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.”

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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!”

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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!”

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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