Happy Halloween 311 nation! Hope you are having a spooktacular day so far and let’s make it better by meeting a new fellow 311 fan – here is Bonni Sue!

High school era, Bonni was listening to KROQ, and that’s how she initially heard 311, but it was actually an ex who really exposed her ears to them back in 2002. “I enjoyed all of their music. But while scrolling through Facebook one day in August 2011, I came across the cruise promo picture listing all the bands and djs. I knew I had to be apart of this.” Bonni had only seen them live once prior to the cruise but she booked her cabin on the third cruise knowing absolutely not a single person on the ship. “Walking off that boat I knew I was a 311 fan for life! The friendships and bonds that I made were unreal!!! The positive message in their music with the reggae rock vibe mixed with the amazing fans fit perfectly with my lifestyle and the way I choose to live.  I will be honest and say that 311 isn’t my #1 favorite band but 311 fans are my #1 favorite group of people! I get pumped for 311 shows because my ears get filled with beautiful music and my heart gets full of love seeing everyone from around the world!”

Number of shows she’s been to, well she doesn’t know, because she chooses not to count. “Music is such a huge part of my life there is no way I can keep up with how many shows I’ve gone to. My goal is to catch a live show of any kind at least once a week. I’ve traveled across the country following the bands Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, The Simpson Project, The Expanders and Soja.” Favorite place to see 311? “Red Rocks. I’ve seen them there twice now and both times my heart gets stolen! Red Rocks is magical to begin with add 311 and all the beautiful people they bring together! Words can’t describe the feeling it give me.” A close runner up is the 2014 Vegas show because during that trip she made some long lasting bonds with a few people.

Song that means the most to her is “Beautiful Disaster” and it holds a lot of memories for her. “It’s been my favorite for years! It’s one of those songs I love putting on repeat, turning the volume up super loud and sing at the top of my lungs while traveling the open road.” One of her favorite lyrics comes from “All Mixed Up” – “You’ve got to trust your instincts and let go of regrets.”

Huntington Beach, California is where Bonni Sue was raised an only child by her dad. She has a stepmom, two older stepbrothers, and a younger half brother. She was raised in the same house that her dad grew up in. Her free spirit and strength she says definitely comes from her mom. Growing up near the water she spent a lot of time in it. “I grew up with a pool in our backyard…I could swim before I knew how to walk. I was on the swim team in high school and our water polo team won CIF championship my senior junior year.” Her first job was teaching kids how to sail at Huntington Harbour Yacht Club.

When Bonni turned 21 she started to move around a lot which she said turned into a “2 year itch plan.” She has lived in Humboldt County, Seattle and Ventura. From 2014 to 2016 she lived out of her trailer, traveling all along the coast of California. She recently moved to Denver, Colorado after having dreamt of living there for over 10 years. During her travels, she worked on a cannabis farm in Northern California and realized what she would love to do for work. She now has a career as a budtender at a dispensary in Colorado. “love being able to help people and broaden their horizons when it comes to medicating with so many different types of cannabis products.” She has two fur kids known as “The Hounds:” Koda, a coonhound, and Marilyn Mae, a bloodhound. She said despite being mauled at an animal shelter in 2010, she still loves animals especially her dogs. “My experiences do not define me but rather strengthen me in life. My pups are my healers and help me get over my challenges being around the other dogs.”

Earlier this year Bonni lived in Rishikesh, India, where she studied to be a yoga teacher. She has since opened a yoga studio in her home and named it after a nickname she was given when traveling – “Traveling Gypsy Hippie.” She is also working on opening a boutique in November that will feature hand crafted items that she and other artistic “brodellas” have made. Next up for her regarding travel is heading to Thailand to study Thai Massage. “Trying to find more ways to educate myself so I can help people he’s naturally is something I get so much enjoyment from.”

As if Bonni hasn’t been interesting enough so far, here are some more tidbits of info that make her unique. She used to manage a live artist and they completed a national tour with the bands Fortunate Youth, Ease Up and New Kingston. She auditioned for the T.V. show “Big Brother” seven times while traveling across the country. She has been a diehard Denver Broncos fan since 1995 and was lucky enough to go to the Superbowl in 2014, even though they lost. Oh and she can blow glass!

Bonni is also a tough woman and fighter to get what she wants. Last year she lost her job, place to park her trailer and call home, and her life savings. “I literally had $200 to my name and nothing but dreams still left to live. I knew if I didn’t stay positive I would fall back into a dark place I didn’t want to end up again. I made a sacrifice to live out of my truck for 6 months, I put my trailer in storage.  I was able to manifest abundance and funded my way to live in India for a month. I am a dreamer and I don’t let anything stand in my way. If there is a will there is a way. When I returned from India I started from scratch again trying to get the money to move to Colorado. I continued to live out of my truck another 4 months. My life in Denver is magical and I couldn’t have dreamt of a better move or home for myself and the pups.”

