Welcome friends to the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! It’s my pleasure this week to introduce you to Sonya Schultz!
In the car, in 1995, was when Sonya first heard the notes to “Down” and like many Excitables she became an instant fan. “My Brother bought the Blue Album, then Music & Grassroots, but it was really my Husband who got me listening habitually to 311 when the Greatest Hits Album came out in 2004.”
First show for Sonya was with her husband in July of 2010 at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa. “When they hit the stage, I was absolutely mesmerized. We’ve been to three shows. Wish it was more! We also watched all of the StreamSystem Couch Tour Shows during the pandemic, which we loved!”
Favorite show for Sonya was at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa, back in 2014. “Our son, who was born a preemie, was in the NICU & we almost didn’t go. Their music saved me during one of the hardest obstacles in my life! I listened to 311 endlessly. The song Showdown struck a chord with how I was feeling. Seeing them up close on the rail while they performed was surreal!”
Favorite song for Sonya changes depending on her mood. Some of them include “Beautiful Disaster,” “Extension,” “Flowing,” “Space & Time,” and “Sweet.” “I love the entire body of work!” One of her favorite lyrics is the ever popular, “Stay positive and love your life.” She also loves when in concert Nick says, “Is everybody HAPPY?!”
Sonya was born into a musician’s family. Her dad plays bass and guitar and always encouraged her to explore music. “I’ve always loved to sing the most. I played drums & percussion for 3 years then switched to saxophone in middle & high school: I learned alto, tenor, baritone then soprano. My Brother who is predominantly a drummer, would play Name That Tune on the piano for me growing up & helped train my ear. My Brother introduced me to my Husband as “the new guitar player of his band” 26 years ago with a guitar in his hands and it was love at first sight! My Dad, Brother & Husband have all influenced me on my music tastes & preferences. We’ve lived in various places in Iowa & in the Chicagoland area. We currently live in Des Moines, Iowa metro area.”
Interesting fact about Sonya is that she lost her hearing when she was just in Kindergarten. It took two surgeries to fully restore her hearing. “I am more appreciative of music, sound & life in general because I remember the silence.” Unique attribute for Sonya is that she’s been told her smile and laughter are infectious. “Many of my friends call me Sunshine because of my eternally optimistic outlook on life!”
Guilty pleasure for Sonya is gardening. She mostly plants flowers and leafy plants, but also dabbles in veggies during the summer. “My Husband loves the peppers I grow for him. Nature brings me to my happy place!”
Another band besides 311 that Sonya loves is No Doubt. She’s also gotten super into the Dirty Heads over the last couple of years. Other artists she listens to include Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave, Sound Garden, Incubus, Faith No More, Queens of the Stone Age, Sublime with Rome, Jane’s Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. “I just love music so much!”
To 311, Sonya’s message is this: “Your creativity lifts me to a higher frequency in life and I thank you for that!”
Now her words to all her fellow excitables out there:
“I love that I found all of you beautiful people! It’s incredible that 311 has created this positive, loving & supportive commUnity! I love all of you who have been kind & welcomed me into the family! Much love!”
Big thanks to Sonya for sharing her story. Plus a big shout out of gratitude to all the readers! Hope you are all healthy & staying well, keep spreading the message of unity and love!
Much Love – The Runt