Welcome once again my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time again that we meet a new fan spotlight. This week we feature the other half of our fan spotlight from last week. Let’s all read the story of Cody Robinson!

First listen to the music of 311 was after work during a smoke session and his friend put on the Grassroots album. “I thought it was catchy and liked the vibe but I wasn’t hooked until I saw them in concert many years later.”

Show count for Cody he guessed is around 100. He’s been on five of the cruises and is getting ready for his second 311 Day, plus he’s seen many shows around the country. “My first show was in SLC in 2004 after my brother won tickets off the radio. I loved the energy and was hooked! I took my wife the following years and we’ve never stopped since.”

Favorite event for Cody was the first cruise. “No one knew what to expect. We spent the days just following the music. I met so many great people and signed Rody311 on just about anything I could.”

Songs that are Cody’s core favorites are “Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm” and “Creature Feature.” “They just evolve with me to mean something different as I age.” One of his favorite lyrics is as follows: “Be positive with love, just see the good in everybody.” He said that is his goal. “I’m not the best at it but I’m trying.”

Cody was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 2 older sisters and a younger brother. He said he lived a crazy life, one that is hard to put into words. “I took to the skater/stoner in high school. I got into the rave scene around the turn of the century and life got even more crazy. This lead me to join the army and move to Virginia with my family for a few years.”

Now Cody makes his concert money by building robots that make the material world work. “When the robots take over, you’ll want to know me, lol. I get to travel for work a lot and like to use it to meet familia across the country. I’m an introvert so this is all outside my comfort zone but it’s worth it when I’m surrounded by such amazing people.”

Secret talent for Cody is that he says he has a vast knowledge of weird topics plus he can fix just about anything worth fixing. Something you may not know about him is that he is a narcoleptic. “I’ve always had sleep issues but was finally diagnosed in 2007. I’m use to people misunderstanding how it works but it is also the basis of my insomnia bouts where I have probably met so many of you. #sunrisecrew”

As far as other music Cody loves, he said he is into just about all music, from Ruth Etting to Die Antwoord. “Right now I’m digging on Billie Eilish, Tropidelic, Jasmine Thompson, Deftones and Tool.” Guilty pleasure for Cody? “I love Billie, Gaga, Miley, and any girl that shines through the hate they get.” He said he also watches Harry Potter way too much.

Cody would like to say these words to 311: “Thank you for making my chaos manageable.”

Now his message to all the other fans out there:

“To my friends, my Fam Bam, my haters and all who I have yet to meet, I love you! Seriously, let’s talk! Life is much too short to waste being anything less than full of love.”

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Awesome story Cody! Thanks for sharing it with everyone. That’s all for now folks, thanks for being here and being the awesome creatures that you are. Keep on shining!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello my friends out there in 311 nation! Are we ready for a new edition of the 311 fan spotlight? This week, let’s meet Cori Robinson!

In 2005 Cori won tickets to see 311. Up until then she had only heard a few songs here and there on the radio and it didn’t really strike her fancy. She decided to go to the show anyway. “From the moment they started with Omaha Stylee, I was in love. The energy drew me in and from that moment on, 311 was in my blood.”

That first show for Cori was August 6, 2005, at Usana in Salt Lake City, Utah. Show count she believes is somewhere around 65. “I lost count when flash seats and digital tickets became a thing.” Favorite show for her is the 2016 Red, White & Boom.

The song “Sunset in July” is one that means a lot to Cori. “It makes me think of all the friends I’ve made along the way and the happiness radiates from the notes.” As far as lyrics that she loves, it changes as she said the seasons of her life change. “I tend to grasp onto lyrics that fit what I’m going through in life. I have teenagers, so lately the lyric that’s been stuck in my head is “always an excuse when you need one.”

