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

Welcome back to the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight? Are you ready to meet another awesome person? Let’s learn the story of Nikki Harrison!

It was Nikki’s ex-boyfriend that introduced her to the magic of 311. They went to 311 Day together twice, then one of the cruises. It was 311 Day 2010 that sparked her interest in the band but it was the 2013 cruise that made her a true fan. “That ex and I had a very messy break up and I found that I gravitated toward 311’s music to help me through that time. 311 Day 2014 was my first 311 Day after my ex and I broke up. I had decided not to go when the break up happened. But I stayed active on Facebook and “met” a bunch of people. I met Jennifer (Williams) Tucker in person for the first time when she came to my home 12 hours before we embarked on a road trip to NOLA. I met so many people on that trip that I now call my 311 family. That trip was a turning point in my life. It was 6 months after my break up and the point where I decided to push forward and not look back. I actually call the time before 311 Day 2014 my old life and the time since, my new life.”

As for show tally, Nikki lost count somewhere in her mid 30’s. She believes she is well over 50 at this point. First show for her she believes was during the summer tour of 2009 in St. Louis. “I was a casual fan then, so I’m not 100% sure which show was my first.” As for her favorite events, it was the four cruises she went on. “Especially the 2015 Jamaica cruise.”

The song that Nikki said means the most to her is “Golden Sunlight.” “I am a creature of habit and don’t like change. I’m hesitant to take chances. I’m a very guarded person. I have to remind myself sometimes to “go beyond in the great unknown.”

Some of her favorite lyrics also come from her favorite song: “What if I could just let my guard down, what if I could live wide open, yeah. What if I could just let my guard down, and go beyond into the great unknown.” Another one of Nikki’s favorite lyrics comes from “Beyond the Grey Sky:” “Don’t give up the fight to stay alive and even if you have to, find the reason of another’s pain if they lose you. If not for yourself then those around who care like I do, one day you’ll see the clear blue.”

Nikki grew up less than an hour outside of St. Louis, Missouri, in a small community. When it was time for college she moved to St. Louis where she stayed until about 3 years ago, when she moved into her grandmother’s house a little closer to her hometown. “I’ve been renovating for the past 7 years. At 30 years old I decided working in advertising wasn’t fulfilling. I was part of a massive layoff when the company I worked for went bankrupt. Two months later I started my pre-reqs for nursing school. I’ve been a nurse for over 7 years now and I love it. I am a critical care cardiac surgery and pulmonary nurse. Cardiac surgery is definitely my calling. I’ve been an intermediate level COVID nurse for the better part of the past 2 years. My unit is cross trained for the ICU so we got a lot of ICU overflow. It has definitely changed who I am as a nurse. I’ve seen things no one should ever see, more death and sadness than one lifetime should experience. But it gave me a new appreciation of family, life. It taught me a lot about myself. I’m a healer, a problem solver. The hardest thing for me to accept is when I can no longer find the answer, when I can’t fix the problem. It also made me realize unhealthy habits, like how I channel stress, anxiety, and sadness.”

Fun fact you may not know about Nikki is that she was named after a cartoon character! “My real name is Nichol and my dad got the name and unique spelling from a comic strip.” Unique attribute for her is that she has an empathetic and caring nature. “According to a close knit group of girlfriends, I have a “willingness to go the extra mile for others.”

Guilty pleasure for Nikki is that she loves the oldies. “I was raised on music out of the 50s and 60s. The Beach Boys are my favorite band.” When not listening to 311 or The Beach Boys, she can be found listening to  Disturbed, Korn, Breaking Benjamin, Avenged Sevenfold, Papa Roach, Halestorm, he Urge, Stick Figure, Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, The Offspring, and Real Big Fish, just to name a few.

To 311, Nikki would like to send this meaningful message: “Thank you for helping me put my life back together.”

For her message to all the other 311 fans out there, Nikki chose to quote 311:

“It’s been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change a minute. I can’t slow down inside, guess that’s why I live it!”

