Hello again friends out there in 311 nation! A new week is upon us, a fresh start, and the next edition of the fan spotlight! Let’s meet the lovely Zuri Eytalis! 

How did Zuri find out about 311? She said she was born into the world of it! Her parents Heidi & Tim always listened to 311 so she was raised around the music. When she was just 4 years old she saw a photo of Amy & Kristina, the 311 cheerleaders, and said she wanted to become one of them. Last year Kristina sent her 3 boxes of gear and Zuri is so thankful for it! “It was so awesome!”

Even though Zuri is only 11, she’s already attended 18 shows. First for her was at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, Missouri back in 2012. Her favorite show of the 18 was this years 311 Day in Las Vegas and it’s because they played her favorite song, “Down South.” She says it’s her jam! 

Other favorite song for Zuri is “Beyond the Grey Sky,” because it reminds her of the family members that she has lost. “But I will see them again.” She has two favorite lyrics: “F- the naysayers because they don’t mean a thing, cause this is what style we bring,” and “Stay positive and love your life.”

Zuri was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and is still being raised there. She was actually born at 3:11PM and actually turns 11 on 9/30/18! As mentioned, Zuri is now part of the 311 cheerleader crew and she’s been lucky enough to meet Nick, P-nut, Tim and Chad. “All super nice guys and I got all there signatures. I have not met SA though, I need to meet him!” 

Special talent for Zuri is that she plays the guitar and flute. When she was 8 years old she was on a dance team but dancing with the advanced crew performing hip hop dances with people in the 14-18 age range! Some uniqueness for Zuri is that she can make her tongue into a W. She’s also very artistic and has won a lot of art awards. Guilty pleasure for her are the shows Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy. She also likes watching people make slime on YouTube. 

When Zuri isn’t listening to 311, she loves the sounds of New Politics, Green Day, The Offspring, Twenty-one Pilots, Greek Fire, Toadies, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Jason Mraz. She’s also super excited because she is seeing Ballyhoo on her birthday and her dad’s band is opening for them! What a great gift. 

To 311, Zuri has these words: “Hello, my name is Zuri and I’m the cheerleader for your band. I really appreciate you guys and how hard you work and I love your music and all the positivity.”

Now her message to all the other fans:

“Dear 311 fans, I know that I’m only 11 years old but anyone of any age can ROCK out to 311. Stay positive and love your life!”

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There you have it friends, the story of Miss Zuri! Thank you Zuri for being a fan spotlight & sharing your story. Let’s all send Zuri many happy birthday wishes! Thanks to all who come here and read the tales. Have a fantastic week! 

Much Love – The Runt

Good day to all out in 311 nation! The latest fan spotlight has arrived. It’s time to meet the beautiful Tish Dawne!

The time was the late 90’s and Tish will never forget the moment that she first heard 311. She was on her way to float down the Spring River in Arkansas with a group of college friends and that’s when she heard Transistor. “From then on, I was hooked. The vibe, the beat, and lyrics of their music is what drew me in. Anytime I get goosebumps listening to a song, I know there’s something special about it.” 

Total show count so far is 32 and she’s seen them from west to east coast, including California and Boston. Picking a favorite was tough, so she gave us her top three. Number one favorite was 311 Day 2018 when she became engaged to the love of her life Kevin. Second fave is 311 Day 2016, that’s when she met Kevin. Then finally the third is 311 Day 2014 because that’s when she took her oldest son Ashton and met one of her best friends and Matron of Honor Mary Beth Tarver. “She’s like a sister to me.”

The song “Two Drops in the Ocean” means a lot to Tish as it reminds her of Kevin and how they dated long distance for a year. The second song that holds a special place is “Freak Out,” as that is the song that Kevin sang to her right before he proposed. “I will never forget that moment!” One of her favorite lyrics comes from the song “Beyond the Grey Sky” and she said the song means so much to her for many different reasons: “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.” She also has two other favorite quotes tattooed on her shoulders, “Stay positive and love your life,” and “From chaos comes clarity.” 

Tish grew up in a small town in Arkansas called Batesville.  She was blessed with being raised by two families – one biological and the other her adopted family. In 2017 Tish moved to Boston and she absolutely loves it there. She works a full time job but is also going to school to get her doctorate in Health Science. “I’m hoping that will pay off one day!” Tish has two amazing kids, Ashton who is 22 and in the Air Force, and Kyle who is 18 and attending college in Arkansas. She also has a fur baby Hexie whom she adores. Tish also has a soft spot in her heart for the homeless and if she ever wins the lottery she wants to start an organization to help them, specifically providing mental health assistance to them. 

A special talent that Tish has is she can play the flute and started in the 5th grade. She also took piano lessons starting in that grade as well. “I didn’t have much of a choice on that one since my mother is a piano teacher lol.” She grew up in a household of musicians. Her mother, father and grandfather all have played in various bands. “Music literally runs through my blood. I don’t know what a life would be like without music.” Some other musicians that Tish loves include Dirty Heads, Passafire, Iration, Bassnectar, GRiZ, and Rusko. “I’ve been following EDM artists since the early 90’s.”

Guilty pleasure for Tish is anything Real Housewives related and she loves the crappy Lifetime movies (she was watching one as she wrote her answers). “I’m addicted to trash T.V.” Some of her favorites also include Jersey Shore and Vanderpump Rules. 

To 311, Tish would like to say, “Thank you for making music that makes me and my friends happy and that has helped me find my future husband and amazing friends.”

To all her fellow fans:

“It isn’t just about the amazing music, but about the friendships that have been made because of this band.”

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Now you know the story of Tish Dawne! Thanks Tish for being a part of this and of course, a big thank you to everyone for coming back to read each time. You are all beautiful souls! Have a fantastic week! 

Much love – The Runt