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

Well hello my friends out there in 311 nation! Are we ready for the latest fan spotlight? This week let’s get the story from Cathi Bartling!

While Cathi was aware of 311, she didn’t really get a lot of exposure to them until she saw them at the Milwaukee Summerfest in 2008. While she saw them a few times after that, she pinpoints 311 Day 2014 as when she really became a fan. “We walked into Pizza by the Slice on Bourbon St. when “Unity” was playing, and the entire place was unhinged and everyone was dancing and singing. On that day I learned how much the music brought people together.  Since then we have met so many great people and made so many friends all because of a common interest in a band.  So I guess I will say that I love the music, but a big part of that is the family that the music has created over the years.”

Exact count of how many shows she’s attended, Cathi is unsure of, but it’s somewhere in the 20-30 range. She’s been to 311 Day in 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2024. As for a favorite, she can’t pick just one, but obviously based on how she really became a fan 311 Day 2014 stands out among them. Also 311 Day 2020, “just because of how utterly surreal it was.”

Favorite song for Cathi, it depends on her mood that day. ” If I am running, it’s probably going to be “Hive” or “Unity.” If I am more in a comtemplative mood, it might be “Running” or “Use of Time”.  Tim on “Taiyed” is just amazing.” Favorite lyric though, that she could narrow down: “This moment is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”

North Central Wisconsin, Merrill to be exact, is where Cathi grew up. She is the youngest of 5 children. She attended UW Green Bay for her undergrad degree and then attended law school at UW Madison. “After graduating law school, my boyfriend and I moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin in 2007 and have lived here ever since.  I am employed as an attorney in a small law office in Milwaukee, and my practice consists primarily of family law, estate planning, and real estate transactions with other miscellaneous areas of law thrown in for good measure.  My boyfriend, Brad, and I have been together for almost 20 years, and we have two dogs, Gibson and Aldo.”

Cathi said she probably has too many hobbies. Some of them are running, biking, hunting, fishing, shooting sporting clays, camping, cooking, drinking craft beer, and going to concerts. When she was younger she was a gymnast! She also enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Fun fact about Cathi is that up until 311 Day 2014, she had not traveled outside of the upper mid-west. And she’s never flown on a commercial plane. “I still don’t have a passport.” As for what makes her unique, she said that when people find out she hunts, fishes, and shoots sporting clays that many are very surprised. “I don’t think that is an expectation many people have when they come in to meet with a female lawyer.”

Guilty pleasure for Cathi is watching romance and rom-com on Netflix and Hulu. “I think they provide a really good escape from what I deal with on a day to day basis with work.  I utterly love “Bridgerton” and a I am totally not a sentimental, touchy-feely kind of person.”

As for other artists that Cathi loves, the list includes The Movement, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Surfer Girl, Tool, RATM, Less than Jake, Little Stranger, Jack White, The Elovaters, RHCP, Jerry Cantrell, and Tropidelic.  

For a message to 311, Cathi has this question: “Las Vegas is great, but maybe for 2026 could 311 Day go somewhere else so I could visit the world?”

Now here is her message to all her fellow fans:

“Just be nice to each other.  Life is short, and it doesn’t make sense to spend it being a jerk to the people around you.”

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Tons of thanks to Cathi for sharing her story with us all! Per the usual, my gratitude to all who read each week. Hope you all have an excellent week. Keep being the good souls that you are!

Much Love – The Runt

Happy July my Excitable friends! Who wants to meet a new 311 fan spotlight? Let’s get the story from Steve Ghio!

Steve heard the blue album singles on the radio and that was his intro to 311. While “Down” was overplayed on the stations, he never got tired of the other singles. “Saw the video for Homebrew on RAGE TV Boston and it was different in a cool way. Enjoyed the singles I heard from Transistor and Soundsystem. Once I heard “From Chaos” I finally decided I needed to see them in concert.”

