Hello excitable friends! The time is here…it’s new 311 fan spotlight day. Time to kick this week off and meet Mr. Joe Kirk!

1995 is the year and Joe, like so many, saw the video for “Down” on MTV. Unlike others though he didn’t like the song at first. Then his childhood friend Steve had purchased the album from the local music store and put the CD on while they were hanging out one day. By the end of the day, Joe had traded his friend 5 other CD’s so he could have the blue album. Then around Christmas that same year Joe first heard Grassroots and he realized just how special 311 is. “What drew me to their music was the combination of excellent instrumentals, unusual unique lyrics, great energy, and an overall positive message.”

76 shows total is where Joe stands currently. His favorite so far was 311 Day 2004. “It was my first 311 Day!” Next in line is the beach show from the second cruise, then the 25th Anniversary show with the set at The Hive. He also loved the double set in Atlantic City, New Jersey back on 12/2/11…and then of course Pow Wow and Halloween 2010 in Atlanta.

It’s hard to pick just one song that means the most to 311 fans, so Joe picked a few that mean the most to him, including “Welcome,” “Lose,” “1,2,3,” “Inner Light Spectrum,” Stealing Happy Hours,” and finally “Coda.”  A couple of his favorite lyrics are as follows: “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity,” “Challenge comes and goes and there will be another, I say bring it on,” and “Let’s think of all the good times, instead of wish we could times.”

Joe is currently 32 years of age, born and raised in New York. For the last twelve years he’s been working as a mental health therapy aide for NYS. “I provide care for the mentally ill, currently work in a Community Residence overseeing 16 patients.  It’s a challenge everyday and I enjoy it thoroughly.” Joe met his amazing fiancé Angela (Gonzalez, another fan spotlight!) through 311 and thanks to the Facebook Familia page. They are planning to get married on October 1st in California.

Cooking is something Joe loves, as well as Mexican food. He also loves to hike with his dog Riley. He has an ethnicity tattoo on his right calve which is an Italian leprechaun holding a pot of spaghetti. Secret talent? “I do an amazing vocal rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.” Guilty pleasure is on the T.V., the show “New Girl.” In his free time Joe likes to play video games, mostly on Xbox one. He also builds and repairs computers on the side.

Joe loves music and aside from 311 his top five bands are Passafire, Bad Rabbits, Coheed and Cambria, The Roots, and Stick Figure. (There are many more too, but it was a long list haha.) He also runs the Passafire Army fan  page on Facebook and says you should check them out. Not only does he enjoy listening to music, he likes to play it as well. “I’m mostly interested in playing bass guitar; playing for about 7 or 8 years and know quite a few 311 songs. I own 2 bass guitars, 1 electric and 1 acoustic guitar, and a drum kit. I recently acquired an accordion, so I’m slowly focusing on that.  Be on the look out for my 311 accordion tribute album (lol jk).”

To the band, Joe’s words are simple but spot on: “Thank you.”

To all the other awesome fans out in 311 nation: “Stay true and go after what makes you passionate in life!”

———

Thank you Joe for your story! I know I enjoyed writing it and hope everyone enjoyed learning about him. Thank you all for reading and being a part of this amazing organism we make up, the one and only 311 nation! Until we meet again, keep on spreading that positive vibe.

Much love – The Runt

What’s up excitable nation? Happy new fan spotlight day! Let’s get kicking and introduce Mr. Gregory Rock!

Back in 1995 Greg bought the blue album because he learned that 311 was going to be playing a show with Korn. By the time the show rolled around, Greg was more excited to see 311 than he was Korn! “What drew me in at the time was their unique combination of rapping and heavy guitars. Also, that first live show sold me!”

We now know Greg’s first show and since then he has seen them 63 more times. Only one show has he seen without his wife and that was his first one. He’s been to every 311 Day since 2006, the cruises in 2013 and 2015, and Pow Wow, which he says is his favorite event by far. “It was like a little piece of heaven, survival and glory.  We were glad we [Didn’t Stay Home].” Greg also mentioned that he loves seeing them play at Mandalay Bay in Vegas and was at the show last summer when they performed the blue album live.