Mentioned earlier, 311 isn’t Bonni’s favorite band. So who is? “Sublime will forever be my number 1 band!!!” She also was lucky to have become close with a lot of bands from when she worked in the music industry, including a lot of musicians in the reggae community. “I am very grateful for Stick Figure and Fortunate Youth in particular. I met my best friend Michelle at a Slightly Stoopid show and shortly after meeting we bonded on a road trip to see Rebelution for 4 shows!! I truly believe that Soja saved my life. After I was mauled by a dog at an animal shelter in 2010, I feel into a very dark place. I thought about attempting suicide a few times and even came close, every time I would turn on something that would play music, Soja would come on and tell me “I’m not done yet”. Lights came on and I turned to music!” Her guilty pleasure also comes in musical form. “I’m a parrot head! My first concert I ever went to was Jimmy Buffett. My dad loves him and made me love him too! Lol.”

To 311, her message is this: “Thank you! My life would not be so rich and full of love if it wasn’t for you and the message you send, the bonds I have made with other fans whom I now call my family is something I cherish and hold very dear to my heart!”

And to all the other wonderful 311 fans:

“Don’t stop dreaming, anything is possible! When bad things happen in our lives it is because we are being tested at how badly we want those dreams to come true! Live the life you love! And listen to a lot of 311 music in the process!”

———-

Wow what a story! Thank you Bonni for sharing your journey. As always, thank you to all the fans who continue to read. You are all truly amazing! Until next time…

Much Love – The Runt

Excitable friends, welcome back to the 311 fan spotlight! Now it’s time to meet Hayley Kluge!

First encounter with 311 came in the year 1999 for Hayley when her friend played her the whole Soundsystem album and hooked her in. “Their positive lyrics and funky rhythm mixed with rock and reggae totally attracted me to listening to them more.” Then in 2011 when she started snowboarding 311 became her life. “My boyfriend Mike and I listen to them on our drives up to the mountain, as their music gets us pumped up and ready to ride.”

While Hayley hasn’t kept track of the number of times she has see 311 live, she can tell you her favorite event which was 311 Day 2012 in Las Vegas. That was her one and only big event so far. “We met some amazing people and began to learn about the kindness that comes along with the amazing followers of this band. I remember meeting some really amazing people on day one that saved me a spot up in the front. This meant so much to me because not only had I never been in the front at a 311 show, I also had a full arm cast on from a broken wrist injury 2 weeks prior. I was so bummed about hurting myself before the big weekend. It was so cool to have some rad people make my day under the circumstances.”

The song “Slinky” is one of her favorites because it reminds her of all her “awesome slinky sisters.” She also has a special place for “Beyond the Grey Sky.” “I always get teary eyed as I hold up my lighter up during that song.” One of her favorite lyrics though comes from “Grassroots” – “Challenge comes and goes, and there will be another I say bring it on. The roots that grow underground are as big as the tree that you see, if not, it will fall down.”

Hayley was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. Oldest of three siblings, she has one sister and one brother, and the whole family has always lived by the beach. “We grew up as little ocean babies.” Her dad has always surfed so they all had their own boards at a young age. “ I love the ocean and the culture that comes along with it.” Hayley also loves to snowboard and has been to Mountain High, Mammoth, Big Bear, Snow Summit, and a few different resorts in Lake Tahoe. A California girl all her life, she has big respect for the ocean and mountains. For 11 years she’s been working in the banking industry. “My motto is I work to live and listen to 311!” She and her boyfriend have been saving up to go on a 311 cruise and they will be on the next one in 2017, which will be their first so she’s super excited.

Something amazing about Hayley is that she is a breast cancer survivor! “It’s been a little over 2 years since my surgery and radiation treatments finished. I feel very blessed to have detected my lump early. I vividly remember 311 playing as I got my treatments, those were some tough days but I got through them with the power of their music. Recently I had the wonderful support from some of my amazing 311 Slinky sisters at a cancer walk that my boyfriend Mike and I were part of. We love getting involved and giving back.”

Fun fact about Hayley is that she’s never been on an airplane ever! So going on the cruise is a big deal for her and she said it’s her first “adult trip anywhere and she’s totally scared.” However she knows it’s going to be amazing! She also loves to sing but gets shy singing in front of people. With that said, she’d love to get together with some musically inclined people and just create some fun music. Keep that in mind fellow fans!

Guilty pleasure for Hayley is that she loves binge watching shows on Netflix. “Walking Dead has me hooked!” She also truly loves her doggy Oscar. “I’m not a mommy yet but Oscar is my little baby boy. I love spoiling him and showering him with lots of love.” Other music Hayley listens to includes old and some new reggae, Steel Pulse, Sister Nancy, Don Carlos, Slightly Stoopid, The Aggrolites and Ooklah the Moc. “I listen to some old school rap from time to time. Some examples would be the Roots, Pharcyde, Living Legends and Atmosphere.”

To 311, her message is this: “Thank you for making great music that has brought so many great people together.”

To the other superb 311 fans: “Never miss a day to shine bright. The light that you give out can be contagious in all the right ways!”

——-

There you have the tale of Hayley Kluge my friends! I hope you all enjoyed her journey and thank you all for reading. Now go seize the day, be amazing, and as Hayley said, shine bright. Until next time!

Much love – The Runt

Welcome again excitables to the next 311fan spotlight! This week we meet the awesome Des Love!

Thanks to a friend in college Des was introduced to the awesomeness that is 311. Anytime they were driving around in the car the CD’s were playing. “I was drawn into the different sound and lyrics of the music. It had such variation and Way more depth to the songs than what the radio continually played. I Haven’t listened to the radio in over 15 years, I’m not a fan of mainstream music.”