Utah is where Cori grew up. She absolutely loves music and started playing the piano when she was just 5 years old. She was also a dancer until her senior year of high school. “I wanted to be a Rockette, but I tore my hamstring and wasn’t able to follow that dream. Instead, I met my husband, Cody, at a rave January, 1999. We went on some crazy adventures that included an impromptu road trip to Canada to see Paul Oakenfold.”

Cori and her husband married a short 11 months and 7 days after they met, on November 24, 1999. “The first year we were married we welcomed our daughter to our family, Cody joined the Army, and we moved to Fort Eustis, Virginia. Our son was born there. We grew up a lot in the four years that Cody served. We experienced 9/11 as a very young family. Once Cody finished his enlistment, we moved back to Utah.”

Cori has worked for JetBlue for several years. She has also been a substitute teacher. “I like teaching high school. That’s a fun job. I’ve been a bar tender and a barista. I’ve done a lot of different things. Mostly part time and whatever works with my kids’ schedules. For the last two years I’ve been a captioning agent for CaptionCall and I love the work I do. I help the hard of hearing communicate in real time. It’s a feel good job. 😁”

An interesting fact about Cori that most don’t know is that she once had surgery, got HA-MRSA in her abdomen and almost died. “Instead the infection and the antibiotics caused my genes to mutate. I’m technically an X-men. Haha.” Talent for Cori is that she makes amazing soup. “Pickle, bacon, potato soup. If you know, you know.”

Aside from 311, there are many other artists that Cori loves. “I used to be able to play every song on the Little Earthquakes album by Tori Amos. She’s amazing!” She said that Les Claypool and Tom Petty have a special place in her heart. Some other faves are Depeche Mode, The Offspring, Keoki, Robert Miles, and Fiona Apple. She also said that last year she got to see Anti Flag, AFI, and Rise Against. “That was fabulous!” Guilty pleasure for Cori she says is mid 2000’s emo.

Cori’s words for 311: “Love you guys, so much!”

Her message to all the other 311 fans:

“High five, bro! (Wink wink)”

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Thanks Cori for sharing your story! Another great fan spotlight in the books. As always, so much gratitude for all the readers out there. I hope you all have a rockin’ week! Until next time, go be awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

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

Hey all – happy New Year week! 2020 is about to descend upon us and what better way to wrap up this year than to read the last 311 fan spotlight of 2019. It’s time to meet Zachary Gibson!

The age of 12 was when Zachary found 311. He loved the vibes of the punk rock and reggae feel! First time he saw 311 was in Mesa, Arizona, August 28, 2012. It was with the band Slightly Stoopid. “Wish i would have went to one sooner! After that my excitement for more 311 shows was kicking in!  So far I think I have been to 12 shows which isn’t much at all, I want to at least get to 40 very soon!”

As far as favorite show, Zachary chose seeing them at the Roxy. “That was so up close and intimate.”

One of his favorite songs he says is 311’s cover of “Love Song.” “Just been going through some rough times lately and it keeps my head up.”

One of his favorite lyrics comes from the song “I Told Myself.” “Burn me once shame on thee but burn me again shame on me. I’m chasing and facing the point misplacing.”

Zachary was born in Downey, California, but has been all over the U.S. He moved to North Carolina when he was about 6 years old, then Arizona until the age of 15, and now he is in Arkansas. He is moving back to AZ in April though. To fund his love for 311 he is a magician and hypnotist. “I try to do as many shows as I can so I’m able to go have a great time! Plus during sets at 311 day 2018 I was vibing with some people showing them magic and so I hope I can goto 311 day 2020 now that every weekend I will be doing my own hypnosis shows there. Thank God for sticking to my dream.”

One thing you may not know about Zachary is that he can be a sarcastic person. Talent of his is obviously magic and hypnosis, but he’s also a great cook.

When not listening to 311 he can be found jamming to tunes from Rebelution and Fortunate Youth. Guilty pleasure for him? He said it’s just listening to 311 on repeat!

To 311, Zachary has these words: “Your music has really helped me out a lot!”

