Hello my friends in 311 nation! One last fan spotlight for 2024. Let’s get the story from Brittany and Tom Allen!
Both Tom & Brittany found 311 in the 90’s, listening to “Down” when it was getting airplay on the radio stations. Brittany grew up in Dallas and ordered the Blue album from a CD catalog for just one penny! Tom got the same album that year for Christmas and began his 311 collection. Brittany said, “My musical taste shifted to pop rock while Tom committed to 311 for the last 30 years. We met 10 years ago and he pulled me back to 311 town.”
Both Tom & Brittany love how dynamic 311’s music is. ” t’s a perfect blend of rock, reggae, punk and rap. I love that there are 2 vocalists and they have different styles that compliment each other. The music takes so many turns but manages to flow seamlessly. We love artists who are the master of their craft. I can feel the passion and vibes come through their music. Everything from the lyrics to music and performances has hooked my whole family.”
While Brittany & Tom don’t keep count of how many shows they’ve seen, they can’t recall a year they didn’t see them live. “During the pandemic we had all the live streams and love the album shows. Some years we see 1 or 2 shows and other years 5 or 6. Our home base is the Baltimore/DC area so I think our first were both Merriweather Post Pavilion. My kids’ first show was the Let Go music festival at the fairgrounds in Maryland when they were 4 and 6yo.”
As for favorite show, they chose 311 Day 2024. “It was the first 311 Day we had been to. It was a wonderful experience. We originally got married in Vegas in 2016 and renewed our vows this year at 311 Day. We had an amazing weekend and are looking forward to the 2025 cruise and next Vegas 311 day.”
For Brittany, she said every 311 songs reminds her of Tom and their family. “311 has residency in our home, so it has a magic that can instantly shift my emotions and head space. The love songs mean the most to me and there’s a special place in my heart for Love Song, Sunset in July, Purpose and First Straw.” As for Tom’s favorite song, he chose “Use of Time.” “He loves the depth of the lyrics and guitar solos. Tom is a big fan of Tim and P-nut.”
Favorite lyrics? They said it’s all of them! “You’re gonna get it” is frequently used in our home. We like to sing all the songs and change the lyrics based on what’s going on at the time. We also like to start singing the next song on the album at the end of each song. With streaming services shuffling songs it makes it fun.”
Brittany grew up in Dallas and has lived in a variety of places. “I went to UMBC and have been calling Maryland home ever since. I’m an acupuncturist and a lifelong learner.” Tom has lived in Maryland his whole life. “I work for a small business government contractor.”
Tom & Brittany spend a lot of their free time fishing and being outdoors. ” A lot of our vacations include a local pond or waterway for some catch and release sport fishing. In our free time at home we like to watch youtube videos of fishing or survival shows. We also have an outdoor screen to stream 311 shows with our neighbors.” They also listen to 311 pretty much every day.
Fun fact about Brittany, she has a photographic memory and always knows where things are! “I get together with friends weekly to play bar trivia and we are unbeatable. I am great with movie quotes and random facts.” Tom said he’s really good at bar games and cake decorating. He used to work at a bakery and doesn’t often share how good he is at baking. Guilty pleasure for Brittany is Eminem and “Love is Blind” on Netflix. Tom’s guilty pleasure is one that Tim Mahoney would like – tacos!
For Brittany, other musicians she likes include Madonna, Guster, Fastball, Something Corporate, Incubus, and she grew up listening to classic rock. For Tom, his other artists include A Perfect Circle, Incubus and Smashing Pumpkins.
Tom & Brittany have this message to send to 311: “Thanks for continuing to play and keeping up with your fans. We renewed our wedding vows at 311 Day 2024.”
Now here are their words to all the other fans out there:
“Keep on livin and rockin. There’s something special about the 311 family that we are lucky to be a part of. Everyone is positive and full of love, which is really rare, and that is truly what I love most about 311. We are die hard 311 fans for many reasons and the connections we’ve made, the joy and excitement we share with everyone at shows, and the relationships we’ve built, through 311, is where the magic lies.”
Thank you to Tom & Brittany for sharing their story with us all! And as always, my eternal gratitude to all the readers each week. Wishing you all great blessings and vibes as we head into 2025!
Much Love, The Runt