Hello again my friends out in the 311 nation! Tis time for another awesome fan spotlight. Let’s meet Brian Middaugh!

First time hearing 311 for Brian came when he saw the aggressive inline skate video “Hoax 2,” which starred our communities own B Love. “It quickly became the soundtrack for my skating days and I was immediately drawn to the sound, because it was nothing like I’d ever heard before and the perfect jams for skating to. This was just before the launch of the Blue album and very quickly things changed to seeing the boys on MTV.  With Transistor coming out next, it just cemented them as an all time favorite because of the unique sound that was like nothing coming out at the time.  Growing up in Central Illinois I was fortunate to be able to see shows in both St. Louis and Chicago frequently and easily, which just further made me fall in love with the live shows.”

For show count, as far as Brian can tell, he should be at 28 shows. This includes the upcoming New Orleans & Tallahassee shows, as well as the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival. “My first show (and first overall concert lifetime) was in November of ’97 in Champaign, Illinois on the Transistour.”

As for favorite show, Brian chose 311 Day 2022. “Having just discovered the community that existed online in 2019, this was my first real chance to get to meet everyone and soak it all in after so many years of fandom and wishing I could go.  Next up once the kids get a little older is hopefully attending my first cruise at some point!”

There are a few other shows that also stand out to Brian, one of them being his second show which was Mississippi Nights in St. Louis for the Soundsystem tour. “I was determined to meet the band so I stood out in the cold for 3 hours post show and Pnut and Nick finally came out. There was also that time in Iowa where I lost a shoe in a bush when Nick came out of the bus as I hustled over –  and we then got hit with a huge thunderstorm pre show and a group of us hung out in the oil change shop next door to wait it out – and somehow ended up interviewing a kid for a job there. Memories I wouldn’t trade for the world…..lol.”

For a favorite song, Brian said that “Dodging Raindrops” means a lot to him because he, like many of us, works through and lives with anxiety daily. ” “Dodging Raindrops” means so much to me for that reason, especially at the time in my life that it came out – having just lost my mom, celebrating the birth of my first child and coming to terms with my anxiety as a result.”

Aside from the popular lyric, “Stay positive and love your life,” Brian also has a verse from “Stainless” that he loves: ““Be sure, a discouraging word will be heard, It doesn’t matter what they will say, The naysayers will do what they do But to thine own self be true.” Brian said, “It’s a constant reminder to focus on that positive vs. the negative and do what makes you happy.”

Brian grew up in Decatur, Illinois, and spent the majority of his life there. Then in 2006 he moved to Minneapolis. “It was great growing up there because I was equal distance from St. Louis and Chicago and could hit back-to-back tour nights for most bands!  My wife and I have two kids (Brielle, 7 and Brice, 6).  To fund my habit, I manage Patient Relations for a large healthcare system here in the Twin Cities and also currently work a few hours a week at Walmart for fun money.”

What makes Brian stand out is all the endeavors he’s a part of in the 311 community. “From helping admin in the Merch Xchange to starting the 311 Nation Facebook group with Courtney in 2023, which has now grown to an astounding 6.5k members!  In addition, I also host the Offbeat Podcast along with Jacob and we’re closing in on almost 50 total episodes in 2025!  I just love giving back to the community and helping to facilitate these beacons of positivity for folks to connect and share their stories.”

Fun fact about Brian is that he’s part of the only child club! Other than that he said he’s an open book. Something that makes him unique is that he still eats like a teenager! “My diet consists mainly of chicken tendies (shout out Zach McConnell lol) and fast food.  Now that I’m 44, my cholesterol reminds me yearly that I really need to change this habit!”

Guilty pleasure for Brian, he loves to watch most sports and loses annually at fantasy football. Outside of that, he consumes way too much nightly news. He also binge watches “Gold Rush” and the “Fargo” TV series when it’s on.

As for other music Brian can be found listening to, the list he said could be endless. To name a few, the list includes Ballyhoo!, Bumpin’ Uglies, Blue October, Less Thank Jake, Papa Roach, Mest, Lucky Boys Confusion, and NOFX.

For what Brian would say to the members of 311, he said it’s pretty standard but it’s Thank You. “Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for us fans and promoting a community of unity along with an attitude of gratitude.”

Now here are Brian’s words to all his fellow fans:

“Be good to each other and be reminded that everyone is going through something and fighting their own battles, even if you can’t see it.  Lift each other up in those moments where it’s hard to stay positive.  Take time to try to understand each other and their point of view. I hope to see you all out on the road at some point this year or in Vegas in 2026!”

Many thanks to Brian for sharing his story with us all! And of course, super thanks to all that read these posts. Sending you all positivity and prosperity!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome friends to the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! This week, let’s get the story from Kevin Kross!

When Kevin was 13 years old, his older cousin Bruce handed his keys over to him and told him to go listen to the CD in his truck. “It was the Transistor album. I was hooked immediately.”

Kevin has seen 311 a total of 52 times. Last show for him was in June 2024 when he finally got to see them at Red Rocks. First show for him was at the Louisville Palace, July 28, 2003. “Something Corporate was the opener.” As for a favorite show, Kevin said it was 311 Day 2006 in Memphis. “Spiritual event that one.”