Favorite song was a tough question for him to answer. “All Mixed Up” and “T&P Combo” were the first two songs he really liked. “Beyond the Gray Sky” strikes a chord because he almost lost a dear friend and band member to depression. Then there’s “My Stoney Baby” because of his wife. The first thing he said to his wife was, “I like your boots,” and there is a reference to a girl looking fresh in her boots in the song. Favorite lyrics come from “Right Now:”

“I’m not one of those fools, With an ecclesiastical whitewash to set my ethical standards, You’ll never catch me lookin’ to Ann Landers, Or Moses or the Law or even Buddha. If there’s one thing I know, It’s always be true to myself.”

Salem, Ohio is the town that Greg grew up in and still lives in today. He lives in this small town with his wife Emily and they own a small business together. The company is Logue Monument Company and it’s pretty much where he says he grew up. “My father bought the business in 1973, and we bought it from him in 2011.  We sell and make cemetery monuments.  With a name like Rock, I guess you work with stone, right?” Greg also spent some time living in Columbus, OH in the 90’s where he attended “THEE Ohio State University.”

Greg also plays drums (which he said is in case that was the intention with his last name). He and his wife were in a local band called OhM for around twelve years and they got to open for many cool bands such as Phunk Junkeez, Slightly Stoopid, The Expendables, Tech N9ne, Jimmy’s Chicken Shack, Downset, Nonpoint, and more. The band even toured back in 2009 with stops in Brooklyn, NYC, Burlington and Winooski, Vermont, Geneva-On-the Lake and Salem, OH.

Greg and his wife Emily were married on 3-11-2005 and have been living together since 1996. “We moved in together in 1996 because her Mom wouldn’t let her go to a 311 show in Dayton Ohio on P Nut’s Birthday!” Then at their 50th show they were blessed to be gifted a signed poster, back in Detroit in 2013.

Something that makes Greg unique is his ability to read people and offer insight. “I usually can see both sides of an argument or discussion, and try to keep the peace!” He’s also really talented creating personalized memorials and sculpting flowers in granite with sandblast.

When not listening to 311, Greg can be found jamming music from Rush, Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Bob Marley. Guilty pleasure for Greg currently is Far Cry 4 for PS4. He also likes watching YouTube conspiracy theories for some entertainment.

To the band Greg has these words: “Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and positive philosophy.”

Now to all his fellow fans:

“Live your life as best as you can, and enjoy yourself.  Look out for one another.  Also, Go Browns, and one more thing……  LeBron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

————

The story of Gregory Rock my friends! Hope you enjoyed reading another edition of the spotlight, I know I enjoy writing them. Now go be the positive, awesome people you are. Have an amazing week! Until next time.

Much love – The Runt

Welcome again slinkies and brodels! It’s my favorite time of the week (and hopefully one of yours), time for our next fan spotlight. This week we read the story of Craig Schweitzer!

It’s 95 (and we go for the hive) is where our story begins for Craig. 311 was in heavy rotation on radio stations this year and Craig was fortunate enough to live in an area with one dedicated solely to alternative-rock music. This is where he first heard 311. “What really drew me to their music is the unique combination that really can’t be described.  They incorporate so many genres and blur all lines.  What has kept me is the positivity and genuine happiness and respect that they preach.”

Statistics on live shows for Craig stands at this: 29 shows, 38 sets, 138 unique songs, and 770 total songs live. “Yeah I know my stats, I’m a math nerd.” Of those shows, Pow Wow in 2011 had the biggest impact on him. “Pow Wow was so significantly higher than any other show by them or anyone else.”

There are many songs that strike a chord with Craig and it’s hard for him to choose one that stands out the most. “Although overplayed, ‘Down’ was the first song I ever heard so I’ll say that, but it isn’t my favorite song.” For his favorite lyrics, he’s got an inside joke with friends so he said they are, “Golden buttered jam, golden buttered jam for you slam!”

Chicago is where Craig was originally from but he was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He now currently resides in Orlando. Work comes in the form of a Senior Analyst which he says he does solely so he can go to concerts. “Every vacation day I have taken in the last 5 years has been for a concert/festival trip. I have been to over 250 concerts and 25 festivals in the last 5 years.  Suwannee (location of Pow Wow) is my favorite place in the world.  I hated camping until I realized you could make it about music which sparked my love for it.”

