Well hey there 311 nation! It’s been a few, but who is ready for a new fan spotlight? Let’s check out the story of Tom Gaasbeck!

When Tom was a kid, he worked at a skate shop and there was an older guy there who gave him a copy of the blue album in 1995. “Man I wore that thing out! It wasn’t until 1999-2000 when I met a new friend group that I even heard Music or Grassroots. This small click were huge 311 fans. I never really looked back after that haha.”

Show count for Tom is sitting at 66. His first show wasn’t until 2003 in Philadelphia at the Festival Pier. “I think I was completely immersed in the late 90s rave scene to go to a rock show back then lol.” As for picking a favorite show, Tom said it’s a toss up between Pow Wow and 311 Day 2020.

Song that means the most to Tom is “This Too Shall Pass.” “Great meaning/message, plus it’s a total jam.” For lyrics that he loves, he chose: “We’re just a speck of dirt on this golfball called Earth” and “I’m a perfect example of not givin’ a fuck…” “Kinda love that…why waste your energy on people who “just suck!”

New Jersey is where Tom grew up and he moved to Delaware in high school. Then he went back to Jersey in his early 20’s and then spent a few years living in Philly. “Spent a TON of time in Philly no matter where I was living actually. Love it there. My sister and her family live there (she’s also a big 311 fan) it’s My home away from home.”

Tom has been working in restaurants since 2011, which is when he moved to the beach in Delaware.  “I’ve worked every position imaginable in a restaurant. I have settled into a chef role for last 6 years.” Tom said he also plays a lot of poker to fund his 311 habit. “Speaking of both restaurants and poker, I met one of my best buds Ben Witsen down here in Rehoboth. He also works in restaurants, plays poker and loves 311. A random meeting that I am forever grateful for. He was pouring margaritas in an old ratty Unity tour t shirt. I said I liked the shirt and boom, friends for almost 8 years now!! Love how this band does that for so many.”

Fun fact about Tom – he was a competitive figure skater and coach for the whole first act of his life! “Not many people know that! I’m also a cat dad. Huge cat guy.” Going back to the figure skating for what Tom believes makes him unique. “I think the sport of figure skating makes me very unique. I know so much classical music, ballet, broadway, show tunes, different languages, different countries all because of skating. I also speak Spanish…..And I can drive a Zamboni 😂” As for a guilty pleasure, Tom loves coloring books & Taylor Swift.

When not listening to 311, Tom loves artists such as Bumpin Uglies, Tropidelic, Joey Harkum, and Little Stranger. “Actually, they’ve been my top artist on Spotify the last two years!! Ever since the 23 cruise. I listen to a lot of older house and techno too…reliving those rave years 😃”

For a message to 311, Tom has these words: “Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the soundtrack to my life because I consistently and whole-heartedly lean on your music to get by.”

Now here are his words to every other fan out there:

“See you at the next show!”

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Thanks Tom for sharing you tale with us all! Per the usual, my eternal gratitude for all those who read each post. Hope you all have the best week you can and sending out positivity to all.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello 311 nation! It’s about time for the next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Anthony Vallario!

Anthony had just moved to Oklahoma, where he met some likeminded cats. One of them was an intern at the local radio station and he introduced him to one of the jocks, Rich. “Rich was the one that got all the submissions from record companies like Capricorn. 311 Music and Grassroots were the last two to show up and we listened. Hooked immediately; so much so that when the tour was announced, we immediately committed to the 1994 Trees Dallas Texas show. That show of maybe thirty people in attendance set it off. Been going to their shows ever since. Actually met the band immediately and easily after the show.”

While Anthony isn’t a spreadsheet keeper, he’s pretty sure his show count is in the late 60’s or early 70’s, based on some quick head math. First show was in 1994 at Trees in Dallas, Texas. As for favorite, he has three, not including the first show he saw. “1.) Taking my then girlfriend, now wife Carmen, to her first concert EVER, which was the Oklahoma date of the Transistor tour. Set a high bar that day lol. 2.) Cruise 1 sail away show for obvious reasons  3.) 311 Day 2020. Those few days were very special in saying goodbye to a world we once knew.”

Song that means the most to Anthony is hands down, “Tranquility.” “That song got me through back to back deaths in my family. I still tear up when it plays.” As for some favorite lines from their songs, Anthony said these stand out to him: “But when I look at you it’s like praying with my eyes,” and “I want to sniff the glue that holds me to you.”

