Welcome back 311 nation! Time marches on here in 2021, I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Let’s get to this week’s fan spotlight shall we? Meet Kathleen Patricia!
Kathleen was about 13 when she heard the funky sounds of 311 on the radio. She didn’t go to a lot of live shows growing up. “As I got older and more established in life, I found that live music was a game changer and the people who come with that.”
First 311 show for Kathleen was back in 2012. “I had just finished my Master’s degree in clinical Psych and a very dear friend of mine and longtime fan (Kristina Muthart) bought me a ticket on the cruise that year. We had an amazing time and met the most amazing people. Since then I have been to some 30 plus shows.”
Naturally picking a favorite show is difficult. Kathleen said she loves the cruise and being out on the ocean traveling. However a close second for her was the time she decided last minute to travel to Wisconsin and go to a show by herself. “I bought a ticket and jumped in the car around 4pm and drove a couple hours. I must have run into 10 friends when I got there, no better feeling than that. 311 played a really fun set that show it was not the rare cuts or special show tactics they are known for at events; but I still stood next to my friends and sang every word and had an amazing time.”
Song that means the most to Kathleen? “Stealing Happy Hours would be my answer for today, I feel like this is so important.” As for favorite lyric, she chose “Stay positive and love your life.” “Because of my profession and passion for helping others I feel it is so important to get the most out of this life that you can.”
Kathleen grew up as a military brat, moving around quite a lot. “We were stationed in RI for a few years when I was born then IL then Iceland then New Mexico and then when military life was over we moved to Cicero, IL and few other towns after that but still in IL.” She currently works in mental health in the ER as her full time gig, and part time at a private practice. “The one thing I really look forward to when I am having a rough time at work is a show or a 311 vacation. It is such a reminder that self care, friends, and music are so important. Especially now with all that is happening in the world. I cant wait till we can see live shows again.”
In Kathleen’s spare time, she loves to write poetry. “I recently published a book. Kat’s little Black Book According to the Zodiac.” As for something that makes her unique, she phoned a friend to see what they would say and the answer was this: “Your ability to look outside yourself and put yourself in other people’s shoes.”
Guilty pleasure for Kathleen is painting. “I am not great at it but I love it. One of my guilty pleasures is watching Bob Ross and learning new techniques.” When not listening to 311, she can be found grooving to Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Ballyhoo!, Bumpin Uglies, and RDGLDGRN to name a few. “My playlist gets more diverse from there Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, CCR, and sometimes a good 90’s alternative playlist is in order.”
Kathleen would like to tell the members of 311 this message: “Thank you for the music and the community.”
Now here are her words to all the other fans out there:
“I can’t say enough about how amazing you guys are! Thank you for sharing the music, the dance floor space and singing at the top of your lungs. I think that is my favorite part of being in a room full of 311 fans is hearing the whole room sing.”
Thank you Kathleen for sharing your story! Many, many thanks as always to all the continuous support of this project as well. Hope you all have an amazing week. Keep sending out love to the world!
Here we are again Excitable nation! Another fan spotlight is upon us. This week let’s hear the story of Hannah McKernan!
The first song Hannah heard was “All Mixed Up” when she was on her way to the swimming pool at the Miramar Navy base that she visited at least once a week while her father was stationed in San Diego. “It was instantly my favorite song at that time! I was in the 6th grade at the time and trying to figure out who I was and who I was becoming at that time. Because we moved a lot being a Navy Brat, my life was basically about constant change and readjusting.”
Hannah doesn’t specifically remember what drew her in and make her become such a big fan, but she does remember that after she heard that first song and it ended, she just wanted more. “All I wanted to do was sit by the radio and record it on a blank cassette every time I caught it on the radio! I sat on my bed and listened to it over and over…wrote down the words and sang it till it had it memorized! Didn’t taken long! Then I wanted to hear more and learn more about them! My mom let me buy the “Blue” album and that was it! No more Hanson, 311 was my band!”
For show count, Hannah has lost count of her exact number. “My birthday is July 30th and they are always in New England around that time (I live in Maine), so my boyfriend and I will typically catch every show we can in the area, or at least see one closest to us! We’ve been together 11 years and have done this since we met!” First show was at the State Theater in Portland, Maine, with Hoobastank as the opener.
Like many fans, each show has a special place in Hannah’s heart. With that said, there are two shows that specifically stand out to Hannah as ones that are her favorites. “
The first would be when I saw them in New Hampshire, they were playing with Sublime with Rome and we had meet and greet tickets for Sublime with Rome! We were a little late getting there so we had to wait in what looked like a break area/lunch room for staff and bands. I look behind me and NICK HEXUM IS GRABBING A WATER!!! I couldn’t believe it! I had DREAMED of this day since the first time I heard them! I asked my boyfriend if it would be rude to ask him for a picture since he was probably on a break or something and he said “when do you think you’ll get this opportunity again?!” and it was the best decision I ever made! He was absolutely willing and happy to do it! I treasure that photo! It reminds me that he is true to the music he writes and performs! Full of positivity and it radiates! The second would be when they performed at Thompson’s Point in Portland Maine while on tour with Matisyahu! When 311 came on it was starting to get dark, and by the time they were on their last few songs, all the boats that were in the water (because they were literally performing on the pier…best setting EVER for a 311 show) at the time were all either blowing their horns in support and a few even set off fireworks!! It was AMAZING! Again, it just radiated their message is being heard and is at its height during those couple hours! The message they spread about positivity just spills through the crowd and the energy is endless!”
A song that Hannah holds dear to her heart is “Beautiful Disaster.” “I have always said that this song was written for me!” There are many lyrics that help remind her to stay positive, and that’s one reason she loves the band so much. However she does have “From chaos comes clarity” tattooed on her right foot. ” I truly don’t think there’s a more statement! At the time when I got the tattoo it was a very chaotic point in my life! However as soon as I was able to see through the chaos and actually get a taste of my freedom and feel myself regaining my I’m independence back, I knew I needed that somewhere on me to remind me to ALWAYS stay positive, and despite how crazy/chaotic and as unpredictable life can be….try to stay as positive as possible and clarity will follow! I truly believe that!”
