Welcome again my friends in Excitable nation! Shall we meet the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight? This week let’s learn the story of Miss Corinne Bowes!

Corinne was about the age of 13 when she saw 311 on MTV. ” I remember vaguely that year seeing them perform and thinking they looked different. I loved the sound.”

First show for Corinne was at a venue that is now called IThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach. And while she can only ballpark her total number of shows seen, she believes she’s around 75. Some of the highlights for her include her first 311 Day in New Orleans in 2014, Pow Wow in 2011, and her first cruise in 2013.  “And some amazing visits to Colorado for shows at Red Rocks and The Stanley shows over the years.” As for favorite event, she said the cruises take top spot hands down. “I’m already excited about booking later this year!”

Song that means the most to Corinne is “Do You Right.” As for lyrics, she chose a few that really mean a lot to her, which are as follows: “You make me nervous, throat dry, My brain is empty, don’t know why. But I saw you doing something, Which is really truly nothing but you could bust me out all day,” “You ought to know what brings me here, You glide through my head, blind to fear, and I know why,” and “Can’t get enough, this is the stuff. Life’s about, and it trips me up.”

Corinne grew up in Jamaica until she moved to Florida at the age of 8. She’s lived in the state ever since. She studied at Florida Atlantic University and became a community Cannabis activist once she was introduced to some information about the prohibition. “While I researched and learned more about the history of cannabis, I started working as a private care home health nurse. I had had a handful of retail jobs which I enjoyed, as well as worked for a bank and several start up companies in sales and marketing. Recently I was hired to build a cannabis friendly lounge in Miami and handled operations as well as venue booking. I love being a member of the holistic health and wellness community. This year I’m focussed more on blending that lifestyle with my skills in event management and curation.”

Some fun facts about Corinne – she eavesdrops on Spanish. She also has 5 half siblings. And she fell in love with Country in her early 30’s. A talent she has is writing songs and stories which she’s been doing since she was 12. . “I’ve  only shared a handful with a handful of people. I come up with lyrics almost constantly and have a little skill in free styling as long as I am not pressured to do it. 😂”

Guilty pleasure for Corinne is slightly different than most, she just loves popping up in places spontaneously. “Whether it’s to see friends or try a new restaurant, I’ve always enjoyed the impulse of just doing it when it comes to travel and making a memory.”

What else is Corinne listening to besides 311? ” I fell into a groove in the Palm Beach music scene that opened me up to a lot of great bands. Some include, Arise Roots, Army Gideon, Little Stranger, Bumpin Uglies and my favorite so far, Tropidelic. I listen to everything. I love, jazz, drum and bass, funk, blues, and hip-hop as much as I enjoy reggae.”

For what Corinne would say to 311, she has this message: “Thank you for making the effort to make every effort. When I first heard this band, I selfishly wished they would play forever and I could enjoy them not being “one hit wonders”. Wishes continue to come true around me. That alone changes what I think is possible.”

Now here is her message to all her fellow fans:

“Looking around at the past 13 years that I was lucky enough to be a welcomed part of our great music fan culture, I really feel a great blessing of getting to spend this time with people who have taught me and helped me add joy to life. Lots of great stories as well as moments that changed a lot in us all. I have a new wish that what we have enjoyed is shared freely to others. The music doesn’t change the person, but the same songs we love do bring us together as one people.”

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Many thanks to Corinne for sharing her story with us all! And as always, my love and gratitude to all the readers each week. Wishing you all the positivity in the world!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there Excitable nation! Time for the next 311 fan spotlight and we are on #420. Woo hoo! This week, let’s meet Patrick Hodge!

Summer of 1995, right after Patricks freshman year of high school, was when he found 311. His girlfriends older brother had cassette tape, bootleg copies of “Downstairs” and “Unity.” “Growing up in Providence, RI, I was exposed to a lot of Rap and Hip Hop, their sound was a fantastic blend of that foundation along with P-Nuts bass that really stood out.”

Show count for Patrick is at 131 and he’s been to many of those shows across the states and in different countries. First show for him was June 3rd, 1996, in Providence. As for favorite one of the 131 shows? “Cruise 1 Sail Away show! Also got to play on P-Nuts Basketball Team on C1.”

The song “Plain” is one that Patrick really loves. His favorite lyric also comes from that song: “I tell you what ‘s wrong to me the industry’s ability to manufacture stars. They churn them out like Iwojema makes cars. But the blame lies not with those suits for trying. It’s the sheep that keep on buying that soulless crap. Whatever they put in front of ya. The hysteria of America.”

As mentioned previously, Patrick grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and most of his summers were spent in South Boston, MA. He’s also lived in Middleboro, MA, and Cape Coral, FL. He’s now back in his home state. “To fund my 311 habit, I run a Mobile Wood Fired Pizza Oven, specializing in Catered Events but also with brewery pop-ups and farmers markets. Additionally, when inspiration hits I make unofficial 311 merch including foil posters, pins and tshirts! #fanmade #hodgepodge”

Fun fact about Patrick is that he’s been a freelance photographer for the band since 1997. He’s also ambidextrous! Patrick is also a really great cook. “Breakfast is one of my favorite meals to cook especially the homefries which I feel is the foundation to a great breakfast.”

Guilty pleasure for Patrick he said is buying RSVLTS shirts. “If you don’t know who they are, look them up but beware of the rabbit hole 😂.” As for other musicians he can be found listening to, the list includes Tropidelic, Little Stranger, Bumpin Uglies, Stick Figure, Jarv, The Elovaters, Rebelution, Cloud9Vibes, and Ballyhoo! 

To 311, Patrick has this message: “Thank you for giving me an opportunity to begin a career in photography all those years ago, for the music you create and for the family I’ve met along the way.”

Now here is his message to all his fellow 311 fans:

“311 means something different to everyone, so don’t feel like you always have to be the 311est! Come for the good vibes and check your egos at the door. One thing remains true, at least for me, is that it doesn’t matter if it’s your 100th Show or 1st, all are welcome at a 311 concert. Now bring on some new music in 2024!”

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Thank you Patrick for sharing your 311 story with us all! Much gratitude to the supporters of this blog each time as well. Hope you have an amazing week friends. If any of you will be in Atlantic City this Friday, I’ll see you there!

Much Love – The Runt