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Many thanks to Nikki for sharing her story! As always, so much gratitude going out to all who read each week. Until next time, go be awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

It’s been a minute 311 nation – I apologize for the lull in activity. I hope it was worth the wait – let’s meet the fabulous Tisha Morgan!

It was 1996 when Tisha became a fan of 311, after her first show in the same year. That show was in Dayton, Ohio. Since then she has seen them 25 times (number 24 and 25 were 311 Day 2022 in Vegas).

As for favorite show, it was hard for Tisha to pick one. “My 2nd show in Dallas, TX (1997), was the one and only time I’ve been “on the rail”, but that was before it was even a thing. I was 19, Incubus was one of the openers. My friend and I must have been rocking out and the guys from incubus were sitting side stage and noticed us. After the show, we were walking to our car and Mike Eisenberg saw us and brought us back stage. We spent hours just hanging out with him and talked to Tim, Chad and PNUT. It was long before cell phones, so the only proof I have is their autographs on my first 311 shirt.”

Honorable mention Tisha said goes to 311 Day this year. “Just the overall experience was really something special.  There are members of a fb group that told my “story” and I was gifted VIP passes by Peter Raspler (manager).  This is something I would have never been able to do on my own.  I went solo, roomed with a fellow cancer survivor but met so many amazing people/friends.  Even though I’ve been a fan for over 26 years, I truly felt like I was welcomed into the 311 “family.”

Favorite song for Tisha is “Hydroponic” and her favorite album is Music. “Not because of any special meaning or anything, but because it signifies a time in my life when everything was so simple.  I was fresh out of High School and my biggest worry was having gas money and what to wear to their shows.”

Some of her favorite lyrics include ““Nothing good comes easily, sometimes you gotta fight”,  “From chaos comes clarity”, and “F**k the bullsh*t, it’s time to throw down”.

For Tisha, she said her story plays out like a Lifetime movie, for real. I will let her tell it in her own words. “I grew up in a small town in Ohio, my mom passed away when I was 13, so my dad took over. Not much guidance after that, pretty much took care of myself from 16 on. I have worked hard my entire life. After 9/11, I became a flight attendant and traveled the US for about 6 years, then settle down and got married. My first daughter (London) was born in 2011, my 2nd daughter (Lily) was born in 2012. I got divorced in 2018. A few days after my divorce was final, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I went through a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation and then breast reconstruction. I was a newly single mom, so I worked full time through all of my treatments and was also attending college. I made it through all the treatments/surgeries and was “cancer free” for about 18 months or so. I found out in February of 2021 that my cancer had come back and had metastasized, so I was diagnosed (again) with breast cancer, but this time I was stage 4. I have never given up the fight. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in December 2021, bought a house and recently accepted a new position at the company I’ve been with for 7 years. Currently, I am in active treatment. I take oral chemo and hormone blockers since my cancer is Estrogen driven. I have been on this treatment for over a year now and doing really well. My scans continue to improve. I am still working full time and just enjoying my girls and life. Even though stage 4 is “not curable” I have hope that someday I can say that there is “no evidence of disease”. I will continue to fight and kick cancer’s ass because I am a f*cking warrior!”

While Tisha is pretty much an open book, something people may not know is that she is adopted. “I found some of my family because of Ancestry DNA.” She is also heavily tattooed. Talent for her is that she played a mean clarinet in High School. Guilty pleasure she said is her love for all things relating to “Friends.” “I am a hard core fan and I get shit from my friends all the time.”

For other artists she loves, her taste is very broad. “The bands at the top of my list (aside from 311) is Beastie Boys, Incubus, Justin Timberlake and mostly 80’s pop/rock and 90’s hip hop and grunge.”

For the message to 311, Tisha said she would like to get super cheesy and just say Thank You. “Just for being such a constant source of positivity in my life over the last 28 years.  Thanks for continuing to make music and appreciate your fans in the way that you do.”