Craig has a wide range of interest for music. Some of his favorites include SOJA, Pearl Jam, Tool, Primus, Josh Heinrichs, Nahko and Medicine for the People, and Passafire. He said there are many others, some no longer together. Music clearly has a major impact on Craig and he said he’s met 90% of his friends through music in one way or another. His guilty pleasure comes in musical form – the band Presidents of the United States. “Love them and just saw them live for the first time in New York in 2012.” Something you may not know about Craig, he has a 311 Familia tattoo on his back!

What Craig has to say to 311, he’s actually said to all of them already, but wants to say it one more time – “Bring back Pow Wow, please! It may not have been the money maker you wanted, but it revitalized lost fans.”

Now to all the other 311 fans in the world:

“Live with positivity and love in your life and it will overcome the negative.  Be the person you want the world to be.  And lastly, you’ll always have a family if you look for it.”

——

Thanks for sharing your tale Craig! I hope everyone enjoyed reading it! Thank you to all of the fans for being the positive, amazing people you are. Until next time…keep up the unity and spread the love!

Much love – The Runt

Well hey there excitable friends! Welcome back to another edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s get this party started – it’s time to meet Parker Buehler!

Twelve years old and riding around in the car with her older brothers, that is where Parker’s love of 311 begins. The two songs that drew her in were “Hydroponic” and “Do You Right.” She said those were the two songs that really jumped out at her during those car rides. Flash forward to when the music video for “Down” was released on MTV. “I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t wait to show it to my brothers. When I did, they reminded me that 311 was the same band who created the two songs I begged for every time in their car. It was curtains after that. Ride or die for life…LOL!”

Every time someone asks Parker how many times she has seen 311 live she always has to go count her ticket stubs, usually because she’s added some since the last time! “This past 311 Day were shows 49 and 50 for me. My first show ever was at the HoLLYwooD Palladium in April of 2000. I was 16 years old rolling with my dad and his girlfriend. My mind was blown.” When asked what show of the 50 is her favorite, she said, “You can’t ask me that…LOL. Oh there are so many! One of the most epic moments for me was sitting on my tube floating in the ocean while 311 rocked the F out on the beach of Half Moon Cay on cruise 2. Such a magical moment.”

When asked what song or lyrics mean the most to her, Parker also said these were tough questions! “So many have gotten me through all the good times and bad. I can’t even begin to claim a favorite. 311 has been there for every moment.” While there are a lot to choose from and she doesn’t have a favorite, she did pick three that stand out to her. “I’m a big fan of Electricity. Golden Sunlight and Eons tug at my heartstrings more than usual.” Some lyrics that she loves are: “Life’s a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike it,” “We’re all from the same Lucy despite the differences you see,” and “I got a mind full of weapons in the battle of me versus myself and everything that I kept in, I’m finding the courage to tell.  The sweetest repose comes in the strangest of places,  I never supposed clarity would find me.”

Parker was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent the first half of her life there. After that she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then on to Indianapolis, Indiana. Mom is a stylist and dad is an actor, who she says you may or may not recognize depending on your age. She’s still in Indy and has two sons, ages 6 and 12, who also love 311. Parker is also recently engaged! It happened while in New Orleans for 311 Day! Congrats Parker!

Parker is a stay at home mom but plans escapes to 311 events. Other than that she likes being at home doing crafty things. “I like to create things, fix things, learn things.  I’m a big nerd.  I am the person who made all the bottle cap magnets back in 2013.  I made over 1000 to pass out to fellow fans. I’ve had a lot of requests to make more so I may have some to pass out this summer.  I’m also the person who does the 311 Day rockets.  It started out as my celebration on the odd years of March 11th.  I live in Indiana so there’s not much to do.  I build model rockets and decorate them 311 stylee.  Then we launch them on March 11th, weather permitting. Then it turned into every year.  4 out of 5 years have been successful launches.  Yay for nerds!”

While Parker is mostly left handed, she sometimes is ambidextrous depending on the task she’s performing. She also has the ability to read people very well and thought about going into psychology because of it. “I would love to help people, especially with mental illness.” Back to her craftiness, she can make pretty much any craft and loves her hot glue gun. Talent also comes virtually via video games. “My high score on Ms. Pac-Man is 527,340 and I will kick your ass with Kitana in Mortal Kombat 2.” A little bit of  trivia you may not know – Parker collects Barbies! “I have over 150 of them.  Most of them are in storage.  I have like 4 out in my bedroom, but just wait til I get a bigger house…LOL! One day this crazy lady will have a Barbie room.”

