Hello my friends out there in 311 nation! Who wants to read a new fan spotlight? This week we get to learn the story of the lovely Suzanne Travis!

It was Suzanne’s husband Brett who ended up getting her into 311, he’s been a fan since 1994. It took her several years of convincing though before she gave 311 a chance. “I’m an Aries and can be stubborn but he likes a lot of heavy stuff which is not my style. I happened to hear Blake Lewis on American Idol cover All Mixed Up, and decided to give it a try.”

First show for Suzanne was in Atlanta in August of 2006, which at the time was 311’s biggest show ever (18,000 tickets sold). “Because I came to the scene late, my husband gave me the entire catalog of studio albums at the same time. I listened nonstop and crammed to make sure I’d know everything played. I was doing pretty great until the first encore when the opened with “Summer of Love”. He hadn’t given me that album so I had no clue. I was so mad at the time, but now I’d give anything to hear it on a semi-regular basis.”

Show count that Suzanne is currently at is 173, which is 14 behind Brett. “We’ve seen them in 45 states so far (West Virginia will be #46 in Sept 2022). That will leave only Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Delaware.” With all of those shows, naturally Suzanne had difficulty picking a favorite. She has a few favorites for different reasons. “During the event: Cruise 2 Beach Show. There’s never been anything like it before or since. We knew it was special at the time and it remains a top show for me.
Looking back: Pow Wow 2011. That was a hard one. There was so much prep involved to get there, make sure we had the things we needed for the weekend. It was hot, muggy, and camping is not my thing. But that event was a turning point in my 311 life, and Transistor was cemented as my favorite album. I listen to the live version/watch the video regularly and think how fantastic it all was.”

For song that means the most to her, Suzanne said it has to be “All ReMixed Up.” “It is the song that got me into their catalog and it is sort of mine and Brett’s “song”. The live version with the “My dreams are made of your love”, “your love brightens my life”, and “your love keeps me warm” – that’s about as sappy as we get, but I’m always happy to hear that song at the shows.”

While she said that she’s not really great with lyrics, one of Suzanne’s top songs is “Speak Easy.” “I always cry a little bit when I hear it because it has such a special place in my heart. ‘Out on the ocean; There’s no one around; No one to hear a sound; It’s just us out here; Out on the ocean; Speaking free.” Another special song for her is “Tranquility.” “We’ve lost quite a few wonderful members of the 311 Community over the past few years. I just try to remember: ‘Don’t be afraid, it’s all part of the plan for us; All that you hold dear; Is on the other side of that fear.”

Suzanne is from a relatively small town in East Tennessee. She spent most of her life living in various parts of the state including Memphis, and Mufreesboro/Nashville. “In 2013, we moved to Indianapolis due to my work. Because of 311, we had tons of friends immediately which made the transition so much easier, for which I’m forever grateful.”

For work, Suzanne said she is a pharmacist but jokes that she “plays one on T.V.” because she hasn’t dispensed any medications since 2007 and hasn’t counseled any patients since 2010. She currently works for a specialty pharmacy in a non-clinical role.

Fun fact about Suzanne is that in college she earned her certification to be a lifeguard! “I never really put it to use until 2004 when we were snorkeling in Mexico. Brett got overwhelmed in the ocean and I was able to pull/swim him to shore.”

Unique attribute for Suzanne is that she is really great at navigating and has a good sense of direction. “I’ve been a designated navigator since high school during church trips with ACTUAL MAPS! Don’t ask me about left and right because I mix those up all the time but I can get us where we need to go.”

Other musicians that Suzanne loves include Ghostwolf, Los Stellarians, The Skints, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleigh Bells, Santigold, and Bikini Trill. She and Brett even traveled to France in 2019 for two shows by The Skints. She’s also a big fan of 70’s and 80’s music, so she loves Pat Benatar, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Air Supply, Jimmy Buffett, ABBA, and Christopher Cross.

Suzanne has a message directed to the families of the band and crew: “Thank you to the families of the band and crew. We know you sacrifice a lot for the fans, and it’s really appreciated beyond measure.”

