Welcome back my friends out there in the 311 universe! Hope you are all ready for the next fan spotlight. This week, let’s get the scoop from Katrina Bentley!
The year was 1996, and Katrina was growing up in Bellevue, Nebraska. Her older brother is the one that introduced her to 311. “They were becoming popular after their blue album and many of my friends were listening. When MTV actually played videos..haha. Down and All Mixed Up over and over. The sound was unlike anything I had ever heard and I was hooked immediately.”
Show count for Katrina is in the 20’s somewhere, and this includes two 311 Day events, 4th of July in Vegas, and two cruises. First show for her was December 10th, 1997, in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Sugar Ray and Incubus opened. That was a great night!” As for a favorite, she said that while the cruises are amazing, this first show still stands out as her most vivid memory. 311 Day 2020 was also a top one for her. “As chaos was unfolding all around us, those few days in Vegas and the music made time stand still.”
Song that means the most to Katrina? She said the whole “Music” album really connects with her. She also loves “Beyond the Gray Sky.” “The message I get from this song is so powerful.”
Favorite lyrics, that’s a little harder to narrow down because there are so many that Katrina connects with. Some of them include: “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity,” “I go a yard and a mile, to make you smile,” and “People never see the whole trip of life, Grab knowledge, man, and all you do is syph”. “I believe that is how it goes. Either way, I always sing this out loud when I hear the song–in my car or live…it is special to me.”
As mentioned, Katrina grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska, and then after high school she moved to Omaha and went to the University of Nebraska for a few years. “I then moved to Idaho to continue my college education and have been in the Pacific Northwest ever since. I have lived in Idaho and Washington and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I am a healthcare worker and although I love my job, I would say I work to allow the privilege to see 311 locally and afar.”
A lot of Katrina’s friends know this, but for those meeting her for the first time, she is full of trivia information – specifically for music and movies. She also has a recurring, irrational fear of being the last one. “Not sure of what.” Another one of her fears is that she’s afraid of the dark. “Silly really, but it’s true.” Guilty pleasure, she said isn’t really so guilty. “I find comfort in binge watching movies or TV series I have already seen.”
For other music that Katrina is into, she really loves rock music and on of her top faves is Alice in Chains. “Jerry Cantrell solo music too. 311 has introduced me to bands like Ballyhoo; Iya Terra; and The Movement. I love all 3!”
To 311, Katrina would like to say these words: “Thank you! For the music and the positive message they spread. My life has been forever enriched due to their creativity. No matter what is going on in my life, I can listen to 311 and be calm and happy. That is so powerful and emotional. And to think I share this with so many fans, that is truly amazing.”
Now here are her words to all of her fellow 311 fans:
“Well of course, Stay Positive and Love Your Life! And thank you for your kindness at shows–I feel loved and included in a room full of strangers. But, we are not strangers, we are family.”
Many thanks to Katrina for sharing her story! And of course, my undying gratitude to all who read each post. I wish you all the best week and keep on spreading the good karma!
Much Love – The Runt