Like Hannah mentioned earlier, she is a Navy brat so she had many opportunities to travel when she was younger. “
Though mostly at a younger age, we moved every 2-3 years until I became a junior in high school and my dad decided to do his last tour in Virginia on his own and let us continue to reside in Maine so I could finish high school! Where we spent most of our time in California between San Diego and Monterey, I was also able to experience places like Seattle Washington, which is why I think 90’s grunge/alternative is my go to genre! Denver Colorado and few other states so very short amounts of time! As for funding my 311 habit, I’ve been VERY lucky to have them perform in the New England area every year around my birthday so my tickets are usually gifted to me! All my friends and family are well aware of my fandom! I consider March 11th a holiday and we celebrate every year :-)”
When asked if there’s anything people don’t know about her, Hannah said she’s pretty transparent and let’s people know who she is. Her friends all know of her obsession with 311. “3/11 is like a second birthday!” Guilty pleasure for Hannah is the show “RuPauls Drag Race” and she loves to binge watch it.
There are many other artists and bands that Hannah listens to. “I was very disappointed about missing 311 this year because they were touring with Incubus which is a band I ADORE and have been needing to add to my list of live shows! But I’m a little bit of everywhere with whom I listen to! I’ll give everything/everyone a chance, especially live, but Pepper, Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, Stone Temple Pilots, Slightly Stupid, System of a Down…and the list goes on and on!”
Hannah would like to send this message to the guys of 311: “Thank you for staying true to the messages you relay in your songs! Thank you for always having a strong positive vibe! Thank you for the energy you put into your live shows that make them so much fun and something I look forward to each and every year!! Thank you!!!”
Finally, here are her words to all her fellow 311 fans out there:
“Keep the positivity alive my friends!!! Stay thankful, thoughtful and be kind!! Save your energy and BRING IT for when we are able to all rock out together again to our favorite band to all our favorite songs and remember “One day WE’LL see the clear blue…”
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That’s the story of Hannah McKernan friends! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thank you for the continued support of the fan spotlight. Have an amazing week all!
Happy New Year my excitable friends in 311 nation! 2021 is here and I can’t think of a better way to start it off than with a new fan spotlight. Oh and it just so happens to be fan spotlight #311. So without further ado, I give you the story of the man we all know and love as P-Nut’s Dad – Mr. Larry Wills!
Larry said it’s hard to remember what his first thoughts were when Aaron joined the band and he first heard their music. “Needless to say I did like it! I certainly had no idea they would become as famous and fabulous as they are!” Larry said he does remember when he first realized that the band was famous. “This occurred when I was visiting my twin sister and her husband in Washington state and we were watching TV we found a video of a concert in a huge venue I was stoked!!”
As for show count for Larry, he said he can only take a stab at the number he’s attended, which he believes to be somewhere around 33. This number includes the three 311 Day shows in 2020 and all six of the cruises!
Picking a favorite show or event for Larry is difficult, but theres a memorable one for him which was back in 2017 in Albuquerque where he brought 25 friends with him! “It was awesome. I was hoping for a repeat this year but the pandemic nixed that.”
One of Larry’s favorite songs is “I’ll Be Here Awhile.” “Life is brief and I seek to enjoy every day I get!” As for one of his favorite lyrics, it’s “I wanna get high, but you’re keeping me low.”
Larry loves interacting with the fans and smiles when he thinks of how much love he receives from everyone. “The hugs and requests for a “selfie” fill me up with such energy and excitement and pride! I love intermingling with the crowd at concerts and cruises and sharing a vape or a joint and getting stoned with everyone! It’s such a delight to hear fans tell me how much the band has changed their life and how much they adore my son and how he loves them back.”
Larry’s upbringing was very unique, as his father was in the Air Force so he lived many different places. “My twin sister (Sally) and I were born in Somers Point NJ but right away we moved to Massachusetts. Then we spent 3 years in Trieste Italy followed by: Biloxi MS, Panama City, FL. Tachikawa Japan, Clovis NM, Sumpter SC, Montgomery AL, Bossier City LA, and finally Wheeler AFB, Hawaii.”
Larry and his sister Sally spent their freshman year at the University of Hawaii. Then Sally joined her fiancé at the University of Colorado where she finished her degree, while Larry moved to Albuquerque and finished his degree at the University of New Mexico. He majored in History and Sociology. Then he was off to Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1970. “From there I pastored churches in Indiana for 4 years. In March 1975 I entered the Air Force as a Chaplain with the rank of Captain. I felt I had come home! Funny how my first assignment was at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery AL where I had lived for one year in High School when my dad was stationed there! After Maxwell I spent a year at a “remote assignment” in Alaska where no families were permitted, only service personnel. Galen Air Port AK had 350 men and 15 women assigned. Those gals were very popular!! It was a tough assignment for everyone since we were all there without our families. Many of us got divorced as a result. I think a long absence from a spouse either makes or breaks a marriage. I did a lot of marital and other counseling that year, as you can well imagine!”
