Fans of 311 reside in all areas of the world and we all connect through their music. We’ve also formed a community that interacts not only at summer shows and special events, but through Facebook and Twitter as well. Every one of us is unique and special, and we contribute different elements to the 311 family. Wouldn’t you like to get to know these members better? That’s what I intend to help you do! I’ll be doing spotlights on various fans in 311 nation, so keep checking back to learn about them! đ
Meet Carlitos!
Carlitos ChĂĄvez is one 311 fan that puts in a lot of miles to see the band! Â Carlitos was born in Mexico City, the capital and largest city in the country of Mexico. Later on in life he moved to CancĂșn where he still currently resides. So in order to see his favorite band, he has to make some pretty extensive travel arrangements but he knows the payoff is worth it. Carlitos started listening to 311 back in 2001 after a friend lent him some of their CD’s including Soundsystem and From Chaos. He was instantly hooked. “I loved the ryhthms and the lyrics”, stated Carlitos. He also loved that the band wasn’t really mainstream in Mexico although they did have a following there. It was like he was let in on an amazing musical secret.
Despite living in CancĂșn, Carlitos has seen 311 a total of 12 times, including the bands only Mexico concert back in December 2011 and the 2012 311 Day celebration in Las Vegas, which Carlitos says was his favorite show so far. “It was my first one and having a marathon of 311 songs over the span of two days, along with getting to hang out with a bunch of friends I’ve met through all these years…it’s just awesome!” His favorite song is “Get Down” because when he listens to it, he just gets the feeling the band wrote it with him in mind. I think we all can relate to that feeling!
Carlitos is a lover of music in general and also enjoys listening to bands such as Incubus, Ballyhoo!, and NOFX. He is always on the lookout for new bands and music to spark his interest. While Carlitos was born and raised in Mexico, he has also spent time in South New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA. Carlitos funds his 311 habit by practicing law – he is currently an attorney working for a bank. Something that Carlitos thinks most of his 311 family doesn’t know about him? That he not only is an avid lover of football but that he used to play! Carlitos played football for eight years and only gave it up to pursue his professional career of practicing law. His favorite team? The Philadelphia Eagles!
Carlitos can’t express enough gratitude for what this band and the fan community have brought to his life. “I’d like to tell them thank you, for all of their effort and work. Personally it has helped me a lot to get through some phases of my life and also it has filled it with such positivity and good vibes. They have been a major contributor to shape me into the person I am today.”
Carlitos and I have become great friends thanks to 311 and I can truly say he is a ray of sunshine in my life! Every time he messages me he puts a smile on my face by saying just positive things! If you haven’t met Carlitos in person, I truly hope one day you do. He is an amazing individual and one of the nicest people I’ve had the chance to meet!
We’ll wrap this up with a personal message from Carlitos to all the 311 family:
“Love your life. Love your loved ones and always tell them how much they mean to you. Love your work and never complain about your problems because there are people out there in the world in worse situations that would do whatever to have your problems. Also I’d love to invite them to come visit Mexico, it is not as they show it on the TV, come to Cancun, although 311 don’t tour here often but it is a nice, safe a fun place to visit, besides I live here đ TRAVEL is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.”
Anyone down for a CancĂșn trip with me? Thanks for sharing your thoughts Carlitos! đ