Dedicated fan or not – attending a Michael Franti & Spearhead gig is impossible not to love. The buzzing atmosphere immediately lures you to make hast on finding the best spot in the house.
Known to be one of the worlds most uplifting performers certainly didn’t stop a sold out show to venture out late mid week at The Croxton Bandroom. And by the bustling vibe crackling in the air it seemed the journey was entirely worth it.
Attending the gig only knowing a handful of songs proved not be an issue as Franti busted on stage ensnaring you in his imminent vibrancy. Michael Franti & Spearhead are all outstanding and highly engaging performers and Franti shines as front man, casting a spell across an already rapturous crowd and without fail has spectators doing exactly as he asks seconds into the first song.
Photographed by Chelsea Dennison
Franti himself defines a “Soulrocker” as “one who lives from the heart, with compassion for all, and possesses a tenacious enthusiasm for music, life and the planet.” That’s a description that fits Michael Franti & Spearhead to a tee. Thankfully though, Franti still maintains his musical integrity without allowing his messaging to overshadow everything else.
Soulrocker, strays little from Franti’s earlier musical efforts. Franti is more inclined to change his topics rather than change his signature reggae, electro, hip-hop beats. Still, as a well informed activist and humanitarian, he’s both mesmerizing and motivating, and one of the very few musicians who’s able to convey deeper meanings without jeopardizing his popular appeal – that makes for admirable intents and festive results, qualities that Soulrocker is rich in.
Highlights of the night included ‘It’s Good To Be Alive Today’, ‘Get Myself To Saturday’, ‘My Lord’ and an awesome song ‘Summertime Is In Our Hands’ had fans going nuts as big yellow balloons were punted around and fun-levels sky rocketed.
Overall, there aren’t many musicians in this world that embody more than just music, but Michael Franti & Spearhead are on that level. Praise be!
