Welcome again my friends in 311 nation! I hope you all are doing well & staying safe. Let’s get to it and meet the latest fan spotlight, Crystal Decoteau!

Crystal remembers being on the bus in elementary school and hearing 311 on the radio. She has two siblings that are 5 and 7 years older than her, and she would hear them playing the songs as well, but it was just the mainstream songs at first. “Fast forward to high school, my older boyfriend at the time played them for me and I remember being like “oh hey, I loved that song when I was a kid.” So he burned me a few cd’s but I only listened to them sporadically. It wasn’t until my first 311 show at 16 that I got hooked. I was in a dark place at the time dealing with severe depression and suicide. My friend had an extra ticket to the Download Festival at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA and made me go. I hadn’t really listened to them too much, but I went to the show because I wanted to see The Wailers and Dropkick Murphy’s and it was going to be my first music festival. I remember the intense energy of the crowd along with 311 when they stepped on the stage. It was something I had never felt before. There was a huge thunder and lightening storm that temporarily stopped the show and when the show continued the energy was even more crazy. After that night I started listening to them constantly, wanting to feel what I had felt during that show. I started really listening to their lyrics and felt like it hit home. The first time I listened to “Beyond the Gray Sky” I cried and realized I wanted to fight my depression and not let it consume me anymore. I became obsessed with 311 and relied on their music and their positive message to get me through everything. I tell people 311 saved my life because their music literally uplifted me and helped me change my point of view on everything. I was so hooked that I had bought every single album and listened to them nonstop. I went to every single show possible after 2006. But it wasn’t until 2015 that I talked to someone at a show and they asked if I was part of the “Familia”. I had no idea what he was talking about (I was never much of a social media person) so after the show I went home and checked it out. I had no idea there was such a huge group of like minded, loving and caring people. I have terrible social anxiety so I never really talked with anyone at shows besides the random sharing of blunts. Suddenly I learned about 311 Day and the Cruises and saw all these strangers coming together for the same love of 311. I fell in love with 311 all over again! It has become more than just music to lift my spirits when I’m feeling depressed, it has become a way of life for me. “

Crystal never really kept track of the number of shows she attended because when she started, she didn’t realize how much of a relationship she was going to develop with 311. “I see people hit milestones on show counts and wish I had kept track. I didn’t start keeping ticket stubs right away either. I tried going through them the other day and realized how many I’m missing. I’ve seen them at least once every year since I was 16, so theoretically I’m around 30 shows including the 2019 Cruise and 311 Day 2020. My first show was the Download Festival in 2006 in Mansfield, MA.”

As for favorite, Crystal said that each show has it’s own special moment for her. If she was forced to choose just one though it would be the cruise. ” I had tried to go on a 311 Cruise for years and was never able to get OTMFB. I finally got a spot with my sister and fellow slinky Krista. We celebrated my 30th Birthday, so the first show as we set sail was out of this world. It was a dream come true to finally be in that moment. And to share it with my sister (who doesn’t understand my obsession and love for 311) was amazing.”

Just like Crystal said that every show has a special meaning to her, so do the songs. However “Beyond the Gray Sky” she says is a song that helped save her life. It was the lyrics, “Don’t give up the fight to stay alive, and even if you have to find the reason of another’s pain if they lose you, if not for yourself, then those around who care like I do” that really hit her. “Although I have a hard time listening to it now. I don’t want to dwell on the past, I want to continue to stay positive, love life and more forward.”

Some other lyrics that Crystal loves include: “I’m the perfect example of not giving a fuck about the catty rude people that just suck;” “To be alive is lovin’:” “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world;” “Fuck the naysayers cuz they don’t mean a thing;” “Lovely life I thank you for the reason to see the pain through;” “I’d like to stay here just like this, it’s just a momentary bliss, that’s all we can hope for, that’s the reason to cope for, this life, this life and no more;” “Life could slip away in absent minded numbness;” and “You wanna get free cause you dwell under the spell of negativity, and when the world is crashing down crumbling at your feet, just lean into it.”

Crystal was born and raised in Southern New Hampshire, which she said has pretty small towns with not a lot to do. She’s only moved four times in her life and it was always 1-2 towns from where she was. “Living in small towns there was never really anything to do so pretty much everything revolved around music. Whether it was sitting in my room painting, doing chores, roller blading, going to open mic nights, everything I did involved jamming out to music. I never went anywhere without my walkman/cd player and headphones. Every family vacation as a kid I would just sit there listening to music. When I was 13 I taught myself how to play guitar, but found it hard to find the time to play with school and work once I turned 16. Once in High School, driving around with friends listening to music is basically all we did (while smoking weed of course). My parents were pretty strict so that on top of living in a place with nothing to do made it pretty boring. But occasionally me and my friends would sneak out to the local underground spots where small bands would play.”

Crystal said she spent most of her childhood isolating herself because of her depression, so once she graduated high school and started loving life more, she realized how important her family was to her. “I wanted to make up for the time I lost pushing them away. So even though I’ve always wanted to pack up and move to a new place in the world, I don’t want to be far away from my family. So now I just try my hardest to save money to travel the world. I went backpacking in Europe with my sister and visited her in Morocco (she’s lived on 4 different continents).”

At the age of 16 is when Crystal got her first job, and she said she’s just been working hard ever since to fund her concert life and to make money to travel the world. “I go to about a dozen shows a year, it’s really all I do for fun. Concerts/music is my form of therapy. I’ve worked in customer service my whole life. Started in retail and ended up in the restaurant industry. Which is kind of ironic cause I was always super shy growing up and still have intense social anxiety.”