Now her words for the members of 311: “Thank you for some amazing memories and experiences. Please keep mixing up the setlists and we will keep traveling.”

And now Suzanne’s message to all the other fans out there:

“We’ve been to a lot of places and met a lot of really wonderful fans around the US (and abroad). I’m so grateful for all of the friends we’ve made along the way. You’ve made our lives exciting and full of good times. Thanks for being amazing. <3”

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Thank you so much Suzanne for sharing your story with us all! Per the usual, a huge shout out of gratitude to the readers and supporters each week. Wishing you all the best and can’t wait to see some of you at the shows this fall.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello friends out there in 311 nation. Happy 4th of July 2022! We have a special treat for you this week, as we get to learn the story of Passafire’s own Mike DeGuzman!

Mike’s brother was really into agressive in-line skating and they used to watch Hoax 2 Anarchy Across America repeatedly on VHS. “It introduced me to bands like Sublime, Pennywise, Rancid, and 311.  “Feels So Good” was the featured song when they were skating in Chicago.  This is also where I heard “All Mixed Up,” before it ever became a radio hit.  At this point, I hadn’t heard any band like 311… I was hooked.”

For show count, Mike says he really doesn’t know the number. He saw them a few of times before he joined Passafire and then he was fortunate to open for 311 on the 2012 and 2019 cruises. His first time seeing them was at Summerfest in Milwaukee in 2003, with G. Love & Special Sauce.

As for favorite show, he said when he went to the first 311 Day in Las Vegas it was memorable because it was his birthday. However his favorite moment of any show he went to was the beach show in Harvest Caye on the 2012 cruise.

One song that always stands out to Mike is “Do You Right” because it was the first song that he covered in the first band he ever joined when he was in high school. As for favorite lyrics, he loves, “Fuck the bullshit, it’s time to throw down.” ” No deep meaning or reason, it’s just hype as fuck. :)”

Born in Chicago, Mike was raised just outside of the city in the suburbs. He has four older brothers and two loving parents that have always supported everything he does. While his teenage years had him focused on sports, by the time college rolled around he had lost interest and started focusing more on playing music. “Throughout the years of playing in high school / college bands, I’ve covered 311, Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.  As a fan of this scene, I hadn’t noticed that many piano players were covering their songs.  So I went ahead and posted a bunch of reggae/rock piano covers on YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL98028998619BA837).”

Eventually The Expendables came across his cover of “Down Down Down” and invited him to come play with them at their House of Blues Chicago show in January 2010. “Passafire was one of the opening bands on this tour.  They remembered me sitting in on keys and eventually asked me to play keyboards for them full-time.  The rest is history.  I’ve been living & breathing the reggae/rock scene for 11.5 years now & am forever grateful for all the opportunities that have come along the way.”

Fun fact about Mike is that he has a degree in Information Systems from Northern Illinois University and he worked in email marketing before quitting to join Passafire. He’s also a former Illinois state champion wrestler! “I hold the all-time wins & pins varsity record at Hinsdale South High School.” As for guilty pleasure, Mike loves playing Disc Golf! “Peep my hashtag on Instagram #MikeDiscGuzman.”

Being a musician, there are many bands and artists that peak Mike’s interest. He grew up listening to jam bands like Phish, String Cheese Incident, Widespread Panic, and Umphrey’s McGee. “Nowadays, my playlist is all over the place… Khruangbin, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tycho, Odesza, The Midnight, Ahmad Jamal, Gene Harris, Animals As Leaders, Post Malone, & so on.”

To 311, Mike would like to say these words: “Please bring Passafire back on the Cruise… it’s on my birthday next year! 😀 “

Now here are his words to all the other 311 (and Passafire) fans out there:

“Playing on the 2012 311 Cruise was arguably the best thing to ever happen for Passafire.  Our fan group (Passafire Army https://www.facebook.com/groups/PassafireArmy/) was formed from 311 fans shortly after this cruise… shout out Joe Kirk!  We’ve not only gained a ton of fans from this community, but have also become life long friends with many of you along the way.  On behalf of the band, I just want to say thank you for all of your support!  We would be nothing without y’all. ❤️”

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Thanks Mike for sharing your 311 story! Heads up everyone, Passafire is going on tour this summer with Iration, Atmosphere, and The Grouch/DJ Fresh. Be sure to check them out on the Sunshine & Summer Nights Tour if you can! You won’t be dissapointed. Now go have an amazing week my friends. Stay positive & love your life!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again Excitable nation! Who wants to read a new fan spotlight? Let’s get this party started – here is JD Coulter!

