they are utilizing the wasted space. I was also a little irritated at the staff getting on the case of a SB277 petitioner who came to speak to a FRIEND in line. She was called over and the security officer came over like she was attacking the patron with freedom of speech... you can't attack someone for a right. It was a little dissapointing. He could have been nicer about it. Several of the other staff were pleasant and jovial. This guy just seemed like an irritable man I'm sure "it's his job" but maybe they could come up with better people skills to teach their employees. There are better ways to deal deal with a situation like this than being an authoritarian dictator.

This is the second time we go to see Michael Franti at the Cuthbert amphitheater in Eugene Oregon. We loved the show so much last year that we decided to buy tickets for all of us including my daughter and her family and my two grandchildren. My granddaughter is seven and my grandson is four. We all absolutely loved the concert!! Ziggy Marley was pretty impressive considering we grew up listening to Bob Marley music. When Michael Franti came out after a few minutes my granddaughter turned to me and she said, Nonnie, this guy is way cooler! “ We danced throughout the whole Michael Franti concert, we had such a blast. Michael Franti is such an uplifting positive role model for everyone and we thoroughly enjoyed the concert. I can’t wait till He comes back next year to go see him again and dance the night away under the stars with Michael Franti and spearhead!!

Wonderful, happy, inspiring, invigorating spiritually- emotionally and physically. Michael's lyrics are profound poetry that speak to current political, social economic concerns,but his music and message brings you up - out of the pessimism and negativity ... He is the upbeat in the downbeat; he is joy personified ... His inclusion of so many while playing speaks volumes about his sincerity. I enjoyed the concert more than words can say.

Can't say I have ever do-si-do'ed with strangers at a concert.. By the end I felt close to people I would not have met .. Michael has a gift in bringing people together.

I go to Bali every chance I can get to refuel my calm, my peace and my joy. His concert was like a moment in Bali.

My husband and I absolutely LOVE Michael Franti & Spearhead... last night at the Golden Gate Theater in Monterey, CA was Fantastic!! The crowd was electric, the band was great and he was so engaging ! Loved every song, the crowd was totally engaged... we were up in the balcony and we had great seats to oversee the entire show... everyone was up from their seats dancing and singing along... I usually am up out of my seat most of every concert I attend, however, I never sat down the entire time and have to say the same for most everyone else... such a great evening!!! After the show he stayed around to meet and greet and take pictures with all that lined up to say “hey”! Will definitely see him again soon!

My boyfriend won two tickets from two different websites to go to this show. We aren't huge fans of Michael Franti but we thought he would sound great live and WOW he completely blew us away with his performance!! The lights and sound were put on flawlessly, the fans weren't overly rowdy, and the venue was right on the water. I loved that crowd involvement was such an important part of his show.. he played in the crowd for certain songs, and even stayed at least 20 minutes after the concert with a group of people surrounding him doing autographs/photos. He is definitely a dedicated musician. OH and there were people doing yoga all over the place! amazing, such good vibes.

It was a beautiful night in Santa Barbara. The venue was stunning and the vibrations were high! Micheal exudes love and genoursity as he shared the stage with a new songwriter and 2 other bands before he let lose on his dynamic show with a great band to back him up on stage. Micheal bravely and courageously dominated the venue with his talent and message.Wow! The guitar solos were fantastic! He has a great voice and presence. Everyone had a great time . There were all ages and personalities there. Micheal helped us drop our stuff and become united in his message of love and compassion. Highly recommend seeing him live!

I suppose by now this is my 9th or 10th show and, it seems each gets better. This one didn't feature much of his older material, which, of course everyone wants. But it didn't matter. The new songs were as good as the old. The audience fell under his usual spell of inspiration, fun and love from the very start. I give it a solid 10 and, as always am left finding the wait to the next Franti show way too long. He is a spiritual leader, a beautiful soul. He is musical prozac. A beautiful show at Edgefield in Portland last night. Still baking in the glow!

Ive seen Michael & Spearhead 7 times in Bend, Or and look forward to thier show ALL year long! Such a GREAT show with high energy, crowd interaction, great songs and good vibes, every single show.
I got Michael's autograph once during after show greetings. I got my picture/selfie with Jason, the guitarist, and had Micheal and the band call my beat friend and I, out in the crowd, several times!!! I get so star-struck, but they are always such good sports about it

The show was soooo upbeat, refreshing, fun, like always!! Michael really knows how to get the crowd "JUMPIN'" LOL. LOVED EVERY SONG AND EVERY MOMENT!! Victoria Canal is s great opening act, her voice is beautiful and she can play a keyboard just as good, if not better, than anyone else who has two working hand. They collaborate on some songs together as well and are a fantastic duo. Check them out if you get the chance to.