Greetings & salutations my friends in 311 nation! Hoping you are all staying safe & healthy during these crazy times. Let’s take a positivity break and meet this weeks fan spotlight, Keith Bowman!
It was the video for “Down” that introduced Keith to the music of 311. “I just loved it and was not making much money and my friend bought the blue album on cassette from Tower Records.”
First show for Keith was in Sacramento on November 1, 1997. It was his 21st birthday present from his brother. “It was supposed to be a surprise but my younger brother ruined it.” For show count, he is somewhere between 20-30 and says all of his shows have been special. “Cruise #2 on the beach, 311 Day 2012, small venues in Sacramento, House of Blues in Las Vegas, UC Davis at freeborn hall .. all very memorable shows. Living on the west coast and in Sacramento makes the opportunities not often but very quaint.” Favorite shows were from the second cruise. “Front and center for all shows including the beach show!”
The song “It’s Getting Ok Now” mean a lot to Keith as he said the lyrics are pretty bold and SA is what really drew him to 311 with his lyrical rapping in the song “Down.” One of his favorite lyrics is one from SA – “We’re facing the sunset, but for a moment it looks like it’s rising and we are on the other side of things.”
Keith was born in Spokane, Washington. His mom and dad divorced when he was just 5 years old. “I was born in the 70’s, raised in the 80’s, so music was my freedom of entertainment, that or my BMX bike.” He was raised by his mom in Sacramento, California. They always rented and he was never able to have a dog like he always wanted. “I currently have 3 dogs and once had 2 Jack Russell Terriers and 1 Doberman.”
Fun fact about Keith that many don’t know is that he never really played any sports. Unique attribute for him is that he says he can make a pun out of pretty much anything! Guilty pleasure for him? “I am obsessed with everything to do with the Golden State Killer.”
Other musicians that Keith can be found listening to include Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Beastie Boys, and Soundgarden.
Keith’s words to 311 – “Thanks for staying together!”
To all the other 311 fans out there:
“Stay positive and love your life! It is great to have other excitables.”
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Thank you Keith Bowman for sharing your story! Love and gratitude to the supporters of this venture each week as well. Remember to stay strong, send out as much love as you can and we will all get through this together!
Much Love – The Runt