Crystal loves to spend time with her family, she loves animals, and she loves to go on adventures and try new things. “Ever since I found a new love for live, I’m pretty much open to anything.” Fun fact about Crystal is that for the last 4 years she has managed a craft cocktail bar. “It’s won a few awards for their cocktails. People tell me all the time that I’m an amazing “mixologist” (I don’t see it, but again self reflection/confidence is something I’m still working on). I do love bartending in a craft cocktail setting. It’s way different then regular bartending. Being able to play with different ingredients like pickling spices, ginger, lavender, etc. and come up with a cocktail that tastes good and blows peoples mind is fun. It’s like chemistry, but with a sense of creativity.”

Guilty pleasure for Crystal? She loves getting stoned and coloring. “I love to just relax and let my mind float away. I’ll put some music on and just color for hours. That and blasting music and dancing. If you ever see me at a show, I’m usually wearing sunglasses just dancing my heart out as if I’m the only one in the room.”

For other artists that Crystal loves, they are as follows: Tropidelic, Fortunate Youth,  Rebelution, Tribal Seeds, The Elovaters, Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, The Movement, Iration, Atmosphere, Incubus, Jurassic 5, Deftones, Tool, Glass Animals, CHVRCHES, Citizen Cope, Snakehips, Chet Faker, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Halsey, Alessia Cara, and Lorde. “But seriously, I listen to everything. I have a favorite band/artist for every genre.”

To 311, Crystal has this message: “Thank you for saving my life! Your music has helped me in so many ways I can’t even begin to put it into words. It has become more than just music for me, it has become a way of life. Keep spreading the love and positivity!”

Her message to all the other fans out there is this:

“Thank you for being so great! I don’t really know anyone and have yet to get over my social anxiety, but I know I can call each and every one of you a friend. I can’t wait till we can all be at a show together again!”

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Thank you Crystal for sharing your story and love of 311! It was a pleasure to write it and I send so much gratitude to all those supporters out there! I hope you all have an amazing week, keep being awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again 311 nation! Welcome back for another installment of the 311 fan spotlight. Get ready to learn all about Billy Gravel!

The year was 1996 and Billy was digging through his sisters CD collection when he just happened to find one in this blue case. Upon opening it he saw a photo with these guys that had their faces painted like aliens and he thought it looked interesting. Then he popped in the CD to give it a listen. “I was hooked.  The hard rock, rap, jazzy sound was something I hadn’t heard before and it blew me away! And the content of their lyrics was just the icing on the cake.”

For show count, Billy is at 12 and said he went through a time in his life where he allowed his anxiety to hold him back which is why his number isn’t higher. “A problem I have since squashed.” For favorite show he’s attended, it was the one at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island that was billed as “An Evening with 311.” ” I believe it was 1999.Such a small intimate venue with just 311 and their fans. You could feel the energy in the air! It was amazing!”

Choosing a favorite song is always hard, especially when the band has so many great ones. For Billy, he said he has a few that really stand out to him. ” I remember “Sever” and “Eons” helping me through some really rough times in my life. They’re so powerful and still give me chills when I hear them.  My absolute favorite songs come in 3. “Visit”, “Homebrew” and (I know it’s a radio song but it doesn’t matter to me) “Beautiful Disaster”. I just think they’re so badass and really get me pumped.” For favorite lyric, Billy has one from “Do You Right” that he loves: “I’m free as I stare at the sea and I’m not coming down. The world is yours once you have found,  the good is to share, which is elsewhere.”

Born and raised in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Billy is the youngest of three and has two older sisters. Music has always been a big part of Billy’s life and he was introduced to it at a young age. “My father was always blasting music around the house. The Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young, The Kinks, Tom Petty. I eventually became obsessed with singing and recording music. When I was 15, I joined my first punk rock band and 25 years later,  I’m still rocking out!” Billy now lives in North Smithfield, R.I., with his amazing wife Sarah and their three kitties, Lily, Daysie, and Charlie. For work, he followed his childhood dream and became a firefighter/EMT for the city of Woonsocket and has been doing that for 14 years.

Fun fact about Billy, when he was around the age of 12-13 he was in a boy band called Impursuit. “We pretty much covered the R&B of the time. Lol! I can’t believe I admitted that! Very less known fact about me!” Billy moved on later to be in a 311 tribute band. “From 2012-2015 I was the cofounder, lead singer and rhythm guitarist (Nick) for “Applied Science” Rhode Island’s exclusive 311 tribute band. We had so much fun with this band. We played a ton of shows, won a bunch of contests and had the opportunity to play with a lot of great tribute bands. Not to mention, we got to rock out to 311! What’s better than that!” Other things Billy really enjoys is being out in nature and also surfing.

For guilty pleasure, Billy said it’s music for sure. “Whether listening to it, playing, recording or producing it, music is always on my mind. I have a small production company called “Island Rhodes Productions” and a decent little recording studio. I’m currently the Co-lead singer and bass player for a 3 peice punk rock band, “Surviving Seasons” and I’m in the process of recording and producing our first album due out early 2021. I also have a solo reggae project called “B.Grateful” and I’m currently working on new music with that as well.” Other artists that Billy loves include Ballyhoo!, Rebelution, Stick Figure, SOJA, Goldfinger, No use for a Name, Passafire, Less than Jake, and Slightly Stoopid.

Billy would like to send this message to 311: “Thank you guys for creating the soundtrack to my life. For making dark days bright and bright days even brighter.”

Now here are his words to all the other fans out there:

“Especially in this day and age, we need to stick together and unite. We should all live by the words 311 has been spreading for 30 years. PLUR.”

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Thank you Billy for sharing your story with us all! Another great tale about love for 311. I hope you all have an amazing week, thank you for reading, now go spread some positive vibes to others!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my beautiful friends in 311 nation! Happy Thanksgiving week to all in the U.S. Let’s kick it off properly with a new fan spotlight. Meet Mike Creager!