To all the other 311 fans out there:

“F*CK the BULLSHIT!  And……Check your boobies!”

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Tisha, words cannot express my gratitude for you being a part of the 311 Fan Spotlight. I wish we had met in person at 311 Day. You are a rockstar. I wish you nothing but many more positive times and 311 Day’s in your future. Thanks as always to all the readers out there.

Stay Positive. Love Your Life. Please, keep spreading the love & good karma.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello 311 nation! Happy 311 Day week! Let’s kick it off with a new fan spotlight, shall we? Meet Brent Sander!

The year was 1994 and Brent was a sophomore in college. He had a good friend who was always introducing him to new bands. Then one day he told Brent he should come check out a band that night and that he thought he would like them. “I was apprehensive but always down to check out new bands. He then played me Offbeat Bare Ass. I was sold at that moment. It was funk, rap, rock, jazz…all in one. So we go to the show that night and I was just BLOWN away. Long hair Nick. Dread Nutter. Sweaty SA…just literally changed my life that night. I never looked back. Simply the best.”

For live show count, Brent is sitting at 76. He’s been on two cruises, attended 311 Day events, and went to the secret anniversary show. First show was the one he mentioned above, back in 1994, at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS. “150 seat bar. Just an incredible first experience!”

Without question, Brent said his favorite show was the Lido deck show on cruise number one. “If you were on that boat, you know! The energy in the crowd as the band took the stage. Pure Magic. Nothing will ever top that. No show. No drug. It was pure energy and happiness. I was hugging strangers just with this stupid grin on my face. Best music experience in my life.”

The song that resonates the most with Brent is “Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm.” “That song saved my life. Literally. I was in a really bad place in my life and was really close to the bottom and was very seriously thinking about some very dark things. Was driving to work and listening to Evolver and Jacks came on…just as miT starts playing the main riff before the band kicks in. That little riff….I came around a corner and the sun came out from some clouds and shined SO bright. I took it as a sign to keep going. Song saved my life and I’m forever grateful for it. It’s not my favorite 311 song to groove to etc…but it means the most to me personally. Funny thing…NEVER gotten to hear it live crazily. It’s my white whale. Some day!!!!!!!!”

As for lyrics that Brent loves, there are a lot. One of them is, “Savor the sun, but when the clouds come, make animals.”If you know me you know I will always try and turn any bad thing positive. If it’s bad? Find a way to make it better. Find a way to make it work FOR you instead of against you.  See this is the first one that comes to mind but man..How many 311 lyrics do I turn to in different situations? Stay Positive…Love your life? Every day! From Chaos Comes Clarity? Every rough uncomfy spot. CUTM…Ok maybe not so much but you get the point. LOL I will work 311 lyrics into any and all conversations. There’s hundreds to choose from.”

Brent is currently 47 and grew up in Topeka, Kansas. He now lives in Kansas City and is working in sales. ” I grew up with a brother who was 11 yrs older than me. When he went to College he left me all his records and I fell in love with bands like KISS immediately. Music was just my thing from the first moment. When I found 311 it was like everything perfectly aligned and I knew “THIS is my band”. The sound. The Lyrics. Everything.”

Then as Brent says, the internet happened, and he was able to meet all of these people who were like him, in love with 311. ” I think that’s the thing about 311 that a lot of people don’t see. They just hear the tunes and that connects or it doesn’t…but the community? Once you see that part of it…It’s special. That’s really what 311 kind of is to me. It’s not just a band or a few songs…it’s SO MUCH more. It’s this special sort of sub sect of people that really understands what it’s all about. That’s what makes the community so different. I have a son battling Cancer right now. It’s a horrible thing to go through as a parent because you can’t DO anything. The moment the 311 Community heard about things? The amount of love we have felt is just crazy. Every day someone is reaching out and keeping ME positive. Usually that’s MY job. It’s a lot of the same faces that I have known for years and then theres these new faces that pop up and send love and all I can think usually is “All this because of a few boys from Omaha.” It helps. It heals. It makes me smile when I want to cry. Like I say…It’s special.”

