Welcome back 311 nation! As we kick off another week, we get to learn all about our next 311 fan spotlight! This week, let me introduce you to the lovely Caity Lopez!

So Caity had never heard of 311 until a friend of hers said he was going to a show at Jones Beach and that he had a free ticket if she wanted to tag along. “I said sure, why not. He wasn’t even a 311 fan himself he just loved going to Jones Beach for shows. I never knew how much I’d enjoy watching 311 that night and what it would grow in to.”

That fateful show was in 2006. She had started to count at one point how many she went to but lost count. She said her guess is that she is somewhere in the mid 70’s. Her favorite show so far was 311 Day 2012 in Vegas.

Caity said she keeps hoping to hear “Give Me A Call” or “Uncalm” every time she goes to see 311. Favorite lyric she said, even though she thinks it’s somewhat cliché at this point, is still, “Butterfly in the wind without a care.” She even has the lyrics tattooed on her back!

Florida is where Caity was born. She didn’t move to New York until she was 8 years old. She said her mom and dad didn’t really listen to a lot of rock or reggae music. Her mom was more into country music and her dad listened to his cadences. “I always listened to everything but I think once I went to my first 311 show, it definitely opened my eyes to different music.”

Caity is currently a project manager for a software company which funds her 311 habit and all the other fun things she likes to do. “I also sell as much as I can through virtual closet apps or selling apps, ya know killing two birds with one stone, empty out space and get money for shows and events. It’s a win, win.”

Another artist that Caity absolutely loves is Bassnectar. “His music is totally on the other end of the spectrum, one of the reasons why I love it! He mixes everything from Biggie to James Brown to Metallica and the community is just as amazing as 311’s.” She said that even though 311 and Bassnectar are different, they also have some similarities in the way that they have a talent for fusing all different types of music, no matter the genre.

Fun fact about Caity? She has never, not once in her life, had a soda! “And I never intend to.” Something Caity loves to do is get gifts for people. “No matter what the occasion, but definitely around the holidays. As much as people hate going out shopping around this time, I enjoy it. I like seeing the gift that you think would be perfect for the person in mind. And I love seeing people’s faces when they open something and it makes them happy.”

Guilty pleasure for Caity are true crime shows. Ones like CSI, Law & Order, or anything similar, real or fake. “Not too many people know that but I love it. I can binge watch Making A Murderer like no one else! LOL.”

To 311 Caity has this to say: “Thank you for everything you give in each and every performance. Thank you for making everybody jump!”

To all her fellow fans out there:

“Another cliché probably, but DON’T STAY HOME! XOXO”

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Now you all have met Caity Lopez! Make sure to say hi if you see her at a show. Thanks Caity for sharing your story and to each and every person who read these week after week. Now go kick butt and be awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

Why hello there peeps out in 311 nation! Are you ready for the next edition of the fan spotlight? This week let’s meet the lovely Noelle Dion!

Growing up, Noelle remembers listening to a Boston radio station, WFNX, and it was there that she first heard the sounds of 311. “They were different than anything I had ever heard before….they had resemblances of other stuff I liked but completely unique in their own right.”

While Noelle has never really thought to get her exact show count, she believes she is somewhere in the 40 range. First show for her was in 1995 at Avalon in Boston. “Clubs were 19+ OR a college ID. I was only 17 but already in college so I could get into all the clubs, it was great!” Favorite event so far? “Cruise 2 for sure! It was my first 311 cruise. That beach show was insane! The splash party in the ocean…meeting everyone floating around, nothing could ever duplicate that!”

Song that Noelle says she’s pretty partial to is “Don’t Stay Home.” “For 7 years I was in a bad relationship and lost most of my friends, never went out, never enjoyed life. When I finally ended it and started enjoying life and going to all the concerts I wanted to, that song was LIFE!” She also loves “Can’t Fade Me,” “Homebrew,” and “Give Me A Call.” For lyrics, she loves the last lines in “Can’t Fade Me.” “Desperate the cling I make to positivity, stay getting it on til the doubt is gone. If you could be dissuaded you were dead all along, like what’s up now, you can’t fade me. Still in the same old trade of positivity.”

Salem, Massachusetts, is where Noelle grew up. She spent her summers in New Hampshire at a campground where her parents worked. At 18 she moved out and lived all around New England, then eventually moved to Colorado. From there she moved to San Diego, and then landed in Florida where she has now been for about 15 years. “My family always said I was a gypsy, always loving to move and travel around. I’m hoping to move back to Colorado in the next year or two, I miss the mountains a lot!” Noelle is a bartender at Chili’s and she loves her job. She also bartends special events such as concerts and festivals. “I am looking forward to bartending backstage on NYE for Stick Figure! I was lucky enough to be asked and even got to design a menu based on their songs, so it’s pretty exciting!”