Steve recently did a count of shows attended and he believes he’s at 99. First show for him was October 4th, 2001, at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. As for his favorite show/event, Steve said that 311 Day 2014 was truly a turning point in his life. “I went solo only knowing of one other person going and made so many new lifelong friends.  4 strangers sharing a groove on Bourbon Street ended up sharing a cabin on Cruise 4.  If it wasn’t for meeting JP, Ryan and Mimi I may not have gotten hooked on going on the cruises.  The main reason I made my first trip to Colorado to Red Rocks in 2019 was due to meeting Eddie, Preston and the Utah crew on Bourbon Street in 2014.  I was walking around solo a day early and they were the only other 311 people that were also there early.  They welcomed me into their crew and it really set the tone for the trip.  Flash forward to 2019, I had tickets but nothing else planned for Colorado.  Eddie was going and reached out to me.  He picked me up from the airport, gave me a place to stay and we also saw some awesome street murals in Denver.  This is how welcoming the fan base is.  Whenever someone is on the fence about going to a show solo whether a local show or a big event I will always say go.  You are very likely to have a great time and make new friends.”

Picking just one song that means the most to him proved difficult for Steve. He loves “Still Dreaming” and really loves hearing it live. Another choice for him is “There’s Always an Excuse.” “Initially it wasn’t a favorite but when they played it at 311 Day 2008 that changed my outlook on the song.”

Some lyrics that resonate with Steve include “From chaos comes clarity” and he said it got him to buy his first 311 show ticket. He also loves “Stay positive and love your life.” “Great overall message.”

Worcester County, Massachusetts, is where Steve grew up. The local radio station WAAF 107.3 really shaped his musical taste, along with another station WBCN 104.1. He started going to concerts in 1996 and was hooked after his first show, which was Localpalooza in 1996 with God Lives Underwater. “In order to fund my concert adventures I got my first job as a bagger at Market Basket.  I graduated college from Clark University and got a job as a computer programmer for a medical software company.  I am very fortunate that my job is very accommodating to my 311 related vacation requests.  My main hobbies are going to concerts and photography along with hiking, geocaching and bird watching.”

Fun fact about Steve, he tries to take at least one photo every day. “I have done this every day starting June 1st 2011.  However I have not posted/uploaded all these photos.” Something that makes Steve unique is his laugh. “I am not sure how it came to be but it’s something that is noticeable about me.”

Steve’s main hobby is going to concerts. He also helps run a Facebook group called Ticket Presale Codes, which helps people find the universal presale codes for events. ” I also have a Youtube channel called “Steve’s Concert Corner” where I post a good amount of video clips from all the concerts I go to.” For guilty pleasure. Steve is hooked on older shows from the Fox network. “I didn’t have cable growing up so I got hooked on FOX TV shows like “Married with Children”, “The Simpsons”, “In Living Color” and “Beverly Hills 90210”.  I recorded about 95% of the Married with Children on VHS and had an episode checklist.   Favorite episode is “I’ll shop around.”

For other musicians besides 311, Steve loves the sounds from Sevendust, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, RATM, RHCP, QOTSA, Green Day, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, RdGldGrn, Tropidelic, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Letters to Cleo, Beastie Boys, Godsmack, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Shinedown, Royal Blood, Dilated Peoples, Evidence, and many many more. 

To 311, Steve has this message: “Keep going.  As long as you keep touring we will see you on the road.”

And now here is his message to all his fellow fans:

“In 2012 I randomly met Kelly and Keith in the parking lots at a Godsmack / Shinedown concert.  I was wearing a 311 shirt and Kelly was rocking some 311 wristbands.  We became instant friends and they introduced me to the 311 facebook community.  This also included inviting me to the 311 New England group. Joining these communities has led to so many friendships and for that I am always grateful.  Special thanks to all the friends I have met in this community.  

My best advice to any 311 fan is to get connected with the 311 community and seek out the local 311 groups where you live.  

Also, If you get a chance to go to a 311 Day / 311 Cruise or another special 311 event, go!.  Go to any of the preparties and if the Unity All Stars are playing check them out.”