JD was introduced to 311 in the year 1998, when a friend of hers had her listen to the blue album. Flash forward a few years later and she stumbled upon “Transistor.” That’s the album that solidified her love for 311. “I remember one of my friends had the ETSD movie on VHS tape, and we would watch it after school, totally intrigued by these diehard 311 fans doing hardcore things like “the milk challenge.” I had to know more, I needed to learn every album. And every album has been the soundtrack to an era of my life at some point. My favorite always changes.”

While JD may have lost count of how many shows she has attended, she believes it’s around 10. First show for her was in 2003 at the Meadowbrook Farm in Gilford, New Hampshire, with O.A.R. and Something Corporate. As for favorite show, she said it’s definitely 311 Day 2014 in New Orleans. “It was my first time to NOLA and Bourbon Street. I got to stay in a haunted bed and breakfast! But my favorite part by far was seeing 311 play with the Unity Orchestra.”

The song that means the most to JD is “Eons.” As for favorite lyric, this one was actually her yearbook quote and it’s from Hostile Apostle: “Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions.”

JD is the age of 36 and was born and raised in Connecticut. She tries to catch 311 shows in the New England area whenever she can. ” I’ve been married for 8 years to my husband Andrew. I have a 15 year old son, Dylan. He is my world, and also a 311 fan!”

Fun fact about JD is that she loves hiking and exploring the outdoors. She also said writing is her passion. “I’m writing a poetry book.” As for guilty pleasure, she loves nerdy stuff and crossword puzzles.

As for other musicians JD can be found jamming out to, they include the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Modest Mouse, and Radiohead. She also likes hip-hop as well. “Super eclectic.”

For her message to the band, JD would like to say: “Thanks for reaching me with your positivity and attaching your music to my memories.”

Now here is her simple but awesome message to all the other 311 fans:

“Don’t worry, be happy.”

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Many thanks to JD for being a part of the fan spotlight! As always, my love and gratitude goes out to everyone who reads these fun little quips. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my Excitable friends! Who is ready for a new fan spotlight? Let’s meet Carlton Matthews!

It was right before Carlton’s freshman year of high school when he first heard 311. He was in drum line and one of the older guys drove him home after practice, blasting 311 as they drove. “After hearing Amber and Come Original, I was hooked and had to know more. I was drawn to their music because they fused all of the genres of music I love and made their own sound. They immediately had my attention and respect.”

Show count for Carlton is at 44. His first show was August 1, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri, at The Pageant. As for favorite event, he said it’s the cruises, especially the one in 2019. “. I had my best friends from STL with me, and I loved seeing The Urge bring a bit of home on board as well!”

For favorite song, Carlton said it often changes for him. Currently it’s the song “Lose.” Some of his favorite lyrics include “Nothing in life is above being honest” and and “Life’s not a race.”

Carlton grew up in O’Fallon, Illinois, which is just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Music was a big part of his childhood. His parents play instruments, his mother sang in the church choir, and his godfather’s son was the church drummer. “I grew up listening to mostly gospel music (shoutout to Fred Hammond!) and Hip Hop, but my mom would also play a lot of Prince and Lauryn Hill in the car. With so many musical influences around, I started expressing myself by mimicking my godfather’s son and drumming on everything around the house. To my mother’s relief, I finally started band at school in 5th grade and kept with it throughout high school, which led me to Murray State University.”

At Murray State, Carlton taught percussion at Murray middle and high school. “I’m incredibly thankful for all of the experiences that music’s given me, I can’t live without it. Although music was a big focus for me in college, I have an equal passion for politics and history. I ended up double majoring in Political Science and History and graduated in 2013.” After college, Carlton moved to Indianapolis for 2 years to work for his fraternity headquarters. Then in 2016 he moved back to St. Louis to become a fundraiser for a private university there. “Traveling for work provided ample opportunities to get southwest points for more 311 shows 😀.”