After that, Larry then was assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, where he had also lived as a child. “I love the white sandy beaches and the fabulous Gulf of Mexico seafood down there! Then overseas to jolly ole England! I spent two awesome years at RAF Mildenhall, 26 miles from Cambridge! I loved it! From there I traveled all over Europe including Scotland where my maternal grandfather was born! After two years in England they sent me to Montana! What a shock!! LOL. Malmstom AFB is a nuclear missile base with no airplanes, in Great Falls. It was almost as cold as Alaska at times: -65! Then the Air Force sent me back to Maxwell for a year at the Command and Staff College. I was one of only 4 Chaplains there among 600 other officers being groomed for higher command and responsibilities. Then my best assignment came: Aviano AB, Italy!! I loved it there so much I extended for another year. It was so wonderful to be so close to Trieste where I had lived 3 years as a child and learned the language! I also served the Embassy Personnel in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, as Chaplain to the Protestants. While in Italy, I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and then sent to Sheppard AFB TX where I was the Senior Protestant. Sheppard is a training base for pilots and many other careers. Many young people get married upon graduation there. I remember one year I did 78 weddings! Then I was sent to Guam! Anderson AFB! 15 months on an island 8 X 32 miles big! I felt so small there! Fortunately I got certified as a SCUBA diver and spent a lot of time underwater every chance I got. While on Guam Mt Pinotubo Volcano in the Philippines blew up and Clark AFB and Subic Bay personnel were evacuated to Guam. I was tasked to assist the 20,000 men, women and children with housing and food and comfort during their transition. My chapel staff and I managed to get 2,000 volunteers from all over Guam to help! It was amazing!! We had trucks of fruit and clothing and food given to these “refugees” who could only take what they could carry when they were ordered to escape the falling debris and ash. It was beautiful how many Guamanians opened their doors and hearts to these in need. I will never forget their generosity and love.”
After this, Larry was sent to what he calls his most unique assignment, to be the Senior Chaplain at The National Security Agency on Ft. Meade between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. “I spent three years there as an “Industrial Chaplain” where I served the men and women at the NSA including not only Air Force and their families but also the Navy men and women at the NSA and thousands of civilians! All “hush hush” stuff but very interesting dealing with highly intelligent people doing very sensitive and difficult work with all the pressure you can imagine.” His final assignment was at the base where he said most Air Force women and men start out, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. “I was supervising 16 chaplains and flying a desk which was not my cup of tea! After slightly less than a year I felt it was time to retire and move to where I wanted to live and retire!”
Larry retired in Albuquerque and said he spent his first year of retirement getting used to the freedom of being himself as a gay man who no longer had to hide his sexuality. “I rejoice that change has come to the military where one can serve openly now! I also started volunteering as a Chaplain with our local Police Department. Then I took a job as the Chaplain for a hospice. I was the chaplain for VistaCare Hospice for 14 years. I can’t tell you how rewarding it was to be a spiritual support to patients and their families during this most difficult of times we all must face someday.”
Something that Larry believes many fans may not know about him is that for 25 years he has been living with HIV. “Fortunately I am doing perfectly well with the medications that keep me “undetectable”. Having a “terminal disease” has made me appreciate every day I get to live. It changed my life for the better.”
Larry loves all types of music, from Hard Rock to Reggae, Broadway Musicals to Country! “I love Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, Pink, Dolly Parton, and Jane Olivor, to name a few!”
Guilty pleasure for Larry? He loves to drive fast! “My Tesla Model 3 is such an awesome delight that thrills me every time I step on the accelerator!! I also enjoy getting stoned! LOL.” Larry has also officiated many wedding ceremonies, including ones for 311 fans and also for SA’s sister Laurie and her wife Kim!
Finally, Larry has this message to all the 311 fans out there:
“I love you so much I can’t express it in words. Three years ago I spend 6 days in Intensive Care after what was thought to be a stoke or seizure following my daily run. . I received hundreds of well wishes in cards and e-mails and such from fans all over the world, literally. Then I was crushed with hugs and love when you all saw me in Las Vegas!
Several fans asked me to perform their wedding. Such an honor and delight it was. Thank you!
Peace Love Unity Respect. 311 is not only a band, it’s family. I am so proud of my son Aaron and Nick, and S.A, and Tim and Chad!
30 years and counting. I’m still excited.”
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There you have it my friends, the story of Larry Wills! What a great way to kick off the new year. Here’s to hoping that 2021 gets us back to being able to be together and enjoy seeing the boys live again. Thank you to Larry for being a part of this excitable nation and for allowing me to interview him! As always, many many thanks to all the supporters of this little project. Have an amazing week and start to your 2021!
Welcome back 311 nation! It’s the final spotlight of 2020 – time to wrap up this crazy year and meet again in 2021. Who’s ready for the final spotlight of the year? Let’s meet Stephanie Andrews!
During Steph’s 6th grade year, one of her best friends was listening to a band that she’d never heard of and he played her “Beautiful Disaster” and she was instantly hooked. “I became obsessed with their music and needed to find every single album and every single song I possibly could. Throughout middle school I became known as the girl who was obsessed with 311… not many people knew who they were until they met me. Friends, still to this day, will mention that if they see the clock at 3:11 or hear them on the radio, they think of middle school and think of me.”
Stephanie said that she was really drawn to their music because of the message of positivity. “As a kid I struggled with depression and self esteem issues. Music was my escape and when I found music that sounded great but also had a positive message, I was hooked. I developed a crush on Nick Hexum, like most girls do 😉 and 311 truly became my world, saving me from the negativity around me.”
Show count, Steph believes she is somewhere around 15 or more. Her first show for her was at the Worcester Palladium, in Worcester, Massachusetts, when Hoobastank opened for the band. “I think that was 2002? It was also my first concert, ever! I love being able to say that 311 was my first concert. I went to just about every show every year after that for quite awhile, missed a few in between.”
Favorite show(s) for her she chose the Mardi Gras 2020 shows. “My dream was always to see 311 Day in New Orleans and my husband knew that. He’s not a huge fan but wanted to make it happen for me this year, as we had a rough few months prior with trying to get pregnant and some personal/family issues. He found the shows on ticketmaster and booked the trip… a total surprise! It was our last trip before covid and I ended up *finally* getting pregnant on that trip!!! We stayed in room 311 at our hotel, completely by chance. The shows were amazing and we made a lot of new friends. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I love the south and New Orleans, and my love for 311 only grew (if that’s even possible!). And to be able to share a show with my husband for the first time meant a lot to me. Great experience all around!”
Picking a favorite song is always hard for fans, so there were a few that came to mind for Steph, including “Sever,” “Stealing Happy Hours,” and “From Chaos.” “Sever got me through some rough times when I was younger and From Chaos truly cemented the positive message into my mind. Stealing Happy Hours has taken on new meaning in my life recently and I just really vibe out to that song.”