Another band that had Parker’s heart prior to 311 was The Smashing Pumpkins. “I still love them so and am catching them in Louisville here in just a few short weeks.  So excited!” Other bands she loves are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dirty Heads, Sublime, and No Doubt. Lately she’s really been getting into Queens of the Stoneage. “I’ve seen them a few times now and they are amazing.  They may take my #3 spot away from the others.”

Parker’s message to 311 is simply this: “Thank You for existing in my lifetime.”

Now to all of you amazing fans:

“You guys are the absolute best!  Strangers coming together during the good times and the bad makes my heart sing beyond words.   I’m so blessed to be a part of this.”

———

Thank you Parker for sharing your story! I hope everyone loved it as much as I did. I love sharing all of your stories so you can learn more about your awesome fellow fans! Thank you all for reading and until we meet again…keep being awesome!

Much love – The Runt

Hello again Excitable friends! Guess what day it is?? Hooray it’s new fan spotlight day! Are…you…ready? Let me introduce you to Mr. Ian Wheeler!

Twenty years ago in the year 1996 Ian used to spend a lot of time at his grandparents house when his parents would go out. He always loved going there because they had cable and he was able to watch MTV. “I remember when it was the top 10 videos and 311’s “Down” was always back to back with Bone Thugs N Harmony’s “Crossroads”. The first time I watched the video for “Down” I was addicted. The funky flows SA brought out and the way they jammed in that video was just mesmerizing. The flying buddha as well. Just all and all I loved that song so much.”

Having just returned home from 311 Day, Ian is now at a show total of 91. Number 92 will come in July when he attends the Chicago show. Picking his favorite of them was a tough one. He said overall that 311 Day is really the greatest event, although the cruise is a close second. “I was actually just discussing this with my girlfriend the other day. I mean all and all the 311 Days are the best without a doubt because they play all the rare songs we never get to see live. The 311 Cruise on the other hand is one hell of an experience. I mean you are on a boat with your favorite band. This band spoils us at every event.”

The song that means the most to him at the moment is “Tranquility.” Ian unfortunately lost a good friend back in September of 2015 and it reminds him of his friend. “My best friend Daniel Gast. It was a shot to the heart. This song reminds me of him constantly. When 311 played it live with the church choir during 311 Day 2016 I lost it. Lots of tears.” Ian said really most of Stereolithic means a lot to him. “Right before this album came out a few years ago, I got to do a live filmed interview with Nick Hexum which was a dream come true.”  Favorite lyrics come from “Hydroponic” and then “Made in the Shade:” “I’m not going to waste life being hateful” and “You gotta keep on climbing the hill cuz if you think you’ll make it you will.”

Ian was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, but grew up just outside Chicago, Illinois in the suburbs.  Pretty much before any 311 event Ian can be found working as much as possible to save up for it. “I think all the fans know to just have a 311 credit card going on tap. I pretty much paid for the bands kids college tuitions already (laughs).” Ian is a local radio DJ with his own show called Wheelers Weekend Jams. He works press at a lot of concerts, events and more. “I’m throwing my first official concert coming this August in Chicago with my good buddy J. Randy who has been on all the 311 cruises. Very excited for this one.”

Honesty is a trait that flows strong in Ian. “Whatever comes to mind I will let you know. Open-minded, loving, caring and will help out anyone who needs it. I’m lucky to have amazing friends and a great family. Give me a hug and I’ll hug you right back.”  Drumming also flows strong and Ian has been playing since he was 8 years old. “Not only does drumming let you get out some aggression time to time but it has a meditation to it. I get to harness my chi. Drumming is good for the soul and drives a way the negatives. It puts life on a whole different beat. Ya feel me? (Go check out my band Coyote Man on our Facebook).”

Unique trait for Ian is that he LOVES drinking egg nog. “I think it’s the most underrated drink of all time. Why doesn’t it sell around yearly and not just Christmas and Easter?” Ian also is a huge movie fan, especially the horror genre, but he has a soft spot for romance as well. “I don’t know if it’s a guilty pleasure but some romantic stuff is not bad. Check out Sleepless in Seattle, The Notebook or The Princess Bride. Classics in my book. Deep down I’m a hopeless romantic.”