Fun fact about Carlton is that he comes from a huge family. “My mom is one of 12 and my dad is one of 18.” Guilty pleasure for him is that he’s a massive Arsenal fan! “I watch every game and hope to make it to North London this fall for a Premier League match day.”

While 311 is Carlton’s favorite rock band, his all time favorite band is Steel Pulse. “I’m really into reggae music and enjoy listening to  Burning Spear, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Aswad, Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Lila Ike, Stephen Marley, and Damian Marley. Outside of Reggae, I also enjoy a lot of Rap/Hip Hop. Big shoutout to Nas!”

To 311, Carlton would like to send this message:

“Thank you for the memories and for helping me find some of the best friends out there.”

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

“To the fans I’ve met over the years: Thank you for all of the crazy nights and memories I’ll hold on to for a lifetime.  To all fans: Empathy is the way to unity.”

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Thank you Carlton for sharing your story with us all! Of course, thanks to all the readers out there each week. Hope you are all staying well and keep on sharing the unity with the world!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my beautiful friends! It’s about time we meet a new 311 fan. Let’s hear the story of Adam Salamon!

It was 1995 and Adam heard “All Mixed Up” and “Down” on the radio and he ran right out to buy the CD. “I love the rap/rock/reggae vibe!”

Adam was late to the game to start seeing 311 live. His first show was in 2007 at Northerly Island in Chicago, his buddy Dujuan brought him to it and he’s never been the same. “Thanks, DAP!” As for show count, he never really tracked his number but knows it’s definitely over 50 times. “Eleven states, three countries, and eight 311 Days!”

A couple of Adams favorite shows include 311 Day 2014 in New Orleans and the 2015 Soundsystem cruise. “And the end of the world party at 311 Day in 2020!”

A few of Adam’s favorite songs include “Fuck the Bullshit,” “Full Ride,” and “Sun Come Through.” As for favorite lyrics, he obviously loves, ” Stay positive and love your life.” Another fave is “I chart the planets and the whales’ migration, I’m home everywhere, I run the station. The last light of a dying star, In every game I’m a wild card.”

Adam was born and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. He also lived in California and Arizona when he was younger. He is happily married with 3 kids who have all attended 311 shows with him. “Our youngest starts college in the fall, so I was able to bring my wife to her first 311 Day this year and we had an absolute blast!” For work, Adam is a commercial real estate broker that specializes in hospitality. And of course, he’s a full time positive vibe merchant!

Fun fact about Adam – he once saved a baby dolphin in Florida! “It had a fishing hook through it’s dorsal fin. While it’s mother along with a pod of dolphins and my family watched. Just another day in paradise. ;)”

When asked what makes him unique, Adam replied, “What makes me laugh, stand apart? Love and positivity for sure, mixed with a nice amount of style and zest. I’m spicy!”

Other music that Adam can be found listening to includes Dirty Heads, Pepper, The Movement, and Katastro. “RIP Andy.” For guilty pleasure, he said that sports cards, Kanye, and MeTV are a few that he has.

Adam has a message specifically addressed to Pnut: “I think you are an awesome human being and I hope the break you are about to take is exactly what the doctor ordered.”

Now here are Adam’s words to all the other 311 fans:

“It’s been a rough couple of years for us as a fan base and as a country. I would just like to remind everyone that winning hearts and minds comes from sharing love and positivity with people, not through hostility and derision. I feel like we as a group are ambassadors of what the world needs more of and I really hope my fellow excitables take that to heart! I am so grateful to be a part of this family. 311 and their fans have changed my life for the better in so many ways, I’ve got nothing but love for the band and our community.”

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Thank you so much Adam for sharing your story! Much gratitude as always to the supporters and readers of this little blog. Have an amazing week. Sending love & light to you all.

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there Excitable nation! I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy. Shall we meet our next fan spotlight? Let me introduce you to Angela Kellam!