To all his fellow 311 fans:

“I wanted to say that all 311 fans are pretty much family! Almost all 311 shows I’ve been to all the fans treat each other with respect, and also FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS ! ;)”

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Thanks to Zachary for sharing his story! As we wind this year and decade down, a HUGE thank you to all the participants and supporters of this venture. I love writing your stories and sharing them with the world. Thanks for being awesome people! See you in 2020!

Much Love – The Runt

Happy Holidays excitable nation! Hoping you all have a peaceful and joyous holiday week. Let’s get it started with this edition of the 311 fan spotlight – meet Rich Williams!

It was Rich’s high school girlfriend who introduced him to 311. She had a bootleg tape from Nebraska and told him he needed to listen to this song, “My Stoney Baby.” “I listened to song and then the album Music and I was like this rock/rap band is amazing. I couldn’t believe how different and tight the band sounded at that time.”

While Rich doesn’t count the exact number of shows he’s attended, he believes the count is somewhere in the 40’s. First show he went to was in 1996 at Red Rocks Amphitheater. “They played an amazing 27 song set list that blew my mind (check the set list on the 311 site).”

Rich lives in Colorado, so he’s lucky enough to have Red Rocks right in his backyard to see amazing shows! However his favorite 311 show so far was the Sokol 25th anniversary show in Nebraska. “It was my first “special show” and the set list was amazing. I couldn’t believe a big band would come back and give back to their old school fans like that. There’s nothing  those small venues where you and 600 of your friends jam with a band and become one that night.”

There are many songs that mean a lot to Rich, as he feels he has evolved with the band over the last 30 years. However he chose “Little Brother” as a song that really stands out to him. “The reason I like it is I really identify with it. I’m a little brother and my big brother always looked out for me when I started going down the wrong paths in life, kinda like what Nick did for his brother. Plus it could be the most punk rock song they have, it’s so heavy! I believe they have only played it once in 3/11/14. I need to hear this at 311 day.”

One of his current favorite lyrics is from the song “Stainless” – Not for the faint of heart, It will not be painless. You’ll take your licks and you’ll never come out stainless whoa oh, oh. Outlandish dreams can come to pass, it happens so fast. There’s no end to what you can achieve, but first you gotta believe.”

Rich’s family is from the San Francisco Bay Area and he said his parents were hippies in the 60’s in San Francisco. “I mean my Dad saw Jimmy Hendrix c’mon man that is everyone’s bucket list. I would say I got my love of music from my dad initially then my older brother and sister.” Rich moved to Colorado his freshman year of high school and has been there ever since. “I absolutely love it here. I have raised 3 kids here and they are all grown up and out of the house. So once they kids left I went on tour with 311 every year starting in 2017. I was just over 40 years old and saying to myself what should I do with my life? So I went road tripping and found myself and 311 and it really rejuvenated my life, It reminded me of my youth when I would travel to see the Dead or Phish.”

Interesting fact about Rich is that he has a ton of phobias including clowns, balloons, spiders, and snakes. Something that makes him unique is that he’s a very outgoing and social person most of the time. “I can go anywhere and meet somebody and have a good time. I started traveling around following 311 and I would just introduce myself as Rich from Denver and it has just stuck, it like I have this alter ego when I go on tour.”

Some other bands that Rich loves include System of a Down, Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine and Iron Maiden. He also really enjoys Rebelution and RDGLDGRN. Guilty pleasure for Rich is The GAP band. “I freakin love them, I mean who doesn’t right?”

Rich’s message to 311 is: “I appreciate every band members attitude, humbleness and dedication to their ever evolving music and fans.”

Now his words to all the fellow 311 fans:

“I have met hundreds of people on my travels and I will say overall we are the best fans ever and friends for life all over the country. Stay Positive and Love your life. Much Love, Rich From Denver!”

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There you have the story of Rich Williams! Much gratitude to Rich for sharing his tale and to all those out there who keep on reading. You are all amazing and I wish you the happiest holiday season!