When asked where he’s from, Anthony says he usually has a smart ass reply, “My mom’s womb.” However, he says this answer is pretty much true as he grew up an Army brat and doesn’t have a hometown, he attended 4 different elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools. “Call me adaptive and dynamic because of this. In order, I grew up in the following, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Germany, New York, Kansas, Texas, Germany, DC and Oklahoma. My family as a whole are from St. Petersburg Florida and I’ve spent many a summer there in between moves. Part of my high school experience was also overseas and in DC. Saw a bunch of good shows because of this. Grateful Dead with Jerry and Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour being two of them. My upbringing was fun and I don’t regret any of it. Landed in Oklahoma as it was Dad’s last duty station and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet in life. From there college, internship, career in IT and meeting my future wife all came into play. Been here ever since short a slight stint at 3rd Army in Atlanta as I was doing simulations at the time and was part of the internal look and ramp up team for the 04 effort in Iraq.”

Anthony has been married to Carmen since September 9, 2000. They’ve been together since winter of 1995. They have two sons who are pretty much grown at this point. “My boys and Carmen tolerate my 311 fandom as they know concerts are my thing and sometimes Carmen comes along for the ride for some fun too.”

Interesting fact about Anthony is that he’s shy and a bit on the spectrum. “Social anxiety happens frequently for me but concerts smooth that shit out.” Another interesting fact about him is he’s a Liberal gun nut. “I haven’t met many folks that have the social and fiscal beliefs I have that also love a good trigger pull. The conservative cats at the range take pride in “the most well armed hippie” being part of their ranks.”

For a guilty pleasure, he’s a “Below Deck” fan thanks to his wife Carmen. “If you’re a husband or wife and you find yourself alone watching something your significant other typically watches, you are not co-watching… you are now a fan.”

For other music that Anthony is into, he said he believes the term for himself is “polyjamourous.” “I like live music and even some country. Currently in rotation are Tropidelic, Two Player, RDGLDGRN, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Teddy Swims, Briston Maroney, Arts Fishing Club and Lamb of God.”

As for what Anthony would say to 311, he chose the same thing he says every time he gets to see them which is simply, “Thank you.”

Now here is his message to all other fans out in the universe:

“To all the fans I’ve met through 311 over the years, I love you and I’m so glad to know you. 
To all the fans I’ve yet to meet through 311 in the coming years, can’t wait for the opportunity.
To all the rail riders, hold my spot I’ll be right back…”

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Thank you Anthony for sharing your story with all of us! Plus a huge thank you to anyone reading each post. Wishing you all good things to come.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my Excitable friends! It’s a new week and we have a new fan to spotlight. Let’s meet Krista Bradley!

Krista was a teenager in the mid 90’s and heard a few 311 songs on the radio. She instantly fell in love with their sound. “I did some research on them and I didn’t realize they already had a couple albums out beforethen. Transistor was the first album I ever bought. Being a teenager in the mid 90s was the coolest andlistening to this album always brings back the fun memories I had during that time.”

For show count, Krista is sitting around 10. She went on the last cruise and is going on the next one too. First show for her was in Jackson, Wyoming back in 1996 or 97. “The area I grew up in, concerts didn’t hit our town very often. Jackson was about 3ish hours from where I lived.”

As for favorite, she said excluding the cruise, which was overwhelmingly awesome, she would go with seeing them at The Knitting Factory in Boise in 2012. “It’s my favorite because of the memories that come with it. My friend and I had a bet about what song they were going to start with and I guessed “Down” and I was right. So now every time we hear that song, we both laugh.”

The song “Sunset in July” is the one that means the most to Krista. She said it’s her birthday anthem. She also has several songs from each album that are tied to certain memories, that also mean a lot to her. As for lyrics, these are a few of her favorites: “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world,” “Today seems like a good day, to burn a bridge or two,” and “Let me introduce you to the excitable crew.”