It was during Angela’s sophomore year, 1996, when she was first introduced to 311 at a friend’s birthday party sleepover. “I was drawn to the upbeat, fun mood their music brought on and the lyrics about just loving life and being positive really connected with me.”

Exact number of shows that Angela has attended she is unsure of, but it’s somewhere over 20. Her first show was May 1998 at the Mesa Amphitheater. “They played with Widespread Panic and Gov’t Mule lol.”

As for favorite show, Angela is in love with the whole 311 Day experience. “My now husband took me to my 1st one in 2017 and it was over from there. It’s now a tradition of ours and hopefully our 3 adult daughters can start joining us!”

Picking a favorite song is hard for Angela to narrow down. She chose the song “Creatures (For A While).” She had her three daughters young and was a single mom for most of their lives. “It was a constant running through life situation. Those rare moments I got to just escape and let go of things were most treasured. That song reminds me of those carefree times. I certainly have more of them now and make it a pact to love life more.”

One lyric that Angela loves is, ” “Whether you think you can, whether you think you can’t,  either way you’re right.” She said it’s up to us and our mindset and decisions to help us steer our lives.

Angela’s father was an Air Force chief, so growing up she moved around a lot. Until she was age 14, her music choices were very restricted. “Country, country, and more country lol.  Don’t get me wrong, I love me a good Reba, George Strait or Morgan Wallen song but it doesn’t always bring me that “feel good, get out ya seat” vibe that 311 has.”

Angela has lived all over the world, including places like Nevada, North Carolina, Mississippi, and England. “I would love to return to England or Wales one day, I so loved it there.” Her dad retired in Arizona, and she has been there since 1992. ” I love my state and all it has to offer. 311 is always playing in the car, on our Alexa dot while making dinner, or floating down the nearby river in a kayak. I married my husband Scott last March after 5 years together and was so very excited to find he loved 311 as much as I do!! We attend any concert we get the chance to here in AZ and try to make it out to see good friends Tim & Crystal Fisher in TX to see a concert there once a year too.”

Fun fact about Angela is that she’s a professional photographer! “It started as a hobby and over the course of 25 years or so  has blossomed into a great career. I feel fortunate to have sold several art prints, had local news stations share my photos and local magazines feature my work. It’s been an amazing and humble experience.”

An attribute that Angela feels makes her unique is her empathetic nature, which has helped her help others in their lives in a positive way. “I’ve helped with jobs, relationships and health.” Guilty pleasure for her is being a wild horse volunteer, which doesn’t seem like anything to be guilty about! “It has led me down such an amazing and adventurous path. My respect and relationship with animals has become such a unique and rewarding experience.”

Other music that Angela can be found listening to include tunes from Dirty Heads, Rebellion, Stick Figure, Soja and Fortunate Youth. “My dark side enjoys Slipknot, Tool, Avenge Sevenfold and Iron Maiden among others.”

To 311, Angela would like to send out this message: ” Thank you for being you and for everything you and your music has done for all of us! We love you all.”

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

“Stay positive and love your life! Thankful to have so many of you in my life and look forward to meeting many more!”

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Many thanks to Angela Kellam for sharing her 311 story! A huge thank you to all the readers, as always. Go have a great week, spread the love & happiness to all you encounter.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends in Excitable nation! It’s a new week so let’s meet a new fan. Here is the story of Timothy Morris!

It was thanks to a high school friend that Tim got into 311. His friend took drum lessons from someone older than him and it was they who introduced them to 311. “We were hooked from the start. I was drawn to their lyrics and a wide variety of sound.”

As for live shows, Tim is in the range of 60 – 70. His first show was November 8, 2005 at Purdue University. “Makes me smile just thinking about it.” As for favorite show or event, Tim chose the cruises. “3 X cruiser. So much fun!”

Favorite song or one that means the most to Tim is hard to choose, like it is for many. He went with “Beautiful Disaster” as it was the first 311 song he heard.

Some lyrics that mean a lot to Tim include: “And so many things that have gone wrong, at least you have ears to hear this song,” “Now I got a click but it’s more like a family,” and “The only thing that never gets old is honesty.”