Something fun you may not know about Brent is that he is a singer. He was a vocal performance major in college and has been in bands or doing theater ever since. “Being on stage is the one place where everything can slow down for a bit and I can really just be me 100%. I miss it.” Unique attribute is that he can give amazing life advice and insight to others. “I also have an even better ability to not be able to listen to the advice I give others for myself LOL. Im also great at being able to just give random factoids or worthless information about any number of topics no one cares about.”

When asked if Brent has guilty pleasures he said no because he’s not guilty of them! “I love THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. My wife gives me hell for this all the time. Don’t care. Love it.  I stopped giving a shit what others thought of what I like YEARS ago. If it’s a pleasure…it’s just that. Stop letting other people tell you to feel “guilty” about stuff YOU like. Wear that BLADE III shirt with pride people!”

As for other music Brent can be found listening to, he has a huge list that includes artists like Tool, Grateful Dead, Bumpin Uglies, Thelonious Monk, Zappa, and Beefheart. “Bumpin Uglies prob comes in at 4 nowadays because Brandon Hardesty is just an amazing writer and singer. After that it just depends on the day. Could be a Thelonious Monk sort of day or it could be Zappa and Beefheart…or it could be show tunes. Every day is different man. But those 4 are always gonna be at the top.”

To 311, Brent has the same words he always says when he meets them. “THANK YOU. That’s it. They have given me far more than I could EVER give back. So just a simple thanks and then let them get back to their day.”

Now here are Brent’s words to all the 311 fan community:

“THANK YOU. You guys as a fan base have given me far more than I could give back. You constantly give me energy when I need it. You lift me up when it’s darkest. I have developed relationships in this community that will literally last a lifetime…All this from some boys from Omaha…Don’t take anything for granted. It’s a cliche I know but Stay Positive…Love Your Life. You only get one. Make the most of it. Keep on passing the PLUR on to each other and random strangers. Make the world a better place from how you found it. Got MAD love for all of you. I can’t say Thanks enough. See you all at the shows!!!!!”

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Such a big thank you to Brent for sharing his story! Per the usual, I can’t thank the fan base enough, who keep reading these each week. As I said before, Happy 311 Day week! Have an amazing time to all those that go, and I hope to meet so many of you in person in Vegas!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time for yet another awesome fan spotlight. Let’s learn the story of Brinton Thrasher!

It was at the age of 10 back in the mid 90’s that Brinton heard 311 on the local alternative radio station. “One particular scene that comes to mind was hanging out by a pool and All Mixed Up played on the radio – the beat, the sound, and the way it added to the general ambience of the area near all of my friends drew me to their music immediately.”

Show count for Brinton is approximately 20 and he believes his first show was around the year 2000, in Kansas City. As for the favorite event he’s attended, he chose the last two cruises. “The lineups, the people – AWESOME!”

For the song that means the most to him, Brinton said he would choose “All Mixed Up” because of the nostalgia it brings him. He also loves “Good Feeling” because it’s such a happy song! As for lyrics that stand out to him, Brinton loves the thought process of “Evolution.” “We have the ability to do so much as a species but there is fear in the unknown that hinders.”

Brinton was raised in a small suburb of Kansas City, on the Kansas side. His dad was in the military so they moved around a bit but ended up settling in Kansas. “I was able to make a ton of great friends and find myself listening to lots of 90s alternative and grunge. My parents were pretty strict especially with the type of music I listened to so I tried really hard to find as much punk rock, hard rock, and rap as I could find to listen to. All of those types of music were my means of escaping and relaxing.”

Music was such a love of Brinton’s that he started playing it as well as listening. “I can play a little bit of guitar and drums so now I make my own music all inspired by those bands that I listened to growing up.” 311 has always stayed as Brinton’s go-to music choice. “All of my immediate friends liked them so we would always put them on when hanging out at the pool, skating around the park, running through the neighborhood, etc.  The mix of hip hop, funk, rock, was the best of all worlds for me. I loved that I could relax to the sound of All Mixed Up and then listen to SA rap about our Galaxy.”

Fun fact about Brinton is that he won a hula hoop contest at Universal in Orlando when he was a sophomore in high school! Something that makes him unique is that he is a pilot, a commercial driver, and a scuba diver. “So I have conquered air, land, and sea! I just have a TON of interests!” Guilty pleasures include playing Call of Duty or playing disc golf with his pup!

Brinton listens to many types of music so there is a big list of artists that he can be found jamming out to. Some of them include Incubus, RHCP, Sade, Enya, Ice Cube, Zebrahead, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Ozomatli, Pennywise, and Metallica. “These were all the types of bands I listened to growing up.  I still listen to them now but have added a lot of other bands, especially metal to the list.”

As for Brinton’s message to 311, he would simply like to say: “Thank you for the years of great music, great fun, and all of the fun life experiences that came along with it!”

Now here are his words to 311 nation:

“Most of the 311 fans I have met have been super nice which is why I am drawn to the overall 311 vibe – I am used to the Midwest niceness and want to spread that everywhere I go.  Thank you to all of you who spread that love wherever you are!  I know for a fact we don’t all agree politically or socially but when we get together, none of that matters because love and music take over.”

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Many thanks to Brinton Thrasher for sharing his story of love for 311! Per the usual, much gratitude goes out to all of the continued readers and support of this blog. You all rock and I hope you have an amazing week. It’s almost 311 Day! YAY!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again all of you amazing Excitable people! As we inch closer and closer to our favorite holiday, let’s learn about yet another awesome fan. This week we meet Chris Colby!

Like many other fans, it was thanks to “Down” and “All Mixed Up” that Chris was introduced to the magic of 311. He heard them for the first time when he was still in high school and was immediately drawn to their unique sound.

While Chris doesn’t know the exact count of shows he’s attended, he believes it’s above 70. That includes shows at Red Rocks, Halloween 2010 and 2021, Pow Wow, and 311 Day in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016. His wedding day was on 311 Day in 2010! He’s also attended 5 out of the 6 cruises (they only missed the second cruise due to his wife being pregnant). First show he believes was August 13, 1997, at Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston, MI.

As for favorite event/show, Chris couldn’t pick just one. Best he said he could do would be his top 3. “311 Day 2010, 311 Cruise 6, and 311 Pow Wow Festival.”

Of all the 311 songs that exist, Chris said picking a favorite is another tough question. He chose his top songs which include “Life’s Not a Race,” “Use of Time,” and “Outside.”

As for favorite lyrics, Chris has many that he loves including: “Of course we’ll bring the dog”, “Why are you sleeping… gotta get outside”, “Listen to your heartbeat, flow and imagine”, “To be one who loves, to be one who works, the nazz not something that can be given, the Brodel is inside you it comes from within”, “A day like today is for you… to let your mind unwind like you ought to”, and “…lover of animals, yeah I wanna hear ’em”!

The area near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is where Chris grew up and will always consider home. Half of his family is Canadian, so he also spent a lot of time in Ontario, Canada, as well. Central Michigan University is where Chris graduated from and it’s also where he met his incredible wife Megan! Chris was a DJ on the college radio station Modern Rock 91.5FM and played a lot of 311’s music during his time there. “We’ve lived in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida area since moving here from Michigan in 2005. I fund my 311 travels as a Creative Design Manager – designing product packaging, web, etc.”

Very cool fact about Chris is that his great uncle, Ray Getliffe, was the oldest living winner of multiple Stanley Cups before he passed away. “He played for the 1939 Boston Bruins and 1944 Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup winning teams.”