As for lyric that she loves, Steph has “From chaos comes clarity” tattooed on her right rib. “It means so much to me because it really gave me a new perspective on how to be positive, how to see the good from a bad situation and realize that even though there is chaos, there will be clarity once it has passed. I remind myself of that every time I’m in a tough or stressful situation. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that quote. It made me grow and evolve so much.” She also has “Sun come through” tattoeed on her left forearm. “I love having that reminder every single day and that lyric means SO much to me. To constantly be reminded that the sun WILL come through any of my darkest times, is something that gets me through anything.”
Stephanie grew up in the small town of Westford, Massachusetts. She currently lives in New Hampshire, but she and her husband spend a lot of time in his hometown of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “I’m sad to have missed out on some Florida shows but I can’t wait for live music to come back and go to some shows down there!”
Steph says her upbringing is completely the reason she got into 311. ” I needed that positive outlet, as I mentioned before, and 311 shaped me into the positive, ever evolving individual that I am today. I do my best to see the good in everything and I truly understand now, at 31, why Nick pushes “stay positive and love your life”. Life is too short to be anything but positive.”
Fun fact about Stephanie is that she’s super into astrology and the stars. “I find it so interesting that we’re on this tiny little planet out in space with so many possibilities of what else could be out there. I guess that’s another reason I vibe with 311 so much.” Guilty pleasure for her is the podcast Call Her Daddy. “I’m married and a new mom to a baby girl but I just love listening to that podcast! Haha.”
Something unique about Steph? She said it’s probably her empathetic nature. “I’m always trying to help people and see the good, find the reason for their behavior and try to help them through whatever it may be. I find not many people are quite the level of empathetic I am. I used to think of it as a flaw, that I cared too much while no one else seemed to care at all… but I think we need more people like that in the world! Whenever someone is quick to judge, I try to think of the opposite. Think of why they feel a certain way and work through it with them.”
Aside from 311, Steph said she doesn’t listen to many other bands like them or in their realm. She is mostly into “outlaw” country and Americana. ” I know, polar opposite. I listen to Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Turnpike Troubadours, Reckless Kelly, Drive By Truckers, Miranda Lambert, etc. I’m not much into any bands similar to 311, but I pretty much listen to every genre and love all types of music. Country is my home, but 311 is my soul.”
To 311, Stephanie has these words: “Thank you for saving me and showing me light during so much darkness in my life.”
Now Steph’s message to all the other fans:
“The unity we have as a fanbase is something unmatched and shouldn’t be taken for granted. I don’t think any other band can compare to this type of fanbase. I’ve made so many new friends because of 311 recently and I’m so proud to be surrounded by such positive and FUN individuals as a result… always remember the message of the music and you’ll never be let down.”
That’s it folks, the final spotlight of 2020 and what a great one! Thanks Steph for sharing your story with us. Always eternal gratitude to all the supporters out there! See you in the new year….get ready for fan spotlight number 311! Happy New Year!
Welcome again friends out in 311 nation! Time marches on and here we are for fan spotlight #309. This week let’s meet Sarah Smith!
It was Sarah’s friend Stephanie who brought 311 into her life during her 7th grade year. She would listen to songs like “Beautiful Disaster,” “Come Original,” and “All Mixed Up” on Winamp. Plus of course watched the music videos online. “I was at an age of discovering myself, my likes, and their music just clicked with me. I instantly fell in love.”
For show count, Sarah said she thinks it’s only 5 but it feels like so many more because each one was just so good. “My first show was in Albany, NY (where I grew up) and they were playing with AAF. My friend had come with me and he was into very heavy rock and screamo and to this day, he still says that this 311 show had THE best mosh pit he has ever been to, and he has been to a lot!”
Favorite show for Sarah was 311 Day 2010 in Las Vegas. “Not only was the show amazing, but the entire experience and few days there were absolutely amazing. There were fans everywhere AND I stayed in room 311! I am dying to go to the next 311 day event.”
First song that came to mind when asked what her favorite is, Sarah said it’s “I’ll Be Here Awhile.” “I can’t say its even a favorite of mine at the moment (I love it! I think I have just listened to it so much!) but that song got me through many hard times when I was younger and it was there to help me going through any hard times I was going through.”
For favorite song lyric, there is a line from “This Too Shall Pass” that hits home for Sarah: “Your problems will seem inconsequential and trivial when you realize one thing, we’re just a speck of dirt on this golf ball called earth so get stupid and sing.” Sarah said these words have gotten her through a lot in her life and helps put things in perspective for her. She also lives by “Stay positive and love your life” as it’s gotten her through tough times and made her the positive person she is today!
Sarah grew up in Albany, New York. She moved to Maine in 2016 and just recently purchased her first home with her fiancé. “I have a dog and 2 cats and I work for them to have a good life. I am a licensed veterinary technician but am not currently in practice but work with the blood analyzers that most veterinary offices use. I am combining my love for animals and my degrees I have with animals with the new degree I am working on, a degree in IT.”
Sarah has a dog named Elsie and she had to bottle raise her from when she was just 2 days old. “So she literally thinks I am mom haha. She is now 6.5 years old and she is perfect!” When not working, Sarah likes to wind down by playing video games. Guilty pleasure for her is cheesy Christmas movies! “I know how they will all end but I will watch them over and over and love them each time!”
Other music that Sarah loves includes Linkin Park, System of a Down, Dashboard Confessional, and Bright Eyes. She also now listens to a lot of Rebelution, Dirty Heads, Slightly Stoopid, Queen, and Too Many Zooz.
Sarah would like to tell 311 these words: “Thank you for getting me through all the good and bad times in my life, you have truly made me the positive person I am today!”
Now her message to all the other fans out there:
“You guys are amazing and I am so happy to be a part of this positive community!”
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us all!And a huge congrats on your engagement that just happened!! Of course, much gratitude to all the supporters of this little blog. Hope you all have an amazing week.