Interesting fact about Noelle is that she used to be very shy. While she isn’t really anymore she said she does have her awkward moments where the shyness can creep back in. “Being a bartender makes me always very social so when I’m off I like to be alone and can be introverted.”

Noelle loves helping people – strangers, friends, and especially animals! “I have a rescued prairie dog named Pfife Dawg, 2 rescued pups named Chara and Falkor and a stray cat made house cat named Snaxx. I look forward to helping people and try to even on vacations.  Volunteering in Mexico during CTTS was the best part of the trip. And I often collect items for donations in my county or for disaster relief around the country.”

Other musicians that Noelle loves include Jane’s Addiction, A Tribe Called Quest, Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, Björk, Social Distortion, The Interrupters, Digable Planets, Operation Ivy, Beastie Boys, SOJA, G. Love,  Big Data, and Faith No More. One of her guilty pleasures is Justin Timberlake. She also loves reality T.V. “I even tried out for Big Brother but froze up on camera, haha!!”

To 311 Noelle would like to say: “Thank you for breaking me out of my shell and helping me discover who I truly am, and bringing unquantifiable amounts of positivity into my life! And bringing me the bestest friends anyone could ever ask for!”

Her message to all the other fans out there:

“Always help others! Even a smile to a stranger could change their day. Always give without expectations. And in the words of my best friend….Do no harm but take no shit! 

Also if you see me, I could be in shy mode, so please say hi!!!”

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Thank you Noelle Dion for sharing your story! As always, many thank you’s to all who read each week. Until next time, keep being awesome!

Much love – The Runt

Hey there, all people out in 311 nation! Another week is upon us which means it’s time for the new edition of the fan spotlight. So let’s read all about Kristy Weick!

During the 90’s Kristy listened to a lot of radio, and that’s where she first heard 311 songs like, “Down,” “Don’t Stay Home,” and “All Mixed Up.” She didn’t have cable at the time but a friend did, so when she was there and they were watching MTV, she finally saw the video for “Down.” “I was absolutely taken with Nick – his shocking blonde hair and his singing – and so the song hit hard right then! I don’t care how ridiculous that sounds, it’s 100% the truth!” She then ran out and bought the blue album and obsessed over learning all of the lyrics – even SA’s parts! “I was already hooked on the unique sound and combination of musical styles and rapping/singing, so I bought Music and Grassroots at the same time some point not long after that (at good old Circuit City!), and ever since, Grassroots has been my favorite 311 album.”

For Kristy her show count is somewhere in the 50’s and she just added one more yesterday! Her first show was back on August 19, 1997 at Darien Lake, near Buffalo, New York. “The setlist is nowhere to be found, so if anyone can find it, please let me know!” Favorite event for her was the very first 311 cruise. “It really gave me a true sense of the 311 community, and the excited anticipation of not knowing exactly what would happen on such a special vacation, then it turning out to be truly magical, really solidified how important and impactful being a 311 fan was to me.”

Some songs that Kristy says really connect with her soul are “Weightless,” “Tranquility,” “Seems Uncertain,” “Golden Sunlight,” plus “And a Ways to Go.” Some of her all time favorite songs are “Homebrew,” “8:16AM,” “1,2,3,” and “Do You Right.” One of her favorite lines from a song is, “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity.”

Rochester, New York, is where Kristy grew up. She lived in New York City for a few months during college but then moved back upstate to save up enough money to move to Orlando, Florida. She was in Florida from 2004 to 2007 and then she moved to Los Angeles for a job opportunity for two years. “I learned so many valuable life lessons living in LA, and that is also when I started taking live photos for 311.  What an adventure that has been, and I am so thankful that this is an occasional special thing that I can do to support the band that I love and share the photos with other fans. I have been shooting bands in general since 2004, and even though I haven’t shot for a publication in years, I still get to shoot a live show a few times a year, and can say that I have taken live photos of nearly all of my favorite bands.  My favorite moment shooting 311 was at Red Rocks in 2013 – so surreal!” Here is the link to Kristy’s photography: http://www.facebook.com/kapturecreative

While in L.A., Kristy figured out what she wanted to do with her life so she moved back to Orlando, bought a house, and went back to school to get her master’s degree because it was required to have in her chosen career of being a mental health counselor. “Being a person who has been active in the LGBTQ+ community of Orlando before and during the Pulse tragedy in June 2016 has solidified how much I love this city and the people in it. We support each other, we have amazing people living here and contributing to the community in so many ways, and even some pretty awesome politicians, believe it or not!  #OrlandoUnited #LoveWins”

