Greetings friends out there in 311 nation. A new week has arrived which means it’s time for the next edition of the fan spotlight! Let’s meet Joe Solomon!
When 311 released the blue album Joe was young, but his brother was listening to the band and Joe really liked their sounds. Flash forward to the 2000’s and Joe made some friends that all they listened to was 311. “I’m like really digging their music. In 2002 I went to my first show, 311 Day. It was my 21st birthday, and I’ll never forget.”
Show count since that wonderful first show is at 89 for Joe. His favorite even so far though has been the cruise this year. “It’s a different experience all together.”
Song that Joe loves is “Galaxy.” “SA’s rap and lyrics are on point!!” While he loves their music there are no particular lyrics that come to mind as favorites, he just loves it all.
Joe grew up on the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born and raised there but left for about 10 years to work as a traveling nurse. He then returned because it was where he has his biggest support network. “I’ve lived in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, all while working on the Navajo Reservations as a nurse. Now I serve the local neighborhood as an Americorp Volunteer. I work with at risk kids. I live my life in service be it professional or personally.”
While Joe’s 311 habit makes him poor in the summer months, he tries to to squeeze in a few local shows because it brings him together with the great friends he’s made thanks to this band. “Because of 311 I have built some really solid relationships. I feel blessed because of that!! I’m also blessed to be alive.”
In 2012 Joe became disabled and fell into a coma. “Basically if the brain senses trauma, it shuts down. I had a reaction to anesthesia, and my life drastically changed at that moment. I’ve been on the mend since, but sometimes it’s a real struggle. If I didn’t have family or friends that have carried me along, I wouldn’t be where I am. I appreciate each and every one of them!! I’ve overcome a lot, and refuse to let it kill those positive vibes!!”
What Joe is most excited about right now is that he is going to embark on a kayaking adventure, traveling the entire Ohio River in August and September. “I’m doing an awareness paddle to raise awareness about mental health in America and am all about sharing my story. I feel blessed to be able to do this and create a buzz around it! It’s been a real positive experience, and is only getting better. Being a volunteer, we have a month off between assignments, so I decided to do an awareness paddle this year. Last year I traveled through the New England states, and met some really amazing people in my travels. You only live life once, so I try to make the best of it!!”
Since you now know about Joe’s kayaking adventure, it’s no surprise to know he’s an endurance distance kayaker. You can follow along on his adventure at Kayaking 4 a Cause (https://www.facebook.com/goingthedistance2019/). Something you may not know though is that Joe once lived in a hotel for 4 years in the middle of the Navajo Reservation. Guilty pleasure for him is watching the National Geographic channel. When not listening to the sounds of 311 you can find him jamming out to bands like Rebelution, Dirty Heads, The Green, Iration, Tribal Seeds, The Movement, and Ballyhoo!.
His message to the guys in 311 is pure & simple: “Thank you for all the great memories of my life!!”
To all his fellow fans:
“Don’t give up the fight to stay alive!! I’m living breathing proof that fighting pays off in many ways. I will fight to be an advocate for mental health, because if we have support we have a chance! Bless up to all the fighters out there. Just don’t give up!!”
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Thanks for that awesome story Joe! Of course, thank you to all who keep reading also! Have an amazing week!
Much Love – The Runt