While Mike vaguely remembers seeing 311 videos as his older sister and brother were watching MTV, it wasn’t until he was a freshman in high school that he really got into their music. One of his classmates tragically died in a car crash and Mike read in his obituary that he loved 311. “Growing up hearing all the 311 means KKK rumors I never really gave them a chance prior to that point. They had just come out with their Greatest Hits CD so I went and bought that, my brother soon after burned me a copy of the Blue Album, and I slowly acquired the rest.”

For show count, Mike said this is his first attempt at really figuring out his number. He believes he is at 24 shows, which includes 311 Day 2010 and 2014, plus the cruises in 2015 and 2019. His first show was the Download Festival in 2006 at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Mike said this show is still probably his top show. “Right before 311 came on thunder and lightning came crashing in. The lights go off, and the band starts with Welcome (my first time hearing that song) I think it was that whole experience that got me hooked.”

The song “Golden Sunlight” holds a special place in Mike’s heart as it’s the first song he listened to with his daughter when she was born. For lyrics that he loves, he chose these: “It’s like you and me on Plymouth Rock, embarking on a journey that I never thought would happen to me so effortlessly, sparks flying, your laughter is a symphony.”

Mike grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, just a few minutes away from Plymouth Rock, which is why that lyric always connected with him. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else because it’s like being in a small town and a city at the same time, having characteristics of both.  Other than a few short stints in neighboring towns I’ve lived here my whole life and officially became a townie when I bought a house here a few years back with my wife and 3 kids.” Mike makes his living as a member of The Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 17. “I install big pieces of metal that heat and air conditioning flow through mostly in the city of Boston.”

Crazy interesting fact about Mike is that when he was about 5-6 years old, he had his fingers run over by a roller coaster! “Waiting on my siblings to get off of the Galaxy at Canobie Lake Park. The coaster ran right next to the fence, I guess I held onto the track and one of the cars ran over the tips of my fingers. Luckily other than a few popped blood vessels there was no real harm done.”

Fun fact about Mike is that he can recite the alphabet backwards. “It has gotten me a few drinks over the years.” Guilty pleasure for him is the T.V. show “This Is Us.” “That show hooks me every time.”

Other bands and musicians that Mike loves include The Elovaters, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, O.A.R, RDGLDGRN, Dispatch, Stick Figure, Twiddle, Slightly Stoopid, Pearl Jam, Band Of Horses, Counting Crows, Michael Franti, and SOJA.

To 311, Mike has these words: “You guys have been with me through the best of times and the worst of times, I don’t know what life would be like without your music, Thank You!”

Finally Mike would like to relay this message to all the other fans out there:

“To all the fans I have met, You’re some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve met in my life. To those who I have yet to meet, I look forward to sharing a groove with you at a show somewhere down the line.”

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Thank you so much to Mike Creager for sharing his story! This is Thanksgiving week, so I’m thankful to all who participate as a fan spotlight and to all of the supporters who come back to read them every week. The 311 fan community is unique and I’m so thankful to be a part of it. Have a fantastic week my friends, see you next time.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again my friends from 311 nation! It’s about time for the next fan spotlight. This week let’s learn all about Angela Myers!

It was Angela’s high school boyfriend that introduced her to 311 by making her a mixtape that had the song “Down” on it. “I loved it.  I asked him to put more 311 on the next one.  They were a combo of all styles of music I really liked.” There was a bit of time in her 20’s that she went without listening to 311 but when she rediscovered them, she realized how much she had been missing. “I feel like I’m still paying my dues as a fan to get caught up, but I’m definitely devoted.  (Enough to have gotten a 311 tattoo!) My best friend, Bryan Cori gets all the credit for getting me back into them when I moved to Florida in 2007.   We’d listen to 311 on road trips, singing at the top of our lungs and go to shows together.  We’ve been on 3 cruises together as that has become our vacation time together every other year since I moved back to Maine.   In 2016, I had Bryan come up for a New England leg of the tour and it was a blast to share that experience with him.  It will be amazing when this pandemic is over and we can all gather again!”

For show count, Angela is at 28, which includes shows in New England, Florida, and 3 of the cruises. Her first show was in 1997 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where Rustic Overtones opened for them. “My goal is to make it to 311 Day someday and I would totally go to a Pow Wow or destination festival if that opportunity ever arose!”

As for favorite show or event, she said the Soundsystem cruise was her favorite. “I was in such a dark place personally, and I fully believe being on that ship with all those Excitables brought me back to life.  From the energy on the lido deck to turtle birthin’ on the beach in Jamaica, it woke my spirit up and I realized I had found my tribe and I was ready to learn how to live in the now.”

For favorite song, Angela said there are so many songs and lyrics that she has gathered strength from that a few years ago she created a document she calls, “The Tao of 311: An Excitable Philosophy On Life.” “I organized quotes by subjects like Strong All Along (Confidence) or Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm (Dealing with Assholes) and What Was I Thinking? (Regret and Apologies).  I printed it out for Bryan as a present but I often reference it when I need a boost.  I actually need to update it for Voyager.  It’s so hard to choose a favorite 311 song.  Kinda like picking your favorite student as a teacher!  Everyone brings something different!  Use of Time, Speak Easy, Five of Everything, Let the Cards Fall, and of course, Beyond the Gray Sky would be my top 5 that mean the most to me but I could put the entire catalog on shuffle and not skip a single one.” One of her favorite lyrics though is from “Simplify” – “This moment is a gift, it’s why it’s called the present.” “It keeps me grounded in gratitude and in the moment.”

Here is the link to Angela’s Tao of 311 document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JMDSOXxFYGhTfh5UxARcJVRKXc8kxvpzGbPZlDv0FRA/edit

Angela grew up in a small paper mill town in Northern Maine. She played soccer, ran cross country, and was a cheerleader, but she said her passion was always music. ” I sang, played piano, saxophone, and trumpet.  I attended the University of Maine and double concentrated in vocal music and alto saxophone.  My goal was to get my degree in Music Education then try my hand at singing and composing in grad school at Berklee College of Music in Boston where I received a scholarship.  I was given an amazing teaching opportunity straight out of under grad and jumped into my teaching career and haven’t looked back.  I am so incredibly lucky that it is my job to inspire kids to create and utilize music as a therapy, especially in times like these!  My philosophy is to teach a hands-on approach so that my students are always creating not just listening.  I make sure they are actively making music as much as possible.”

Angela moved to Florida for 8 years with her ex-husband but ended up coming home to Maine because she missed the seasons and wanted to raise her two kids there. “I ended up getting divorced last year.  Honestly, the music of 311 was my go-to during the tough days of that. The boys always bring me clarity, calm, and consistent positivity.  I’d go as far to say that 311 has influenced my spiritual journey as well.  I suffer from depression and anxiety.  My therapist would always tell me that depression is living in the past and anxiety is living in the future.  I would say the music of 311 as well as the energy I’ve felt around other Excitables has taught me to live in the here and now.”

Interesting fact about Angela? “I was drum major of my college marching band…this one time…at band camp….lol.” She also got to perform at Carnegie hall with her college choir when she was 19. “Hands down, biggest performance of my life!”

Guilty pleasure for Angela is that she plays Pokemon Go pretty much daily. When not listening to 311, she can be found jamming out to artists like Ballyhoo!, Hirie, Twiddle, Phish, and Turkuaz.

To 311, Angela has these words: “I know this pandemic took tour (and live music) away, but honestly, thinking about the fact that the boys got to spend the summer with their families makes me smile.”

Now her message to all the other fans out there:

“We’ll all be together again…until then stay safe, grateful, and present in the moment!”

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Thank you Angela for sharing your story with us! Much gratitude always to the supporters out there as well. Be strong, stay safe, and always be kind!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends in 311 nation! I know it’s been a crazy week since last Monday – so take a break and read all about our next fan spotlight, Kala Knapp!

It was in middle school when Kala first heard the song “Down” and loved the sounds of 311. However it wasn’t until a friend asked her to attend Pow Wow with her back in 2011 that she really became a huge fan.

So naturally, Pow Wow is the show that means the most to her as it was the show that introduced her to the 311 Familia and the musical message that 311 really sends out to the world. “Although it was the hottest show, it will always rank highest for me.” Kala is at 32 shows total and her very first show was at Sunfest in Florida back in 2009.

While all of the 311 songs have some sort of meaning to Kala, she said that the song she always freaks out to is “Down South.” Lyric that she loves is – “Whether you think you can, whether you think you can’t, either way you’re right.”

Kala grew up in South Florida and lived there for 33 years of her life. She just recently moved up to New England back in 2019, to be with the love of her life Joe, whom she met through 311.

For work, she slaves away in corporate America as an Environment Data Analyst and Cartographer. “I make data understood visually and spatially on maps.”

Kala loves anything and everything nature related. “I love New England so much, we just bought a home in the middle of the woods!” She is really good at identifying birds and plants. “Not so good at tracking, but I’m hoping living in New Hampshire will help me expand!”

Speaking of loving Nature, Kala worked for 3 years on the huge BP oil spill, saving wildlife and beaches. “I had the chance to experience many different ecosystems and made lifelong friendships.” Guilty pleasure for Kala she says is brewery hopping around New England! “It’s kind of a hobby and brings us on great adventures.”

For other music that Kala loves, she loves anything with a deep beat. Some of the musicians she loves include RDGLDGRN, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Fortunate Youth, Passafire, and Ballyhoo!.

To 311, Kala has these words: “Just a simple thank you and if EVERYONE could please take your shirts off. Thanks.”

Now her message to all the other 311 fans:

“Party on and be excellent to one another.”

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Many thanks to Kala for sharing her story! As always, a huge thank you to the supporters of the fan spotlight each week. Now as Kala said, be excellent to each other.

Much Love – The Runt

Well hello again 311 nation! Another week is upon us, hopefully you are all staying safe & healthy. Let’s get to it and meet the new fan spotlight, Candy Ant! 

The age of 12 is when Candy first heard the magical sounds of 311. She was on a family trip and had gone to the hotel pool with a friend. They met a boy there who was listening to his walkman and she asked what he was playing, so he shared his headphones with her. “That moment started a life long obsession. I had never heard anything like this sound in my life before. The bass line, the plucky guitar.. “it kind of sounds like hip hop, but it’s definitely not?” It was a very Jack Skellington “What’s this?!” moment. It was All Mixed Up.. and I needed more. To this day, I couldn’t tell you what that boy’s name was. All I knew was I needed that CD. Once my family returned home from our trip, I used every dollar I had stashed away and went to the store and bought every 311 cd I could find – 311, Music and a censored copy of Grassroots… I spent every single day the rest of that summer in my room listening to those cds, reading the lyrics over and over – pretty heavy and thought provoking stuff for a 12 year old kid – and I was hooked.”

For show count, Candy said she lost track of the number. She has seen them every year at least 2-3 times, with the exception of 2018 because she had just given birth, and then this current year because of the pandemic. Her first show was in Asbury Park, she was in high school, so she skipped school that day so she could sit outside the venue to try and meet the guys. For favorite show or event, Candy had this answer: “Am I lame if I said “I love them all?” Because I do. 311 shows are like holidays to me – an opportunity to celebrate, be happy and be with the ones I love the most, my friends. 311 has brought so many amazing people into my life and we usually only get to see each other at shows and events, so each one is kind of special to me. If I had to pick one, I’d say the double night Tabernacle shows in 2014. The energy and the crowds were simply amazing those two nights; plus we had Stereolithic in the set list. I’m still waiting for those jams to come back into play.”

