One Step Closer to Michael Franti

ACL 10/3/09

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD

"Music is the thread that’s gone through my life and given it so much meaning” - Michael Franti

For me, seeing Michael Franti live.. on the front row... on my last day of beautiful ACL weekend was incredible. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe the concert. I was enraptured by his performance. His energy was exhilarating. addictive, and unlike ANY concert I've ever been to. He has this remarkable ability to pull you in, to make you dance, to make you sing louder, and to make you fall in love. Maybe I'm biased though. For several years, I've certainly grown to love Franti. A powerful lyricist, Franti sings about our world today. War, religion, love, and peace. He sings with conviction. You first fall in love with the beat of the songs. A reggae groove with rock vibe makes you dance, shake, and smile. Then you listen to his lyrics. Some are beautiful. Some are haunting. Some make you explore a different realm of your own imagination. A true troubadour, he sings about injustices in our world today. He is one hundred percent honest in his rhymes. What a wonderful thing.

Franti's music has been a staple in my life. I honestly think it should be in every one's. There is a hope in all his music. A hope for there to be a better world. His music is making people come together.

Franti comes blasting on stage, very first song already getting the whole crowd bouncing. We clap, we scream, and we sing. Then he does something.. I didn't expect whatsoever. He comes out into the crowd. Over the railing he climbs to stand next to us and sing in union. His foot tapping in time with mine, I immediately feel a connection with a person I had never met. That's the power of his music. The rest of his show went great. I was reluctant to watch him go at the end. He came out and gave us all hugs, wishing us happiness, giving us his prayers. I was staggered. I couldn't even describe how I felt. There was certainly a euphoric feeling from just watching his show. Simply put: it was beautiful.

For anyone having second thoughts about going to see a show, I pray you go. His shows are not ordinary or regular. His shows are something you have to experience to even understand.

He'll be on tour this year with John Mayer - you should check tour dates to make sure you don't miss this epic combination.

"Life is too short to make just one decision

Music is to large for just one station
Love is to big for just one nation and
God is to big for just one religion."

-East to the West

Still in love...

peace,

tess.allen