Hey hey 311 nation! Welcome back for the next edition of the fan spotlight. This week let’s read the story of Adam Medeiros!
When Adam was in high school there was a jam band that played at every pep rally. During his freshman year the band played “Down” and the whole school went nuts. “I remember thinking “whoa, that song is awesome”. I looked up 311, went to my first show a year later, and have been hooked ever since.”
Adam is one of those fans that knows exactly how many shows he’s attended and he has a spreadsheet that has the date, supporting act, and setlist. “I’ve been to 21 shows, seen 177 unique songs live, and the song I’ve seen the most is Applied Science (20!).” Favorite supporting act for Adam was Snoop Dogg in 2008.
Favorite show/event for Adam he said was 311 Day 2010 in Las Vegas. “I had just started dating my wife and we went with one of my friends that goes to all of the 311 shows with me. It was a ton of fun in Vegas and I got to meet so many great 311 fans. The setlist was amazing too – 60 songs including setlist debuts for Sun Come Through and Get Down.”
As it is for most fans, there are a ton of songs that mean a great deal to Adam. “There are songs that get me hyped up like nothing else can (Creatures, Down, FTBS), riffs that give me goosebumps every time (intro to Reconsider Everything), and songs that totally nail how I’m feeling and make me hopeful it’ll get better (Sun Come Through, Beyond the Gray Sky).” One of his favorite lyrics comes from “Reconsider Everything” : “Anytime you will ignore your heart it will come back twice more. Never deny your own instinct, Reconsider Everything.” “It’s a good reminder to stay true to yourself and go with your gut, it’s usually the right move.”
Adam was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, which is a medium sized city in the southeastern part of the state. He moved to Worcester, MA, to get his BS in Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He then attended Worcester State University to get his MS in Biotechnology. “I took part in a study abroad program in Australia and lived there for 3 months in 2007, that’s probably the only cool place I’ve ever lived. Now, I live with my wife (Amy), 2 year old son (Ethan), and 5 year old black lab (Maverick) in Marlborough, MA.”
For work, Adam signed on with the company Quest Diagnostics right out of college and has been with them ever since. “My current job title is Continuous Improvement Program Manager, which means I lead project teams and manage junior project managers to complete big projects for the company. Luckily, I’ve been able to work from home since the pandemic ramped up back in March.”
Adam was so psyched when 311 decided to put photos of fans on the cover of the Mosaic album. “I have 2 pictures on the cover that are very special to me. One is a wedding photo of my wife and I and the other is a picture of my 311 crew and I in the parking lot before a concert. It connects a lot of the things I love together with other fans, it was fun finding many of you!”
Drumming is something that Adam really enjoys. He’s never been in a band but he took lessons for a bit and he plays an electric drum kit in his basement. “I mostly just jam along to music but I practice reading music and do exercises to get faster and more accurate too.” Cool fact about Adam is that his family has a top secret Limoncello recipe! “We make 1-2 big batches a year and give them out to friends and family.”
Guilty pleasure for Adam is that he is a self-proclaimed, big time nerd. “I love the Marvel movies, I go to the Boston and Providence Comic Cons every year, and I even play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. I know, it sounds like the nerdiest thing on the planet but D&D is actually really fun. If any of you get a chance to try it you definitely should!” Adam said he also has another guilty pleasure, his wife has him hooked on the Lifetime show “Married at First Sight.” “Five sets of couples meet at the altar and they follow them around for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks they have to decide if they are staying married or not. It’s amazing trash TV.”
For other musicians that Adam loves, he listed Rebelution, Stick Figure, Ballyhoo!, and said he’s into many of the fun, summertime reggae/rock music that we see when 311 tours. However a lot of the time you can find him listening to hard rock and heavy metal. “I grew up mostly listening to Disturbed, Godsmack, Sevendust, Breaking Benjamin, and Metallica. The angrier music is a good outlet for when I get stressed or angry – just listening to a few songs can diffuse a bad day.”
To 311, Adam has this message: “Thank you for building something that is so rare in an age where new music is all around us: a steady stream of new music that is evolving and powerful, unique fan experiences like the Cruise (which I still need to go to!) and 311 Day, a community of fans that you are so in touch with, and the longevity to be the soundtrack to every major phase of my life.”
Now here are his words to all of the fans out there:
“311 Nation it has been so much fun getting to know all of you. Every show I meet new people and reconnect with old friends. I can’t wait to meet more of you, either through Chrissy’s interviews or in person at shows. Stay safe and stay healthy so we can all enjoy some 311 together soon. I know everyone says it but I mean it too…Stay Positive and Love Your Life!”
Thank you Adam for sharing your story with us! So much love & gratitude to all of you that support this project. Have an amazing week, keep smiling and stay healthy!
Welcome again my friends in 311 nation! I hope you all are doing well & staying safe. Let’s get to it and meet the latest fan spotlight, Crystal Decoteau!
