Hello again, my friends in 311 nation! I hope everyone was able to rock out to the Soundsystem live stream, it was fire! Let’s not delay anymore, it’s time to meet another fan. This week we have the story of Juan Carlos!
It was from the very beginning when 311 formed that Juan has been a fan. “As a musician by degree I felt like I had a pretty good appreciation for the music and all the hidden nuggets (a music theorists dream) strategically planted.”
What drew Juan to the music was, well, the music. “Its actually quite technical all around and I appreciate the musicality. More than that lyrically very impressive messaging and meaningful. I dig that!”
For show count, Juan is somewhere between 80-100. First show was in 1997 in New York. As for favorite events, he loves the cruises. “The cruises are the best to me. A chance to just chill and enjoy great music day after day with all my friends… EXCITABLES!”
Song that Juan loves and means the most to him is “Get Down” off of the Uplifter album. For favorite lyric, it’s just too difficult for him to narrow down. However he does love what has become the bands motto, “Stay positive and love your life.”
Juan was born in Connecticut but spent most of his adult life in Vermont. Currently he is residing in Kansas City, Missouri, but is seriously debating moving to Portugal. To fund his 311 habit, he works in Healthcare IT. “I guess I have that to be thankful for it funding my 311 hat & poster collection. I have traveled all over the globe for work and I’m about to retire soon… cannot wait!!!”
Interesting fact about Juan, he has a music degree from Berklee in percussion (he was a jazz drummer). He is also an ordained minister! Not to mention that he works full-time and is carrying a full course load at St. Louis University. In the little free time he has, he loves to cook. As for guilty pleasure? “At 60yo I’m guilty about nothing….but a band that I also REALLY enjoy is Dance Gavin Dance!!!!!!”
As for other musicians that Juan loves, the list includes “Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Paco de Lucia, Frank Zappa, Maynard Furgueson, Karnivool, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Tropidelic.. and on and on and on… TOMITA!”
Juan would like to send this message to 311: “I Love you guys! Don’t retire please!!! And oh ya .. I’ve been to see y’all a whole lot. Come visit me some time. #hahahaha”
Now his words to all the other 311 fans out there:
“We live in a jacked up world, and its so easy to get caught up in the BS, hate, the death, destruction, hyperbole, and lies. STOP and listen to the music, 311 MUSIC. IT always fixes me and it will fix you!”
That’s the story of Juan Carlos! Much gratitude to him for sharing. As always, thank you readers for the continued support. Have an amazing week!
Much Love – The Runt