Krista grew up in a small town in southeast Idaho called Rigby. She said it’s a very small country town. She grew up listening to a wide range of music, everything from country to grunge to metal and everything in between. “One of my favorite things about listening to 311 is their different sounds in each album. My music changes based on
my mood. I love that you can listen to different albums and get different vibes from each one. The story behind the Transistor album is one of my favorites. My sister and I loved 311 and that album was the first
CD we bought with our own money. We listened to it all the time and she actually started dating her (now husband) boyfriend because of that album. I think I was a Sophomore when we became obsessed with
their music. They weren’t known in our neck of the woods, so it was really cool when we met someone who liked their music. Even now, it’s like you have an instant bond when someone tells you they listen to
their music. Not just the “popular” songs that everyone knows, but songs that never really made it on the radio. One of my best friends of 14 years; we bonded because of 311 and movie quotes. Not only had
she heard of them, but she’s from Omaha and her knowledge absolutely outweighed mine. Transistor and Sound System were my go to albums all throughout high school. Those two albums are an instant time capsule to (in my opinion) one of the greatest times to be a teenager.”

Interesting info about Krista, she was born on the side of the road! “We lived in a very rural area and the closest hospital was about 50 miles away.” She was born in Wyoming and has lived in Montana and Idaho most of her life. “When we went on the cruise in 2023, I think there were like 5 or 6 people from Idaho (including myself and 2 friends). No one really knows where we are and has never really heard of us.”

Fun fact about Krista, she said she is full of useless trivia knowledge. “I’m not even sure how I know some of the things I know but I somehow know them. I knew that 311 was a code for indecent exposure in Omaha, but I don’t remember learning that fact.” She also loves to write short stories and children’s books. “I haven’t done anything with that but I’m told I need to explore that angel.” She also said movie quotes are her second language. “I very rarely run out of things to talk about. Besides music and movie quotes, the other portion of my brain consists of football knowledge.”

Guilty pleasure? Krista said she is basically a child when it comes to watching cartoons and Disney movies. “Well, I’m basically a child when it comes to a lot of things. I will watch cartoons over any other movies. If I had a hidden talent, it would be to sing/karaoke Disney theme songs. I love anything that has to do with the 90s like the original TMNT , T-Rexs (poor guys with short arms), 311 Logo, Metallica Logo, music, movies, etc.” As for other music she loves aside from 311, Krista will listen to pretty much anything 90’s. “Weezer, Metallica, 90’s country. Music is something I share with my kids and we can listen to just about anything.”

When asked what message she would send 311, Krista said if given the chance she would more than likely mess up what she wanted to say. “I would have something cool to say but when it’s actually said it would probably come out completely wrong. Nick or SA asking me if I enjoyed the concert: “Hey, how did you like the concert?” Me in my head: “I loved it!! You guys are so awesome!!” Me out loud: awkward wave : “Thanks, I like bread.”

Now here are her not awkward words to all the other fans out there:

“I think my favorite part of being a 311 fan is the camaraderie and acceptance. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how long you’ve been a fan, 311 fans just love to live life and have fun. If you’re a longterm fan, my personal message is “Keep living your best life and have fun” T o the people who just discovered their music: “Welcome to the excitable crew!!”

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Thank you Krista for sharing your story with us all! As well as my eternal thanks to all those who read each post. Hope you all have an amazing week & sending out all the good vibes to you all!

Much Love – The Runt

Well hey there 311 nation! Hope everyone is starting their week off well. It’s time to meet the next fan spotlight – say hello to T.J. Mavrogeorge!

Becoming a 311 fan for T.J. happened when his older brother Joe bought the Blue album on cassette tape. T.J. was a freshman in high school. “It was their very distinct sound and positive vibe that drew me to them. We used to play the heck out of that cassette until it was no longer playable. Then he bought Transistor and my life was never the same.”

For number of shows T.J. has seen, he’s lost count over the years. “It’s not a huge number, but I’ve seen them at least 1-3 times over the past 22 years. The first one (because you never forget your first) was March 29 2002 at the Whitmore Arena in Durham NH.”

As for favorite, it’s a tough question to answer for T.J. “There have been so many shows that have been amazing to me, but one of my favorite was the first one I went to with my wife Deanna. It was at the Hard Rock casino in Vegas in 2006. We traveled from Wyoming to Vegas in her blazer, meet up with friends from all over and got to rock out. Well, they got to rock out. I was unfortunately kicked in the back of the head by a crowd surfer and was knocked unconscious. The security guard pulled me over the rail and brought me to the back. They were going to send me to the hospital but I refused treatment. They released me and I was able to catch the last song in the back of the room, missing a shoe. When it was over, we finally met up and told them my story. Not only did they think it was crazy, but so did SA and miT as we waited by their buses and got to tell them about that crazy night. After pics and more stories, miT and up signing my neck tattoo which I then got inked in. That night created many beautiful friendships that I will forever be grateful for.”