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Super big thanks to Steve for sharing his story with us all! Always, my gratitude to anyone who reads this little blog each post. Hope you all have an amazing week and hope to see some of you at a show soon!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! Who wants to meet a new fan spotlight? Well all of you if you came here lol. Let’s get the story of Jamie Shelley!

Jamie’s love of 311 started when her brothers friend played them for her one night, right after they first came onto the scene. She was about 11 at the time.

As for show count, she isn’t sure of the total. First show for her was at Edgefest in Dallas, Texas, at the Starplex back in 2000. She went with her friend Justin Congi. As for a favorite show, Jamie said the one that changed her life was 311 Day 2018. “That was when I decided I was going to make the trip to Vegas with 6 strangers.”

As for song that means the most to her, Jamie said it’s “All Mixed Up.” “Just because with all the mistakes and choices I’ve made in my life I don’t regret a single one because it’s made me who I am today and I always bet on myself.”

As for lyric, Jamie chose as her favorite most of all as “Bet on yourself now star, cause that’s your best bet.” She also loves “Spirit on the run, I’m an alien.” ” Because who wants  to fit in. I live to be different and unique.  And  of course there’s Stay positive  and love your life because  being positive has brought a lot of joy to my life and when you’re happy that positivity can bring others happiness.”

Jamie was born in New Orleans but then adopted when she was only 6 weeks old. So she grew up in Dallas, Texas, until she was 20 and she moved to Indiana. For work, she’s done a variety of jobs to fund her love of concerts and festivals, but the best job she had to support her love of travel was making semiconductors. “That came to an end at the beginning of 2023 a few months before  my first 311 Cruise. I am not working at Blue Buffalo and making all the excitables pet food. This has been a great opportunity for me to grow and fund more 311 adventures.”

Jamie loves doing random acts of kindness without people knowing it was her. “Just to see someone smile and feel happy and loved in the moment makes my soul shine.” Her personality is what makes her unique, as she is just really happy and outgoing. ” I try to bring love and happiness to others around me. Something I’m great at is just being there and present for my friends and family.”

For a guilty pleasure. Jamie said that watching reality T.V. is it for her. “From Jersey shore to any of the Real Housewife franchise or Below Deck. ( I have a problem lol ).” When not listening to 311, she can be found jamming to RDGLDGRN, Bikini Trill, Prof, DEMN, Tropidelic, and Palmer Squares, just to name a few. “To be honest my music taste is all over the place.”

For a message to the guys of 311, Jamie has these words: “THANK YOU A MILLION times for your music your positivity and  introducing me to my best friend Daphne Stwart and my Slut Muffins and to all the other excitables I’ve met and love.”

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

“To all the excitables I’ve met and haven’t ( I hope we meet soon be ready for a hug and high 5)  Thank you for being you and showing up for our community. Just remember you are never alone. You are loved you are amazing  Stay Positive and LOVE your life.”

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Super big thank you to Jamie for sharing her story with us all! And as always, my big love and thanks to all the readers each post. I hope you all have a great week and remember to smile at someone you think needs it!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there my friends in the 311 nation! Here we have the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! Let’s meet Patrick Meade!

There was a MTV buzz clip for the song “Down” and that’s how Pat first heard of 311. “Was hooked from then on (‘96). That got me to grab the blue album and then grassroots and music. Just never heard a band with that kind of mixed style and creative flow. I just fell in love.”

Show count for Patrick is sitting at 137. First show ever was at Great Woods in Mansfield, Massachusetts during the Transistor Tour when they played with Jurassic 5.

As for a favorite show, Pat said 311 Day 2004 takes the top spot. “It was my first 311 Day show and I was already down in New Orleans going to UNO for my junior year. Seeing 68 songs and the energy they displayed throughout the entire show and the encode of “Paradise”….It truly was paradise.”

For a song that really means a lot to him, Patrick chose “Sun Come Through.” “Whenever I’m down or confused that song would lift me up and resonate with me!”

