Welcome back 311 nation! Time marches on here in 2021, I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Let’s get to this week’s fan spotlight shall we? Meet Kathleen Patricia!
Kathleen was about 13 when she heard the funky sounds of 311 on the radio. She didn’t go to a lot of live shows growing up. “As I got older and more established in life, I found that live music was a game changer and the people who come with that.”
First 311 show for Kathleen was back in 2012. “I had just finished my Master’s degree in clinical Psych and a very dear friend of mine and longtime fan (Kristina Muthart) bought me a ticket on the cruise that year. We had an amazing time and met the most amazing people. Since then I have been to some 30 plus shows.”
Naturally picking a favorite show is difficult. Kathleen said she loves the cruise and being out on the ocean traveling. However a close second for her was the time she decided last minute to travel to Wisconsin and go to a show by herself. “I bought a ticket and jumped in the car around 4pm and drove a couple hours. I must have run into 10 friends when I got there, no better feeling than that. 311 played a really fun set that show it was not the rare cuts or special show tactics they are known for at events; but I still stood next to my friends and sang every word and had an amazing time.”
Song that means the most to Kathleen? “Stealing Happy Hours would be my answer for today, I feel like this is so important.” As for favorite lyric, she chose “Stay positive and love your life.” “Because of my profession and passion for helping others I feel it is so important to get the most out of this life that you can.”
Kathleen grew up as a military brat, moving around quite a lot. “We were stationed in RI for a few years when I was born then IL then Iceland then New Mexico and then when military life was over we moved to Cicero, IL and few other towns after that but still in IL.” She currently works in mental health in the ER as her full time gig, and part time at a private practice. “The one thing I really look forward to when I am having a rough time at work is a show or a 311 vacation. It is such a reminder that self care, friends, and music are so important. Especially now with all that is happening in the world. I cant wait till we can see live shows again.”
In Kathleen’s spare time, she loves to write poetry. “I recently published a book. Kat’s little Black Book According to the Zodiac.” As for something that makes her unique, she phoned a friend to see what they would say and the answer was this: “Your ability to look outside yourself and put yourself in other people’s shoes.”
Guilty pleasure for Kathleen is painting. “I am not great at it but I love it. One of my guilty pleasures is watching Bob Ross and learning new techniques.” When not listening to 311, she can be found grooving to Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Ballyhoo!, Bumpin Uglies, and RDGLDGRN to name a few. “My playlist gets more diverse from there Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, CCR, and sometimes a good 90’s alternative playlist is in order.”
Kathleen would like to tell the members of 311 this message: “Thank you for the music and the community.”
Now here are her words to all the other fans out there:
“I can’t say enough about how amazing you guys are! Thank you for sharing the music, the dance floor space and singing at the top of your lungs. I think that is my favorite part of being in a room full of 311 fans is hearing the whole room sing.”
Thank you Kathleen for sharing your story! Many, many thanks as always to all the continuous support of this project as well. Hope you all have an amazing week. Keep sending out love to the world!
Much Love – The Runt