Being a DJ, there are many other artists besides 311 that Ian loves and he listens to many different types of music. Some of them include Led Zeppelin, Deftones, RX Bandits, Radiohead, Nirvana, Every time I Die, As tall as Lions, Passafire, The Beatles, Mars Volta, Die Antwoord, System of a Down, Enya, Miles Davis, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Beastie Boys, Ben Harper, Xavier Rudd, The Green, Van Halen, and Full Service.

Ian has a well worded message for 311: “Thank you for always being by my side with your lyrical genius swagger and (musical) sounds that bring out the best in my life.”

To all the other spectacular fans out there:

“It’s been a pleasure for all of these years seeing 311 live and meeting new faces every time. It’s been a wild ride but I wouldn’t change a minute. More than half of my good friends are 311 fans and it’s a beautiful thing. Other people who don’t understand will always ask me “Why do you go see 311 live so many times”? It’s simple. Not only does 311 put on an amazing performance every time but it’s meeting new people who are into what you are into. Thats something special. It’s like going to church every Sunday. 311 is my church. This is such a special click to be a part of and in the future there will be documentaries about 311 and this fan base. How it’s almost revolutionary in many ways. It’s funny when fans argue with each other on how many shows they have been to or how cool they are because they got a photo pass to shoot at the show. Thats cool and everything but all in all we are in this together. We are united as one. See you at shows! Everyone gather, the more the better. Peace, Love and Unity.”

—-

Great message Ian!!! Thank you for sharing your story. I hope all you excitables enjoyed his tale of his love for 311. I’m so grateful to all who participate and those who read this spotlight each week! You are all amazing, positive people and continue to brighten my life each and every day. Until we meet again my friends…stay positive, keep smiling, and shine on!

Much love – The Runt

Hello 311 excitable nation!! I hope you all had an amazing 311 Day!! Are we ready for the new fan spotlight? I think we are…so let’s meet Julia Hockley!

A record store in Atlanta is the setting for Julia’s intro to 311. It was when they were signed to Capricorn Records and the rep in her area was relentless about promoting them. “Though I very regrettably missed the first show he put me on the guest list for, he did finally get me to listen! After that first spin, I was hooked!”

The number of shows Julia has seen live? “No idea at all!” Not the normal answer but I love it. Most of the shows she’s seen were in Atlanta, but she’s also traveled to a few as well, including the most recent 311 Day in New Orleans. Her favorite show so far she said is most likely the Halloween show in Atlanta on 2010.

Favorite song is “Beautiful Disaster.”  Favorite lyric comes from “Freak Out” – “The Earth has not swallowed me yet!”

Julia was born in Atlanta, Georgia but moved around quite a bit as a kid to places including California, Texas, and Florida. However she then landed back in Georgia. She currently works as a registered Veterinary Technician at a feline only clinic. She also runs her own business caring for pets while their families are out of town.

Some other things Julia is a fan of are screen prints. “I am a huge fan of Houston based artist Jermaine Rogers.” She also loves turtles!! And while people who know her may not believe it, she’s actually a hardcore introvert with horrible social anxiety. (I’ve met her in person and can see why people don’t believe her! She’s a fabulous person!)

Julia has also seen The Grateful Dead (with Garcia) more times than she cares to admit. Another fun fact, she adores raccoons! Guilty pleasures include rap music and the movie Xanadu. Other artists she’s into are Queens of the Stoneage, Jack White, Primus, and Foo Fighters, as well as a bunch of old school and lesser known bands.

To 311, Julia’s message is: “There’s so much to say! Thank you for being a beautiful part of my life!”

Now to all the fans out there, she has the same message:

“Ditto to the prior answer. Thank you for being a beautiful part of my life!”

——–

That is the story of Julia my friends! Thank you as usual for reading and learning more about this awesome chica. Hope you all get to meet her in person one day!! Until we meet again, keep on being awesome and spreading that positive vibe.

Much love! – The Runt

Hello excitable nation!! Happy 311 Day week!! What better way to start it than by reading about a fellow fan. Let’s meet this weeks spotlight – Katie Sluhan!