Tim grew up in a small Indiana town that was close to the Ohio border. He attended college just south of Indianapolis where he studied Philosophy and Sociology. He now works as a Tech Support Manager in Indianapolis. “I have a very close group of friends, some of them from my hometown, that I still see quite often. I’m really just a grown-up kid now :D. I love riding my bicycle around downtown Indy, huge fan of building Legos, and over the last couple of years started 3D Printing, which has become a really fun hobby. I really enjoy movies/shows some of my favs are Dexter, Always Sunny, The Prestige, Seinfeld, and The Hobbit/LOTR. I’m also getting married this July!!!”

Fun fact about Tim is that he and his mom share a birthday! “Diff years of course, haha!” Something else fun, Tim learned the basics of bagpipe playing! He took that during an optional winter term in college.

Other musicians that Tim can be found jamming out to include Deftones, Incubus, Iration, Tool, and Passafire. Guilty pleasure? That would be crime documentaries!

To 311, Tim would simply like to say: “Thank you for all the music, it means a lot to me.”

Now here is Tim’s message to all the other 311 fans:

“Whether its a 5min convo or an individual that becomes a friend, I always find a fun caring person at these shows/events, the world needs more of that.”

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Thank you so much Tim for sharing your story! As always, thank you to all the fans who read these each week. Please remember to love each other. Be kind. Stay positive. Love your life. Sending strength to all those who need it now and always.

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there you awesome people in excitable 311 nation! Hope you are all well and staying positive. Let’s check out a new fan spotlight shall we? Meet John Leslie!

Intro to 311 was from the songs “Down” and “All Mixed Up” on the radio and MTV, but John didn’t really get fully into them at that point. It was when he heard “Beautiful Disaster” and bought the Transistor album that his mind was blown. “I got the Live album and Blue Album for Christmas. The bridge of Purpose blew me away. They were my favorite band after that.”

Over the past 24 years John has seen 311 live 37 times. His first show was the Soundsystem tour in the fall of 1999. He saw them in Portland for his first theater concert and it was three days before Soundsystem was released. “After that I was addicted to the live shows.” As for favorite of the 37 shows, it’s a tie between 311 Day 2006, the first cruise and 311 Day 2010.

The song that means the most to John is “I’ll Be Here Awhile.” “I like the symbolic nature of the song. It has a new meaning for me after a traumatic medical event 10 years ago. I think I’ve proven that I will be here awhile!”

Some of the lyrics that really resonate with John include the following: “The method that makes sense is patience.” “You can make a mean hand out of what you’re being dealt,” and “Someone told you that you had no chance, people told us it would never transpire, you could be defeated in advance, just let them all burn in the wildfire.”

John was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and he loved growing up in the Pacific northwest. “Our family would take our dog on walks in Mt. Hood National Forest, I went camping once a month for several years in Boy Scouts.” John is also a huge Disneyland fan and has been there about 30 times.

John’s parents were also super into music and die hard Moody Blues fans for 52 years. His sister was also a big influence on his musical taste. He lived in Eugene for four years while going to college. “Graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Digital Arts. I lost 100 pounds over 2 years in college, put it back on over 5 years, took the weight off again during the pandemic with 70lbs down.” Now for work, he’s been in the IT field since 2004. ” I’ve been working at an IT data center in Portland that supports local county government services.”

Other things that interest John include conventions like Portland Retro Gaming Expo and PAX West, films, filmmaking, photography and video editing, collecting vinyl, playing board games and Halloween haunted mazes. He enjoys conversation and listening, hanging out with friends and family, going to pub trivia, and he’s been running a regular music event for 14 years.

Fun fact about John is that he likes to challenge himself by singing random songs at Karaoke! “At Rock Band Night at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade we would fill each instrument for each song. Sometimes I would end up on vocals singing a song I’d never heard before but I’d do it to help the event keep moving. I think it’s fun!” Keeping with the same theme, John likes to make custom karaoke videos and sing them with his other music loving friends. “We’ve been singing for 15 years. Lots of fun!”

Other musicians that John loves include Bad Religion, They Might Be Giants, Self, The Moody Blues, Rebelution, NOFX, Foo Fighters, Weezer, The Offspring, Descendents, Nerf Herder, The Explorers Club, Millencolin, XTC, Sparks, Freezepop, and Blondie. 