Crystal remembers being on the bus in elementary school and hearing 311 on the radio. She has two siblings that are 5 and 7 years older than her, and she would hear them playing the songs as well, but it was just the mainstream songs at first. “Fast forward to high school, my older boyfriend at the time played them for me and I remember being like “oh hey, I loved that song when I was a kid.” So he burned me a few cd’s but I only listened to them sporadically. It wasn’t until my first 311 show at 16 that I got hooked. I was in a dark place at the time dealing with severe depression and suicide. My friend had an extra ticket to the Download Festival at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA and made me go. I hadn’t really listened to them too much, but I went to the show because I wanted to see The Wailers and Dropkick Murphy’s and it was going to be my first music festival. I remember the intense energy of the crowd along with 311 when they stepped on the stage. It was something I had never felt before. There was a huge thunder and lightening storm that temporarily stopped the show and when the show continued the energy was even more crazy. After that night I started listening to them constantly, wanting to feel what I had felt during that show. I started really listening to their lyrics and felt like it hit home. The first time I listened to “Beyond the Gray Sky” I cried and realized I wanted to fight my depression and not let it consume me anymore. I became obsessed with 311 and relied on their music and their positive message to get me through everything. I tell people 311 saved my life because their music literally uplifted me and helped me change my point of view on everything. I was so hooked that I had bought every single album and listened to them nonstop. I went to every single show possible after 2006. But it wasn’t until 2015 that I talked to someone at a show and they asked if I was part of the “Familia”. I had no idea what he was talking about (I was never much of a social media person) so after the show I went home and checked it out. I had no idea there was such a huge group of like minded, loving and caring people. I have terrible social anxiety so I never really talked with anyone at shows besides the random sharing of blunts. Suddenly I learned about 311 Day and the Cruises and saw all these strangers coming together for the same love of 311. I fell in love with 311 all over again! It has become more than just music to lift my spirits when I’m feeling depressed, it has become a way of life for me. “
Crystal never really kept track of the number of shows she attended because when she started, she didn’t realize how much of a relationship she was going to develop with 311. “I see people hit milestones on show counts and wish I had kept track. I didn’t start keeping ticket stubs right away either. I tried going through them the other day and realized how many I’m missing. I’ve seen them at least once every year since I was 16, so theoretically I’m around 30 shows including the 2019 Cruise and 311 Day 2020. My first show was the Download Festival in 2006 in Mansfield, MA.”
As for favorite, Crystal said that each show has it’s own special moment for her. If she was forced to choose just one though it would be the cruise. ” I had tried to go on a 311 Cruise for years and was never able to get OTMFB. I finally got a spot with my sister and fellow slinky Krista. We celebrated my 30th Birthday, so the first show as we set sail was out of this world. It was a dream come true to finally be in that moment. And to share it with my sister (who doesn’t understand my obsession and love for 311) was amazing.”
Just like Crystal said that every show has a special meaning to her, so do the songs. However “Beyond the Gray Sky” she says is a song that helped save her life. It was the lyrics, “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” that really hit her. “Although I have a hard time listening to it now. I don’t want to dwell on the past, I want to continue to stay positive, love life and more forward.”
Some other lyrics that Crystal loves include: “I’m the perfect example of not giving a fuck about the catty rude people that just suck;” “To be alive is lovin’:” “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world;” “Fuck the naysayers cuz they don’t mean a thing;” “Lovely life I thank you for the reason to see the pain through;” “I’d like to stay here just like this, it’s just a momentary bliss, that’s all we can hope for, that’s the reason to cope for, this life, this life and no more;” “Life could slip away in absent minded numbness;” and “You wanna get free cause you dwell under the spell of negativity, and when the world is crashing down crumbling at your feet, just lean into it.”
Crystal was born and raised in Southern New Hampshire, which she said has pretty small towns with not a lot to do. She’s only moved four times in her life and it was always 1-2 towns from where she was. “Living in small towns there was never really anything to do so pretty much everything revolved around music. Whether it was sitting in my room painting, doing chores, roller blading, going to open mic nights, everything I did involved jamming out to music. I never went anywhere without my walkman/cd player and headphones. Every family vacation as a kid I would just sit there listening to music. When I was 13 I taught myself how to play guitar, but found it hard to find the time to play with school and work once I turned 16. Once in High School, driving around with friends listening to music is basically all we did (while smoking weed of course). My parents were pretty strict so that on top of living in a place with nothing to do made it pretty boring. But occasionally me and my friends would sneak out to the local underground spots where small bands would play.”
Crystal said she spent most of her childhood isolating herself because of her depression, so once she graduated high school and started loving life more, she realized how important her family was to her. “I wanted to make up for the time I lost pushing them away. So even though I’ve always wanted to pack up and move to a new place in the world, I don’t want to be far away from my family. So now I just try my hardest to save money to travel the world. I went backpacking in Europe with my sister and visited her in Morocco (she’s lived on 4 different continents).”
At the age of 16 is when Crystal got her first job, and she said she’s just been working hard ever since to fund her concert life and to make money to travel the world. “I go to about a dozen shows a year, it’s really all I do for fun. Concerts/music is my form of therapy. I’ve worked in customer service my whole life. Started in retail and ended up in the restaurant industry. Which is kind of ironic cause I was always super shy growing up and still have intense social anxiety.”
Crystal loves to spend time with her family, she loves animals, and she loves to go on adventures and try new things. “Ever since I found a new love for live, I’m pretty much open to anything.” Fun fact about Crystal is that for the last 4 years she has managed a craft cocktail bar. “It’s won a few awards for their cocktails. People tell me all the time that I’m an amazing “mixologist” (I don’t see it, but again self reflection/confidence is something I’m still working on). I do love bartending in a craft cocktail setting. It’s way different then regular bartending. Being able to play with different ingredients like pickling spices, ginger, lavender, etc. and come up with a cocktail that tastes good and blows peoples mind is fun. It’s like chemistry, but with a sense of creativity.”
Guilty pleasure for Crystal? She loves getting stoned and coloring. “I love to just relax and let my mind float away. I’ll put some music on and just color for hours. That and blasting music and dancing. If you ever see me at a show, I’m usually wearing sunglasses just dancing my heart out as if I’m the only one in the room.”
For other artists that Crystal loves, they are as follows: Tropidelic, Fortunate Youth, Rebelution, Tribal Seeds, The Elovaters, Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, The Movement, Iration, Atmosphere, Incubus, Jurassic 5, Deftones, Tool, Glass Animals, CHVRCHES, Citizen Cope, Snakehips, Chet Faker, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Halsey, Alessia Cara, and Lorde. “But seriously, I listen to everything. I have a favorite band/artist for every genre.”
To 311, Crystal has this message: “Thank you for saving my life! Your music has helped me in so many ways I can’t even begin to put it into words. It has become more than just music for me, it has become a way of life. Keep spreading the love and positivity!”
Her message to all the other fans out there is this:
“Thank you for being so great! I don’t really know anyone and have yet to get over my social anxiety, but I know I can call each and every one of you a friend. I can’t wait till we can all be at a show together again!”