Song that means the most to her, she said they really all have meaning to her in one way or another. “Like a lot of others out there, their music has really pulled me through some rough spots in my life and each album has soundtracked a different chapter as I’ve aged. My go to jam though is Flowing. I’ve always found solace in the relatability of that one. But the majority of their songs, the real existential ones, the ones that hit on equality and love, those are the ones that mean the most to me because they’ve helped guide and navigate me.”

There is a lyric that Candy used as her high school year book quote and she said she will use it to help raise her daughter: “The fish who keeps on swimming, is the first to chill upstream.” “I always took this as “getting through life is hard. It feels like a never ending battle, like the struggle to swim upstream and against the current, but you have to. You have to to survive and you have to to find peace. Keep swimming. Get there. It’s going to be ok.”

Candy said she’s been a little bit of everywhere. While she grew up in central New Jersey, when she was 19 she decided that she wanted to “visit the world” and started her nomad lifestyle. “I moved out to the desert in California, spent a little over a year there and then headed back east to coastal NC. Spent 5ish years there and headed back to the desert. I lived less than 2 miles from the entrance gate to Joshua Tree National Park… it was by far the most beautiful place I had ever seen in my life and I needed to go back. I felt the most free in the open desert – some of my fondest memories are driving as fast as I possibly could through the open desert, blasting Evolver as loud as my car speakers would allow and just enjoying the freedom, being in the moment. But then after another year of blistering heat, I moved back east to Massachusetts. I have a deep-seated loathing for the New England Patriots, so staying up there was no longer an option for me. (I’m kidding… mostly.) I moved to Pennsylvania in 2008 and have been here ever since. While I left my heart somewhere on the left coast, I prefer the 95-corridor simply because it makes traveling to see 311 that much easier. I can hit 5 shows in 3-4 states over as many days.” 

Interesting fact about Candy? “I’m Batman, and I can breathe in outer space.” Something unique about Candy is that she has a radio show. “I’m on hiatus right now because of COVID, but for the last 7 years I’ve had a radio show where I primarily feature 311 songs. The show is usually anywhere from 2-4 hours live and I’ll play 311 2-4 times per hour. Everything in between is what I like to call an “eclectic grab bag” and I’ll play anything and everything, including live requests. I use a “stage name” for on air, so most people don’t even know I’m the same person, so it’s always funny to me when I get a random message from someone telling me 311 is on the radio right now and I’m like “yes, I know. I’m the one playing it” lol.”

Want to know what Candy’s guilty pleasure is? “ I listen to Ricky Martin and drink wine with a straw. I also play way more xbox than one should admit to.” When not listening to 311 or Ricky Martin, she can be found listening to pretty much anything due to her eclectic taste in music. However she draws a hard NO line at country music or Gregorian chant. “But honestly, I really do love all varieties of music. Aside from 311, my “all time favorite band of all time” would have to be the Beatles. I pretended John Lennon was my junior prom date and wore a yellow dress and used a Yellow Submarine lunch box with a rose tied to it as my purse. I was a weird kid. But my day to day playlist can include anything from Madonna, to Bowie & Prince, RTJ, the Misfits, the Unseen, Buddy Holly, Lady Gaga, Bill Withers, Dolly Parton, junior MAFIA… really, anything. If I were to throw my shit on shuffle right now, there’s a good possibility we could get GHOST or the Slap Chop auto tune remix by DJ Steve Porter… it’s really a toss up.”

To 311, Candy has this simple message: “Thank you!”

Candy has these words for all the other fans out there:

“It’s getting OK now!” I can’t wait until things are back to normal and I can hug and see you all again. All the love and all the missing.”

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There you have the story of Candy Ant! Thank you so much to her for sharing her adventure and to all of you for your continued support of the fan spotlights. Have a safe, healthy, and happy week! 

Much Love – The Runt

Good day to all of you out there 311 nation! We are back with the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight. So let’s meet spotlight #297 – Dave Kerkvliet! 

In the year 1995, Dave was finishing up college and was the drummer in a rock band called Sugarat. It was a friend of his that introduced him to 311 by playing songs from the Music and Grassroots albums. “I instantly thought it was the coolest stuff I had heard and I was hooked!  311 became an influence of our music.  Chad Sexton became the biggest influence on my drumming and is to this day my personal favorite drummer.  We performed the local Minneapolis circuit performing at clubs like The Uptown, Fine Line, First Avenue, Ground Zero, etc.  Then we started to expand into the Midwest and MCA records discovered us.  They were interested in a deal but unfortunately our band broke up and I was left to start over.  (Most bands don’t make it very long. 30 years of 311 with original members blows my mind because of this!) What drew me to their music was how rhythmically tight the band was with catchy grooves, a variety of styles, and heavy guitar with clean melodic and harmonic vocals.”

Show count for Dave is 10. “ I was hoping to add four more this summer but Covid struck.” The first show he attended was with his wife April during the 2010 Unity Tour. “The show was in St. Paul with The Offspring.  I’ve been a longtime 311 fan but I’m a late bloomer as far as attending shows and connecting with other fans.  I hadn’t experienced the community they have built until 311 Day 2016. It is truly something special! In more recent years I have crossed paths with other 311 fans, along with 311 themselves, to connect, share stories, and thank them for all of their great music.  I continue to bring other friends to 311 shows so they can experience the fun.  A 311 cruise is on my bucket list for sure.”

Favorite event for Dave was 311 Day 2020. “What an awesome experience!  To celebrate the 30 year milestone with the band and fans was extremely special.  It’s even more special due to all the changes in the world related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was my brother’s first 311 Day and we had an amazing “Bro-cation”!” Dave also said one of his other favorite moments was when he had the opportunity to moderate a Q&A session during the 2019 fall tour in Minneapolis with some of his music students, his brother, Tim, Nick, and Chad. “The Q&A session earned national attention in The American School Band Directors Association newsletter,  Minnesota Educator magazine, NEA Today magazine and In Tune magazine.”