Guilty pleasures for John include ska music, video game conventions, the movie Freddy Got Fingered and sometimes pop music stations. “As a rock fan I still feel guilty but I do enjoy it.”

To 311, John would like to send this message: “I already tweeted it at P-Nut around 311 Day. Thank you for making the fans feel like friends. I think Nick got that idea from Joe Strummer.”

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

“Never give up! Be yourself! If you have a positive attitude, self discipline, and self determination you can set a goal and attain it! Be creative! Don’t be afraid to live your life!”

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Many thanks to John for sharing his story of his love for 311! Per the usual, I send so much gratitude to all the readers and supporters of this each week. Sending so much positivity and strength to you all. Until next time!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back friends! It’s a new week and time for the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Let’s meet Crystal Fisher!

The first time Crystal heard 311 she was with her best friend growing up. They were chilling at her house and her brother had 311 playing in his room. “We had no idea who they were but soon after I remember waiting to hear Come Original on the radio, so I could record it on one of my mix tapes (which I still have oddly enough even though I have no tape player).   That was my first memory of the music but it wasn’t until later when my parents allowed me to go to concerts that I really got into them.  Seeing them live was a completely new experience. The music hits in a completely different zone when it’s live.  The albums can’t record the energy that vibrates from the band and all through the crowd at the live shows. After seeing them for the first time, I was hooked and it’s been an addiction ever since.”

For show count, Crystal believes she is at 44 after 311 Day this year. First show for her was in 2003. “I was a big fan of the band Something Corporate, and I liked G love as well, so a couple friends and I got tickets and went to the show. We stood at the back for the show, but the energy from the band and the crowd was so ecstatic that before we knew it we were sucked in towards the middle, surrounded by all these people rocking out to the music.  I remember I could feel the floor moving slightly from everyone jumping up and down that we thought the floor was going to drop out beneath us!  It was wild but loved every minute of it!”

As for favorite event, it was a tough choice for Crystal. She loves the cruises and she has great memories at all the shows, but for sentimental reasons she chose 311 Day 2016. “I got married to my husband Tim on Bourbon Street that afternoon, and then attended the concert afterwards!   It was so great getting to spend the first hours being married to the love of my life, seeing our favorite band together surrounded by our closest friends and thousands of 311 fans from around the world! I was also really excited my cat Larry made the 311 day video on the big screen at the beginning of the concert.”

For favorite song, Crystal said that over the years there is always a song or two that stick with her because of whatever is going on in her life. One that she always goes back to is “Flowing.” “I have a bad habit of playing scenarios and events over and over in my head, and the song is a good reminder that when you go down a wormhole of bad thoughts the good are still there even if you don’t think you have any.”

Lyrics that Crystal loves include “Always try to keep your feet on the ground and love yourself” and “Go away sun I’m not prepared for you today, it seems you are, it seems you are.”

Crystal was born and raised on the northeast side of Houston, Texas. She is a first generation Texan and has lived there her whole life. “My parents live in Florida so I try to make it out there a couple times a year and I have family in other parts of the country but I really can’t see myself living anywhere else!”

While Crystal has worked a number of jobs over the years, she has spent most of her professional life working at Bush Intercontinental Airport for a retail company. ”  After working in the Human Resources office for a number of years, it opened up the door to working for a TPA that did benefits administration for school districts around the country. 2020 was a big year for us, as we expanded it for the first time and we had a little girl join our excitable family!  After her birth I quit my job to become a full time clowder and youngling herder (aka Stay at Home Mom) and For the first time in over 23 years I’m not working for money and instead get paid in cuddles and smiles. It’s been a big change but it’s really great getting to see Leia grow up and be there every part of the way! I’m a huge animal lover and we have 2 dogs and 2 cats, one of which has made his appearance on a number of cruise buttons  (@sirlarrymeow)!”