Thank you Crystal for sharing your story and love of 311! It was a pleasure to write it and I send so much gratitude to all those supporters out there! I hope you all have an amazing week, keep being awesome!
Hello again 311 nation! Welcome back for another installment of the 311 fan spotlight. Get ready to learn all about Billy Gravel!
The year was 1996 and Billy was digging through his sisters CD collection when he just happened to find one in this blue case. Upon opening it he saw a photo with these guys that had their faces painted like aliens and he thought it looked interesting. Then he popped in the CD to give it a listen. “I was hooked. The hard rock, rap, jazzy sound was something I hadn’t heard before and it blew me away! And the content of their lyrics was just the icing on the cake.”
For show count, Billy is at 12 and said he went through a time in his life where he allowed his anxiety to hold him back which is why his number isn’t higher. “A problem I have since squashed.” For favorite show he’s attended, it was the one at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island that was billed as “An Evening with 311.” ” I believe it was 1999.Such a small intimate venue with just 311 and their fans. You could feel the energy in the air! It was amazing!”
Choosing a favorite song is always hard, especially when the band has so many great ones. For Billy, he said he has a few that really stand out to him. ” I remember “Sever” and “Eons” helping me through some really rough times in my life. They’re so powerful and still give me chills when I hear them. My absolute favorite songs come in 3. “Visit”, “Homebrew” and (I know it’s a radio song but it doesn’t matter to me) “Beautiful Disaster”. I just think they’re so badass and really get me pumped.” For favorite lyric, Billy has one from “Do You Right” that he loves: “I’m free as I stare at the sea and I’m not coming down. The world is yours once you have found, the good is to share, which is elsewhere.”
Born and raised in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Billy is the youngest of three and has two older sisters. Music has always been a big part of Billy’s life and he was introduced to it at a young age. “My father was always blasting music around the house. The Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young, The Kinks, Tom Petty. I eventually became obsessed with singing and recording music. When I was 15, I joined my first punk rock band and 25 years later, I’m still rocking out!” Billy now lives in North Smithfield, R.I., with his amazing wife Sarah and their three kitties, Lily, Daysie, and Charlie. For work, he followed his childhood dream and became a firefighter/EMT for the city of Woonsocket and has been doing that for 14 years.
Fun fact about Billy, when he was around the age of 12-13 he was in a boy band called Impursuit. “We pretty much covered the R&B of the time. Lol! I can’t believe I admitted that! Very less known fact about me!” Billy moved on later to be in a 311 tribute band. “From 2012-2015 I was the cofounder, lead singer and rhythm guitarist (Nick) for “Applied Science” Rhode Island’s exclusive 311 tribute band. We had so much fun with this band. We played a ton of shows, won a bunch of contests and had the opportunity to play with a lot of great tribute bands. Not to mention, we got to rock out to 311! What’s better than that!” Other things Billy really enjoys is being out in nature and also surfing.
For guilty pleasure, Billy said it’s music for sure. “Whether listening to it, playing, recording or producing it, music is always on my mind. I have a small production company called “Island Rhodes Productions” and a decent little recording studio. I’m currently the Co-lead singer and bass player for a 3 peice punk rock band, “Surviving Seasons” and I’m in the process of recording and producing our first album due out early 2021. I also have a solo reggae project called “B.Grateful” and I’m currently working on new music with that as well.” Other artists that Billy loves include Ballyhoo!, Rebelution, Stick Figure, SOJA, Goldfinger, No use for a Name, Passafire, Less than Jake, and Slightly Stoopid.
Billy would like to send this message to 311: “Thank you guys for creating the soundtrack to my life. For making dark days bright and bright days even brighter.”
Now here are his words to all the other fans out there:
“Especially in this day and age, we need to stick together and unite. We should all live by the words 311 has been spreading for 30 years. PLUR.”
Thank you Billy for sharing your story with us all! Another great tale about love for 311. I hope you all have an amazing week, thank you for reading, now go spread some positive vibes to others!
Hello again my beautiful friends in 311 nation! Happy Thanksgiving week to all in the U.S. Let’s kick it off properly with a new fan spotlight. Meet Mike Creager!
While Mike vaguely remembers seeing 311 videos as his older sister and brother were watching MTV, it wasn’t until he was a freshman in high school that he really got into their music. One of his classmates tragically died in a car crash and Mike read in his obituary that he loved 311. “Growing up hearing all the 311 means KKK rumors I never really gave them a chance prior to that point. They had just come out with their Greatest Hits CD so I went and bought that, my brother soon after burned me a copy of the Blue Album, and I slowly acquired the rest.”
For show count, Mike said this is his first attempt at really figuring out his number. He believes he is at 24 shows, which includes 311 Day 2010 and 2014, plus the cruises in 2015 and 2019. His first show was the Download Festival in 2006 at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Mike said this show is still probably his top show. “Right before 311 came on thunder and lightning came crashing in. The lights go off, and the band starts with Welcome (my first time hearing that song) I think it was that whole experience that got me hooked.”
The song “Golden Sunlight” holds a special place in Mike’s heart as it’s the first song he listened to with his daughter when she was born. For lyrics that he loves, he chose these: “It’s like you and me on Plymouth Rock, embarking on a journey that I never thought would happen to me so effortlessly, sparks flying, your laughter is a symphony.”
Mike grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, just a few minutes away from Plymouth Rock, which is why that lyric always connected with him. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else because it’s like being in a small town and a city at the same time, having characteristics of both. Other than a few short stints in neighboring towns I’ve lived here my whole life and officially became a townie when I bought a house here a few years back with my wife and 3 kids.” Mike makes his living as a member of The Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 17. “I install big pieces of metal that heat and air conditioning flow through mostly in the city of Boston.”