As for lyrics, well Pat has quite a few that he said resonate with him:  

• “It’s all right to feel good It’s all right for nothing to be wrong The deepest dream that we have could be tomorrow’s song”
• “I go a yard and a mile to make you  smileBut then I’m happy see I got so many ways to make your gaze elliptical”
• “Everything I eat is from the Earth, right?I am what I eat, straight up Earth, right? Nothing but a walking sack of Earth Nice to meet you, how do ya do? Guess what, ya, you’re one too”
• “I choose a rocky ass path but that’s how I like it Life’s a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike”
• “’Cause I’m water and carbon and not much else. I felt compunction. Conjunction junction what’s your function”
• “So you try to act tough and hide what’s inside Hold your head high, gettin fucked up and throwin’ dice As bad as yours–and and bad enough I’m sure My heart wants to love but must navigate through war”
• “Massive laminate fortress Hazy cannabis porches Saying no to the bores It’s not mine nor yours then I said The wait it sucks, I don’t mind waiting Once you get here, there’s no more gates and I gotta say”
• “I can’t free myself of the suspicion for your motives on your mission some people live for the rules I live for exceptions can’t take part in the deception but I know just how it feels to wanna blow the world awayjust to get to what is real”
• “Serendipitous, my travels throughout time I grab a moment like a thief And then I make it mine”
• “In life there are times when nothing will rhyme there are days I slip when I know I should climb breakin’ the vows I swore I’d never breaka harsh word, a white lie easy to mistake where have you been? haven’t you noticed? there’s no map that exists to point us out of this“
• “Some days it seems it’s not worth it The fight in me is all gone And I’m not trying to be perfect But just get one damn thing done Before I lose control I pick myself up off the floor“
• “I’ve come to say, we’re here to stay Utopian way we’ll play today We’ve got the drive, we are so live Won’t take a dive, we’re gonna thrive We got a condition called ambition.”

Norwood, Massachusetts, is where Patrick grew up and he’s pretty much been there his whole life, minus the year in New Orleans. He’s traveled all over the country, visiting 43 out of the 50 states. ” North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas are still on the list for me! Can’t wait to make it to all soon! I have driven cross country from Ma to San Diego, Ma to Utah and Ma. to New Orleans and enjoyed every minute of those travels! Of course they were all for 311 and college football games 😉. ”

Pat is a passionate college football fan and loves all different teams and conferences. “I especially love rooting for one of the worst in the country: our Minutemen of Umass! Lol. Planning on making a Hawaii trip in 2026 if Umass still keeps that independent game on their schedule! Fingers 🤞. Besides traveling I love being active outdoors hiking and enjoy playing basketball. Craft “beering” when traveling is also a must for me! Nothing like the endless creations and options all states have to offer. Other than that I’m a simple dude.”

Fun fact about Pat, he once ran onto the outfield at a Pawtucket Red Sox game and was tackled by the left fielder because it was taking security too long to catch him. “Ahh the good old Drunkin stupid stuff days.” Another thing about him is he can name on spot every single Division 1 College teams nicknames, 362 total. ” Lol I really don’t know how much of a talent that is but that’s all I got.”

For a guilty pleasure, Patrick loves watching “Seinfeld.” “I can watch it everyday all day! Also a Very underrated and Hilarious show I can watch just as much is Frasier (seriously it’s awesome!).”

As for other music that Patrick can be found listening to, the list includes Primus, Rob Zombie, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, 3 Days Grace, Seether, Weezer, System of a Down, Papa Roach, and Incubus.

For his message to 311, Patrick chose these words: “Thanks for all the amazing memories and for all the effort you guys have put in to the shows and albums! Definitely a part of my life that’s for sure! Oh and Nick, bring back the duo guitar on “Transistor”!!!! I miss that.”

Now here are his words to all his fellow 311 fans:

“To all the fans out there, keep doing you! I Have met so many of you and can’t say one bad thing! Have had so many great and interesting conversations and can’t wait to continue many more for years to come :)”

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Big thanks to Patrick for sharing his story with the world! Of course, my eternal thanks to everyone who reads this little blog. Hope you all have the best week! Sending you all some happiness and sunshine.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome my friends in 311 nation! It’s time we meet a new fan spotlight! Let’s get to the story of Justin Gunn!