Fun fact about Crystal is that she collected Pez dispensers before and has a collection of over 100 in a box. “They used to be on display but my cat Larry had a habit of knocking them down and it was too much of a pain to reposition 100+ dispensers in a specified order. ” Something that makes her unique is that she likes to be crafty and creative in numerous ways. “Sometimes I paint things, make creatures out of felt, and do a lot of doodles when the creative bug hits. I made a Star Wars mural for my daughter’s nursery and even made my own Star Wars themed Mobile for her crib! I downloaded the Rockabye Baby 311 album to it, to introduce some great tunes to her right away!”

Guilty pleasure for Crystal is watching really bad sci-fi movies, especially shark themed ones. “Jaws is one of my all time favorite movies, so watching a really bad shark movie while having a couple drinks is one of my favorite ways to get a laugh.  There are some especially bad ones, so my best friend and I started watching them and then blogging about them when we get the chance.”

For other musicians that Crystal likes, she has quite a few including  Mae, Cruiserweight, Passafire, Broadway Showtunes, Dashboard Confessional, Rebelution, Tropidelic, RdGldGrn, Dirty Heads, and Taylor Swift. She also listens to a lot of podcasts including  Sword and Scale, Fangasm, How did this get made, Office Ladies, Your own backyard, Bright Sessions, Wolf 359, and The real Jaws.

To 311, Crystal would like to say these words: “Thank you for touring every year and bringing joy to thousands with your energy and awesome tunes! You’ve helped me stay positive in some really tough times, and I’m really thankful for all the events y’all put on each year, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for your hard work and dedication. THANK YOU!”

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

“Hey Everyone!  If it wasn’t for the awesome positivity and energy of the fans, I don’t know who I’d be today!  I love all of you, and can’t wait to meet more of y’all at all the future shows, cruises, and events to come! If you see me at a show, please feel free to come up and give a high five or a hug!  Do as you will, do as you wish, follow your bliss!”

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Thank you Crystal for sharing your story! As always, so much gratitude to the readers each week. Have an amazing week! Sending you all so many good vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again all of you excitable peeps! The latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight is here. Let’s meet Joshua Newton!

Initially Joshua was a fan when the blue album came out. However after that he didn’t really listen to 311 for about 20 years. ” In 2017 my ex-girlfriend introduced me to 311 again and I went to 2018 311 day…been hooked since.”

First time Joshua saw 311 live was in a bar in Atlanta before the blue album became a huge hit. Then since 2018 he’s seen them about 10 times. Favorite event for him was the 2019 cruise. “Specifically the sail away show. Stealing happy hours.”

One of Joshua’s favorite songs is “Golden Sunlight.” “I was going through a breakup and it reached me.” As for lyrics, he loves anytime 311 says down with the unity. He also loves “Stay positive and love your life.”

Joshua is originally from Wisconsin, but he’s lived in New Jersey since 1998. Currently he works for Verizon Wireless data centers. He goes to every show that 311 plays in the area. “I have familia that are down in the Philly area and then I have familia that are closer to North Jersey…. They’re an amazing group people to watch shows with including quite a few other bands in the same 311 genre.”

Some fun facts about Joshua are that he was a non-roster invitee to the Pittsburg Pirates spring training camp. “Unfortunately I got cut.” He was also an airborne air assault in the U.S. Army.

Talent for Joshua is that he can be good at almost any task or activity really fast. “When I’m interested, I’m a natural jack of all trades.” His guilty pleasure is sports. “I love watching just about any sport on TV and going to live sporting events. I coached quite a few sports and I’m a huge fan of all Wisconsin teams and the Rangers.”

Other music that Joshua can be found jamming out to include The Movement, Stick Figure, Rebelution, Tropidelic, Bumpin Uglies, and Little Stranger, just to name a few.

To 311, Joshua has this message: “I appreciate how hard you all have worked to throw down music for all of us to jam to over the years.”

Now here is his message to all the fellow 311 fans out there:

“Everyone just remember that life and the world is a better place when we all get together as a familia and rock it!! All we want is just beyond.”

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Thank you Joshua Newton for sharing your story and love for this amazing band. As always, a heartfelt thank you to those who read each week. I hope you all have an amazing week. Keep on spreading the positivity and love.

Much Love – The Runt