First show for Des sucked her in even more, she was in the front row and said the lights and sound of the music being right in your face is so intense. “It was overpowering with life that there was no turning back from loving the band!! And my appreciate for their ability to connect to others through their music has only grown!”

The cruise has been her favorite event so far. “It’s a span of days and nights spending such memorable times with friends and family in one location under the sun and on the ocean. The opportunity to be Experiencing multiple shows from various artists, and discovering new friendships, loves and plenty of laughter, is truly indescribable! It’s such an open feeling and beyond amazing!!”

The east coast is where Des grew up but she moved to California during her teenage years. “My breath belongs to the ocean tides and my soul resides to the cornfields.” She is a “bad ass, superwoman mom of two spectacular little Mohicans” who has a boyfriend that she met thanks to 311. “He’s shown me love and laughter with the desire to see the ability within myself as we grow together and enjoy our epic and entertaining adventures.”

Des was lucky enough to have attended the Red Rocks show this past summer and said it was one of her favorite concerts ever. “The venue was absolutely awesome and having someone you love share the same excitement and energy for the band makes it even that much more spectacular.”

Obviously Des is a lover of music but she’s also a performer. She can play the harmonica, spoons, and acoustic guitar. As far as listening pleasures, she likes classic rock and a new favorite has been The Movement. “Reggae, dance reggae, no limitation to the genre-it’s the feel of a song that keeps me wanting to have more of it-the lyrics combined with the instrumentals is what I find attracting. I mainly like the faster paced style of songs, not a big fan of the slower kind. Especially during a concert. I really like to be moving and feeling the real vibrancy of it all.” She does have a music guilty pleasure though – it’s Neil Diamond. “My mom played him in the car while I was a child so I have a soft spot in my heart for him.”

Normally the fan spotlight has two different messages for the band and the fans, but in come original fashion, Des has this message to both 311 and the amazing fan base: “No words can properly say thank you to the band members for their dedication and continued vibe to connect strangers together, who in turn form into friendships and families, through our many journeys to concerts across the country and hanging out together! It’s a tribe of unity made up of individuals finding peace, laughter, strength, and hope, you realize you are  among similar minded souls all working at keeping the flow of positivity moving forward in life. It’s pretty damn awesome and a wonderful group to be a part of. Much thanks to each one of you who have touched my life and brought me the ability to keep shining the sun at you full force every day  #I-Love-You-More ☀️-Des Love☀️”

———

That is the story of Des Love! Thank you Des for sharing your story with everyone and I think we can all say it was a great one. Of course, much thanks to all that continue to read about your fellow fans! You keep reading and I’ll keep sharing the stories. Until next time…go rock the world!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again excitable nation of amazing 311 fans! New week is here so let’s meet the new fan spotlight – Mr. Jeremy Loya! 

MTV playing the video for 311’s “Down” is how Jeremy was introduced to the magic of their music. He hadn’t heard anything else like it. Then he got to see them live in his home town. “I was already hooked from hearing them, but then seeing them live I was hooked for life.”

Show count is at least at 45 and picking of favorite is a tough one, but Jeremy chose the beach show in the Bahama’s on the second cruise. “Just seeing and listening to 311 while chillin in the ocean!  WOW!!!!” Another favorite moment for him wasn’t a show, it was proposing to his wife during their cruise photo! 

“Love Song” holds a special place in Jeremy’s heart because that was he and his wife’s first dance song at their wedding. Then the song “Hive” is the one that gets him the most pumped up. Favorite lyric? How about a whole favorite verse! 

“You’re all up in my mix like fuckin’ betty crocker

You think you’re playing me but actually you’re a jocker

You bad mouth me bitch man you givin me juice

It aint nothin’ but a party everybody get loose

Notice what I don’t do when stress steps to me

Whatever your complaint so sue me

I say fuck the naysayers and keep goin

Gotta do what I gotta do to get the people glowin’

So let everybody gather the more the better

I represent the traveler him he’s a shredder.”

Jeremy said this whole verse just gets him really pumped up when he hears it and the whole thing just flows so well. 

Topeka, Kansas is where Jeremy was born and raised, as well as where he has resided for all of his 37 years on Earth. A lover of sports he’s especially fond of the Kansas Jayhawks (Rock Chalk). He’s worked at U.S. Foods for the past 15 years and he works A LOT of overtime to fund his 311 adventures. “When I request time off of work, they ask where 311 is gonna be now?” Jeremy just married his sweetheart on 3/11/16 and as mentioned before he proposed to her during the band photo on the cruise. “The photos are epic!  She was so surprised. So the next Cruise will be our Honeymoon!” 

Jeremy is lucky enough to share his birthday with the one and only Chad Sexton! As mentioned above, he loves sports and playing them in his spare time. He also goes to a lot of sporting events and concerts.  When not doing that Jeremy also loves to spend time with his family and friends, just hanging out. “I really like to make people laugh usually at my expense. (I’m a goofy dude).” Jeremy said he’s a big momma’s boy and a big baby when it comes to sad movies. “Or a heart felt video or story I see on FB or You Tube.  I’m a cryer.” Guilty pleasure is going to the movies. “It is my get away from the norm of every day things. It’s a good date night, or just a good time to be alone and enjoy a good movie.” 