As for a favorite song, Kevin said he thinks the answer has changed over the years. Right now, he went with “Galaxy.” A lyric that resonates with him is: “Between Mars and Jupiter there’s a gap for another planet now way back yeah maybe a mad man just blew the shit out of it.”

Lexington, Kentucky is where Kevin is from. He grew up playing instruments. “311 really inspired me to get into bands and use my gifts for performance. I studied theatre in college and graduated from Morehead State University with an Arts/Acting focus. I ended up taking some film classes after I graduated with the intent to shoot short films and music videos for the music the I was writing at the time. All that led me to Nashville to form a band called Static Headz in 2015. We had some success and released a full length album in 2021. Music has been my passion for the majority of my life and I owe a huge gratitude to the music and inspiration of 311.”

Fun fact about Kevin is that he can beat box really well! “I actually got to beat box in front of 311 in Cincinnati, and the guys all loved it.” He’s also a hip hop artist. ” I have two full length albums out. Vocabulary Dragon and Anxious Always. I can rap fast. Real fast.”

Guilty pleasure for Kevin is that he enjoys the hell out of trash T.V. “My fiancé and I are suckers for Love Island.” Other than 311, Kevin can be found listening to bands like Periphery, Deftones, Billy Strings, Stephen Wilson Jr, Architects, Yelawolf, Rittz, and NF.

To 311, Kevin sends this message: “311 has been with me the majority of my life in some form. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to experience their art in many aspects of my life. So I would like to say thank you.”

Now here’s his message to all the other fans out there:

“311 Nation is a special group of people. Everyone I’ve come to know over the years has been so cool. Go check out some of my music. I think you’d all dig it 😉.”

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Thank you Kevin for sharing your story with us all! As always, many thanks to all the readers each post. Hope you all are well and living your best lives. Until next time!

Much Love – The Runt

Well hello there Excitable family! Welcome to another fan spotlight. This week, let’s meet Kali Purcell!

The age of 19 is when Kali became a fan of 311. She was introduced to the band through a friend of hers, and she still goes to shows with him. “We were sitting in his apartment with some friends and listening to music, playing video games and I heard Prisoner come on. Halfway through I said “ok who the hell is this band?!” After that it was all down hill from there.” She loves their music because it’s a mix of hard and easy listening. “I prefer the more easy listening but I don’t discriminate. The music speaks when I need to hear it the most regardless if I purposely pick a song or just to have it on shuffle.”

Shortly after hearing 311 for the first time, Kali was invited to her first 311 Day, 2004 in New Orleans. “Which was my first 311 day AND my first ever 311 show. I went with a group and let me tell you I have NEVER been ever to top that show and personally I don’t think I want to. It holds a special place in my heart for many reasons.” As for show count, Kali believes she is around 28-29 after this last 311 Day in Vegas.

Favorite song for her Kali said has to be “Eons.” “As someone who struggles on a daily basis with depression and just all around stress. Eons speaks to me the most. Eons talks about internal battles, compromise, and the frustrations when relationships and circumstances feel imbalanced. The lyrics to me explain the struggles of navigating through personal challenges and dealing with the people who make those difficulties larger than they need to be. I relate to this song a lot because I am a pretty crafty person so when I am in my craft room at first it feels like I have a heavily burdened, brain but as I create it becomes lighter. The chorus talks about the internal struggles that people face and how unaware of the challenges people battle. I often hide myself and motivations when I am struggling so I listen to Eon’s to remind me that it’s ok to be quiet when you’re struggling that’s what helps you get through it. Ok ok enough sadness.”

Kali was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but has lived in “Hotlanta” Georgia most of her life. She has two younger brothers, Brandon & Brian, and she’s turning 40 this year. “No I don’t care about turning 40…. It’s just a number and my 30’s were amazing!!! I am married to my best friend Danny. Sometimes I don’t know why he puts up with me but I adore him for doing so. We built a house in Rockmart Ga 3 years ago on 5 1/2 acres. Don’t worry… Rockmart is NW of Atlanta out in the boonies.”

Kali has two fur babies, Freckles and Toothless, and they are “foxie doxies.” She also has two amazing bonus daughters, Zoe and Alex, “Zoe is 24 and gave me a grand daughter last year her name is Ryder. Alex is 28 and she has a PHD in microbiology from UGA. They are both AMAZING women and I’ve enjoyed helping them grow. My husband flys for the airforce and works for Gatorade as his civilian job. He plans to retire from both jobs this year and it’s well deserved. I work for a bank on their mortgage side running an appraisal desk. My husband says I am a “groupie” because I haven’t been to so many shows…. And then I got picked for this so now I have “super groupie” status. I don’t think he knows what a groupie is honestly.”

Kali and her husband LOVE to travel! ” If it wasn’t for my husband I wouldn’t be sitting in France right now writing this. Unfortunately since my husband is in the military he hasn’t been to any shows but he does love to listen to 311 with me and hopefully next year he will come to a show. My brother Brian wellll let’s just say he has been to 3 but never made it inside, for various reasons.”