As for favorite song, T.J. said this was one of the toughest questions he’s had to answer during this interview. “Most people that know me would say Taiyed, others would say Use of Time or Stealing Happy Hours. All of those would be correct, but Running is the one that means the most and I’ll explain in the next question.”

So next question is do you have any favorite lyrics from 311’s songs? “Give thanks and praise for good things you found” from Running. This is what my wife and I have tattooed along with our wedding date on our persons. 3-11-2008.”

T.J. grew up in the Boston area, born in Boston and lived there until he was 9. Then they moved south…a whole 6 miles south to Quincy. “That is where I cultivated my music taste and love of sports which is obviously everything Boston. When it came down to funding my 311 habit, besides my normal 9-5 job working for Filene’s in the visual design department, I sold 311 decals that I made on the side. That’s how I met my wife, when she decided to pay the ridiculous price I was asking, she thought I was kinda cute…ehhhh. That’s how this city kid ended up in Wyoming and loves it. These days, our 311 habit is funded by our jobs at the hospital, which if you knew me, I would never work in one, but now I live it.”

Interesting fact about T.J. is that his son shares the same date of birth as the band, June 10th, AND he is named after Tim Mahoney! “It’s not really a fact about me, but I still think it’s pretty cool.” T.J. said he doesn’t think he really has much that sets him apart from others, but he can fall asleep almost anywhere!

Guilty pleasures for T.J., he has quite a few. “I love the Lord of the Rings and anything Tolkien. Doctor Who will never do wrong in my eyes. Liverpool FC is the best in all the land. Anyone who says different is obviously lying to themselves.”

For other musicians T.J. loves, he said there is a lot. The short list though includes Czarface, Bad Rabbits, Aesop Rock, Lyrics Born. There’s also Cannons, Childish Gambino, M83, Tears for Fears and Pete Rock. “I could keep going on and on and on and on.”

For a message to 311, T.J. would like to say: “In all honesty, it would just be 2 words: Thank You. Thank you for doing what you do best, making the world a better place through your music. Thank you for all of the amazing friends I have made through you all. Thank you for my amazing wife and son, both of whom I wouldn’t have without 311. Thank you for my sanity.”

Now here are his words to all the other 311 fans:

“The message I want to say to the other fans is actually from a song by Gerry and the Pacemakers :

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark at the end of a storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a larkWalk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
For your dreams be tossed and blownWalk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone, You’ll never walk alone.”

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Wow what a great way to wrap up this fan spotlight! Huge thanks to T.J. for sharing your story with us all. As well as my undying thanks to all the readers each post. Wishing you all an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again 311 nation! It’s time to get to the next fan spotlight. Let’s get the story from Bobby Jones!

Like many other fans, Bobby was first introduced to 311 thanks to MTV playing the video for “Down.” He was immediately drawn to it and played the song on repeat because he recorded it onto a cassette tape from the radio. “I was around 11-12 years old when it came out. I remember asking my mom to buy me the Blue album for Christmas that year and she wouldnt because it had a parental adviosry sticker on it. So I could only listen to their radio hits till I was old enough to get my hands on their albums on my own. The reggae-rap-rock vibe drew me to them. It was unlike anything I had heard before. I was instantly hooked on em when I first heard them. And, of course I had my hair dyed blonde like Nicks in highschool, Haha. It was the thing to do in the 90’s!”

Number of times Bobby has seen 311 live? He has no clue because he see’s so much live music every year (200+ shows a year). “I don’t keep count of any of the shows I go to. I don’t really feel like it’s that important.” First 311 show for him was around 2004-05 in Dallas, Texas. First 311 Day he attended was in 2006. He’s also been on all the cruises and will be on the one next year. “I’ve been to all the 311 days since 2012. Taking a guess, I’d say I’ve seen 50-75 times or more.”

As for favorite show, Bobby said the beach show on the second cruise takes top prize for him. “Hands down the best 311 set I’ve seen. That splash pit was wild and unforgettable! Then the Pow Wow Transistor set comes in 2nd, after that the Soundsytem Cruise set, and then 311 day 2018 are my favorites.”