Crazy interesting fact about Mike is that when he was about 5-6 years old, he had his fingers run over by a roller coaster! “Waiting on my siblings to get off of the Galaxy at Canobie Lake Park. The coaster ran right next to the fence, I guess I held onto the track and one of the cars ran over the tips of my fingers. Luckily other than a few popped blood vessels there was no real harm done.”
Fun fact about Mike is that he can recite the alphabet backwards. “It has gotten me a few drinks over the years.” Guilty pleasure for him is the T.V. show “This Is Us.” “That show hooks me every time.”
Other bands and musicians that Mike loves include The Elovaters, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, O.A.R, RDGLDGRN, Dispatch, Stick Figure, Twiddle, Slightly Stoopid, Pearl Jam, Band Of Horses, Counting Crows, Michael Franti, and SOJA.
To 311, Mike has these words: “You guys have been with me through the best of times and the worst of times, I don’t know what life would be like without your music, Thank You!”
Finally Mike would like to relay this message to all the other fans out there:
“To all the fans I have met, You’re some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve met in my life. To those who I have yet to meet, I look forward to sharing a groove with you at a show somewhere down the line.”
Thank you so much to Mike Creager for sharing his story! This is Thanksgiving week, so I’m thankful to all who participate as a fan spotlight and to all of the supporters who come back to read them every week. The 311 fan community is unique and I’m so thankful to be a part of it. Have a fantastic week my friends, see you next time.
Welcome again my friends from 311 nation! It’s about time for the next fan spotlight. This week let’s learn all about Angela Myers!
It was Angela’s high school boyfriend that introduced her to 311 by making her a mixtape that had the song “Down” on it. “I loved it. I asked him to put more 311 on the next one. They were a combo of all styles of music I really liked.” There was a bit of time in her 20’s that she went without listening to 311 but when she rediscovered them, she realized how much she had been missing. “I feel like I’m still paying my dues as a fan to get caught up, but I’m definitely devoted. (Enough to have gotten a 311 tattoo!) My best friend, Bryan Cori gets all the credit for getting me back into them when I moved to Florida in 2007. We’d listen to 311 on road trips, singing at the top of our lungs and go to shows together. We’ve been on 3 cruises together as that has become our vacation time together every other year since I moved back to Maine. In 2016, I had Bryan come up for a New England leg of the tour and it was a blast to share that experience with him. It will be amazing when this pandemic is over and we can all gather again!”
For show count, Angela is at 28, which includes shows in New England, Florida, and 3 of the cruises. Her first show was in 1997 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where Rustic Overtones opened for them. “My goal is to make it to 311 Day someday and I would totally go to a Pow Wow or destination festival if that opportunity ever arose!”
As for favorite show or event, she said the Soundsystem cruise was her favorite. “I was in such a dark place personally, and I fully believe being on that ship with all those Excitables brought me back to life. From the energy on the lido deck to turtle birthin’ on the beach in Jamaica, it woke my spirit up and I realized I had found my tribe and I was ready to learn how to live in the now.”
For favorite song, Angela said there are so many songs and lyrics that she has gathered strength from that a few years ago she created a document she calls, “The Tao of 311: An Excitable Philosophy On Life.” “I organized quotes by subjects like Strong All Along (Confidence) or Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm (Dealing with Assholes) and What Was I Thinking? (Regret and Apologies). I printed it out for Bryan as a present but I often reference it when I need a boost. I actually need to update it for Voyager. It’s so hard to choose a favorite 311 song. Kinda like picking your favorite student as a teacher! Everyone brings something different! Use of Time, Speak Easy, Five of Everything, Let the Cards Fall, and of course, Beyond the Gray Sky would be my top 5 that mean the most to me but I could put the entire catalog on shuffle and not skip a single one.” One of her favorite lyrics though is from “Simplify” – “This moment is a gift, it’s why it’s called the present.” “It keeps me grounded in gratitude and in the moment.”
Here is the link to Angela’s Tao of 311 document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JMDSOXxFYGhTfh5UxARcJVRKXc8kxvpzGbPZlDv0FRA/edit
Angela grew up in a small paper mill town in Northern Maine. She played soccer, ran cross country, and was a cheerleader, but she said her passion was always music. ” I sang, played piano, saxophone, and trumpet. I attended the University of Maine and double concentrated in vocal music and alto saxophone. My goal was to get my degree in Music Education then try my hand at singing and composing in grad school at Berklee College of Music in Boston where I received a scholarship. I was given an amazing teaching opportunity straight out of under grad and jumped into my teaching career and haven’t looked back. I am so incredibly lucky that it is my job to inspire kids to create and utilize music as a therapy, especially in times like these! My philosophy is to teach a hands-on approach so that my students are always creating not just listening. I make sure they are actively making music as much as possible.”
Angela moved to Florida for 8 years with her ex-husband but ended up coming home to Maine because she missed the seasons and wanted to raise her two kids there. “I ended up getting divorced last year. Honestly, the music of 311 was my go-to during the tough days of that. The boys always bring me clarity, calm, and consistent positivity. I’d go as far to say that 311 has influenced my spiritual journey as well. I suffer from depression and anxiety. My therapist would always tell me that depression is living in the past and anxiety is living in the future. I would say the music of 311 as well as the energy I’ve felt around other Excitables has taught me to live in the here and now.”
Interesting fact about Angela? “I was drum major of my college marching band…this one time…at band camp….lol.” She also got to perform at Carnegie hall with her college choir when she was 19. “Hands down, biggest performance of my life!”
Guilty pleasure for Angela is that she plays Pokemon Go pretty much daily. When not listening to 311, she can be found jamming out to artists like Ballyhoo!, Hirie, Twiddle, Phish, and Turkuaz.
To 311, Angela has these words: “I know this pandemic took tour (and live music) away, but honestly, thinking about the fact that the boys got to spend the summer with their families makes me smile.”
Now her message to all the other fans out there:
“We’ll all be together again…until then stay safe, grateful, and present in the moment!”
Thank you Angela for sharing your story with us! Much gratitude always to the supporters out there as well. Be strong, stay safe, and always be kind!