Chris is very into Volkswagen vehicles and he said it’s sort of an addiction. “I’ve owned three 1967 VW Bugs, including my first car. All were originally the same color – VW Blue. I still own one of them today. I’ve owned many other VW’s too.” Guilty pleasure for Chris comes in the form of treasure hunting T.V. shows, like “The Curse of Oak Island,” amongst others.

For other musicians Chris can be found listening to, the list includes TOOL, Beck, Cake, The Elovaters, Thievery Corporation, Rebelution, Incubus, Turnstile, The Urge, Rage, Weezer, Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, Fatboy Slim, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Tears for Fears, and Dire Straits.

To 311, Chris has this question: “Want to get some tacos and a beer sometime?”

Now here are his words to the rest of Excitable nation:

“Much love to all the amazing friends and family we’ve made over the years in so many different places – you know who you are! All the thanks in the world to 311 for bringing us together!”

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Thank you to Chris Colby for sharing his 311 story! Without a doubt, I thank you all for reading each week. Thanks for the support and love my friends. Have an excellent week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends! Welcome back to another 311 fan spotlight. Let’s get right to it and meet Jimmy Clausen!

The year was 1995 and Jimmy was sitting in a friend’s college basement apartment, waiting for them to get ready so they could head to a party. They tossed in a CD and skipped right to track number 6, which was “Guns (Are For Pussies).” Then the next two tracks played and Jimmy was thinking, who the hell is this band? “The punchy verse’s, the rhythmic bass and melodies encapsulated me. I sat there alone tuned into the lyrics (trying to understand what Nick and SA were saying. I knew it was something I wanted to listen to! After Purpose played thru, I had heard 3-4 different styles of music between 3 songs, that blew me away. The friends surfaced from the bathroom and bedrooms by the end of Don’t Stay Home, I was waiting like 10 minutes to ask who the hell is this BAND! Instant Fan, bought CD’s the next day I think.”

Show count for Jimmy is a little fuzzy, but he believes it to be somewhere in the 35-40 range. First show for him was at the Barrymore Theater in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 16, 1995. As for favorite show, it’s a tough choice, but he said it has to be his first show. “Went with a large group of friends, many of which was their first show also.  We all became loyal fans, and saw many more shows together, but always talk about #1 the most.  Nick started the show with,  “Yo Madison WI,  what up? I was born here if anyone gives a fuck!”   I think he was still finding a little positivity in the Fall of 1995. He also lit a J on stage, passed it down to the crowd, and surfed during the show at one point.  No Doubt was the second act on, before Tragic Kingdom was on the radio, they were pretty punk, and played super hard and that was cool to see.”

Song that means a lot to Jimmy is “Silver.” “There is no major reason other than I just want to nod and dance to it. It has a funny intro and I like the message.” As for fave lyrics, he loves these from “Silver:” “Now I got a click but it’s more like a family, not an ethnic trip, more like an ethic. See, I write the rhyme today, tell it to you later. Whether we’re coming in whack or what it’s a waste to be a hater.” Jimmy also loves the opening verse from “Applied Science:” “Nod your head to this, as a lot of apprentice, some of this were standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Jimmy was born and raised in the midwest, Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. He was pretty quiet as a kid and didn’t talk much because he stuttered (which he still does but uses speech skills to try and be more fluent). “It’s a horribly psychological impairment (especially as a kid) because you know what you want to say, it can be hard to get it out, and then the cruelty of kids can leave some scars.” He played a lot of sports and liked exercising growing up. When he was around 10 years old his father bought a southern Wisconsin tavern and from 13-18 years old he worked there. “I definitely learned a lot in that place and got more confidence.”

Jimmy attended college at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, then he had a daughter at the young age of 21. He then graduated and had 2 more children with his wife Dawn, and they’ve been together for 20 years now. “We have lived in Central Florida now for 7 years, and I am a sales manager for a fitness equipment manufacturer.  Our oldest daughter has a child, I’ve been a grandfather since March 11th 2020, yep…. a 311 Granddaughter!!!!”