AC/DC is another one of Jeremy’s favorite bands, as well as Motley Crue, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and 80’s rock. “I like all kinds of genres of music, from Rap to Blue Grass. Eminem, Beastie Boys, Biggie, Pac, to Texas Tornados, Eric Church the list goes on…lol. Oh I can’t forget Michael Jackson.”

Jeremy’s message to 311 is this: “Thank you!  Not just for their music, but what they stand for and bringing people together, for all the awesome people I have met along my ongoing 311 adventure.”

And now his message to all his fellow fans:

“What’s up Excitables?!?!  Just want to say I love all of my 311 familia I have met throughout the years!  I never would have thought I would meet as many awesome people from listening to a band. People all across the country, when I first heard 311 I thought it was just music, but over the years I have realized its WAAY more!  It’s a lifestyle.  I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and meeting a lot more Excitables in the future!!! Stay Positive & Love your life.”

——–

That’s Jeremy’s story my amazing friends! I thank you all for reading and hope you enjoyed it. We are all so lucky to be a part of this amazing community of fans. Now go seize the day, be awesome! 

Much love – The Runt

Hello and welcome again to the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! This week we meet the gorgeous Kama Star! 

Flash back to March of 1996 when Kama’s then boyfriend (now ex-husband and still best friend) saw 311 open for Cypress Hill. He came home telling her she had to check them out and while she was pretty much a deadhead at the time, she ended up listening to the blue album since he insisted she give it a shot. “I was instantly engaged.  The harmonies, funky rhythms and most importantly, positive messages, hooked me real good.  Over time, the relationships I’ve built with so many amazing people is a huge part of what keeps me in attendance at so many shows/events.”

Approximate show count is at 103 and of those she chose the second cruise as her favorite event. “The beach show was simply unprecedented and one of the other bands  that was on board is a personal favorite (2 Skinnee J’s!!!!)” 

Song that means the most to Kama has changed over the years depending on what is currently going on in her life, although she said “Wake Your Mind Up” and “Running” have really helped her through tough times. Favorite lyrics are “Stay positive and love your life” and “The jaded ones will wither while the optimistic grow.” She has both of those lines tattooed on her. 

Kama was born at approximately 4:20AM on a snowy January morning in Brooklyn, N.Y.  She grew up however in Silicon Valley in Northern California. In 2001 she moved to Las Vegas and has been there ever since. She currently lives with her boyfriend and fellow excitable Chris Childress and her cat Jupiter Star at what she calls “The Peace Palace.” She works at the Oasis Medical Cannabis as the Patient Services Manager. Her place of employment is a dispensary for medical marijuana patients. “We accept patients from across the world, so I get to help all kinds of people with all kinds of challenges.  To say I love my job is an understatement!”

Something most don’t know about Kama? “I’m 43 years young.” Unique attribute is that her name literally means “Love, to the utmost of all it’s senses.” “I believe I was put on this earth to shine love and light on people so they can better find their way on their journey.  I pride myself in coming from love & bringing people together in various capacities.” Guilty pleasure comes via music including Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Wilson Phillips, and Broadway musicals. When not listening to those artists, or 311, she also jams out to Full Service, Beastie Boys, 2 Skinnee J’s, Trevor Hall, Beatles, Grateful Dead, and G. Love & Special Sauce. 

To 311, Kama has this message: “Thank you, from the depths of my soul, for following your dreams, sharing your creativity and inspiring not only myself, but so so so many others whom I adore!”

To all the other fans out there: “I’m so grateful to be part of such a generous, conscious and beautiful tribe of humans.  We are so much more than just a group of fans, we are truly a community – looking out for one another, united in our love for music…staying positive & loving our lives.”

—-

That my friends is the story of Kama Star! I hope you all get to meet her in person some day. Thanks for being a part of this Kama and thank you as always excitable readers for coming back each and every week to learn more about your fellow fans! Until we meet again, go out and be the awesome people that I know you are. 

Much love – The Runt

Welcome back my excitable family! A new week is upon us and that brings us the new fan spotlight. Time to meet Heather Jensen! 

Flashback to when Heather was a mere 15, she was friends with a girl named Kara who Heather claims was so much cooler than she was and Kara taught her a lot about music and life in general. Kara introduced Heather to many bands and one of those just happened to be 311. “I was instantly hooked. Their sound was so upbeat and different than anything I had heard. It was easy to become a lifetime fan, even at such a young age. They were also my first concert without my parents.” 

Sixteen shows is the count Heather stands at, but she also didn’t start counting until 2014 when she went on her first 311 cruise, which happened to be her first big event. Since then she increased her number quickly and most recently saw them at Red Rocks this year. So far her favorite show she’s been to was the anniversary show last year in Omaha…or the cruise, it’s tough to decide. “That sail away show just fills you with a sense of euphoria that’s hard to describe. Up until the last cruise, I didn’t know much about the familia or the excitable ones. Being a part of that opened my eyes, and changed my life really. I met so many amazing people and was introduced to this whole new world! There is so much love, and a feeling of acceptance and belonging. Taking it all in is like nothing most of us have ever experienced before.”