Some other musicians that Kristy loves include The Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, Fear Factory, Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, Ghost, Twenty One Pilots, BT, Armin van Buuren / Gaia, Ferry Corsten, a ton of other trance music DJs/producers, Stabbing Westward, Alex Vargas, Carpark North, Radiohead, The Verve Pipe / Brian Vander Ark, The Civil Wars, Genesis / Phil Collins, Imogen Heap, Jimmy Eat World, Kenna, Missio, Soul Coughing / Mike Doughty, Lo Moon, Muse, Mutemath, Nero, Our Lady Peace, Tool / A Perfect Circle /Puscifer, Robert DeLong, Royksopp, Say Anything, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Underworld, Walk Off the Earth, The Cure, 2 Skinnee Js, The Urge, and The Dirty Heads. “311and all of my other favorite bands/musicians get me through SO MUCH, I don’t know what I would do without music.  I am so thankful to my mother who instilled in my brother and me how important it is to enjoy life, especially through music.  She made countless multi-hour drives to make sure we enjoyed special concert moments when I was in high school, teaching us the value that living life to the fullest is what life is all about.”

While Kristy became a mental health counselor, her Bachelor of Arts is actually in Music Industry. “I was so inspired by my favorite bands during the 90s that I wanted to support them in any way I could, and to discover and promote new bands who blew my mind and I thought the world should hear, too.  Many life changes later, I am now a mental health counselor – life’s a journey!” 

Kristy loves belly dancing and Arabic music but she hasn’t done it in a few years. “I always practiced at home or in a small class, but never performed in public until the first 311 Caribbean Cruise during the talent show.  It was a bucket list item of mine to perform a dance in public at least once, and I am so thankful I was able to make it happen, as challenging as it was with the boat rocking in the waves!” Guilty pleasure for Kristy come in the form of the game Candy Crush Soda Saga.

To 311, Kristy would like to say, “Thank you for being you and sharing part of your lives with us!”

To all the other 311 fans, here is her message to you:

“I want all LGBTQ+ 311 fans to know that I am here for you – please reach out if you ever need a friend!  <3 I also want to thank everyone who has supported me as a photographer over the years – it means so much to me to be able to do this for you and the band.”

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Thank you Kristy for sharing your story with everyone! Everyone check out her photos when you have a second for some lovely shots of our favorite band. Much gratitude to all of you who read the spotlight each week and support your fellow excitables. Have a fantastic week!

Much Love – The Runt

Well hello there 311 nation! Are we ready for another edition of the fan spotlight? Without further delay, let’s meet Amanda Sczesniak! 

So originally Amanda wasn’t a fan of 311. She and her now husband were dating at the time and while he tried to get her to listen, she wasn’t having it. She finally caved and fell head over heels for their music back in 2008.

Show count is roughly 10-12 but that’s not counting the cruise. First show for her was in 2008 at the amphitheater in St. Louis during a summer tour. Favorite event is of course the cruise! “My hubby and I are getting ready to embark on our 4th of 6, and it is the single best time I have had in my life! The people make it.”

The song “Two Drops in the Ocean” means the world to Amanda as it was one of the first songs that her husband got her to listen to. “He said it “fit” our relationship. It has been a favorite ever since.” She doesn’t have a specific lyric that she loves because she loves all the songs since they are about love, unity, positivity and respect. “Each song and lyric speaks to my heart in a different way.”

Springfield, Illinois, is where Amanda grew up then she moved to St. Louis when she was around the age of 12. “My family consisted of myself, my mom, my dad, and my brother. Growing up was fairly normal for me.” In 2004 she joined the Marine Corps., but a mere two years later she was in a serious head on collision that ended her military career. It was due to this that she went back home to St. Louis and then met her husband. 

Amanda went through a difficult time in 2010 when she lost her younger brother to a heroin overdose and then a short two weeks later lost her mother due to renal failure as a result of years of alcoholism. A few short weeks after this though she married her husband and said that it was him and the music of 311 that got her through everything and made her stronger. Then in December 2012 they welcomed their first daughter, Lainey Elizabeth. February 2016 brought them another daughter, Phoebe Catherine. Finally they had their son Oliver John, born in March (not the 11th though!). “Although I have had some awful things happen, I have also had some amazing things happen, and I wouldn’t change any of it. It makes me who I am.”

Something unique about Amanda is that she will try anything once! In high school she was in band playing alto saxophone, sang in choir since 1st grade, was on color guard, was a cheerleader, and participated in theater! Guilty pleasure for Amanda is that she loves the show The Challenge on MTV. “I love reality T.V…. Survivor, Amazing Race, Bachelor/ette, and I am a HUGE Big Brother fan!”