Song that means the most to Dave currently is “I’ll Be Here Awhile.” “The acoustic closer at the end of 311 day 2020 was a fantastic experience.  I also was included in the recent fan video of this song playing mallet percussion and drum set, which is quite an honor. It seems to be an appropriate song for the current times.” Some lyrics that he loves include: “The fish who keeps on swimming is the first to chill upstream,” “You’ve got to trust your instinct, and let go of regret, you’ve got to bet on yourself now star, cause that’s your best bet,” and “Stay positive and love your life.” “The 311 messages of positivity helps me through the difficult times and situations.”

Dave began his life in South Carolina and then moved to his parents hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, when he was 3 years old. He has a younger sister and brother, who is also a 311 fan. He started playing drums in the 3rd grade and still plays. Dave earned his bachelors degree in music education at Augsburg College and is in his 25th year of teaching and directing at Sebeka Public School. “ I direct Senior High Concert Band, Junior High Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Marching Band, Winter Drumline, 6th Grade Band, and 5th Grade (beginning) Band.  We’ve grown into a well respected program with over 20 years of “Superior Ratings” and 230 students in the program. The Sebeka bands have performed for local politicians, as well as, former Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Mae Schunk, former Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher, and Senator Amy Klobuchar. In 2004 I was awarded the “Crystal Apple” teaching award from KSAX news.  Other important accomplishments of the Sebeka Band program include performances with the University of Minnesota Marching Band at Band Day, at the Target Center for the NBA Timberwolves basketball team, at Walt Disney World in Florida, at Valleyfair theme park, and at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the Minnesota School Board convention. In February of 2004 I traveled to Singapore as an invited guest Band Clinician for the Gen Eng Seng, and Anglican High School bands. In 2012 I was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) at the National Convention held in Asheville, North Carolina, and in 2013 earned “Distinguished Action Research Award” from Southwest Minnesota State University for my work with integrating technology into the Sebeka Band program which helped me earn my Master’s degree.  In 2018, I traveled to France, Switzerland and Germany.  While in those countries I was able to connect with educators and share experiences.  In 2020 I was awarded “Educator of Excellence” from Sourcewell and earned my Specialist in Educational Leadership degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.”

Dave met his lovely wife April and his stepson Sterling in 1999. “They enjoy 311 as well. When Sterling was younger we really enjoyed being his biggest sports fans watching him play basketball, baseball, and run cross country and track. Sterling is an electrical line-worker who travels throughout the country. April is a nurse and likes to go kayaking.  We have been truly blessed to have enjoyed many travels and live in a proud small town community.  I am so lucky to have such a great family!” 

Interesting fact about Dave, he was fortunate to be able to record in Prince’s Paisley Park studio! Something unique about him, he just recently learned how to play “Happy Birthday” on the accordion. Guilty pleasure for him is that he is really into outdoor sports, especially fishing. 

Dave likes a wide variety of music genres. Lately he’s been getting back into listening to Rush. “For jazz I’ve been listening to some Buddy Rich and Louis Armstrong, Mozart’s Requiem and Niccolo Paganini’s 24 Caprices for classical, Jay-Z, Dirty Heads, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Dream Theater, Led Zeppelin, Korn, Pantera, Foo Fighters, Beyonce, Metallica, No Doubt, Johnny Cash, Motley Crue, some John Philip Sousa marches, and the list goes on.”

Dave’s words to 311 are as follows: “Thank you 311, 311 crew, and 311 management for creating and sharing your music over the past 30 years and appreciating your fans as much as we appreciate you!” 

Dave’s words to all his fellow fans:

“I am honored to connect with the 311 community to celebrate 311’s music and 30th anniversary.  It is so great to see people from all different places and backgrounds unite because of 311’s music.  The world needs our positive vibes more than ever!”

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Thanks Dave for sharing your story! As always, thank you to all of the readers as well! I hope you are all safe, healthy, and staying positive. We need the positive vibes to continue now more than ever! 

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there 311 nation! Yes I know, it’s been a hot minute since there has been a new fan spotlight. But here we are, back at it! So let’s not delay the introduction any longer – meet fan spotlight #296 – Vincenzo Basile! 

It was the summer of 1995 and Vincenzo was taking a trip to Italy to meet some of his father’s  family that lived there. It was a long flight, so his dad allowed him to pick out a couple of CD’s to keep him occupied. He chose Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” and the 311 blue album. “Now I was only going into 6th grade that summer so I was still very young and impressionable and 311 was the first band that was my own as opposed to enjoying all the classic rock my parents would play in the car or at home. They were the catalyst to develop my own sense in music.  Nick’s voice was hypnotic and SA’s added harmonies had me hooked immediately. Their funk, grooves and punk elements had me in an excited Mindspin!”

As far as number of shows attended, his count may not be 100% accurate because he didn’t start collecting his ticket stubs until he was in college. His first show was during his freshman year of high school in 1999. “ I had just got out of the hospital and still in my wheelchair so my buddies had to wheel me around. Once they planted me in the handicapped section they all went out to do their thing.  They ended up running into Adam Raspler after recognizing him from Enlarged to Show Detail and told him about my situation and asked if I could go backstage. Tall order right?  Adam compromised and agreed to meet them back at that spot after the show and he ended up bringing a signed piece of paper by all five of our guys.  How can you not fall more in love with this band after something like that?” 