Interesting fact about Jimmy is that he can flex and/or shift something in his inner ear! “I really don’t even know what part it is that I’m moving.  The same function that most need to hold their nose for and blow out? (I  think) I can do it without anyone knowing I’m doing it. This is especially helpful on airplanes, which I am on often!”

Something that makes Jimmy unique is his “big” laugh, which he says is utterly ridiculous. “It’s super loud, like a major Cackle. If something gets me good I’ll laugh about it for days, replaying it in my head.  I try to laugh as much as possible, I think it keeps us young!”

Guilty pleasure for Jimmy is the music of Ke$ha! Other than 311 and Ke$ha, other music he can be found jamming out to include Mighty Mighty Bosstones, NOFX, Pennywise, Passion Pit, Everclear, Lupe Fiasco, Bad Religion, Postal Service, Ween, Atmosphere, and lots of 90’s hip hop like Tribe, De La Soul, Wu-Tang, Fugees, and Busta.

To 311, Jimmy would like to say: “Thank you for a partial lifetime of joy.  There really is not much better in life than that one simple feeling.”

Now here are his words to all the other 311 fans out there:

“This is going to be a little trite but, I love that a lot of us are very much alike in many ways.  I have made some of my best friends through the journey of following this band. If you are passing through the Tampa Bay area hit me up, we have a good fam down here!”

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Thank you to Jimmy Clausen for sharing his story! As always, much gratitude to all the readers each week. Have an amazing day, week, month, year! Sending good vibes to you all.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back friends to the latest 311 fan spotlight! This week, let’s meet the lovely Evan Stover!

Evan took notice of 311 in the days of MTV, when their videos for “Down” and “All Mixed Up” were playing in rotation. “I thought it was such a unique sound and creative videos and just really took to them.” Then around 2002 when Evan was 18, she met a group of friends – Bruner, Elise, Carleen, Kristen, Nigel, Boy Evan, Ian, Brooks, and Kyle.
“My soulmates. A few of them were die hard fans and I began to be exposed to more 311 music and attended my first shows. The positivity of the lyrics and the beautiful community of fans just stole my heart. I was home. Finally, after so many years of searching for… Something.”

Evan has seen 311 around 40 times, in 5 different states and including one 311 Day event (New Orleans 2016). First show was in Tampa, Florida, in 2003. As for favorite shows, she chose that 311 Day she attended and then the show in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2014, where she met the band.

Songs that mean a lot to Evan include “Speak Easy” (which reminds her of Boy Evan) and “Do You Right” (which takes her home to the beach). As for favorite lyrics, some that she loves include: “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world,” “You make me think of a song that I did not write yet,” “At the end of the day the relentless always win” and “There’s nothing like the comfort of a silence that’s comfortable”

Evan grew up in Clearwater, Florida. Then when she was 18 she moved to Hawaii for a year, then Chicago for a year when she was married, and now she is back in Florida in Lakeland. ” I came here to put down roots and raise my daughter. Our days are long. We’re up at 5:15am. We don’t get home till about 7pm. I’m still close to my 311 homies from all those years ago. At least one of them will be with me as the boys keep bringing it live.”

Evan strives to be a kind and loving human. ” I think the meaning of life is love and I intend to fall in love with as many people, places and things as I can in this life. I’m a recovering addict. I have found so many lyrics that nod to recovery and that has gotten me through some pretty dark times. I even wrote an essay during treatment. I wrote a timeline of my life using nothing but 311 songs. I was supposed to choose one, it had to be 6. Lol.”

Evan is a single mother to a beautiful 4 year old girl. “She already chants 3 11, 3 3 11!” Evan also loves to hoop dance, she loves art and also traveling. Currently she works as a hospitality staffing manager. “This is recent after 20 years of bartending and waitressing.”

Interesting fact about Evan, she used to perform swing dancing shows and was in the cast of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”. She is also terrified of heights. Something that makes her unique is that she can match pitch perfectly, in a whistle or by song. Guilty pleasure for Evan is watching the show “Married at First Sight.” “While eating ice cream in bed. Don’t you dare tell!”