Picking a song that means the most to him proves to be difficult for Bobby because there are so many that he loves. “Uncalm and Beyond the Gray Sky are pretty meaningful to me for different reasons. In college around 2002-2003, for my composition class, my professor told us to pick a song that is like poetry and analyze it, and present it to the class. I went through my catalog of music and chose Uncalm. Up to that point in my life I was a fan of the 311 hits, but never really dived into their music that deep. In the process of unraveling that song I went deeper into 311, and became closer to 311, and then started listening to all of their other songs. Uncalm opened up 311 for me past their radio hits. My brother Joey commited suicide 2010, and after that happened Beyond the Gray Sky became a very meaningful song in my life since it’s about suicide. 311 was his favorite band, and in his memory I got into 311 deeper and decided to pursue 311 more and go on the 1st cruise and start attending 311 days. If he didn’t kill himself I probably would have never gotten into 311 more than I already was prior to 2010.”

One lyric that resonates with Bobby is “Stay positive and love your life” which he has tattoeed on his left abdomen, around a “Beyond the Gray Sky” sunrise/sunset over the ocean. It’s a tribute to his brother. “So I try to stay true to those words.” A few others that he loves include: “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”
“Violence is for those who can’t handle diction”
“Do what you feel, the more absurd the better”
“The solar systems and atom in a larger molecule called a galaxy”
“Fourth of July with Lucy in sky. I remember pine trees and the coat of many colors. I was nineteen, I’d do anything. Shit like that now scares me, but I’d like to do it again. It was Independence day. I’ve seen the other side, and I say oh, I’ve been insane and I wont ever be the same”
“The roots that grow underground are as big as the tree that you see, if not it will fall down”
“Think of all the good times instead of “wish we could” times. So much better that way”
“It’s all right to feel good it’s all right for nothing to be wrong”

Fort Worth, Texas, is where Bobby was born and he had a fun, active childhood with his mom and little brother. “Spent my days as a kid playing soccer, riding my bike till the streetlights came on, playing video games, hangin with friends, being a punk, getting into trouble, taking roadtrips with my family to camp and explore caverns, skating, and in my teen years I started planning my escape from Texas.” In high school Bobby was friends with everyone and he said it continued into his adult life. “I have tolerance for others views and can be friends with anyone even if our political ideology differs. In this day and age, I notice many people canceling long time friends and family members over something as trivial as their political ideology, and disagree whole heartedly with that perspective. With that being said, I will always welcome someone back into my life who has canceled me. I’m just that type of guy.”

Bobby attended Texas Tech University where he obtained a degree in Anthropology and Biology. He originally wanted to become a forensic anthropologist. Then after he graduated he took year off from school and ended up never going back because he got an awesome job as a catastrophe insurance adjuster. “I travel the country working property insurance claims, inspecting homes for catastrophic storm damage caused by tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, and large hail storms. I see the worst of the worst in regards to storm damage all around the country. It can be stressful at times, but is very rewarding as I feel like I’m really helping people in their time of need.”

In 2010 Bobby moved to Oregon to pursue snowboarding as his main hobby. “I’m an avid snowboarder and love hitting everything on the mountain from the park, to the half pipe, to the backcountry, to the trees. I also love doing handstands all the time, and taking pics of myself doing them all over the world in different countries infront of cool sceneries.”

live music has allowed him to make many friends in numerous states across the country. “Social media has allowed me to stay in contact with all those friends on a regular basis. While on the road for work I am always hanging out with friends in different states, going to shows, and pursuing my other hobbies. I also enjoy yoga, rock climbing, white water rafting, traveling the world and exploring (been to over 15 countries), skydiving, hiking, camping, going to festivals, scuba diving, and generally being outside. I’m a pyschonaut and enjoy exploring the boundaries of my consciousness. I lived in Spain to study Spanish back in college, and though I don’t practice it much anymore, if you find me inebriated you’ll probable hear me pop off some Spanish phrases, and try to get others to speak Spanish with me! I love learning about space, consciousness, culture, music, geology, physics, history, and language amongst other things. I’m a science and cultural nerd. I am a huge fan of standup comedy and see it often. Bill Hicks is my favorite comedian. He dies in the early 90s, but most of his jokes and philosphies from the 80’s and 90’s still hold true today.”