Much Love,

The Runt

Hey hey friends in 311 nation! Another week has arrived and that means it’s time for the next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Jessica Sullivan!

It was a time in Jessica’s life when she needed clarity on things she had been through and where she wanted to be that she found the music of 311. “I was introduced to 311 from my cousins boyfriend in 1994.  He came from a party and was pumped up on 311 and shared it with us.  As soon as he hit play I was hooked.  I never looked back.  I became consumed by 311 immediately.  I played Off Beat Bare Ass for about 8 hrs straight just to be able to sing along every word.  I can honestly say I have studied 311 for many hours.”

Jessica’s show count number is at 64. She’s been to see 311 at Red Rocks 3 times, attended 311 Day three times, and has been on the last 3 cruises. First show for her was in 2000 in Boise at the Double Tree Hotel. “It was maybe 800 people in a little area.  I held a sign that said “Show me your Omaha Stylee” for about 45 min.  They came out on stage and rocked it the first song!  I was beyond excited!  That was the first of many memories I have made because of this band.” As for her favorite event, it’s a tie between 311 Day 2018 and the cruise to Jamaica. “Epic moments and memories! The basement stage at 311 day was alllll the feels! Epic moment on the 311 Cruise when Vanessa Holliday Girard took the mic from SA – HA HA HA THE BESTTTTT!!!!!!”

Trying to decide on a favorite song seemed impossible to Jessica. She did name a few of her favorites, including “Do You Right,” “Face in the Wind,” and “Too Late.” As for a favorite line from a song, she chose this one from “Evolution” – “Evolution is exponential timing, it’ll be half as long until the next breakthrough that blows our mind. It’s up to the people to be brave on with experimentation move forth the species by using our imagination.”

Jessica grew up in Idaho and is the oldest of 6 children who ALL love 311! “My co brodel and little brother Johnathon Sullivan has been with me every step of the way! Bail bonds for funds, whatcha gonna do? Hold my beer and watch me run like its my wedding day to the pit when the music starts. Actually I have been waiting at the rail for 7 hours ha ha !  (I have to pee).”

Something people may not know is that Jessica grew up in a very strict & religious home. . “One of the saving graces was 311.” Some fun facts about her: She’s not articulate but has beautiful handwriting and she can shred a mountain like a block of cheese. “Snowboarding is my passion!” Also she’s really into Crossfit. “And just so everyone knows, my autocorrect tried to write crossfire LOL.”

Guilty pleasure for Jessica? “ Smoke weed everrryyyydaaayyyy! Space cruises &  KCR.” Other musicians she loves include Coheed and Cambria, The Avett Brothers, Most Def, KO-S, and so many more. 

To 311, Jessica has these words: “Thank you for changing my life in the most positive way, I have felt every emotion through your music; we are all together as one organism in celebration!”

Finally, her words to all her fellow fans:

“I fucking love every single person I have ever met, whether this side of the moon or not! Love you Clont! Our Familia runs thick…every inch of the planet!! To all my friends it’s not the end, the Earth hasn’t swallowed me yet, See you at 311 day 2020. See you in 100 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!”

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Thank you Jessica Sullivan for sharing your story! Much love to you and to all the readers as well. Have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again excitable friends! Happy Thanksgiving week to all my U.S. peeps! Let’s kick this day off the right way with our next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Alison Haertjens!

The year was 1993 and a friend of Alison’s, who has gotten her into metal back in 1990, put on the Music album for her. “I was instantly hooked! I could never put my finger on what I liked about it. I just knew I loved the sound.”

Alison just hit her 40th show back in August in Chula Vista. Her very first show was February 23, 1996, at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. “My ex-husband wasn’t a 311 fan and going to shows just wasn’t a priority for me when my kids were little, and I didn’t go to another 311 show until 2011!  I didn’t even go to a single concert from 2001 until then.  I have been making up for lost time over the last few years.”