Since we know 311 wasn’t Amanda’s first musical love, she shared that her first love was The Used. “I also love other “emo” bands, such as Taking Back Sunday, Saosin, Circa Survive, Underoath, Senses Fail, Coheed and Cambria.” Aside from emo she also loves pop punk acts like Panic! At The Disco, Matt and Kim, Fall Out Boy, and Good Charlotte. Plus she has an “affinity” for gangsta rap like Three 6 Mafia, Bone Thugs n Harmony, old Ludacris and of course, Biggie. 

Amanda’s message to 311 is simple and straightforward: “Thank you for being a strong constant in my life!”

To all her fellow fans:

“I love each and every one of you for you! We are all different, and have our struggles, but it is what makes us who we are…beautiful disasters. If you ever need a friend, you have one in me!”

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That was Amanda’s story! Much gratitude to Amanda for sharing and to all who keep supporting this venture. It’s truly a pleasure for me to take time to share your stories. Have a fantastic week and if you celebrate it, a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Much love – The Runt

Well hello again to all of the people in 311 nation! Another week is here so it’s time for the latest edition of the fan spotlight. This week, let’s meet AJ Morrow!

It was when the documentary “Hoax 2: Anarchy in America” came out that AJ first heard the music of 311. The documentary featured songs such as “All Mixed Up” and “Feels So Good.” He also watch MTV air the “Down” video back in 1996. “Skating and music has been a passion of mine for a longtime so that’s what got me into their music. Nick representing Senate Clothing and 976 solidified it as well.”

So far AJ’s show count is at 28. First show was in Columbus, Ohio, at the LC Pavilion on June 24, 2010. Pepper opened for them at that show. His favorite events are the cruises. “Because the sets are very unique and the atmosphere is such a great experience, plus it’s nice to see folks that you’ve met on the road along with new faces as well.”

Song that AJ loves is “Jackolantern’s Weather.” “What it means to me is that it shows you shouldn’t have a care in the world and just have fun with life and make the best of it.” A favorite lyric of his is, “I say what I feel and that is a promise, nothing in life is above being honest.”

Tipp City, Ohio, is where AJ grew up and he’s pretty much stayed close to the area. He attended Bethel School until 7th grade then enrolled in Tipp City schools from 8th grade until his sophomore year. He then went back to Bethel and graduated from there in 2002. AJ has a roommate currently and they have a dog named Kali plus two pigs named Zoey and Buddy. 

AJ enjoys helping people, even if they don’t ask for help. “In the end it’ll come back around when you least expect it.” Special talent for him? “I can sit on my feet and stand on one leg for a long period of time. That’s my talent lol.” 

Guilty pleasures? AJ has a few he mentioned. He loves watching Survivor and The Amazing Race. He also watches wrestling every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday when they have Pay-Per-View broadcasts. Guilty pleasure movie is E.T.: The Extraterrestrial. “Yes I cry when he is found in the creek as well as when he leaves at the end of the movie.” Hobby of his is that he enjoys working on cars and going fast. “I attend a lot of car shows and events with friends and it’s been a passion of mine since I was born.” Aside from going to concerts, AJ also loves watching the Michigan Wolverines play in Ann Arbor, Michigan, plus he goes to some away games. “Go Blue!! ][V][“

Music aside from 311 that AJ can be found listening to includes Sublime, Beastie Boys, Rage Against The Machine, Reel Big Fish, Rebelution, Ballyhoo!, Tropidelic, and many more. 

To 311, AJ’s message is: “Thank you for making me the person I am today, for all the positive messages and for the friends that I’ve made over the years, it truly is because of y’all and your music that brings us all together. Much Love!!”

To all his fellow 311 fans:

“Want to thank y’all for being who you are and continue on with whatever it is that you do, keep on livin’ and rockin and I’ll see y’all OTMFB 🛳”

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That’s AJ’s story folks! Thanks to AJ for sharing it and to all you awesome peeps for reading it! I hope you all have an amazing week and remember to be kind and spread the positivity to all. 

Much Love! The Runt

Welcome back all out there in 311 nation! Here we are again, ready to read about the next fan spotlight. This week let’s learn all about Aymee Zimmerman! 

How Aymee learned of 311 was through her then twenty-something nephew in law, Dan. It was back in 2000 and he was playing the song, “Rub a Dub.” “I immediately fell in love with the song! I checked them out and joined the Hive web-board to get connected.” She then mentioned the band in talking with her neighbor and who she calls her second kid, Jennie, during a time when they were organizing her CD collection. “She flipped out telling me how awesome they were and how much she loved them !  She then hooked me up with a few CDs (Blue, Transistor, Grassroots and Soundsystem) and I went even more crazy for 311 !  She told me about 311 Day, and I made it my mission to make it there “one day,” – especially when I found out it was in (or going to be in) NOLA !  I had two babies under two around that time, so there was no way it was going to have been happening then…  but I always only dreamed about it until that Magical year…. 2016.” 