When Bobby was a senior in high school, circa 2001, he joined the Navy. “I made a 98 on my ASVAB (the military entrance exam), and was told with that high of a score I could do anything in the Navy that I wanted. My plan was to goto the Naval Academy and become a physician. I graduated in June of 2002 and went to bootcamp that August after I turned 18 in July. When I got to bootcamp during the first few days I went through a more intense medical exam, and they found a hole in my left retina which I never knew I had. They never found this at MEPS which is the pre entrance physical exam you take to join the military. This hole in my retina was cause for the Navy to medically discharge me immediately. So I came home back to Texas just in time at the end of August to enroll in community college. Took my basics for a couple years, and then transferred to Texas Tech to complete my degree. This experience taught me early on in life that no matter what you might think you have planned in life that it can change in the blink of an eye. My life plan of having a Naval career had to be altered as soon as I got news that I was getting medically discharged. Despite that let down in my life plan, I worked hard through college and landed a great gig, and life has been awesome! I learned real quick early on in life to Always have a plan B, and C, and D.”

Guilty pleasure for Bobby? “I love the reality dating show “Fboy Island”! Haha. It’s hosted by a comedian Nikki Glaser which is why I started watching it. There is a guy on a couple of the seasons named Benedict that is also a standup comic, and I took some friends to go see him in Portland last month and got them hooked.”

What other artists does Bobby love, aside from 311? He’s got quite the list! It includes:

To 311, Bobby would like to say: “Your music has inspired many to live their best lives, get through the hardships of life, and continue to strive to be the best we can be to each other.”

Now here are his words to all the other fans out there:

“Pursue your dreams. Anything is possible with hardwork and sacrifice. Make friends with everyone, practice tolerance, and keep an open mind in life. If you want to do something, then Do It Today because tomorrow is not promised. Show those that you care about how much you love them with your words, and more importantly your actions. Stay true to yourself, and live an interesting active fun filled life. Live life for a good story. Live fast & take chances! Don’t compare yourself to others, as comparison is the thief of joy. Stay selflessly selfish in your pursuit of happiness. And finally, since I’m a shredder: Life is a snow capped mountain, have a blast shredding your line!”

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Thank you Bobby for sharing your story with all of us! And of course my eternal gratitude to all the readers out there. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again Excitable nation! Who wants to meet the next 311 fan spotlight? Let’s get the story from Lisa Rowe!

In the early 90’s Lisa had an alternative music friend who was a DJ. They would make her mixed tapes and on one of them was a 311 song. ” I honestly don’t remember what 311 song it was & to this day I cannot find the mixed tape! I do remember LOVING it. How it rocked, and made me feel.” Now flash forward a few years and Lisa was teaching when she saw some kids walking around with 311 shirts on, and she thought wow I know that band. She actually ended up taking one of them to see 311 and they became close, even through adulthood. Then a few more years later and at a new school, she had a bunch of students that were obsessed with 311. “I’ve always played music in my classroom, so this pretty much became the music of choice. And literally Music! These kids had/have no idea how their love of 311 changed the course of my life! Started going to shows, taking students to shows and myself become pretty obsessed.  But even in those early days I HAD NO IDEA what was in store for my 311 life !”

For show count, Lisa said she would have paid more attention in her early days had she known where this would take her in her life. She’s been to several hundred non-311 concerts, so remembering how many 311 shows proves tricky. “I’ve been to A LOT it has to be about 100 by now. Over the course of almost 30 years. I’ve seen them almost every year at least once and some years several times.  I think the most I’ve seen them is 6 times in a year? ”

First show Lisa believes was in Milwaukee at Shank Hall in 1995. “But I could be thinking of all the other times I saw them there! I know that sounds crazy that I can’t remember, but like I said at the time it was no big deal, I was JUST going to see another band I liked, and of course I had absolutely no idea at the time how this would change my life.  I can barely remember my own cell number these days.”

As for a favorite, Lisa said it’s impossible to pick one. So she tried to think of the one that she had the most feeling. So that would be 311 Day 2018, with her sister Jennifer. “Even though I was a long time fan, I was a teacher. I did not get paid time off, I actually petitioned ALL of my school districts to let me go to all the 311 days and the cruises, with NO pay, but was shot down everytime. So it was a long time waiting and it was highly emotional for me. Plus I was able to experience this 311 universe that I had no idea existed. Before that, I went to shows and pretty much paid attention only to what was going on around me.”

A song that means the most to Lisa she said has changed over time. It depends on where she is in her life. In the early years, she would have picked “Hydroponic.” “Brings back lots of images and feelings. LOVE the utter chaos of the song. It’s a mixture of  deep dark strong heavy and thenhappens to have a  happy little tune mixed in there. The lyrics”Jumpin’ out my skin.” The song “You Wouldn’t Believe” is what she calls her divorce song, because of the lyrics, “Wonder Woman got rid of wonder man that man’s not part of her wonder plan.” Then she has one she calls her song about life song. “Although I think this song is actually about our Journey while we’re living – not our Journey in the after. Tranquility “Don’t be afraid it’s all part of the plan for us.” These lyrics have helped me process many heartaches and trauma in my life! So many times I’ve run this song over and over in my head while trying to understand the absolute shit part of life. Just hold out, it will become known. It’s just waiting for the universe to reveal it reasons.”

Currently Lisa’s favorite song is “Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm.”That came out of nowhere! 311Day 2024 I decided to brush up not just on deep cuts, but on their more melodic songs. And wham out of the blue, JACKS hit me like a ton of bricks. The song is a musical and lyrical work of genius. How did I let this one slip by for all these years?” Finally she also loves “Golden Sunlight.” “I always picture this song as a song after I get through Tranquility. “Hand over hand, I crawl back to land.“

Lisa was born and raised in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin. She is a retired math teacher and has lived in Neenah for the last 26 years. She has two adult children. “My son Josh, married, 29, who I’ve taken to shows and is also a fan . My daughter Joey, 24, haven’t taken to any shows yet! My buddy Reznor the Boxer keeps me on my toes.” Lisa said her kids are super super into music, which she absolutely loves. As for money, she is on SSDI so she finds some side hustles to help with funding her 311 habits. “I’m not raising kids anymore, so that makes me an instant concert millionaire. But I do a lot of Ebay, Poshmark.  It’s become a fun hobby.”

Fun fact, Lisa is an avid crocheter and has made lots of 311 stuff. (She even made the sweater she has on in the photo above!) She also loves playing sodoku and attending about any concert she can get her hands on. “Just saw Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago in July. Just saw 311 at Rockfest in WI. Going with some of my concert fam to St. Augustine on 8/17.” A few other facts to know: She’s a huge sci-fi fan, she likes to read banned books, loves everything and anything about Star Wars and her favorite place in the universe is on a ski hill in the U.P.

Lisa said that the absolute best thing for her is her 311 concert family. “They have stepped into so many parts of my life when I just needed a little word from a slinkie I never met in California to sharing literal tears of happiness, pain, anger, love, hugs, music with my closest 311 fam.  We love each other so much we often visit each other in our home states, fly in to attend concerts together. I truly never feel alone in my life with these connections I’ve made. I have NEVER run across fans like this ever. It’s indescribable and unmatchable.”

Lisa also said she is basically a huge nerd. “Like I’ll think about time travel for hours and do math problems just for fun.” Something that makes her unique is she can drive stick. “3 on the tree baby! I’m pretty dang good in Sheapshead. Or any card game for that matter.” Guilty pleasure for her? “No brainer, TV shows. Bridgerton, Virgin River, Love is blind, Naked and afraid. Especially the XL versions!”

For other music Lisa listens to, she said she’s basically an old alternative chick from the 80’s. She likes Stone Temple Pilots, Coldplay, Stabbing Westward, and Neil Diamond. “I’m all over the place. ” She also loves Nine Inch Nails. They are her second favorite bans & she named her dog after Trent Reznor.

When asked what she would say to 311, Lisa said she would probably get stage fright and start crying. But she said she would like to send this message: “Your music and the culture you’ve built has changed the course of my life.”

Now here is her message to all the other fans out there:

“Listen to Tranquility as a guide stone for how to live your life NOW while you’re alive! It transforms the entire song. I find it so much more powerful that way. The Journey is your life!”

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Thank you Lisa for sharing your story with us all! And of course, thank you so much to all who read these each time. Now hope you all have an amazing week! Sending you all positive vibes.

Much Love – The Runt