Favorite show was hard for Alison to decide because like many, she’s had amazing experiences at multiple shows like 311 Day, the cruise, Red Rocks, and club shows at House of Blues or The Roxy. “One of the best experiences was at the Stone Pony in 2015 – I had my first 311 photo pass, for a show in my home state, where I first fell in love with them, despite living almost 3000 miles away in San Diego.  P-Nut used one of the photos I took of him as his Twitter profile pic for a long time, and it made me so happy!  But this last cruise was nearly perfection in so many ways.  I am really fortunate to have had these experiences.”

Song that means the most to her was another hard choice, but if forced to chose she would pick “FTBS.” “The story is far too long and boring to get into here, but it involves 2 people I care about very much and singing it in a motel parking lot at 3am after my 40^th birthday party.”

One of her favorite lyrics is “You’re all up in my mix like fuckin’ Betty Crocker.”

Readington, New Jersey, is where Alison grew up. She also lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, for 2 years. She attended The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also lived in Houston for 3 years before finally ending up in San Diego in 2001. “I was a stay at home mom for 13 years, but am finishing a degree in Library and Information Technology in May and have worked part-time in a college library for almost a year.  I also have a temporary job doing data management at a small company.”

Alison has a 14 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. “They are truly awesome kids.” Her daughter has attended four 311 shows and was able to shake Tim’s hand briefly after her second show. “My son is not at all interested in anything I listen to, but I kind of like that he is following his own lead on that.  Hopefully he will come around to 311 some day, but I can’t make him!”

While Alison said she is pretty much an open book, it might surprise some people to know that she was a cheerleader from 8th to 10th grade, plus she was in a sorority in college. Another fun fact is that she was a concert photographer for awhile and was lucky enough to have met and photographed many of her longtime favorite bands and artists. “I honed my concert photography skills at Brick By Brick, a metal club in San Diego, and after photographing shows there for almost a year, became friends with the co-owner who books the bands – who happens to be a longtime excitable.  I have rocked out beside her at metal shows and 311 (including night 2 of 311 Day 2018).  And the way I started photographing live music was because of a friend I met through the 311 Familia who invited me to a local Pantera tribute show, which I photographed, and everything kind of took off from there.  That was 5 years ago and my life has been transformed for the better because of these music families.  I have met the most amazing people through our mutual love of music, and I am infinitely grateful.”

Alison has been a metalhead for almost 30 years and she said her top 5 favorite bands have been the same since high school: 311, Pantera, Slayer, Prong, and Pro-Pain. “The rest of what I listen to tends to be pretty random and mostly rock or pop of the 70s-90s, but 90% of the time I am listening to 311 or metal.”

As for guilty pleasures, Alison said she really doesn’t feel guilt over harmless things that make life fun. “I will sing along just as loudly to Hall and Oates as I will to 311 or Pantera.  My kids hate grocery shopping with me because I cannot refrain from singing along to the Muzak sometimes.  Foreigner?  Whitney Houston?  Billy Joel?  DON’T MIND IF I DO!”

Alison has these words for 311: “Thank you for this beautiful thing you have given so many of us that transcends music.” She also said, “I honestly don’t know what my life would be like without my 311 family and the incredible experiences we share.”

Here is her message to all her fellow 311 fans:

“This 311 thing we have is so unique and special, but it is what you make of it.  Enjoy it!”

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There you have it my friends, the story of Alison Haertjens! Thank you so much Alison for sharing your story and many, many thanks to those who read each week. During this week of gratitude, I’m thankful for being a part of this amazing, positive community! Until next time, keep being awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey hey excitable peeps! It’s about time for the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Remember meeting Alison Winzenread last week? Well this week we learn all about her love, Mike Winzenread!

Growing up, Mike listened to a lot of punk rock, ska, and rap. Then one day, listening to the radio, he heard the sounds of 311 and was immediately hooked. “They had this sound that was completely different than all the standard alternative rock that was getting all the radio time.”

Show count for Mike is sitting at 46. First show for him was July 1, 2000, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, where Incubus opened for 311. While Mike picked the cruise as his number one, won’t forget ever experience, he does have another show he holds high up in the ranks of favorites. “There was one show on March 18, 2017, House of Blues Anaheim. They jammed so hard everyone in the crowd was going nuts.  I guarantee anyone who was at that show would definitely say the same thing.”

Song that Mike says means the most to him is “Tranquility.” One of his favorite lyrics is “From chaos comes clarity.”

La Habra, California, is where Mike grew up. He loved playing sports and was lucky enough to be able to play all the way through college. His parents were teachers, which gave him the opportunity to travel during the summers. “They took me all over the world. I feel like that is something that has stuck with me. I love getting away places with my wife and kids. That’s another reason I love this band so much. They give me and my wife the perfect excuse to travel together and hang out with great people.”

Mike says he has no musical skills, so he thinks that’s why he is so blown away by live music. When not listening to 311 he can be found listening to musicians such as Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Iration, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Passafire, Stick Figure, and The Movement.

Something Mike says he’s pretty famous for are his chocolate chip cookies and homemade chicken pot pie. He’s been told he’s a great cook! He’s also a certified scuba diver. Something Mike is really excited and proud of is that he’s a brand new grandpa to a precious grandson! (Congrats to Mike & Alison!)

Guilty pleasure for Mike? “I have to admit. I like watching MTV’s The Challenge and of course some Jersey Shore.”

Mike would like to say to 311: “Thanks for creating this great familia that I have so many great memories with.”

These are Mike’s words to all his fellow fans:

“In the words of Nick Hexum, stay positive and love your life.”

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Awesome story Mike Winzenread! Thanks for sharing, and again congrats to you and Alison on your precious new grandson! Much thanks as always to the readers. Have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey all excitable people! Welcome again to our latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight. This week we dive into the tale of Alison Winzenread!

Back in 1990, Alison was listening to a radio station called Pirate Radio, and that is where she discovered the sounds of 311. “From the get go, their sound was what I had to hear!”

It wasn’t until 2006 that Alison was able to see 311 live for the first time. Her first show was at the Greek Theater. She just hit show number 46 when she saw them perform at the Grammy Museum back in August.

As for favorite show or event, she chose the cruise over everything else she’s attended. “I would have to say that being on that ship, surrounded by every single person who loves this band as much as I do was THE BEST thing EVER!!!” She did say that Red, White & Boom was also fantastic, as were the 311 Day shows she’s been to.

Song that means the most to her is “I Told Myself.” One of her favorite lyrics from a 311 song is: “I love it when the only sound I hear is your infectious laughter. I will hear you again in 800 years if I’m still lucky.”

Alison grew up in Southern California and is the middle child out of five. She feels like she has always had a love for music. “I can remember loving Duran Duran so much in the 5th grade. I had their pictures all over my walls! I would watch VH1 with Richard Blade every day at 5:00 pm in the hopes of seeing Duran Duran. I guess I have my oldest brother to thank for introducing me to so many great bands back in the early 80’s.”

Fun fact about Alison is that she’s terrified of sharks…yet she tortures herself by watching every show during Shark Week! Another interesting tidbit about her is that she can make her tongue into the shape of a flower!

Guilty pleasure for Alison? “The Jersey Shore baby!” Some other artists that she enjoys listening to include Chevelle, Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iration, Slightly Stoopid and Rebelution.

Alison’s message to 311 is: “Thank you guys so much for your music. Your lyrics have walked this path of life with me, and it has been a beautiful ride. and……. can you please play I Told Myself at 311 Day?!? :)”

Her words to all her fellow 311 fans:

“I feel so lucky that my husband loves this band as much as I do. We have enjoyed so many rad shows together and  have  met some pretty amazing people because of this band. Its been a complete pleasure to travel the world with these beautiful people who share the same love for these five guys who have changed so many lives.. PLUR<3”

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Thanks for sharing your excellent story Alison! Gratitude as always to the readers each week as well. May you have the best week ever and don’t forget to spread the positive vibes to everyone you meet!

Much Love – The Runt

Why hello there my excitable friends! New month…another Monday is upon us…and that means it’s time for the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight. This week let’s learn the story of Christina Long!

Intro to 311 came through a childhood friend for Christina. She was just a casual fan until her friend bought her a ticket to see them live as her college graduation present. This show was in Jones Beach, New York, on July 9, 2010. “The energy of the show was breath taking, and I easily lost myself in the music. From that day on I was hooked, and haven’t regretted a minute of the journey since.” It was about a month after this show that the first cruise was announced. “When I saw the email I called up my bff and told him that we had to go. My second 311 show was the sail away show on the 2011 cruise.”

Show count for Christina is now at 74, which she hit this past summer. Show 75 will be night one of 311 Day 2020. As for her favorite show, she chose the sail away show on the first cruise.  “The feeling of being on a ship for the first time, watching 311 perform as we leave the port, not knowing what the next few days will be like. It’s an experience you can never really have again. Now when we go on the cruise, we know what an amazing time we’re going to have, but during that first one, the sense of the unknown made everything far more intense.”

Song that means a lot to Christina was hard to choose as many songs have meant different things to her over the years. She says “Dodging Raindrops” is toward the top of the list currently. “Speak Easy” is also up there because of “the feeling of freedom that song inspires.. Especially when played on the cruise.  I actually have lyrics from Speak Easy tattooed on me. :)”

There are a few lyrics that stand out to Christina as favorites including: “If there’s a shadow in your life, Then there’s sunshine, Things turning inside out, All the time, Just rewind, It’s all in your mind”; “Hey you, what would the world be like, Ahh, without you around, Music you’re my constant companion, ahh”; “Let the cards fall where they may, All I can do, all I can say, Gotta move to trust my instinct, And surrender, let my song sing itself”; and “But if you’re feeling locked up and you wanna get free, Cuz you’re always on the hunt looking for serenity, Some of the times are gonna be rough but no matter what it brings Just lean into it, yeah lean into it.”

Christina grew up in New York City, in the urban borough of Queens. She spent a short time in upstate New York for college, but other than that she’s been in Queens her whole life. “ I don’t plan on staying here forever though, and I use my 311 travels as opportunities to check out other states/cities I’d want to live in. So far the PNW has really captured my heart, and I’m seriously debating heading out there.” For the past 10 years she’s worked for the NYC government. First it was for an elected official and now she works for a local agency that addresses quality of life issues within a small part of Queens. “Not the most glamorous work by any means, but I’m trying to do my part to help improve the neighborhood that I call home.”

Fun facts about Christina are that she has 8 tattoos, 6 of which are 311 or music related. “I’m hoping to add a few more soon.” Also, when she was in her 20’s, she was offered a modeling contract but turned it down. Something that makes her unique she wasn’t quite sure how to answer, so she had her bestie answer it- “Your infinite compassion and empathy, even for those whom you don’t actually like.”

Guilty pleasure? Christina said she doesn’t really have one. “ I fully embrace all of my weird likes and hobbies, and put them on display for the world to see. I mean if I’m not afraid to publicly post about meeting the actors from the original Power Rangers show in the early 90s, then what could I possibly want to hide?”

Other artists Christina enjoys include Passafire, Ballyhoo, Coheed and Cambria, Backstreet Boys (yeah I know, but I was a teen in the 90s lol), Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Iration, and Mike Shinoda.

To 311, Christina would like to say: “Thank you, I know you’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but your music has without a doubt changed my life.”

Christina has this message for all her fellow fans:

“Thank you for all of the amazing times these last 10 years, and I’m looking forward to the next 10!”

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Thank you Christina for sharing your 311 story! Much gratitude to all the readers out there as usual! I can’t thank you all enough for the continued support. Until next time, have an amazing week!

Much love – The Runt