Other artists that Evan loves include Virgins Merlot (she said Signs of a Vacant Soul is very special to her), Dirty Heads, G. Love and the Special Sauce, Ani Difranco, Portishead, and Korn. “I like all genres of music. I can appreciate the artistry in every bit of it. I like classical piano to relax. And mushroom jazz.”

Along the same topic of favorite bands, there was a band in the Tampa Bay area that she loves called Suburban Tragedy. “I met the lead singer when I was only 16 years old. I attended every show I could and watched Niks career evolve. He became a dear friend over the years. He went on to do a recurring show called Sharp Sings Sinatra, signed a contract writing songs in Nashville and created a music app called Audidio. Audidio is amazing. It reminds me of old school MTV. Nothing but music videos and all the artists are unsigned. It’s Niks legacy. Nik Sharp passed away in December of 2021. My fb cover photo is in remembrance of him.” You can check out Audidio wherever you download your apps!

As for words to 311, Evan has met them all but when she did, she hadn’t found recovery yet. “I managed to ask Nick for a hug. I shook P-nuts arm so hard I might have yanked it from the socket. I chit chatted what ever small talk I could muster in that state but what I forgot to say, what I NEEDED to say was thank you. That music..those lyrics and those friends  kept me going when I truly felt I had nothing left in me. So, I thank them for keeping on keeping on.”

Now here are Evan’s words to all of the other fans out there:

“You are loved beyond measure. Keep on climbing the hill. Love with everything you’ve got, like your life depends on it.”

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Thank you SO much to Evan for sharing her story! It was a great one to write. As always, muchos gracias to all of the readers each week. I hope you all have an amazing week as we inch closer to our beloved holiday, 311 Day!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again my friends to another 311 fan spotlight! This week, let’s meet Joshua Fountain!

Anyone remember Columbia House? That’s how Joshua obtained his copy of the blue album. Then it was his friend Crystal, who is a huge fan, who got him back into listening to 311. “My better half of almost 10 years, Pollie aka LoveBug is a fan, I have seen all my shows with her. I love the bands positive message and awesome sound.”

First show for Joshua was back in 2014 in Boca Raton, Florida. “I am not sure how many shows I have been to ever since. We have done many Florida shows and 3 cruises and are planning to go to 311 day Vegas this year. This will be our 1st 311 day.” Favorite event for him was the 2015 Jamaican cruise.

Two songs that mean a lot to Josh are “Creatures (for a while)” and “Beyond the Grey Sky.” One of his favorite lyrics is, “Fuck the bullshit, it’s time to throw down.”

Joshua was born and raised in Florida but has done a lot of traveling. He loves the outdoors and nature. He is currently a cook at Treasure Island and loves what he does. “We love hosting parties and dinners. It brings us all together and I love seeing my friends and family smile and have a good time.”

Joshua also volunteers his time to the American Legion and he likes to help his community out as much as possible. “I also grow and donate my hair every 4-5 years to Wigs for Kids in hopes that it will help someone in need.”

Interesting fact about Josh is that he can’t float in water. “If I stop paddling, I sink like a rock.” Something that Josh loves is finding old yard gnomes and bringing them back to life. “I find it relaxing and the finished product is very gratifying.”

Guilty pleasure? For Joshua that is listening to John Denver. Other musicians that he loves include The Dirty Heads, Tropidelic, Sturgill Simpson, and Oliver Tree. “In all honesty though I listen to all kinds of music old and new across all generes. And there’s a special place in my heart for John Denver.”

To 311, Joshua would like to simply say, “Thank you for being you.”

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

“I have met so many of you through out our travels and love every one of you. Such a great feeling knowing I have you in my life. Can’t wait till the next one. Much love and stay strong.”

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Many thanks to Joshua for sharing his story! As always, much gratitude going out to all the readers each week. May you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt