Hello again my friends out in Excitable nation! A new week is upon us and that means it’s time to meet the next fan spotlight. Let’s get the story of Colin Kelly! (Just a little side note, Colin’s wife Senecah was going to do the spotlight, but she gave it up and went through these questions with Colin – super cool of her to do and thanks Senecah for doing this interview!)
Colin said that knowing about 311 was inevitable being a kid in the 90’s. It was at his buddys house that he really became a fan. “I was learning guitar and sleeping over at a friend’s house and he was playing enlarged to show detail video on VHS and I fell in love immediately!”
As for live shows, Colin has been to 7. His first show was at the Orlando House of Blues with his older brother. He’s also been on 2 cruises (the second one he was with his love Senecah), attended one UCF concert and an Earth Day one in Orlando, which also was with Senecah. “We are looking forward to our next 311 cruise together in 2025!”
As for Colin’s favorite, he said it would have to be the first cruise. ” I remember Dirty Heads were there and the wind was blowing dude’s hair and that was just a MOMENT in time for me. Sen calls it reggae magic. It’s like a force of down to earth vibes- an ability to truly kick back and exhale and enjoy the humans around knowing there’s a oneness.”
Song that means the most to Colin is “Home Brew.” Yet it’s “Come Original” that he said house his favorite lyrics from 311. “I used to be so depressed but that spoke to me and I needed it! Be yourself. Just be you! The rest falls into place when you’re being true.”
Colin was raised by a family that was very supportive of his interest in 311. “My parents loved music festivals and camping trips and so I found myself in that type of community easily and doing things that vibe with my love for nature.” Colin’s trade is he’s an arborist, meaning he takes care of trees and he said is somewhat successful at it. He and Senecah also do a lot of side work cutting trees to get their cruise money. “That’s one of our favorite past times together actually- slaying treework and then going to our wing stop together and reliving old memories at our favorite table, hitting that jukebox with 311 and talking and laughing into the night. 311 made me feel good about myself when I felt really bad about myself. (This topic brings unexpected tears!)”
Something people may not know about Colin is that when his life isn’t going exactly right, and when he’s been listening to podcasts for too long, he goes and puts on 311. Then he slips back into feeling alright. “Something interesting Senecah is so good at reminding me is- what you focus on elaborates. So when you’re feeling not so much yourself, or like life has a hold on you, don’t give into those feelings. Try to change the thought process to what you’re happy with and those thoughts will take you to your next level up even through your circumstances. That’s an interesting perspective about me that can give you value. Choose your thoughts.”
Something unique about Colin is that he’s really good at making a tree fall down exactly where it should and needs to fall when he has to cut them. ” And honestly- I apologize to every single tree that I cut down.” Guilty pleasure for him is having his moments to himself and time on his own, which he said can sometimes span an entire day or weekend. ” I love that Senecah supports this and is so giving of my me time. I’ll spend it sitting out back by the woodline, or out on my kayak, or out on an early morning shoreline fishing. Just me and my thoughts. Time alone to reset may be a guilty pleasure but it’s a great reset.”
When not listening to the tunes of 311, other artist Colin loves include Oliver Anthony, Sevendust, Incubus, Trivium, and Iya Terra, just to name a few. “There’s so much good music!!!”
For his message to 311, Colin has these words: “You guys helped develop my love for the world. Even as a growing boy and still now as a 40 year old man. I see through a lense of beautiful music and lyrics and have a sense of peace running though me.”
Now his words to all the other 311 fans out in the universe:
“To the fans who find this story, my only hope is that you have found 311 early enough in your development.”
Thank you Colin, and Senecah, for helping share this tale with all the other fans out there. My gratitude, as always, goes out to those who read these posts each time. Hope you all have an amazing week!
Much Love – The Runt