Welcome back friends out there in 311 nation! It’s a new year and time we kick it off with the next edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet Deanna Dorcak!
It was the first time that Deanna heard 311 on the radio that she became a fan. She was 12 years old, sleeping over at a friends house, when the song “Down” came on. “Listening to that song did something to me that no ever song has done. The sound of it, the intensity, the guitars, the lyrics. Ive been intrigued ever since.”
Show count for Deanna, well she has no clue on the exact number, especially with all of the traveling she has being doing the past 5 years. She believes it’s over 50 at this point though. “2 years ago I saw them at least 10 times in that year alone. Ive attended 311 Pow Wow, been on 4 cruises, 4 311 days and a few other festivals including Langarado and Riptide. My 1st 311 show was at Hard Rock Live in Orlando’s Universal Citywalk when I acquired free tickets and went with a girl I met at a bar downtown. This was in 2004 and we are still friends today!”
Favorite show for her is a tie between her first cruise (which was cruise 3) and 311 Day 2018. “Not only was it my 1st 311 cruise, but my 1st cruise in general. It blew me away in every aspect, and I made so many long-lasting friendships that trip. 311 Day in Vegas 2018 was the ultimate set list with the basement segment. The venue itself was intimate and perfect with the background screen and lasers. The tribute to those we have lost including Meredith Hight and Renee O’Neal was emotional, and just trouncing around the Strip at night was an adventure in its own lol.”
There are many songs that mean a lot to Deanna, but if she could only choose one it would be “Let the Cards Fall.” “Not only the lyrics but how it starts off slow and whimsical then turns into a powerhouse. Always loved the playing cards being thrown up into the air. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it now. And I always forget to bring my deck! They always seem to play that song when people least expect it.” Her favorite lyric is also the title to that song. “So simple yet profound. You cant plan or change everything in life. Things will work out or land how they are intended to. Just let it be and roll with the punches.”
Born and raised in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Deanna then moved to a small town called Spring Hill, Florida, at the age of 10. At 18 she then moved to Orlando to attend UCF. Then 11 years ago she moved to Tampa and hasn’t left because she loves it there so much! “30 mins from beaches and amusement parks. 10 mins from the airport and cruise port.” She has been a restaurant server for 18 years, making a career out of it. “The flexibility of my schedule and untaxed cash tips make traveling around to see 311 quite easy and always possible. I am blessed. You can always find me in my LED headbands and accessories on the floor at every show. I may also be carrying a blow up alien or some other trinket along with my plastic cup full of chardonnay lol. Come say hello!”
Interesting fact about Deanna is that she is always looking for the next adventure and will try anything once. “I love to travel and would love to take an Alaskan cruise or go abroad. Specifically to Greece.” What makes her unique? Her laugh! “It’s a head-turner and comes out in full force when I am having the time of my life!”
Guilty pleasure for Deanna is watching reality television. “I find it so fascinating to watch the lives of others and how ridiculous some individuals can be. I believe it’s real. Don’t judge me lol.”
When not jamming the sounds of 311, Deanna can be found listening to artists like Dirty Heads, Soja, Less Than Jake, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Tool, Matisyahu, Rebelution, The Doors and The Beatles. “I also love 80s music and classic rock. I still listen to the radio in my car.”
Deanna’s words to 311 are as follows: “Thank you. Thank you for staying true and continuing this journey together. Thank you for uniting us fans to enjoy each other and many adventures together in the future. Thank you for the places I’ve been and the memories I will cherish. Thank you for allowing your music to reach our souls and make our hearts sing.”
This is her message to all the other fans out there:
“Enjoy the good times, forget the bad times, and find something to look forward to and be grateful for every day. Life is short. Buy the concert tickets. Book the flight. Take the leap. Stoke the fire. 🤗”
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There you have the tale of Deanna Dorcak! A big thank you to her for sharing her story and of course to all of you for reading! Happy 2020 all – may this be an amazing year for everyone! Cheers!
Much Love – The Runt