A self-proclaimed “newbie,” Katie didn’t become a super fan until 2013. She had always liked the band and the music she heard on the radio, but she really got into them when she met her now husband a few weeks before he went on one of the cruises. “While he was gone, I did some research and downloaded their albums to see what they were about (and to impress him with my 311 knowledge). Turned our the songs that were not on the radio were their best songs and haven’t stopped listening since!”

Show tally so far is at four which includes 311 Day 2014. Favorite so far was Red Rocks in 2013. “It was my first show and I was hooked! Met so many great people and is hands down the best concert I have ever been to.”

The song “Two Drops in the Ocean” is Katie’s favorite song and rightly so – it was her and her husbands first dance song at their wedding! “I think the lyrics suit our relationship and the melody is something different (which I like about it). I think everyone would have been more surprised if we did not dance to a 311 song.” Two of her favorite lyrics are, “Stay positive and love your life” and “Fuck the naysayers.”

St. Louis, Missouri is where Katie was born, raised, and still lives. She is one of six kids, an aunt to four and great aunt to two. “I spoil them all like their my own. Love coming from a big family!” Katie currently works on the Washington University campus where she “keeps all the students fed and caffeinated” by overseeing a café, Starbucks, and Einstein Bagels. To fund all the trips she likes to take, she does a lot of research studies within the university. “Currently I am doing a study on high fructose corn syrup and the effects on the liver, getting paid $1200 for it.”

On December 12, 2015 she married the love of her life in a fairy tale wedding.  While they opted out of 311 Day this year due to this, they are going to Alaska in December to see the Northern lights! “Traveling is my passion and plan on going to as many places a as possible before kids come in the picture. I turn 30 in August and still feel like there is a lot I need to do in life!” Even with Katie’s mom passing away in October, and missing her every day, she has managed to keep her positivity. “One thing she gave me was my positive outlook on life and focus on the dash (the dash between your birth year and death). Life is too short to stay at home and be negative.”

Something many don’t know – Katie is studying to become a coffee master. “It is described as the sommelier of coffee. It also has made me a coffee snob. Have to French press everything now!” So we know that she makes a really good cup of coffee but another talent she says she has is that she’s really good at flip cup! (Everyone keep that in mind if she goes on a cruise and there’s a flip cup tournament). Guilty pleasure comes in the shape of clothing – work out clothes to be exact. “I swear I have enough black yoga pants and motivational shirts to not do laundry for a month!”

One of Katie’s other favorite bands is The Urge and she is lucky enough to live really close to Steve Ewing’s (the lead singer) hot dog shop! “I even got some wedding pictures there with him! It was a surprise to the whole wedding party, including my husband.”

Katie says she turns into a huge blob when she meets celebrities, so to avoid that, she’d like to send this message to 311 here: “Thank you for keeping it real and promoting positivity.”

Thankfully she won’t turn into a blob sending this message to all the other amazing 311 fans out there:

“This has always been my favorite quote and a motto I live by “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

—Mark Twain

————–

That my friends was the story of Katie Sluhan! And what a great story it was. Thank you Katie for sharing it and being the fan spotlight this week! Now everyone, go out, be positive and make someone smile. And of course, have the best 311 Day you possibly can!!! Love you all!

-The Runt

Hey there excitable friends! Happy Leap Year! Time to meet yet another cool 311 fan. Here is the story of Madison Adeline Tenaglia!

Madison states she didn’t become a real genuine fan until meeting the Familia on the cruise in 2012. She always loved the song “Amber”  but didn’t fully embrace the whole experience of 311 until the cruise. “I formed an instant emotional attachment to 311 when I experienced their music lift the collective vibe of the beach that fateful day in the Bahamas. The love exchanged amongst the familia and non-familia on the beach that afternoon sealed the deal.”

Twelve shows total is how many times she’s seen them live currently. Of those the shows from the cruises in 2012 and 2015 stand as her favorites. Song that means the most to her is “Eons.” Two of her favorite quotes are “My name is volatile, I’ve been this way a long while,” and “Your body is a country that you know I’ll return to, craving like a family heirloom that I’m into.”

Detroit, Michigan is where Madison was born. There she grew up with four brothers who she says she got into a lot of mischief with! She spent a few years building park structures at the Detroit Metro Airport. “Yes, construction, as in concrete…as in labor. ME! Pouring concrete and welding steel.”  After that she went away to a university in Denver, Colorado to study international business. She also lived in Sweden for awhile, studying the European Union, then jetted off to Spain where she studied International Relations.