“Made in the Shade” is the song that means the most to Heather, becoming one of her favorites over the last year. “I just love the words and their meaning. Any time I am feeling down or just need someone or something to remind me that life gets hard sometimes, and to keep moving, I listen to this song. It reminds me that things could always be worse.” Some of her favorite lyrics from songs include “Bout time to give up on, the same old stuff I’m stuck on…just say that it went wrong, and move it along. Sayonara, til’ tomorrow, it’s just how it goes sometimes,” “You can’t be let down, if you don’t expect the world,” and “The same force that flows through every circuit, the juice that’s spent every time you work it…every life form is based on this simplicity, the soul that you have is electricity.”

At 10 years of age Heather moved with her parents and little brother to Overland Park, Kansas, and she has been there ever since aside from a short stint of living in Los Angeles. Heather has done a lot of traveling and says Kansas is a great hub. “I have been to Europe twice and probably seen more than half of the U.S., including all of the Hawaiian islands. I’ve been really lucky to have some amazing adventures. There is so much more of this world I can’t wait to see! I like to jokingly tell people that traveling is my substitute for children!” Heather currently works the front desk and child center at a family owned gym and she loves it! “The people are amazing and I look forward to going to work every day, which is not something everyone gets to say.” She also tends bar in the evenings for extra money. 

Cool hobby that Heather has is collecting mason jars, old jars, and old bottles. “Kind of a nerdy/grandma hobby lol, but I just love anything that’s old or worn in. Brings me back to a time when things were more simple and people were more pleasant to each other. I probably have 30-40 Mason jars and old bottles at this point. I am always looking for more. My Mom and I love to go to estate sales, antique shops and so on looking for treasures.” 

Heather also has a big love for all animals and has a big soft spot for them. “I have always had a soft spot in my heart for them, and believe they deserve the same rights as humans. Everyone in my family has always had several animals, so I just grew up around people who loved them too. In the last few years I have made changes in my life to become more animal friendly and more considerate of the sacrifices they make for us.” Heather is a cat lover and she adopted all of her cats from either a shelter or people who couldn’t keep them anymore. “At one point I had 3 cats, and in the last 2 years I lost all of them. Just recently my youngest passed away from a rare disease called Cushings. Helping her deal with her symptoms every day, and go through that together showed me what unconditional love really is. It was VERY tough, but I feel lucky to have been able to give all of them a great home over the years.”

Guilty pleasure for Heather comes in the form of anything involving true crime whether it’s T.V. or books. “I religiously listen to podcasts about criminals and murder lol. Real Crime Profile, Serial and My favorite murder are my top three. I always wanted to be a Criminal Profiler in the FBI when I was little. Although that’s not the field I ultimately chose to go into, I am still pretty obsessed with human behavior. There is nothing more fascinating in my opinion.”

When not listening to 311, Heather can be found jamming out to artists such as Dirty Heads, Incubus (who she has seen as many times as 311), Stick Figure, Justin Timberlake, Diplo, Pretty Lights, Chromeo, Skrillex, Big Gigantic, Griz, The Floozies, Beats Antique, and even 80’s music with bands like Toto, which is one of her favorite 80’s bands. “My parents influenced my musical preferences a lot. They had great taste in music, and I owe them so much gratitude for that.”

To 311 Heather’s message is this:

“I would thank them for enriching all of our lives and for bringing us together; for giving all of us so much to look forward to each year. When people ask me about our familia, I like to tell them that it’s not just about the band, it’s about the people, the friendships and the camaraderie; feeling like you belong to something special. The music, and the pleasure of watching them TRULY enjoy what they do, is something I feel lucky to witness time and time again.”

To all her fellow fans:

“Dr. Seuss said it best…’Be who you are, and say what you feel…because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.’ Live your life with no regrets!”

———–

There you have the tale of Heather Jensen’s love for 311! Thank you Heather for being a part of this and thank you to all those that read each week! You are all amazing people and I hope to one day have interviewed you all. Until we meet again 311 nation…go stay positive and love your life. 

Much love – The Runt

We meet again my excitable friends! Welcome back. Are we ready for our next fan spotlight? It’s time to meet Jason White!

Like many fans, Jason was introduced to 311 via the music video for “Down.” “I thought they were new and different, and wanted to go find as much of their music as possible.” He immediately went out and bought the blue album, Grassroots and Music. Once he heard Music he was hooked and it’s still his favorite album. 

Number of times he’s seen 311 live…well he really has no clue. He tries to hit at least one show every summer. Of the shows he has seen, favorite slot is a toss up between 311 Day 2012 and Pow Wow. “311 Day 2012 was my first, and I ended up staying in a house full of complete strangers. But even though I knew nobody there, it just seemed like we were all family. The environment at Pow Wow was just amazing, but my favorite experience at it was after all the shows were done the first night. I went to hang out at the camp site next to mine, and we made everyone that was on their late night walks to the river stop and take a shot of vodka with us. I really don’t recall a lot about that night, but all weekend random people were yelling my name and I just gave them a confused look like, do I know you?”

Favorite song constantly rotates for Jason because so many mean a lot to him. Currently it’s “The Call.” “The world can be such a jacked up place, especially now. To me the song is an anthem to push me to be active to affect the change I want to see.” Two of his favorite lyrics are “Stay positive and love your life,” and “Everything you do it comes back to you.”