Sadly Aymee has lost both Danny and Jennie from her life due to heroin overdoses. “The only reason I am mentioning this here is because it is all too rampant in our lives…  even our own 311 Community has lost so many to this terrible drug, or knows of loved ones suffering.  If you know someone who is struggling, do not give up on trying to help them see beyond and fight to stay alive.  It is just as tragic as suicide.”

First 311 show for Aymee was in Tinley Park, Illinois at the World Music Theatre in 2003. She was with her son Josh, who is now 28. “I remember we had pretty decent seats and we were on miT / SA side.  Josh and I didn’t know what to expect for the show, but all we talked about after, (and even to this day !) was SA’s slick dance moves !  (at that point, we had NO idea what the Alien Magic was that we witnessed that night…)  We were total newbies, but relished every moment of the night.  It was a blast.  I bought him the green cube T Shirt from the show, and he wore it till it got holes all through it.  I wish I could replace that shirt !!!  I would LOVE to have another.” 

Aymee has been to two handfuls of shows so far, including the 4th of July shows in Vegas in 2014 and 2015, New Orleans in 2016, and this years 311 Day. Her favorite of these shows she said is hands down 311 Day 2016. “NO WORDS can even begin to express the emotions that come up for me with this EPIC MEMORY and the weeks/months leading up to NOLA ’16. The Universe KNEW exactly what was up… All we have to say to each other is “NOLA” and we are transported back to the BLISS FOLLOWING that brought us all there…  So much Love and Joy in that Moment of Bliss that we Held.  #TACOS FOR LYFE !!!  What an incredibly MAGICAL experience NOLA was on every level. I also have to give a very special and THANKFUL Shout Out to Alex “Taiyed” Hutchins for introducing me to the Familia in 2014.  It’s been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change a minute !”

Favorite song for her she said is impossible to answer because it changes depending on the day, mood, or moment. “It is just amazing to me though, how no matter what, the right song/lyrics/groove pops up right when I need it. However, I would have to say that ‘Speak Easy’ is the most meaningful for many reasons.” Some lyrics she loves include, “Lift the roof off your soul,” “Lovely life I thank you,” “I see the music in you,” “Let my song sing itself,” and “FOLLOW YOUR BLISS (which is also a Joseph Campbell quote) on EVERY DAY.” She also said she loves “Yo P-Nut, beat that thing!” because she will always be a P-Nut girl at heart.

Aymee grew up and lives in the Chicago suburbs but she also spends a great amount of time at her folks ranch in rural Ava, Missouri. She is the youngest of three siblings, and is younger by at least 10 years. “so I joke that I was raised on the “good stuff” as far as music goes.” Aymee said that she’s always been a bit of a hippie at heart and has a very eclectic taste in music, art and life. She has 3 kids: Josh who is about to turn 28, Emily who is almost 18, and Joseph who is 16. “My kids (and my Family) are my LIFE.  I have an unusual philosophy about Life.  I tend to see the good in everyone and everything.  I am grateful for that ability, and do not mind seeing things through rose colored lenses.  My glass is always overflowing with goodness, and I tend to not let things get me too down. Life is too short to be lived miserably, and while it’s not always peachy, I try to find the silver lining…  There is always one to be found.  😉  I occasionally visit that infamous crossroads at Highways 61 and 49, in Clarksdale, MS. to fund my 311ing, but I generally find that you get what you need when you need it most.”

Fun fact about Aymee: When she was 17 she spent about 2 months in the Utah desert near Moab in a Wilderness Survival program. “It was absolutely incredible !  We hiked about 13 miles a day and had no matches or lighters to make fire… We had no TP – or bathrooms ! HAHA ! No tents, one set of fatigues to wear, and a sleeping bag, and got our meal rations through a food drop made by airplane once every several weeks, having to ration out our food until the next drop.  We cooked on a fire made on rocks and used tin cans to cook in and eat out of…I loved every moment of it and learned so much about myself.  It was incredible.  I came home so clean and clear and healthy, and I felt so strong in every way!” She also said her family is full of aviators. She did a solo flight in a Cessna 150 when she was a teenager. Now her younger son is carrying on the legacy and on his way to becoming a private pilot next year. “He soloed an Aeronca Champ (classic 1946 taildragger) on his 16th birthday in June!”

Something Aymee loves is to bake. “I am always bringing baked goodies with me wherever I go, especially while traveling (special made with Love only though, sorry !  HAHA)” She also likes to make tie dye, she loves to sing, and write. “I own a beautiful PEACE Ukulele that I still need to learn to play.” Guilty pleasures for her include music, movies, popcorn, and cheese. 

When not listening to the sounds of 311, Aymee can be found jamming out to The Grateful Dead, Rush, The Beatles (She mentioned this“ALSO — for fun, check out Rubberband, Beatmas Christmas… if you are a Beatles fan, it will blow your mind !”), Tom Petty, CSNY, Joe Walsh, Moody Blues, Porcupine Tree, B-52’s, The Guess Who, Mark Knopfler, Lemmy, Elton John, Billy Joel, Mavis Staples, Hendrix, ELO, Emmerson Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Traveling Willbury’s, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Debbie Harry, ABBA, Jimmy Buffet, and Vangelis. (She said, “you MUST check out – and read about the making of – the album: ‘666 the Apocolypse of John,’ it’s just so cool !!!”) She said her daughter keeps her hip to all the new music out there. “We used to hit Warped Tour(RIP) every year since she was 12… Thanks to her, I also enjoy Ed Sheeran, 5SOS, twenty øne piløts, Maroon 5, Little Mix (shhh) and so much more…  Her Musical tastes are about as eclectic as mine ! Haha !  😀 (and she gets into some 311, too !)”

Aymee’s message to 311 is this: “I know it has been said before, but THANK YOU for the Music and the Uplift.  I am so Thankful for the Friendship bonds that have formed through this phenomenal CommUnity and grateful for the Positive Message that 311 sends out.  It has gotten me (and so many others) through Life in more ways than will ever be known.”

Now her message to the fan community:

“We all know the important words: Stay Positive and Love your Life !  I love and treasure all of the goodness that comes from of being a part of this UNITY Crew….  From the wonderful things that the Excitable Difference Makers do, to the Musical Gatherings that brings us all together again year after year…  Like the Sun, there is always something good and wonderful that comes thru.  I am so thankful to be a part of the Universal Sweetness that pulls us through.     SO – to put it blunt: Stick to the way you Rock it !  Only thing that matters if it’s Funky to YOU ! Thanks for letting me share a bit more about me, and thanks to all who are reading this crazy tirade !  ☺  *PEACE* SPaLYL !  PS – Did I mention how much I adore P-Nut ???  ☺”

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Thank you Aymee for sharing your 311 story with everyone! It was a pleasure to write and I hope everyone enjoyed reading it. Much gratitude to everyone in this community who loves this band and supports this project of mine. 

Much love to you all! – The Runt

Welcome again to all of my friends out in 311 nation. How about we kick off another week and meet the new fan spotlight? This week we meet the other half of last weeks edition…meet Benjamin Tarver! 

It was later on for Benjamin that 311 came into his life, he said it was somewhere in the mid 2000’s. “I’ve gone through several genre’s of music over the years – from metal, to techno, industrial then into alternative and reggae vibes.” What really drew him to 311 was the feel of the music and the transitions within songs, especially the early stuff. “I’ve thought this was unique about them since I started listening to 311.”

Show count stands at 14 for Benjamin. His first show was 311 Day 2014 and it’s still his favorite one so far. “The fans made us family immediately fall in love with what 311 is all about  = PLUR! We went from fans to diehard fans in that 3 days in New Orleans. It definitely changed us forever and I’m so glad it did.”

Favorite song for Benjamin? He said it may sound cheesy, but he loves “Sunset in July.” “It really just brings me back to loving spending time with my wife, watching how she gets wide eyed and excited about every show and trying to convert every person we meet into a 311 fan.” He also loves their remake of The Cure’s “Love Song.” “That’s been our song for 20 years, so having 311 do a cover of it was just amazing.” Some of his favorite lyrics come from the song “Something Out of Nothing” – “We are the wind and the sea,Sun reflected you to me. We are the moon and the stars, Darkness hiding mystical heart. We have just begun, The dreams, the nightmares of everyone. We are mysterious things, Eternal, perpetual, and ending. We are the yin and the yang, The ending, the middle, and the big bang. We are the zero and one
The desert, the voice, and the ocean.”

Benjamin is happily married to Mary Beth. He said she’s the talker in the family! They have 2 kids, Isaiah and Nikolas. Benjamin spends his non-311 event time managing construction projects in the south eastern U.S. He’s originally from Natchez, Mississippi, but grew up just outside of Jackson. “I’m thankful my dad moved us out of the country & to the “big city” lol. We have lived in Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee – where we currently live outside of Memphis.” 

Benjamin is a bit of an introvert and he said he follows his butterfly of a wife to shows. He used to write poetry in his younger days. “I finally wrote one for Mary Beth a few years ago. I probably should do that more often!” 

Benjamin took up BMX racing with his youngest son which he found out later wasn’t as much of a talent as he had thought. He said it was the most fun he had in years until it went horribly wrong. “But now I have one robot knee and another with a scrap yard of metal in it, so that’s something. 😊” When he was younger he used to play Dungeons & Dragons, so it’s lead him to play similar games now and it’s somewhat of a guilty pleasure. “Me & my oldest son played all the Dark Souls series games together and beat them all.” Aside from 311, Benjamin also loves artists such as The Cure, Pearl Jam, Dirty Heads, RDGLDGRN, and Iron Maiden. 

To 311, Benjamin’s message is this: “Keep on doing what you love – making music & touring! I have a lot of missed out years to make up for so don’t quit now boys!”

To all his fellow fans out there:

“I really love the way the 311 family rallies around it’s own. I see so many of you doing great things for others in & out of this community. It provides a great center to return to with everything else going on in the world today to know so many people who would do anything to help others. I’m glad to call myself part of this clique that’s more like a family! I’ll see a bunch (but not enough) of you on the Cruise in 2019. Come say hello – don’t forget, Im the closet introvert.”

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Thank you Benjamin for sharing your story! So happy to have you as part of this venture. Much gratitude to all that read all of these posts. Now go be the amazing people you are. Spread the positivity! 

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back 311 fans! Time for us to read all about our next spotlight. This week, let’s meet Mary Beth Phillips Tarver! 

It was thanks to the song “Down” that Mary Beth knew of 311. She heard them on the radio and fell in love with the song. However she was living in Mississippi and didn’t have any friends that liked them so her 311 journey didn’t really take off until later on. 

First show for Mary Beth was 311 Day 2014, and it just so happens to be her favorite show so far. “I met some of my best friends ever there and my husband Benji and I had the best time ever together. And I met Tish who would become my best friend/soul sister.” Show count for Mary Beth is around 25. 

Song that means the most to Mary Beth is “Beyond the Grey Sky.” She loves all of the lyrics from this song. She also loves the lyrics from “Seems Uncertain.” “Your denomination, should be a private thing. How about a spirit, for all human beings. How could something well guided, turn out to be divisive.” 

Mary Beth was born in Texas, then lived in L.A. for a few years, and then landed in a small town in Mississippi which is where she grew up. In the 9th grade she transferred to the last public high school that had dorms. “I didn’t live in them, but I partied there a lot!” She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In 1995, Mary Beth met her husband Benji on a blind date on New Year’s Eve. They’ve been together ever since! They have two boys, Isaiah who is 21 and Nikolas who is 14. They currently live in Arlington, Tennessee, which is just outside of Memphis. 

A hobby for Mary Beth is that she collects candles and magnets. When she was in high school she twirled flag and rifle and actually was awarded a scholarship because of it! Guilty pleasure she says is pretty much any show found on the Bravo! channel. 

Bands that Mary Beth loves include Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Muse, The Cure, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Mary Beth has these words for the members of 311: “Thank you for making this music that has gotten me through some difficult times while bringing me some of the best times I’ve ever had in my life. Also thanks for constantly touring which has enabled me to meet some of the best friends I’ll ever have in my life.”

Now her message to all her fellow fans:

“Thank you for accepting me into this crazy wonderful family that we have. And I’ll always be there to repay the kindness you’ve shown me. ✌️❤️&311”

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Thanks Mary Beth for sharing your story! As always, thank you to all the wonderful fans in this community who read each post. You are all a crew of beautiful souls! 

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again friends out there in 311 nation! A new week is upon us, a fresh start, and the next edition of the fan spotlight! Let’s meet the lovely Zuri Eytalis! 

How did Zuri find out about 311? She said she was born into the world of it! Her parents Heidi & Tim always listened to 311 so she was raised around the music. When she was just 4 years old she saw a photo of Amy & Kristina, the 311 cheerleaders, and said she wanted to become one of them. Last year Kristina sent her 3 boxes of gear and Zuri is so thankful for it! “It was so awesome!”

Even though Zuri is only 11, she’s already attended 18 shows. First for her was at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, Missouri back in 2012. Her favorite show of the 18 was this years 311 Day in Las Vegas and it’s because they played her favorite song, “Down South.” She says it’s her jam! 

Other favorite song for Zuri is “Beyond the Grey Sky,” because it reminds her of the family members that she has lost. “But I will see them again.” She has two favorite lyrics: “F- the naysayers because they don’t mean a thing, cause this is what style we bring,” and “Stay positive and love your life.”

Zuri was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and is still being raised there. She was actually born at 3:11PM and actually turns 11 on 9/30/18! As mentioned, Zuri is now part of the 311 cheerleader crew and she’s been lucky enough to meet Nick, P-nut, Tim and Chad. “All super nice guys and I got all there signatures. I have not met SA though, I need to meet him!” 

Special talent for Zuri is that she plays the guitar and flute. When she was 8 years old she was on a dance team but dancing with the advanced crew performing hip hop dances with people in the 14-18 age range! Some uniqueness for Zuri is that she can make her tongue into a W. She’s also very artistic and has won a lot of art awards. Guilty pleasure for her are the shows Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy. She also likes watching people make slime on YouTube. 

When Zuri isn’t listening to 311, she loves the sounds of New Politics, Green Day, The Offspring, Twenty-one Pilots, Greek Fire, Toadies, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Jason Mraz. She’s also super excited because she is seeing Ballyhoo on her birthday and her dad’s band is opening for them! What a great gift. 

To 311, Zuri has these words: “Hello, my name is Zuri and I’m the cheerleader for your band. I really appreciate you guys and how hard you work and I love your music and all the positivity.”

Now her message to all the other fans:

“Dear 311 fans, I know that I’m only 11 years old but anyone of any age can ROCK out to 311. Stay positive and love your life!”

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There you have it friends, the story of Miss Zuri! Thank you Zuri for being a fan spotlight & sharing your story. Let’s all send Zuri many happy birthday wishes! Thanks to all who come here and read the tales. Have a fantastic week! 

Much Love – The Runt

Good day to all out in 311 nation! The latest fan spotlight has arrived. It’s time to meet the beautiful Tish Dawne!

The time was the late 90’s and Tish will never forget the moment that she first heard 311. She was on her way to float down the Spring River in Arkansas with a group of college friends and that’s when she heard Transistor. “From then on, I was hooked. The vibe, the beat, and lyrics of their music is what drew me in. Anytime I get goosebumps listening to a song, I know there’s something special about it.” 

Total show count so far is 32 and she’s seen them from west to east coast, including California and Boston. Picking a favorite was tough, so she gave us her top three. Number one favorite was 311 Day 2018 when she became engaged to the love of her life Kevin. Second fave is 311 Day 2016, that’s when she met Kevin. Then finally the third is 311 Day 2014 because that’s when she took her oldest son Ashton and met one of her best friends and Matron of Honor Mary Beth Tarver. “She’s like a sister to me.”

The song “Two Drops in the Ocean” means a lot to Tish as it reminds her of Kevin and how they dated long distance for a year. The second song that holds a special place is “Freak Out,” as that is the song that Kevin sang to her right before he proposed. “I will never forget that moment!” One of her favorite lyrics comes from the song “Beyond the Grey Sky” and she said the song means so much to her for many different reasons: “Don’t give up the fight to stay alive and even if you have to, find the reason of another’s pain if they lose you. If not for yourself then those around who care like I do, one day you’ll see the clear blue.” She also has two other favorite quotes tattooed on her shoulders, “Stay positive and love your life,” and “From chaos comes clarity.” 

Tish grew up in a small town in Arkansas called Batesville.  She was blessed with being raised by two families – one biological and the other her adopted family. In 2017 Tish moved to Boston and she absolutely loves it there. She works a full time job but is also going to school to get her doctorate in Health Science. “I’m hoping that will pay off one day!” Tish has two amazing kids, Ashton who is 22 and in the Air Force, and Kyle who is 18 and attending college in Arkansas. She also has a fur baby Hexie whom she adores. Tish also has a soft spot in her heart for the homeless and if she ever wins the lottery she wants to start an organization to help them, specifically providing mental health assistance to them. 

A special talent that Tish has is she can play the flute and started in the 5th grade. She also took piano lessons starting in that grade as well. “I didn’t have much of a choice on that one since my mother is a piano teacher lol.” She grew up in a household of musicians. Her mother, father and grandfather all have played in various bands. “Music literally runs through my blood. I don’t know what a life would be like without music.” Some other musicians that Tish loves include Dirty Heads, Passafire, Iration, Bassnectar, GRiZ, and Rusko. “I’ve been following EDM artists since the early 90’s.”

Guilty pleasure for Tish is anything Real Housewives related and she loves the crappy Lifetime movies (she was watching one as she wrote her answers). “I’m addicted to trash T.V.” Some of her favorites also include Jersey Shore and Vanderpump Rules. 

To 311, Tish would like to say, “Thank you for making music that makes me and my friends happy and that has helped me find my future husband and amazing friends.”

To all her fellow fans:

“It isn’t just about the amazing music, but about the friendships that have been made because of this band.”

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Now you know the story of Tish Dawne! Thanks Tish for being a part of this and of course, a big thank you to everyone for coming back to read each time. You are all beautiful souls! Have a fantastic week! 

Much love – The Runt