Vincenzo believes his show count is somewhere between 30-35. “The good  thing about living in New England is that 311 will play Providence, RI, Boston, MA, Portland, ME and Gilford, NH and Hartford, CT in one shot.  If not all at once, at least three locations where you tack on your experiences not to mention NY and NJ aren’t that far off either if you had any money left.” As for his favorite show, he believes he has seen the bands two best shows. “Watching 311 perform Transistor in its entirety at Pow Wow is everyone’s white whale if you weren’t there.  It was special and one of a kind.  I was blessed to partake in that and will wear that badge proudly forever.  The second show that comes to mind was cruise 2.  To witness 311 rock out on a tropical island was mind blowing!  I’m sure anyone who was there would agree.  What an incredible experience that was even though I suffered the worst sunburn of all time. My face looked as if an entire nest of bees stung my face and could hardly see which brought me to the boat’s infirmary.  I’d do it again in a second!”

Favorite song for Vincenzo is “Do You Right.” “This song was chosen to be “our song” for my girlfriend at the time, now wife. Every time we hear that song at a show we just look at each other, hold hands and smile knowing how sentimental it has become over the years.  It was also the song playing when being announced man and wife at our wedding reception.  It encompasses everything we love about each other.” 

As far as favorite lyric, Vincenzo said if you asked his 17 year old self, he would have said, “ I love it when the only sound I hear is your infectious laughter.” It was his senior quote! “311 had clearly made a profound effect on me and it was important to me at that time to represent them to help represent me.  As I got older I really gravitated to Freak Out’s lyric, “The earth has not swallowed me yet!”  These words speak volumes to me.  I have had some scary health issues growing up that makes this lyric really meaningful and I’ll go into more detail in a later question. My All-Star jersey says Freak Out on the back for my love of this song.”

Vincenzo was born and raised just outside of Hartford, Connecticut, in a little town called Hebron. He stayed there until 2002 when he moved to Framingham, Massachusetts, to attend college. “I went to Framingham State College as a visual arts major where I met my now wife my junior year.  After 3 semesters, I transferred to the New England Institute of Art with a graphic design major and I lived in Brookline MA before moving to West Roxbury for my last few semesters.  After that, I was hired at a newspaper printer/distributor  to join their graphics team in Gypsum, CO.  This was 2008-2009 when people stopped reading the paper and smartphones began to replace them.  I was laid off and moved back to Ashland, MA.  I soon moved out to Framingham, MA where I worked in the restaurant business for a while and now in Marlborough, MA ever since.  311 is a priority so se every year, it’s like a holiday you want to be with  your family but it’s our 311 community and fans that make it that significant.  I’ll always stash some money away to be there at the Unity Tours.”

Something most people don’t know about Vincenzo, he has a fear of heights! “I don’t know when it kicked in because as a kid I’d go on all the rides at Six Flags, beg my parents to let me go skydiving or bungee jumping and now I won’t even get on a ferris wheel. I was on a cruise years ago and wouldn’t even go to the top deck of the ship. It’s probably why God made me 5’3″, I’m meant to be close to the ground.”

A truly amazing thing that makes Vincenzo unique, he is a 3 time brain/spinal cancer survivor! “First diagnosed in April 1997 in middle school, relapsed in high school in 1999 then again in college in 2003.  I had to learn how to walk again in my mid teens.  Things were rough. I’ve lost 90% of my hearing as a result and when I first got my hearing aids, I posted about 5 years ago in the Familia page about how 311 will be even better for me now and got a very warm reception from a lot of amazing people out there.I choose to stay positive due to all of the support so thanks guys!”

As far as other musicians that Vinnie loves, he said his next favorite band is Deftones. “‘I’ve been listening to them almost as long as I have been listening to 311. They are an unbelievable band that gives me similar feelings 311 does just through a heavier sound and genre that makes me feel alive in a much different way.  Probably another reason Pow Wow was so amazing to me.” Some other musicians he loves include Phish, Glassjaw, Weezer, Rage Against the Machine, Silverchair, Mastodon, The Sword, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Pepper, and Rebelution. As for guilty pleasure, Vincenzo said it’s reaction videos on YouTube. “ It’s a pretty new thing for me. What I enjoy most is getting to see people connect with music and see candid reactions.  At the same time, I get to enjoy more music myself whether it’s the nostalgic songs from when I was a kid or new stuff I never heard before.  Each reactor has their own personalities which makes it fun.”

Vincenzo would like to say these words to 311: “A tremendous, heartfelt thank you. For the joy, happiness and SA moves I reenact behind closed doors.  You’ve put so many smiles, hugs and love in all of us and have made such a positive influence for not just me but for so many. I hope you’ re all so proud of yourselves.”

Now his words to all the other fans:

“Oh the fans.  I’ve witnessed some of the coolest strangers you’ll ever meet.  Strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet and I’m looking forward to meeting you!  You’re the guy a row behind me at a show who taps me on the shoulder and shares a blunt and his buddy cracks the expected joke, ” I’m not  from Philly but some say I’m blunt.” and we all laugh.  You’re the stranger that drops off a bottle of water to the stranger puking in the bathroom.  Keep being who you are, I’m very proud of this fanbase, sure there are some naysayers but it’s important I thank the one’s who Fuck the Bullshit and know how to throw down.  The fans are a huge percentage to the 311 experience.” 

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That is the story of Vincenzo Basile! Thank you so much Vinnie for being a part of this. Much gratitude to all the readers as well of course! Thank you all for the continued support of this fun project. Until we meet again, stay strong, stay positive, and as always, love your life! 

Much Love – The Runt 

Hey everyone! Welcome to the latest edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet spotlight #295 – Linnea Geres! 

It was around the age of 12 that Linnea was introduced to 311 by her older brother. He lent her copies of Grassroots and the blue album and said, “Here listen to this, you’re gonna like it.” Linnea said she did like it, but it was more of a slow burn for her at first. “There were some songs that drew me in right away, but a lot of it went right over my head for a while.  That all changed for me in high school.  I bought Soundsystem and Evolver, absolutely loved those albums from start to finish, and then went back to the older albums with a whole new appreciation for the music.  Somewhere along the way it all just clicked for me: the message, the energy, the sound, and I got hooked.  When I finally saw them live for the first time, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed every minute of it, and I knew, without a doubt, that 311 was my favorite band.  It didn’t happen all at once, but over the course of several years.  As I grew into the music, suddenly, in that moment when I saw them live, I was home.”

