Micheal Franti & Spearhead was considered somewhat of an opening act for the Jason Mraz gig, but I think he had a bigger crowd. I was hesitant to see his show, after all, I was really in it for Mraz and going to see Franti meant I would miss Brett Dennen at Bumbershoot. But it seemed logical enough to go find a seat during Franti's show so we would be in place for Jason Mraz's following act.
What a surprise. I know Michael Franti based on the 2 radio songs I've heard over the past couple years and have further heard that his CD wasn't consistent with the popular songs, instead focusing on a major political agenda. Not interested. Boy, was I wrong. We completely owe it to ourselves to learn more on our own.
Michael Franti had the energy of a child and spot-on vocals. Bigger names perform embarrassingly when trying to jump around stage or pull off anything remotely active. Britany Spears comes to mind. I was so impressed at the energy and quality performance of last night's concert that I'm eager to rush out and get a copy of his latest album.
Equally talented, entertaining and humble, Franti spent time talk with the crowd about the perseverance of his band (having been performing for 15 years before this summer's Top 40 single), and poking fun at his long-term chase admitting they never had a song in the top 40,000 before now. He also spent time telling us where his songs' inspiration came from, in particular about his 21-year old son taking a Greyhound bus across country. Even telling us about a recent hospital stay for an appendectomy and the appreciation of life and loved ones. My favorite story was of his visit to the White House and seeing that Obama's girls had adorned the White House windows with stickers of butterflies "just like real people. Just like us."
Michael Franti won a major fan last night. Between his down-to-earth story telling, infectious energy and upbeat music, how could you not love this guy?
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