A couple of years after her time in Europe was when she had her first 311 experience on the cruise, which was right before she moved to London to work in a Swiss investment bank. She traveled from London to Miami for the cruise in 2013. “I remember that my flight back to London arrived at 7:30 AM and I had to go straight back to work with the worst depression and head ache in the world. AT that point, I promised to never go back to work the day after a 311 event.” Madison remained an investment banker until the middle of 2015 when she suddenly quit her job and followed her heart all the way to southern California. She traveled for a few months last summer and then settled in Orange County in the fall. “I’m now a Metaphysics Researcher, hoping to write a book and begin hosting retreats for Metaphysical and Astrological experiences.”

Madison said if she could go back in time and marry any person, it would be Albert Einstein. “Because I’m in love with him.” When she was younger, around the age of 15, she wanted to be a gangster rapper. “I wrote freestyles, wore Ecko Unit track suits, and had baby dreadlocks.”

Something that makes her unique is her style of dance and passion for flow (hula hooping). “I got into dance because when I was younger, I felt energy moving in my body. It started with feeling energy that came alive in my body when I would hear a good song…. Its transcendental, to be one with the harmony of musical vibrations.” Guilty pleasures are as follows: Smoking weed, writing in my diary, and charting the stars in the sky. “I’d love for this to turn into a Spoken Word Poetry talent.” Some other music Madison loves include Radiohead, Atmosphere, Nirvana, Thievery Corporation, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What Madison would like to say to 311 comes in the form of a question – “If you could work with your 311 fans to accomplish anything in the world, what would it be?” (This is a great question if any of the guys are reading – inquiring minds want to know!)

Now to all the fans, her message is this:

“We must have gratitude for this opportunity to participate in a community that has been contrived to promote, Peace, Unity, Love and connection through music. We must always remember to ask ourselves, what can we do to BE the change that we want to see in the world (or the familia.)”

——

Now you have all met Madison my friends! Thanks to her for being a part of this project and to all of you for supporting and reading. Keep on promoting that peace, love, and unity like Madison mentions. “Take on the love and the good karma.”

Until next time!

Much love – The Runt

Hey, hi, and hello my excitable friends! Welcome back, it’s time for the new fan spotlight. This week lets meet Kaeley Trinidad!

Five years old was the age Kaeley was when she first heard 311 and she credits her dad as the reason she first listened to them. “He bought their Transistor album and we’d always listen to it in the car. Then when I was 6 or 7 I started listening to them on my own and of course I was obsessed with Beautiful Disaster and What Was I Thinking, and had those playing on repeat.” While she doesn’t remember what exactly drew her to them, she said it was probably just that they make really awesome music.

Number of shows stands at 21, although it should be 22. Kaeley was supposed to see them in Fresno in 2015 but had to turn around and drive home because of the mudslide. “Not gonna lie, I cried the majority of that 3 hour drive home.” Favorite event was last years cruise to Jamaica. “It was my first cruise and first 311 cruise and it was an absolute blast! I definitely had a hard time coming back from that vacation.” Favorite show specifically though for Kaeley goes to when she saw them at The Roxy in 2014. “That was my first time at that venue actually and so I had no clue what to expect. When that curtain rose and I was less than a foot away from the band and right up against the stage, my jaw dropped and no joke, I could not pick it up off the floor the rest of the night. I was completely blown away. It was awesome being that close and it was an awesome show overall. I even got to help P-NUT get his Tesla out of that crazy tight parking lot after the show!”

There are many songs that Kaeley loves, so picking one that means the most was difficult for her to answer. “I turn to their music for all kinds of things but there’s just not one song in particular that I turn to all the time.” She did say Transistor album holds a special place in her heart since it always reminds her of those car rides with her dad, rocking out to the music. She also have lots of favorite lyrics, but the one currently on her white board at work is, “Got more funky styles than my laser jet got font!” (She’s a graphic designer, so the quote works quite well in her field.)