Jason was born and raised in Southern California. After that he moved to North Carolina for high school but then had the opportunity to spend two years of it in Ausburg, Germany as an exchange student. After high school Jason joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. “I was one of the crazy people that liked it there, and just kept extending. Deployed to Thailand, S. Korea, and Australia for exercises.” Jason was then medically discharged and decided to go back to school, so he moved back to North Carolina for his undergraduate degree and then continued on to Ohio for law school. “Never expected to ever visit Ohio, but I determined that it was fate that that was where I was supposed to be because when I got my apartment assignment at the school, I was assigned to apartment 311.” From there he spent a brief time in Richmond, Virginia but decided it wasn’t for him and finally made it back to Cali where he took a position with the National Archives and Records Administration at the Nixon Presidential Library. 

At the last 311 Day Jason was dubbed “The Wanderer” because he tends to wander off a lot. “I think that fits, because I’m already ready to leave California again to see where my next adventure will lead me. One of my goals is to set foot on every continent on earth, so hopefully next summer I’ll be making my way to Africa. Then all that will be left is Antarctica, and while difficult, I think I have figure out how to make that one happen as well.” 

Fun fact about Jason: He hated Transistor when it first came out. “Just could not get into it at all. It wasn’t until I saw them do it live, front to back, at Pow Wow that I really started to like it.”  Cool talent that he possesses: He can play the bagpipes! Guilty pleasure, as much as he hates to admit it, is that he’s a bit obsessed with the Bachelor/Bachelorette T.V. shows! “I started watching them because a local radio morning show would always talk about them on my way to work, so I decided to check them out so I would know what they were talking about. The shows are just so horribly bad that I can’t stop watching them now, and watch it whenever a new season starts.” 

Some other musical artists that Jason can be find jamming out to are Bad Religion, Suburban Legends, Twenty One Pilots, The Hamilton Soundtrack, Pearl Jam, Weezer, Radiohead, The Smiths, The Cure, and Danzig.

To 311, Jason would like to say: “Thank you for making music that touches so varied, and touches so many people’s lives. Current music just seems so cookie cutter, and that is one thing I don’t think anyone could ever say about 311.”

To all the other amazing fans of this wonderful band:

“To the fans, I have to say thank you as well. While I do love going to shows to see the band, the thing that keeps me going to show after show is really the fans. They are always so welcoming, and fun, and just all around good people to be around. So thanks again.”

———-

Now you know the story of Jason White a.k.a. The Wanderer! Thanks for reading about another fellow fan. You are all amazing people and I’m happy to be a part of this clique that’s more like a family! Until next time…go spread the love and positive vibes. 

Much love – The Runt

Hey there 311 fans! Here we are again, a new week, which means a new fan spotlight. Time to meet the lovely Kacy Hattabaugh! 

Music has been a love for Kacy since she was a child. It was in elementary school that 311 emerged into her world. “I can remember hearing them on the radio and jamming out. I started asking for their CD’s for birthday/Christmas presents.” Kacy was born in 1990, so she really grew up as 311 did. “I love how their music has a combination of everything I want to hear in a band. They have a song for every mood you are in and they are a combination of so many types of music.”

Exact count of seeing 311 live is a guess for Kacy as she didn’t keep a close track on it. Her guess is somewhere between 35 and 45. “I never miss a show in Jacksonville, Orlando, or St. Augustine but I travel all over Florida to see them. I’ve been to two 311 Days in New Orleans (last show I was front row!), about to go on my fourth 311 cruise, the 311 Pow-Wow (in a wheel chair right after surgery).” While it’s hard for Kacy (like so many others) to pick a favorite event, she said if she was forced to choose it would be her first cruise in 2012. “Of course every cruise is an unbelievable experience that can’t be described in words but nothing can beat the very first time.”

Favorite song was a tough question for Kacy to answer because so many of 311’s songs have a special meaning to her and great lyrics. “Beyond the Gray Sky” is one that she listens to frequently because she knew quite a few people who have taken their own lives. “It’s always tragic. Even on days that you are feeling down the song is a great reminder that you are not only living this life for yourself but for everyone around you that loves you and will feel the pain as much as you do.” Favorite quote is easy as she has it tattooed on her forearm and tries to live by it every day – “Stay positive and love your life.”

Jacksonville, Florida is where Kacy was born and raised. She hasn’t really moved around all that much but did live in Tallahassee for a few years, then ended up back at home base. Funding for her life and 311 fun come from working in I.T. as a QA analyst at a top sports apparel company. “It’s a good career that is currently helping fund my 311 lifestyle. Working in I.T. was a good career choice because I can still work in a corporate world but still be myself. I travel around for concerts all the time and my desk is covered in band pictures. People even send me emails and chats all the time at 3:11 just to wish me “Happy 3:11!” because they understand my passion. My boss is actually from Omaha and knows not to expect any work to get done when 311 day or the cruise is coming. I always have paper chain countdowns around my desk or keep large countdowns around the whiteboards. And of course our cruise photo is my background. Needless to say, everyone in the company knows exactly who my favorite band is. I sit right by the main entrance so 311 is the first thing anyone sees when they enter the company.”

Want to read a cool fact about Kacy? She used to own an all white pet skunk! Talk about coming original! She also has a lot of ink on her. “I have two full sleeves, a chest piece, a huge peacock tattoo going from my ribs up to my back. a lip ring, and I change my hair color every month. I’m extremely colorful inside and out.” Kacy said she can’t think of any talent other than that she can make balloon animals, which I think totally counts. Guilty pleasure for her is that she knows pretty much all the words to classic Disney movies and still watches them all the time. When not listening to 311, she can be found jamming out to Passafire, Ballyhoo!, Pepper, Iration, Rebelution, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, The Expendables, The Green, Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, and Stick Figure. 

Kacy’s message to 311 is this: “Well the first time I met Nick I said “I love you!” and he said “I love you back.” But then I got so nervous I just ran away.  So the next time I meet them I promise not to run away next time!”

And to all the other positive vibe merchants out there:

“We need to stop all the negative vibes and keep living the 311 lifestyle! Go out there and live your life and just do what makes you happy! 311 UNITY!”

——–

That’s the story of Kacy Hattabaugh! Yet another cool fan that you now know a bit more about! Thank you as always for reading and being a part of this positive and caring community of fans. Until we meet again, go be awesome and spread that good karma! 

Much love – The Runt

Welcome again 311 excitables! Happy Labor Day! Before you relax on the beach or grill out today, take a few moments to meet our next fan spotlight. Here’s the story of Tracey Schick! 

Credit for Tracey’s introduction to 311 goes to his friend John Zufall. He said it was the classic, hey have you ever heard of this band? He listened to Grassroots  and was hooked. “You gotta understand I was really a metal head by heart but a lover of all music. I had a big influence from Bob Marley at also a similar time so I guess 311 was the perfect storm for me. Jazzy drum beats, funky ass bass and a combo of heavy guitar to reggae to funky licks on guitar by Tim Mahoney. Then you have Nick Hexum with the slickest rhymes and SA with his dope lyrical masterpieces. It was like a match made just for me.”

Seeing them live started late for Tracey so he’s only seen them 6 times so far. “I’ve been to over 200 shows but never got to see 311 for the first time until I did a drywall patch for fellow 311 spotlight brodel Aaron Kirby. He traded me tickets to the 311 show at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois in 2014.” He also was fortunate enough to see the show at the Aragon Ballroom where they played the blue album in it’s entirety, plus the show the very next day in Milwaukee where they played Grassroots. “I also recently got to see 311 play in St.Louis at the Wayback Fest where they played a set of all songs 15 years or older. I’ve loved every show and everyone has great memories.” So far his favorite show was the Aragon Ballroom show. 

Favorite song for Tracey is “Hey You.” He said it’s really about the evolution of music for him, going from a young metal head to where he is now. “Music has always been that one thing that I could count on. It’s helped me through hard times and partied with me during the good ones. Its the one thing that also brings us all together.” Some of his favorite lyrics are, “Boy actin coy but you got nuts like Almond Joy, I tell ya,” and “I’m the perfect example of not giving a fuck about the catty rude people that just suck.”

Lafayette, Indiana is where Tracey was born and raised. He credits his dad as his musical influence growing up. “I remember listening to Otis Redding, Donna Summer, Bob Seager, Boston, The Who and the Eagles but there where many more. The first album I ever got was “Let there be Rock” by AC/DC. I just remember music always being on or my dad singing songs. I remember a lot of nights as a teenager falling asleep listening to my cassette player. Ive seen everything from speed metal to country to reggae to rap.” As a teenager he played tons of sports and continues to play golf, coach youth baseball and loves to bowl (he is on a bowling team). 

Drywall work is what Tracey has been doing for the past 23 years. He has an amazing wife Joanie and six kids that he loves. He said being from that part of Indiana, you don’t find a lot of 311 fans. It wasn’t until he met Aaron that he really dived into the world of 311. “Before I loved them for their music then I learned about the 311 community since then things haven’t been the same. 311 has the best fans in the whole world. Now I have a Clique but its more like a family. I have traveled to the coolest city’s and met the best people from this excitable crew. My wife and I are booked on our first 311 cruise coming up to Cozumel and I cant say I’ve ever been more excited. It’s a dream come true to be on a boat with 3000 other 311 fans just like me, living in the moment. I’ll probably be crying my eyes out in the moment when the boat is leaving and 311 is taking the stage.” Tracey said that his love for 311 has now stemmed to his family too and they support his trips and passion for them and the concerts he likes to attend.  “I also just want to say that I appreciate the fact that the guys in 311 are also dads and husbands and great role models for living and leading a positive lifestyle. We must lead and teach our future.”

Cool fact about Tracey is that he finished as an Honor Graduate when he graduated from Advanced Individual Training in the Army. “There were 4 picked of 300 so I’m very proud of that accomplishment.” Another interesting tidbit of info is that he has bowled a perfect 300 game and made a hole in one in golf! He also has a 311 tattoo and had it way before he ever saw them live. 

Other musicians Tracey loves are Bob Marley, Sublime, Dirty Heads, Pepper, Rebelution, RDGLDGRN, Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Machine Head, Blood Hound Gang, Beastie Boys, House of Pain and Cypress Hill. Guilty pleasures stem from music too, he loves going to concerts and says that sometimes the anticipation of an upcoming show makes him feel like a teenager again. “I think I’ll feel that way always. Been going to shows since I was probably 15.” His second guilty pleasure is cruising. He and Joanie have been on 4 so far. “I love it because its the best way to see the world. I wanna visit the world with my time on this world…….my favorite island is Grand Turk and my favorite beach is Coki beach in St. Thomas. I cant believe I will have the best of both worlds when we go to Cozumel with my favorite bands.”

To 311, his message is this: “Thanks for 26 years of incredible music that inspires and unifies people.”

Now to all the other amazing fans out there:

“Stay positive and love your life, walk it like you talk it. Be the difference in this world. We can change the world. One love excitable crew. See you all in Tampa on March 2nd.”

———–

And that’s the story of Tracey Schick! Thank you all for reading this week and every week. It was a pleasure to share Tracey’s story with you all. Now go on and enjoy your Labor Day! And don’t forget to keep spreading that positive vibe to everyone! 

Much Love – The Runt

Hi again my excitable friends! New week means new fan spotlight. Time to read the story of Siera Hehner! 

Siera’s love for 311 starts in a familial way. “Well once upon a time my Aunt Helen called and told us that Dougie was joining a band called 311 …so I was instantly hooked .. I dumped my New Kids on the Block for them haha.” 

Show tally for Siera is at 7 she believes because she wasn’t allowed to go to shows until she was 18, so her first event was in 2004. Favorite shows are the hometown shows, especially since she can watch from the side of the stage, but she also loved the Red Rocks show because she was with all her peeps. Siera even had to sell two cars to fund that trip so you know it meant a lot to her!

“Prisoner” is the song that means the most to Siera. “I feel like that song was made for me…it just gets me.” Siera said when she’s sad that song is always there to save her and then when she’s not sad, it’s just still a great song that she loves. Some of her favorite lyrics include, “My heart was the target it found your arrow baby you know I want to be your straight and narrow,” “Aunt Mary summertime backyard picnic, did you drink my beer Doug yea I did it, don’t tell me to me to bring ya beer if ya think I won’t sip it,” and “The monologue of a sing a long las banderas de San Juan, piden pan, no les dan.” Those last lyrics are from the song “Nix Hex” and Siera said it’s part of an old folk song that her great grandma Martinez used to sing to the grandkids. She listed quite a few more song lyrics and said she could really just go on and on listing them. “Let’s just put it this way, every single song has great lyrics… you might randomly hear me say a line from a song if it applies to a certain situation lol.”

Siera was born in Kearney, Nebraska and raised in Gibbon. Her grandfather and Doug a.k.a. SA’s mom are brother and sister and then her grandmother and Doug’s dad are siblings. “I was pretty much the only hardcore 311 fan in my town lol. I was the only little kid with 311 t-shirts in my school and had to ask if it was ok to wear them due to the KKK rumors.” Siera said she’s also not shy about telling people about her love for 311, and it’s not just because she is related to SA, but because they are really her favorite band in all the land. “When I was little I looked up to Dougie cause it was so cool my own cousin made it big. To come from Nebraska and then get to VISIT THE WORLD is so freaking sweet. So when you hear me mention anything, its not me name dropping or anything like that, its my love for my cousin and the guys, their music, and all my 311 FAM I get so geeked out and excited I could burst so I have to let peeps know stuff whatever it may be lol. And fuck the naysayers cause they don’t mean a thing lol.”

Siera said she had a pretty messed up childhood but always looked forward to her weekends with grandma and grandpa. It was grandma who gave her a love for music and cooking, then grandpa was responsible for her love of film, photography and the arts. “Both made me the person I am today. Those two and 311 helped me get through my childhood and teenage years.” Siera suffers from anxiety, depression, PTSD, autoimmune liver disease, hypothyroidism, asthma and diabetes, so her family and 311 really help keep her strong. She just finished counseling for stuff that occurred during her childhood with is helping with her PTSD. While she doesn’t think she’s fully cured, she said she is still here fighting everyday. “I enjoy see others happy and making them smile and laugh so I’m kinda silly. My grandma always says I’m just like great grandma Martinez cause I’m patient and kind and put up with a lot . I love my FAM more than they’ll ever know, same goes for my friends.” Siera also tries to help others, including strangers, whenever possible. “Sometimes I kinda feel like I was dealt a shitty hand due to my past and my health but then I look at the ones I love and it brings a smile to my face gotta take the good with the bad.”

Talent for Siera comes in the form of art. “I love to paint, make stuff, be creative, anything artsy.” Guilty pleasure is reality T.V. Something you may not know is she is Mexican and Irish, with a German last name!”My grandpa was a clinch but was adopted into the Hehner family. My grandma was a Martinez who obviously married my grandpa to become a Hehner, and no dad for me so that’s how I got the Hehner last name.” As far as other music she listens to, she’ll pretty much listen to anything that makes her feel good including Mexican music, Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop, Classical and Oldies. 

To the band that has helped her through some tough times and good times she’d like to just say – “Thank you!”

To all the other fans:

“To those of you who haven’t left my side, I love you and I thank you for your friendship! Means you’re a real friend and I appreciate you. XO.”

———–

And there you have the story of Siera Hehner! Gotta love the family stories. Thank you Siera for sharing your personal journey of your love for 311. And thank you to all of those reading every week. Now go be awesome, do good things, and spread that positivity and love! 

Much love – The Runt