Fun fact about Kali, she is a country line dancer! “That’s actually how I met my husband. And no, it’s not square dancing for all of you who don’t know.” Something that makes her unique Kali said is that she just considers herself “ME.” “What you get is what you see. I don’t pretend to be someone I am not. I am a great listener and advice giver, which can tend to be a downfall sometimes because I take on a lot of my friends problems as my own and put mine on the back burner. I’m learning to make that more level. My friends and family are important to me and they help me be we’ll more ME! Ohhhh and I also make one heck of a cheesecake so I am hoping to open a little cheesecake business this year.”

Guilty pleasure for Kali is collecting plants. She has around 15 different plants and counting. When not listening to 311, she can be found listening to artists like Dirty Heads, Iration, Rebelution, Stick Figure, and Teddy Swims, just to name a few. “I am very open to music so I have a lot of different artists that I listen to.”

For her message to 311, Kali would like to say: “Thank you! Thank you for music to live by, to get through hard times, to share with other people. Thank you for being yourselves and bringing so many people together due to your music and the way of life.”

Now here is her message to all the other 311 fans out there:

“NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Keep fighting. A bad day is just that…a bad day. Don’t unpack & live there. Everything happens for a reason, you may not know that reason but keep on keepin’ on. Lean on this community when you feel you have no one. You are truly never alone in this world.”

Many thanks to Kali for sharing her story with us! Also my eternal gratitude to the readers each time. May you all have an amazing week and sending positive vibes to everyone who needs them.

Much Love – The Runt

Happy New Year my excitable friends! It’s 2025 and time to get to more 311 fan spotlights. Let’s meet Gabriela Lopez!

Gabriela’s love for 311 comes from her best friends/partner in crime Erin, who is an OG Excitable One.  “I can’t thank her enough for the introduction. I still remember her showing me Enlarge to show detail in 7th grade and despite watching that VHS over and over I was still in my boyband era *sigh*. It wasn’t until summer 2000 when i borrowed her Soundsystem CD and boom I was hooked! I live and breathe that album it holds a special place in my heart and helped distract me from all the negativity that was happening in my household at the time. The grooves/lyrics/vibes was perfection. Who wouldn’t get down with 311.”

Exact number of shows Gabriela has attended she has lost count of, but she believes it’s over 200 including several 311 Day’s and this year will be her 5th cruise. First show for her was July 1, 2000, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Irvine, California. “The openers were Incubus and Kottonmouth Kings.”

For favorite show, there are a few that stand out to Gabriela. “The Halloween show at Universal Amphitheater 10/31/2001 with Alien Ant Farm dressed as Oompa Loompas as the opener, the Creatures for awhile video shoot in 2003. I was able to share that experience with my best friends from middle school. Which made that day even more special. Pow Wow in Florida. The Jamaica/Soundsystem Cruise was a highlight and an emotional one nonetheless. Seeing my favorite band 311 in Hawaii was an experience I will never forget and can cross Hawaii off my bucket list. How surreal.” For a song that means the most to her, Gabriela said that her all time go to’s are “Strong All Along” and “I’ll Be Here A While.”

Gabriela was born and raised in the small town of Azusa, California, where she said everyone knows everyone. She met her best friend/sister/311 ride or die in the 7th grade. “Because of her we’ve encountered and continue to make many memorable 311 memories. Every show is like experiencing 311 for the first time live. It’s always a good ol time, singing and dancing our young hearts away.”

Gabriela worked at In N’ Out Burger in her early years and now she is a care provider for the state. “I’ve always wanted to work with the elderly as I believe everyone deserves a companion until the very end. I’m a mom to a beautiful 14 year old daughter who everyone calls my mini and a cat mom to our Blue Russian Gilly.”

Fun fact about Gabriela is that she’s pretty good at word searches. “Always have ever since I was a little girl. I can look up multiple words at once and am quick too.” Guilty pleasure for her is rewatching the movies “Goodfellas” and “Casino” and she doesn’t get tired of it. “I also got into collecting Funkos and keeping them in their original packaging. So far I’ve got about 30. The most recent 3 I purchased were Tommy, Jimmy and Henry from Goodfellas.”

For other music that Gabriela is into, the list includes “Future Islands (I was very excited to know P-Nut was a fan too), Reggie and the Full Effect, New Found Glory, Jungle, The Altons, Thee Sacred Souls, Last Dinosaurs, Jackie Mendez, Passafire, The Strokes, Stick Figure, Rebelution, Iration, Los Yesterdays, Banda Machos, Eslabon Armado, Vicente Fernandez and of course old school lowrider oldies.”

To 311, Gabriela has this message: “Thank you for helping me through my teen years.”

Now her message to all her fellow 311 fans:

“Can’t wait to rock out with y’all at the next show!”

Big thank you to Gabriela for sharing her story with us all! And of course my gratitude to all those who read these posts each time. Hope you are all starting 2025 off right and sending so many positive vibes to you all!

Much Love, The Runt

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!”

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…”

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