California girl to her core, Kaeley was born and raised in Southern California, then moved to Michigan as a teen where she spent her days dreaming of ways to get back to the west coast. Her sign is Gemini and while she isn’t super into Astrology, she says that her sign does explain a lot about her personality, like she’s full of opposites. “I’m a girly girl and a tomboy, I like going out and staying in, I’m creative and analytical, I’m extremely anal and organized, but also a procrastinator and will have things in an organized mess.” Kaeley is also really driven, working full time and attending school for graphic design at Cal Poly Pomona. “My life is pretty crazy Monday through Friday but that’s how I fund my 311 habit. And no matter what my schedule is I ALWAYS make time for 311!”

Interesting fact: Kaeley has a lot of neatly kept expensive makeup. While she doesn’t wear makeup often, she goes all out when she does! Something to be jealous of if you’re a drinker: Kaeley doesn’t get hangovers! “People try to tell me it’s just because I’ve never had enough to drink or whatever but I’ve proved them all wrong. It’s like I have a second liver or something. I always just say it’s because I’m Irish and Mexican, so I was genetically engineered for drinking lol.” Guilty pleasure: “I hate reality TV but I am seriously addicted to the shows Extreme Couponing and Extreme Cheapskate.”

Kaeley’s message to 311: “I would simply say Thank You. Their music has gotten me through all kinds of stuff, brought me together with so many awesome people, and given me so many amazing memories.”

Now her message to all the awesome excitables out in 311 nation:

“To those of you I’ve met: I miss you all and can’t wait to see you all again! To those of you I haven’t met: I sincerely cannot wait to meet you! I’m super stoked and can’t wait to party with my Excitable Crew in NOLA for my first 311 Day!!”

———

Now you know all about Kaeley! Thanks for reading about another fantastic fellow fan. As we rapidly approach our favorite day of the year, remember that whether you are in Nola or somewhere else this year, we have been given a gift from this amazing band and their positive messages, and you are all spectacular people that can carry their messages out to others you know! Until we meet again – “Stay positive and love your life!”

Much love – The Runt

Hi friends in 311 nation! Welcome back for the newest fan spotlight. So without further delay, I introduce you to Joe Genovese!

Summer of 1995, Joe’s best friend told him about 311 and they decided to go out and buy Music and Grassroots. “Ever since I heard the opening riff of Homebrew I was instantly hooked. That was quite possibly the first CD I ever wore out until it started skipping.”  Joe said it’s the perfect mix of heaviness, melody and interesting lyrics that really attracted him to their music.

Exact number of shows is questionable but Joe believes he’s around the 25 mark. Favorite show/event was the cruise to Jamaica last year. Song that means the most to him is “Two Drops in the Ocean” because of his girlfriend Monique. “I call my amazing girlfriend Monique ‘My Drop’ now and that song always makes me think of her.” A lyric that stands out to him is from “Freak Out” – “Scenes from the lost world, scenes hard to tell which is which as if drawn by a child.” One reason he likes it so much is because for a long time he didn’t know what SA was saying. “Once I found out I thought it was brilliant the way he seemed to put his whole soul behind just that one lyric amongst countless others.”

Joe was born in and grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, which is about five minutes outside New Orleans. “It might sound cheesy and cliche but it definitely feels like destiny that the place I grew up in just so happened to strike a nerve with the band and eventually became their favorite place to play, and the birthplace of 311 Day.”

A singer is something Joe really always wanted to become, but it just never seemed to pan out for him unfortunately. However people have told him he is a gifted writer and that the stories he writes draw them in and leave them wanting more. As far as guilty pleasures go, Joe has a really cool one. “Classic black and white movies from the 40’s, 50’s always seem to suck me in.”

Bands and artists besides 311 that Joe appreciates are Operation Ivy, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, Rancid, Sublime, No Doubt, The Ramones, Suicide Machines, Phunk Junkeez, and Papafish. “I am really into old school punk, ska, and reggae.”

Joe has this message for the guys of 311:

“Thank for you for this incredible 25 year journey and eventually leading me to meet my amazing beautiful girlfriend Monique! Can’t wait to see you guys on the next cruise and of course, next month!”

To all the fans in 311 nation, Joe says, “Get ready for 311’s version of Mardi Gras in March Excitable Ones!”

——

And that was the tale of Joe Genovese! Thank you all as always for reading another spotlight and learning more about a fellow excitable. You are all amazing people! Until we meet again…keep rocking that positivity and spread the love!

Much love – The Runt