Hello again my friends in 311 nation! New week means it’s time for the latest edition of the fan spotlight. This week, let’s meet Sonnie Burmaster!
When Sonnie was young, her father didn’t like her and her brother to watch MTV. So instead she would binge it over at her friend Dana’s house while she was living in New Orleans. “I remember seeing them debut on MTV, when it was actual Music Television. “Down” came on and I remember how cute they all looked but mostly how different they sounded from everyone else. My love continued to grow as time went on, they were fun to mix in with beach jams,/ funk, reggae or hip hop. I have always loved the versatility of their style.”
Show count for Sonnie is around 42, which includes festivals, cruises, and 311 Day events. “People are always so shocked when they hear when I went to my first 311 show. I spent a lot of time in my young adult years going to see bands that I knew I would no longer see again as I got older. I went to see Prince, Tom Petty, Motorhead, etc and was lucky to have gone when I could because several bands I have seen no longer tour or have passed on. My very first show was on the 2015 Jamaican cruise. It was the best first show ever and I am so glad my neighbors had their cabinmates back out!!”
Favorite show for Sonnie was the Wendover, Nevada show on October 21, 2018. “I could not make it to Colorado and lived in Utah!! I had to make it happen because I have heard how intimate and small the venue is. We had bought tickets and were supposed to be along the back wall, we didn’t care. However, right before the show we found out there was something that happened with the sale of tickets and seats may change. When we got in and went to the usher, they kept walking us further and further up! We ended up on row 3 and I was seat 10 (seat 11 didn’t show) and I felt like I was in the band!!”
One song that really strikes a chord with Sonnie is “Made in the Shade.” “The lyrics really resonate with me because of how much trauma I have endured as well as hard times, as everyone goes through. “You gotta keep on climbing the hill, ’cause if you think you’ll make it you will” was something that I have to use as a mantra to remind myself of how strong I am and how capable I can be in life’s turmoil. I cannot believe I actually saw the guys perform it on the 2019 cruise! Water works for sure!”
Some lyrics that stand out to Sonnie include, “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world,” and “You’ve got to trust your instinct and let go of regret.” She also enjoys being silly and singing along to the lyrics from “Gap” that say “Eat smoked fish, that is my favorite dish.” She also loves “You can’t make me hate you no matter how punk you act no matter what you do I don’t react, I’m a perfect example of not giving a f*ck about the catty rude people that just suck.”
Sonnie was born in New Orleans and moved around a lot. Her father was an independent crane operator so they would move around for his jobs, then in between they would go back home and he’d work at Shell. “I have lived in NOLA, FL, TX, GA, CA, UT and now currently in SC but planning on moving to the gulf coast of Mississippi. I am what you call a wandering soul and always looking for a new adventure.” Moving around a ton when she was a kid has made its way into Sonnie’s adult life.
Sonnie has experienced a lot of trauma and hard times but managed to remain positive in spite of it all. “My parents got divorced when I was 9, my grandparents died before I was 12 and I dealt with a lot of trauma from family. Times were never really easy but I would not have it any other way. I do not like to struggle, but it is the struggle that keeps you humble and loving of those around you. I am a total empath and take a lot of emotion on, but even while dealing with my own struggles, I have managed to keep the love alive for my friends who are more like family because of the love they have shown me. I am a positive vibe merchant and spread as much love as I can because we do not have enough of it in this world!”
Fun fact about Sonnie, she has been able to roller skate since she was pretty much able to walk! “I have raced, danced, jam skate and played roller derby throughout my life.” Aside from roller skating, Sonnie is also really great at softball and gift wrapping. Guilty pleasure? That would be romantic comedies! “I do not watch them often, but every now and then I gush over rom-coms.”
When not jamming tunes from 311, other artists that are found in Sonnie’s playlist include Prince, David Bowie, Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pantera, Scratch Lee Perry, Steel Pulse, Fishbone, Massive Attack, Dr John, BB King, Neville Brothers, Tool, Slightly Stoopid, Fortunate Youth, Black Sabbath, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Steve Miller Band, Kenny Loggins, and Steve Winwood. Her absolute all-time favorite band though is Pink Floyd. “I mean I am a super open book when it comes to music. I love anything from classical to jazz to reggae to metal.”
Words she would like to say to 311 are directed at the one and only Tim Mahoney: “miT, you give off the vibe man! I have greeted you with many high fives and far away waves, but I need a minute long hug from you!”
Now here are Sonnie’s words to the other 311 fans out there:
“I know life has been hard the past couple of years and a lot of us have not seen each other since 311 Day 2020 but please keep the love alive. It does not mean you have to like each other and pretend to be friends, but it is so easy to be kind to one another and spread love. I cannot wait to see many of you at 311 Day!!! SPALYL <3”
Thank you Sonnie for sharing your 311 story! Much love as always to the readers each spotlight as well. Hope you all have an amazing week!
Much Love – The Runt