First show for Linnea was March 1, 2010, at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. “At the time, I had been living out there for a year and was planning to move back to Connecticut at the end of the month.  I think I just happened to see an ad for the show in a local paper and decided to go check it out, like a fun last hurrah before moving back home.  I had no idea that night would turn out to be one of the best nights of my life!” Since then she’s attended just over 30 shows including Pow Wow, 3 of the cruises, and two 311 Day celebrations in New Orleans. “Basically, any money I’ve had to spend on fun and entertainment for the last decade, I’ve spent on 311-related adventures and concerts, and it’s been worth every penny!  Honestly, there is no place I would rather be than a 311 concert.”

Favorite show for Linnea is difficult to pick with all of the great experiences she’s had. She decided it would be a tie between Pow Wow and her first cruise which was in 2012. “The Pow Wow was my first experience at a large 311 event and also my first music festival, and while it was ridiculously hot, I had the best time I could have ever imagined.  I met so many amazing people, and Suwannee at night was out-of-this-world beautiful, not to mention having the opportunity to hear Transistor in its entirety.  Similarly, the cruise was just beyond words, and that’s where I really felt like I became a part of this incredible 311 community.  The show they played on the beach was a once in lifetime experience, and even just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!”

One of Linnea’s favorite songs, that means a lot to her, is “Speak Easy.” “Through many difficult times in my life, I have put this song on to remind me not to think too much or let my sadness, fear, or anger lead me down the wrong path.  I’ve battled with anxiety and depression for most of my life and this song has always given me the strength I need to slow down and allow the difficult thoughts and feelings to pass.” Another song she loves is “Get Down.” “When I saw them in Boston in 2016, just before the show someone asked me what one song I’d like to hear, and I said “Get Down.”  Sure enough, they played it, and it just hit me hard, unlocking all of this unspoken pain inside of me so I could finally let it out.  I was going through some difficult changes in my life, and it was like this crazy, beautiful moment just for me.  I’ll never forget that.”

For lyrics that Linnea loves, she chose the following:

“If there’s a shadow in your life, then there’s sunshine, things turning inside out all the time, just rewind, it’s all in your mind.”

“From chaos comes clarity.”

“Love is a stream that will find its own course.”

“Everything you do, it comes back to you, whatever it may be. If it isn’t one thing, rest assured that something will come back and pay you for your deed.”

Linnea was born and raised in central Connecticut right near Hartford. She attended University of Connecticut and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Film Studies and Psychology. After graduation, she moved to Seattle for about a year before returning to CT in 2010. “I found my way into a good restaurant job when I moved back and worked my way up into bartending for the last several years, but ultimately, I’m aiming for a career in video production/editing or something where I can flex my creative muscles in the communications field. The money bartending has been quite good for me, though, and has pretty much funded all of my 311 adventures!”

Aside from going to concerts, other hobbies Linnea has include playing guitar, writing poetry and short stories, photography, and hiking.  “I also love board games.  I have a whole bookcase dedicated to them!  I have two cats and a fish tank, and S.A. is the name of one of my fish!  I love stand-up comedy, and I like to think I’m pretty funny, but I don’t know… my cats can’t laugh, so my humor is pretty much wasted on them.  To sum it up, I’m just a fun-loving hippie chick, and the first thing anyone who knows me would probably say about me is that I’m the crazy cool girl who loves 311 (well, and cats… and pizza).”

Interesting fact about Linnea is that she experiences lucid dreaming. “I’m not sure exactly when it started, but at some point, I realized I was experiencing a dream while still conscious that I was dreaming, and from there I just started playing around with what I was able to do in my dreams.  It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, I just become highly aware that I’m dreaming and know that I can then actively make decisions and choices throughout my dream.  It’s definitely a weird experience, but now I just have fun and roll with it.” 

Something that makes Linnea unique is her ability to work with space in a purposefully creative way. “Whether it be how I design my living room to how I frame the subject 

of a photograph.  I think that affinity for spatial awareness is what first drew me to video production, and subsequently, to photography and graphic design.  I love playing with the use of space and framing in an image, and I mirror that aesthetic in all of my creative endeavors.  I would love nothing more working on the cinematography and editing of a 311 video project… a girl can dream… lol.” 

Linnea said, “If I was a pie chart, music would probably make up half of that chart.” Needless to say, she loves music and there are many, many artists that she loves. Some of her favorites are The Smashing Pumpkins, Silverchair, Queen, Collective Soul, Less Than Jake, Atmosphere, Halsey, Incubus, Modest Mouse, Porcupine Tree, Slightly Stoopid, Deep Banana Blackout, Paramore, and Sublime. She also has a musical guilty pleasure – Avril Lavigne! “I’ve always said that my guilty pleasure was Avril Lavigne, but, honestly, I don’t even see it that way anymore.  I love her, and I’m not afraid to say it!  She kicks ass!!”

To 311, Linnea has these words: “. Music is a journey of the heart and soul; thank you for shining a light on the path that speaks to mine.”

To all the other fans out there:

“To all of my amazing 311 friends and family, thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community with open arms.  I have grown so much as a person through all the crazy experiences and wonderful friendships, and I wouldn’t change any of it for a minute!  It’s definitely a strange time to be alive, but I’m glad to know that there’s so many other people just like me because we have an energy that can change the world 🙂 Keep Livin and Rockin!”

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What a great story Linnea! Thank you so much for sharing it and of course, many thanks to all the readers! Take a moment today to remember that we are all on this crazy ride together, and for that we should be truly grateful. Have an amazing week! 

Much Love – The Runt