Courts77

I’ve got something to say and it’s nothing to do with adventure or sport, but completely ‘For the Soul’!  I went to one of the best concerts of all time last night and I have been to a lot of concerts.  Some on the top of my list have been bands as famous as The Grateful Dead, Dave Mathews Band, Phish, Justin Timberlake, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Green Day…I have seen them all, but Michael Franti and Spearhead is one of the most positive journeys I have experienced in one night.

From the slow heart touching songs about peace and love, the uplifting and reggae beats to the samba rock of guitars and lyrics about political issues calling on all human beings to come together and just be…in fact do more than that…lend a helping hand and take notice of what’s going on in the world.  He sings a message of community…not just the people who live next door, but meaning the community of the world as a whole, no matter what color or creed.

From the minute he stepped on stage I could not stop my body from moving, feeling the pulse of his words and the bass beating through my soul.  Ok, I did stop and listen when he spoke to the crowd and when he sang one of his gentle slow songs, all the while thinking to myself…everyone needs a little Michael Franti in their life.

I knew a little about his music over the years and went to his show two years ago when he put out the CD ‘Yell Fire’ and remember feeling quite similar, bought that CD and have been hooked ever since.  But, after last nights show I was totally reassured that “yes, this man is amazing!”

In between writing music and producing albums he has even taken the time to document a visit the middle east (with out armed guards) with his guitar in hand to meet the people and find out how they are feeling and what they are experiencing in their lives in the middle of a war.  Check out the DVD ‘I Know I’m Not Alone’ to gain this musicians insight and see what fuels his lyrics.

In a time where the world is debating over the election of the next American president and who is worthy of holding such a powerful position based on so many important issues like the war in Iraq and core values of a nation who hold such influence globally, it is so reassuring to hear this American musician sing with such truth and love, spreading important messages around the world.

After the show he offered his time to meet fans by hoping off the stage and joining the audience giving hugs.  He then made his way to the front of house to take more time meeting fans and signing autographs.

I was standing up the front and before I knew it I had this gentle giant’s arms wrapped around me and my husband, sharing a group hug.  I felt compelled, while he looked straight into my eyes so kindly, to say ‘thank you for the awesome experience and compliment him on being a wonderful fellow American.  Before I could ask he offered to sign my newly bought CD ‘All Rebel Rockers’ and pose for a photograph.

As we left the building I still had the last song he sang bouncing in my head, “Seems like everywhere I go, The more I see the less I know. But I know one thing: That I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you.”