Right out of high school in the early 2000’s is when Justin discovered 311. “I graduated 2001 was a late bloomer to everything in life my parents were pretty sheltering so when I graduated I kinda went a little wild for a while and fell into a group that listened too 311 I absolutely fell in love with the positive messages and the sound from them.”

As for show count, Justin said he really never kept track of it. He does know that any time 311 comes to New England, he is usually there. He’s also been at the last two 311 Day events and on cruise 7. “I believe my first show was in Burlington VT in 2001.”

As for a favorite show or event, Justin said that by far it was the cruise. “What an amazing experience. Before that it was it was 2017 in Hampton beach. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and saw miT walking down the back stairs and he was so cool and talked to me for a bit and took a selfy with me and my buddy.”

There are a few favorite songs for Justin, because each album came out in a different part of his life. However, the one that really means the most to him is “Dodging Raindrops.” “The meaning really hits home for me I love being in my comfort zone and staying home or places I’m comfortable in. In the past 5 years I have really started to travel and do more outside of my comfort zone and I am truly glad I have.”

Some of Justin’s favorite lyrics include: “I know the storm is only mental,” “This moment is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present,” and “You’ve got to trust your instincts, and let go of regret.”

Justin was born in 1982 in Casper, Wyoming. He moved to New Hampshire when he was 7. “My dad was from Reading, MA, and my grandparents had a cabin on Newfound Lake. My dad always loved that area so we moved to Bristol, NH, and I have been there since.” His parents are about to hit 50 years married and he has a younger brother. Both Justin and his brother are adopted, from different families.

Justin was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and dispersion. Being a kid in the 90’s he was on a variety of different medications. “In school I was kinda one of those guys that never fit into 1 click but I was know l known by everyone I was in sports, theater, music lots of extra curriculum stuff after school. Graduated 2001 in the middle of my class. After school I started getting exposed to the real world I was very sheltered in my child years. Fast forward to 2007 I kinda don’t like 2001-2007 years. One of my friends was looking for roommates and I knew this girl Ashley from work but didn’t really know her but her and myself moved into a mutual friends house and at a party we threw one night we hooked up and we have been married for 17 years now with 2 beautiful children 2 girls Koral, 15, and Willow, 10.”

Justin has worked for Walmart for 20 years, working his way up the ranks to salary management. “I ended up stepping down from that position 4 years ago. I currently live in the house behind where I grew up, my kids go to the same school I went to and have some of the same teachers I did. It’s one of those really cool things in my opinion that doesn’t happen very often. 3 years ago I opened my own corn hole league and ran that for 2.5 years until it got too toxic for me. Currently my obsessions are cooking and grilling, my family and golf, we also love going to our cabin during the summer that’s our happy place. About 4 months ago I was in a pretty dark place for a long time so I finally to a leap and got put on anti depressants and started therapy today, I feel like my old happy fun self again.”

Interesting fact about Justin is that he can make balloon animals! He also really loves to cook, as mentioned above. “I have always had a passion for it and I have multiple friends abs family all the time telling me I should open some sort of food business.” Guilty pleasure for him, he really loves to watch T.V. series.

Justin has always been really drawn to music, liking pretty much most genres except country. He loves 90’s stuff, especially Blink-182. Other artists he loves include Little Stranger, Dirty Heads, Ballyhoo!, and Tropidelic. “I also love island music.”

To 311, Justin would like to say: “Thanks for the great music but what I am truly thankful for is the family they have created with their music. I have so many friends that I would not have and these aren’t just like Facebook friends these are Tru friends that live all over the world. And I am very appreciative of that.”

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

“I would like to say to all the Excitables is if your struggling with mental health reach out to a friend a family member a Healthcare professional anything. I know its scary and out of your comfort zone but you need to take care of your self and you will be happier if you take that first step trust me from personal experience. Like we always say love your life.”

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Thank you Justin for sharing your story! As always, so much gratitude to all the readers each post as well. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt