Hello there Excitable nation! Time to meet the latest fan spotlight. Here is the story of Rachelle Mueller!

During Rachelle’s middle and high school years, she states that you are influenced by your peers as to what music is cool or trendy, but it was mostly main stream stuff. So it was her brother Dallas who is 3 years older than her who would blast different music that she had never heard on the radio. “Tool, Silverchair, Pearl Jam, etc. Among the music he listened to was 311. Their unique combination of reggae and rock really resonated with me. It was an instant vibe I couldn’t get enough of!”

For seeing 311 live, Rachelle’s count is at 19. Her 20th show will be this year at Red Rocks on October 2nd. “I went on the 311 cruise in 2019 and was rockin’ my face off along with my fellow excitables in Vegas 2020 when the world was shutting down!” First show for her was in 2001, in her hometown, in her very own high school auditorium. “When I heard they were coming to my little town of Twin Falls, Idaho I couldn’t believe it. This was the first time I skipped school to go stand in line for tickets at the Music Exchange. Seeing them live was like an alternate universe, I was hooked!”

As for favorite show, she chose the 311 cruise. “If you have not been on the 311 cruise, I’m here to tell you it’s worth every penny!! The positive vibe and atmosphere all over the boat was so infectious. It was hard to get any sleep because there was so much live music and things to do all hours of the day. As we were setting sail off the coast of Florida, we were going underneath a bridge and 311 was singing “Stealing Happy Hours.” With a drink in my hand and my big brother by my side it was a snapshot in time that I will never forget!! Trust me I will never miss another cruise opportunity.”

There are many songs that can hype Rachelle up or get her through life’s dark moments. If she had to choose one, she said it would have to be “Champagne.” “As a single mom of 3 I have struggled with relationships. This song always reminds me that I am important and have a ton to offer the right person. As the song states – I will never understand you, When will I stop trying, I mean, cus its just not how I planned to, Spend my time til dying. I can only move forward and not dwell on the choices of others. The ones who are meant to stay will stay!”

Rachelle said the song “Dodging Raindrops” was a real momental one for many during 2020. “So many people dealt with mental illness during this time and struggling with the closure of the world and the unknown if life would ever be the same. ‘Why do I stay inside, I should be livin life, Instead of watchin through the window. No use in playin safe, Not gonna hesitate, I know the storm is only mental.’ As the dust has settled and things are becoming normal, I have traveled more this year than ever before. I don’t hesitate! I know life is short and can no longer take it for granted. I think 2020 helped me to see that we can’t predict the future so its best to live your life now!”

Born in Minot, North Dakota, Rachelle moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, when she was just 4 years old. There she stayed until she went to the University of Idaho in Moscow from 2002 – 2006. “During my college career I traveled abroad and spent a semester at the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia. After graduation I moved to Seattle Washington for a bit until I was blessed with my first son. Not having family in the area I decided to move back home, which is where I reside now.”

In 2016, Rachelle took a huge leap of faith and left a job she hated to pursue teaching! “I did not have my teaching license, I had no idea what grade level I wanted to teach but just knew I loved kids and having summers off to be with my own children seemed pretty sweet. A small town outside of Twin Falls took a chance on me that year and I am currently going into my 6^th year, teaching 3^rd grade at Kimberly Elementary. In 2019 I started my masters degree online through Western Governors University and can say I have a Bachelors in Journalism and a Masters in k-8 education!” Rachelle has 3 amazing kids of her own – Ledger, 13, Rigdon, 8, and Mckenna, 3. “I’m proud to say they all love 311 too and each have a favorite song!”

Fun fact about Rachelle is that she’s an adrenaline junkie! “Anything off the wall crazy is right up my alley! Skydiving, Ziplining, Rollercoasters, Cliff jumping, you name it I’m usually up for it. One summer during college I even raced cars at the local speedway. It was a Ford escort Hatchback. It was in a series called the Hornets. All the cars were supposed to be painted yellow and black, but I was gray and black with a big Black Widow painted on the roof. You won’t guess what my race number was…..311!!”

Something else that Rachelle has recently gotten into is axe throwing. “We have a certified WATL center here in Twin Falls. My friends and I would just go throw and drink beer every once in a while, when I realized I was naturally pretty good at it. I’m currently in a league and we play every Tuesday night!”

Guilty pleasure for Rachelle is scary stuff! “

I love scary stuff! Even my kids say it’s always Halloween in my soul! I spend quite a bit of money every year on my costumes and can confidently say my SFX makeup is pretty sick. I have won numerous costume contest with my looks! I have to say my Voodoo costume has been my favorite so far. I really want to buy stilts and be a satyr. Half women/half goat and make some huge horns and goat legs! We will see if it ever comes to fruition! When the kids are asleep or gone to their dads for the weekend you can find me curled up on the couch by myself indulging in Horror movies!”

As for other musicians that Rachelle loves, she credits 311 for opening many music avenues for her. The cruise itself being a big influence on what she listens to now. Some other artists include Tropidelic, RDGLDGRN, Dirty Heads, Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, Incubus, Jack Johnson, Tool, RATM, Beastie Boys, Perfect Circle, and Pepper. “I listen to old school hip hop too…you know the good stuff! Busta, Missy, DMX, Dre and Snoop!”

Rachelle has these words to send out to 311, more specifically Pnut: “Thanks P-nut for humoring me when I came up to you in the Florida airport after the cruise. I was totally geekin’ out and could barely spit out the words, but I enjoyed our brief conversation. It was so cool to meet you and have admired your bass technique all these years.”

Now here is her message to all her fellow fans:

“I cannot express all the love I have felt from all of you excitables that I have met! Hands down we are the best community! I look forward to meeting more of you and if you are at the RED Rocks show in October come say hi!!”

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Big thanks Rachelle for sharing your story! To all the supporters of the fan spotlight, you rock too. Have an amazing week – we are officially in August which means it’s almost tour time!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! We are back to meet another awesome fan. This week the spotlight takes aim on Derek Fey!

It was Derek’s older brother who would play the music of 311 in his room all the time, but it wasn’t until his younger brother got into them that Derek really became interested. ” At first, I couldn’t stand 311 because my younger brother loved the band (it’s what jerk older brothers do – dislike all things the younger brother likes). But he kept playing it and I really started to dig it.”

Then in Derek’s French class at Westside in Omaha, Nick Hexum’s brother Zach sat next to him. “It was 1996 when 311 was exploding and a lot of people in class were bothering Zach about how his brother was so much more successful than him (which I thought was crazy because he was an amazing jazz musician already), so I started to listen to 311 more just to see what it was all about. When I heard the lyric: “f the naysayers because they don’t mean a thing,” I was hooked.”

As for seeing them live, Derek hasn’t been able to get to as many shows as he would like to. His show count is 4, with his first being in 1997 with his 2 brothers in Lincoln, Nebraska, which he said was really cool. As for favorite show, Derek chose the 25th anniversary show at Sokol Auditorium in Omaha, which he went to with his younger brother Adam. “It was really special to go with my brother who really got me into the band – 311 definitely brought me closer to him. And the place was jam-packed on the floor it was jamming.”

As for song that means the most to him, Derek said it’s “Beyond the Gray Sky.” “I just love the idea of seeing beyond negative situations and look at the positive. Find a way to get through life – and help others to get beyond the gray sky as well. And sometimes it doesn’t work out unfortunately.” One of his favorite lyrics also comes from the song: “One day you’ll see the clear blue.” He also loves the lyric, “Fuck the naysayers cuz they don’t mean a thing.” “I love the idea of not letting what others think of you get to you. Ignore the haters.”

Omaha, Nebraska, is where Derek was born and raised. As mentioned before he attended Westside High School, where a few of the members of 311 also went to school. He has lived in or around Omaha his entire life. ” I teach high school social studies at Westside, so it’s pretty neat to be at the school where it all started for some 311 members and where I graduated. I also am the Head Cross Country-Assistant Track Coach at College of Saint Mary in Omaha. And I do contract work timing cross country and track and field meets in the area. Now that I have a good chunk of my bills paid, I’m hoping to use my free-time and funds to get to more 311 shows – starting with a show in Lincoln, NE this September!”

Fun fact about Derek – he works with a friend in Arizona during the summer “catching” reptiles for the state. “We run into rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and other venomous things all the time. Pretty wild stuff. Pun intended.”

When not listening to 311, other artists that Derek enjoys include The Urge, Pearl Jam, Hoobastank, Dave Matthews, REM and…”I might lose my 311 card for this, Celine Dion (yikes).”

Unique attribute for Derek is that he was gifted with the talent of running. “I’ve run 8 marathons, was one-minute off the Olympic Trials. I’ve done really goofy stuff with running – attempted to run across the state of Nebraska twice, ran an 81-mile ultramarathon in California, ran a marathon on a track (105 laps)…so yeah, running has been in my blood for quite some time.”

While Derek said running is sort of his guilty pleasure, he also thinks that pranking his teaching colleagues is another. “Whether it is using Photoshop to create compromising pictures or putting fake notes on teacher desks from the principal, it makes teaching interesting and fun.”

Derek would like to relay this message to the members of 311: “You guys are an inspiration – keep on grinding!”

Now to all the other 311 fans, here are his words:

“There is no show like a 311 concert and it’s because of the fans – I hope to meet more of you down the road! Stay positive.”

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Many thanks to Derek Fey for sharing his story, it was a great one to write! Of course, thank you so much to all the readers out there. Have an amazing week, sending so much positive energy to everyone.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello all out there in 311 nation! Another fan spotlight is here. Time for the story of Walter Vining!

Like many 311 fans, Walter’s story starts with hearing “Down” play on his local radio station. “I was instantly hooked. From there, I heard ‘All Mixed Up’ and fell further in love. Took my next several paychecks from work and went back and bought Music and Grassroots.”

First show for Walter was in 2014 at the South Side Ballroom in Dallas. “I was a SUPER late bloomer to 311 shows. I tweeted the band for WEEKS asking them to play Visit at the show, Visit being my favorite song of all time.” Total show count for him now is at 12.

Favorite show for Walter is 311 Day 2016, day 2. “The vibe was amazing, the music was amazing. Got to see the live WORLD DEBUT of Island Sun, what an amazing tune.”

Mentioned earlier, “Visit” is Walter’s all time favorite song, but other than that there isn’t one single song that means the most to him. ” I have often told my kids that 311 has saved my life, to which I expand upon and let them know that they have drug me out of some of my deepest lows. That being said, ‘Large In The Margin’ has been one of my best songs to help bring me out of lows, and now I have both ‘Dodging Raindrops’ and ‘Lucid Dreams’ to add to that.”

As for favorite lyrics, Walter chose a few that really strike a chord with him: “There’s no way to avoid listening, you’ll always end up listening. Here’s hoping the voices aren’t too unkind, here’s hoping the voices are benign. It’s easier when you hear it, there’s no reason to fear it;” “All mixed up, don’t know what to do, next thing you turn around and find the person is you. Thought a freak might be the thing, but the first could be the last, so just get off of your ass. All mixed up, you don’t know what to do;” and “Life is not quite the way it seems, I don’t feel like I did in my lucid dreams.”

Aubrey, Texas, is the small town U.S.A. where Walter grew up. After that he lived in Houston for 3 years before moving back to North Texas around 2001. He has roamed around the Denton and Dallas area for the “last infinity.” “I work for a bank, where I update correspondence that we send to homeowners. As a hobby I race RC Cars, and for a while I had a stash of stickers with numbers on them where I would cut out the numbers 3 and 11 and put them on my car!”

Interesting fact about Walter is that he has a unique set of scars on his chest from when he played junior high football, he got stepped on by a player. “Their foot got stuck under my shoulder pads and left a few spots from their cleats.” Something that makes Walter unique is that he tries to stay low key. ” I don’t really like getting called out for things publicly. Private acknowledgement means more to me than being publicly known, so I guess being humble?”

Other musical loves for Walter, he said he used to be really heavily into Korn and Limp Bizkit. Now though he mostly just listens to 311 and The Toadies. “Smatter in mostly 90s music and some new alternative stuff, as well as some old school hip hop and other random stuff that makes me move.”

Guilty pleasure for Walter is the movie Poooty Tang! “What a terrible movie, but IT’S SO GOOD!”

Walter would like to send this message to 311: “Thank you so much for all of the music, the positivity, the energy, the fun, and most of all the indirect support that you have given me for most of my life.”

Now his message to all the other 311 fans out there:

“No matter the struggle you are going through, remember you have been strong all along. There is light beyond the grey skies, and there are always enjoyable sunsets in July. When things seem bad, sometimes you just need to go on a visit and get some island sun. If you ever feel like you need a reset, don’t be blue, go back to your grassroots, get some music, find your universal pulse and replace the transistors in your mind.”

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Many thanks to Walter for those lovely words and sharing your story! Much gratitude per the usual to all the readers each week. Go be awesome and spread some positive light into the world!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there 311 nation! It’s about that time, new fan spotlight time! Start the week off properly by reading the story of Chris Stevens!

It was hearing the song “Down” on the radio, like many others, that first introduced Chris to 311. He really liked the riff and thought it was a tight sounding four piece band. “Then I saw them on Late Night with David Letterman and realized it was a five piece and became more of a fan and then I bought the Blue CD and got involved.”

First show for Chris was in 2018 at the House of Blues in Orlando. He’s only been to 3 live shows so far, but thoroughly enjoyed the live streams the past few months. One of his favorites was the Soundsystem stream. For favorite show he saw live he said it was the one with RDGLDGRN at the House of Blues.

“Sever” is the song that Chris chose as one that means the most to him because he can really relate to the lyrics personally. Some of his favorite lines from their songs include: “Oh there’s a clock in my head, and despite what it says, another one on the wall, they don’t agree at all,” “In my unconscious mind, the door is open unto every kind, eyes open wide, never see what I expect to find,” “Played a track from your record collection, it’s your mix, congratulations,” and “Not an even field to be on, feels like standing still.”

Chris was born in New Jersey, living in various cities until he was in the 6th grade when he moved to Columbus, Ohio, to live with his father. In 1989 he left and joined the U.S. Navy. “I was stationed in Norfolk, San Diego and Guam until 1995, moved back to NJ/NY area until 2005 when I moved to Tampa, FL. I really miss being overseas and getting to see different cultures and meet people. Sometimes because of the language barrier communication was soley music.”

Fun fact about Chris – back in 1991 he turned 21 twice. How you ask? “Because of the time zone difference flying from NY>LA>HI>Guam.” Something that makes Chris unique is that he loves to beatbox.

Other musicians that Chris loves include Jane’s Addiction, The Cure, Deftones, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix.

Guilty pleasure? Chris doesn’t really feel too guilty about anything he enjoys doing. “Maybe in the 80’s when I brought over a Duran Duran cassette to my cousins house who was a metal head, he laughed and said what’s wrong with me. I still like them.”

Message that Chris has for 311 is this: “Thank you for 30 plus years of music and dedication. Can you please play “Sever” more live?”

Now his words to all the other 311 fans:

“I have met some of you out there and looking forward to meeting a lot more. I have made some lifelong friendships through the 311 comm-unity :)”

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Thank you Chris Stevens for sharing your 311 story! Many thanks as always to all the readers and supporters. I hope you all had a great Independence Day and have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back 311 nation! Here we go, the new installment of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet Willie Bowers!

It was not long after Willie got his license that he discovered 311. He was driving some friends in his mom’s brown Lincoln and they were listening to a radio station out of Dallas, Texas called The Edge. “Right before we arrived at my friend’s house, “Down” started playing on the radio. I was like, “holy sh*t, what IS this???” I immediately cranked it up. I was blown away. I had never heard anything that sounded like it before, and I was immediately hooked. So, we arrived at my friend’s house, and we just all sat in the car and finished the song. I wanted to wait until the end of the song because I could not get enough of it, and I also wanted to see if the DJ on the radio would say who it was. Lucky enough, I remember him saying something about the track being new and then said it was by 311. I think the main things that drew me to their music was how unique it sounded, the energy of it all, and the way Nick and S.A would go back and forth with the vocals. They did not sound like anything else I listened to at the time.”

For show count, Willie isn’t sure of the exact number but he believes he lost count somewhere in the 20’s. He saw 311 FINALLY for the first time on September 8, 2001, at the San Diego Street Scene Festival in California. “The reason I say finally, is because it seemed like forever waiting from 1996 when I first heard them to 2001 when I finally got to see them live in concert for the first time. Joining the Army and traveling around the US and the world probably caused some of those missed opportunities, but it was worth the wait.”

As for favorite show or event, Willie chose 311 Day 2020. “First time in Vegas and first 3-day 311 experience I have had. Close 2^nd would be when I went to 311-day 2004 in New Orleans, and 3^rd would be the first time I saw 311 at the Tabernacle in Atlanta in 2014. Always wanted to see them there after seeing the footage in ETSD 2. Also, honorable mention would be finally seeing them at Red Rocks for the first time back on 4/19/19.”

Picking a song that means the most to him, well like most fans there are many of them. One Willie chose is “Beyond the Grey Sky.” “So many people I know have struggled with depression, and that song hit me so hard the first time I heard it. Great tune.”

As for a lyric that resonates with him, he chose a few including: “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity,” “Stay positive and love your life,” and pretty much all the lyrics to “Offbeat Bare Ass.” “Especially the part near the end right before they say, “Here’s to good people doing time y’all!”

Willie grew up in a small town just north of Dallas, Texas. Upon graduating high school he was ready to see something else so he joined the U.S. Army. He then lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, South Korea, and Georgia. He now resides in the lovely state of Colorado. “And it is one of my favorite places in the world. I love to go hiking, camping, and pretty much anything outdoors. I love art, music, and all creative things.”

While in the Army, Willie did satellite communications and has pretty much been doing that ever since he left the military. He said that anyone that knows him, knows he has been obsessed with 311 since 1996. “I’ve always strived to be a positive and happy go lucky guy, and I have always identified with 311’s music and lyrics so much over the years.”

Interesting fact about Willie is that he has green eyes, but he has two small brown dots in the green of his right eye! One of his unique attributes is that he’s a very creative person who loves abstract art. “I work mostly with pens, pencils, and various art markers and colored pencils. I also do acrylic paintings from time to time. My favorite canvases to work on are 16X20. I have dabbled in photography for years, and I finally was able to get a decent DSLR this year thanks to my amazing girlfriend. A lot of my friends have told me that I seem to have a natural knack for photography. So, I would say art and photography are my two main things. The other thing that I feel makes me unique is something I’m very proud of, but I usually don’t say anything about it because I feel I should stay humble when it comes to things like that. However, I must say that I’m very proud of the fact that I have been a single father raising two kids on my own since September 2012 when the kids’ Mom bounced. My kids are now 10 and 13 and I’m so proud of the people they have become.”

Other musicians that Willie can be found listening to include Incubus, Sublime, Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, Passafire, Iya Terra and Rebelution.  “Sometimes I just put on my old school rock playlist and listen to the stuff I grew up on like 311, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Beck, Helmet, Portishead, and things like that from the 90s.”

For guilty pleasure, Willie said he doesn’t have anything he would really say he is “guilty” of, but he guesses he would pick Ska music. “Because I love all Ska music, and you got to admit that stuff can be pretty darn cheesy sometimes.”

Willie’s message to 311 is simple & perfect: “Thank you guys SO MUCH.”

Now here are his words to his fellow 311 fans:

“First, I would like to say that life is short. I lost my Father to cancer in January 2020. Ever since then, I have tried to slow down and cherish the moments I have with my loved ones. So, I will just say take the time to be present with the people you really care about. The second message is something I’ve been trying to work on myself as well. I would just encourage everyone in our community to practice a little more empathy and kindness throughout your daily life. This past year or so has been rough on so many people, I just hope we can all practice a little more kindness going forward. And, I believe this community of excitable ones is a great place to start. “Stay positive and love your life”.  

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Thank you so much Willie for sharing your story with us all! Much gratitude per the usual to all the fan spotlight supporters out there. Now go have the best week you can!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey everyone out there in 311 nation! Time for the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! This week we learn the story of Kirsten Brown Franciscotty!

For Kirsten, she found 311 while watching a concert on cable T.V. “I remember thinking how upbeat and happy their music made me feel.”

First show for Kirsten was Red, White, and Boom in Las Vegas in 2014. Since then she’s attended two 311 Day events, 6 regular tour shows, and two cruises. Her favorite of these are the cruises. “It’s by far the most fun I’ve ever had. “

For her top 3 songs, Kirsten chose “Sunset in July,” “Misdirected Hostility,” and “Beyond the Grey Sky.”

Kirsten grew up in California and was a huge rap and alternative music fan. “311 fulfills most of my musical needs.” One of her other favorite bands in the 90’s was Oingo Boingo. These days some of her favorites include Dirty Heads, Pepper, Stick Figure, and Cypress Hill.

Fun fact about Kirsten is that she used to be a semi-pro wrestler! “Only wrestled men too.” She also stated that she is the most positive person she knows. “I have always been able to find the brighter side of life, even when life is at its worst. No wonder I love 311.”

Kirsten also loves to play the violin, viola, flute, and saxophone. “I recently started learning bass – Thanks Pnut!” Guilty pleasure for Kirsten? That would be concerts and Camaro’s!

Her words to the band are going to one person only: “SA, will you marry me?”

Now her words to all the other fans out there:

“When life gets you down, lean on friends, 311 community, and good music.”

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There you have the story of Kirsten Brown Franciscotty! So much gratitude to Kirsten for sharing her story. As always, a BIG thank you to all the readers of this little project as well! Have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again my friends in 311 nation! Let’s meet the next person for the fan spotlight, shall we? This week we get the story of Patrick Chevrier!

It was 1996 when Patrick became a fan after hearing “Down” for the first time. It was a hot summer day and he had gone inside to cool down. “I remember flipping on mtv and I saw the music video and have been hooked ever since. I remember ordering their cd from Columbia house shortly after that. Back when you could get 10 cds for like a dollar.”

For show count, Patrick is at 51, unless we are going to count live streams. “Wait.. do we count live streams? Anyway my # 50 was the last set of the 2019 cruise. First show was in 1997, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Detroit, MI.”

As for favorite event, Patrick said it’s hard to compete with the cruise. “Having said that, I would say that 311 day 2006 in Memphis tops the list, running second to Halloween 2003 in West Palm.”

One of Patrick’s favorite songs is “Silver.” “I’ve got a click but it’s more like a family. That’s a pretty good snapshot of what the 311 nation has become. I literally haven’t met a 311 fan that I haven’t liked yet. And probably never will.”

For favorite lyrics, one of them is “Let the cards fall, let the cards fall where they may. All I can do, all I can say.” Patrick tries to apply this logic to his everyday life, because if he can then the easier life will be. He also loves the line, “Stay positive and love your life.” “It’s very easy to say but a little harder to actually do.”

Patrick grew up about an hour north of Detroit in Lake Orion, Michigan. He’s 36 years of age and is married to his wife Lindsey. They have 2 children, Mason who is 8 and Harper who is 17 months. “If anyone is counting, the 2019 cruise was exactly 26 months ago, which means that she was conceived on the 2019 cruise. Which is ironic because there was a lot of talk on the cruise q&a about cruise babies. You can’t make this stuff up!!!” He and his wife got married in Las Vegas on 3/13/10. “The wife wouldn’t let us get married on 311 Day, but you know I tried.”

By day Patrick is a master motorcycle technician. However by night, he is a music junkie. “I literally have good vibes blasting in my earbuds 15 hrs a day. You can take my eyes but not my ears.” Fun fact about Patrick is that he’s a drummer and has been since the age of 7. He also raced motocross for 10 years until he retired from his semi-amateur career in 2003.

Other music that Patrick can be found listening to includes Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Rebelution, Stick Figure, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tropidelic, The Used, and Umphree McGee. “Hell, I even get down to some D.R.E, Snoop And Warren G from time to time…Regulators… Mount up.”

Guilty pleasure for Patrick is the “Back to the Future” series, even though he says the third movie is horrible. He also got into the baby shark cartoons. “I watch with my daughter. baby shark do do do do do do.. kinda catchy.”

To 311, Patrick has these words: “I can’t say that I’ve been down for the whole 30 years, but thank you for 24 years of positive vibes. There were a few times in my life where the only thing that I had was 311 just a click or a button away. So thank you for that!!!  Chad… such a huge influence on me as a musician.”

To 311 nation, his words are these:

“No matter where we go, we all got each other!! Much love. I know we could all use a live show right about now, can’t wait to groove with 10,000 strangers this summer.”

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Thank you Patrick for sharing your story! Per the usual, many, many thanks to all the supporters out there. Can’t wait to get to an in person show this summer, like I’m sure most of you! Have an excellent week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back my friends in 311 nation! It’s that time, time to meet the latest edition of the fan spotlight. This week learn the tale of Devin Larm!

It was Devin’s friend Cory Gilbert who first introduced him to the sounds of 311 back during his freshman year of high school in 1999. The sounds of “Down” and “All Mixed Up” were the first two songs he heard and he was instantly hooked. “I loved how original they sounded. It was a type of music that I had never heard before and that was all she wrote!”

As for exact number of shows attended, Devin estimated it’s between 50-60. He’s been to 311 Day in 2010, 2018, and 2020, plus the 2019 cruise. First show was on August 7, 2003 at City Market in Kansas City. “I wasn’t hooked before that, I certainly was after.”

Favorite event to this date Devin said was the 2019 cruise. “It was just an amazing experience that I will never forget. 311 Days are great but someone once told me that the cruises are for the hardest of the hardcore fans and I would have to agree. The cruise is something that I’ll never miss again. The memories and friendships gained are ones that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

For favorite song, Devin says that changes from time to time, just as his favorite album does. If you ask him next week, his answer might be completely different. At the moment, “Stealing Happy Hours” is his favorite song. “It stands out to me because it’s the song the band was playing as we went under the bridge on my first cruise. They played it again at Red Rocks on 4/19 when I was there and I had an immediate rush of memories and emotions from the cruise.”

Lyrics, he said obviously “Stay positive and love your life” is one of his faves. Other ones that stand out include “We only enter in one contest that we made up ourselves, that’s to be the 311’est” and “If you don’t have someone to do it with it’s not worth doing.”

Devin was born and raised in Salina, Kansas, and still resides there to this day. He lived in Manhattan, Kansas, for about 4-5 years at one point. “Salina is a small city of about 55,000 people in central Kansas, about 2.5 hours west of Kansas City. I grew up in a very loving and supportive household with two of the best parents a kid could ask for. I have a sister who is 3 years younger than me.” As he grew up Devin had a huge passion for sports, both playing and watching, which he carries on still to this day. “Football and baseball are what I really focused on. Baseball will always be my favorite and for the longest time I always wanted to be a professional baseball player growing up. (Still do! HAHA!) I even played some in college before dropping out and joining the workforce. I’m a huge Royal’s fan and was even fortunate enough to attend game 1 of the World Series with my dad in 2014.”

For about 7-8 years, Devin worked hard and eventually became the General Manager of a Pizza Hut, but it didn’t take him long to realize he didn’t like having his weekend be Monday and Tuesday, while all his friends were out having a good time on the real weekend. It was then he made the decision to quit and go back to school, and in 2014 he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. “I applied to the Professional Pilot program at Kansas State University and was accepted! I started my degree in May 2014 and obtained my private pilot rating by September. Flying was amazing and like 311, I was instantly hooked. I graduated from K-State in December of 2016 with a Bachelors Degree in Professional Pilot and was hired by K-State as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). I still work for Kansas State University today as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. I get great satisfaction by instructing young, aspiring pilots who are following their dreams.”

One of Devin’s blessings in his life is his beautiful daughter Berkley, who was born in February 2016. “She recently turned 5 and is a huge factor in why I continue to push myself as hard as I do every single day. She is the light of my life and the biggest reason I decide to get out of bed every morning. She is also becoming a big 311 fan with her favorite songs being “Tranquility” and “Eons”. I can’t wait until I get to take her to her first show!”

Fun fact about Devin, he is a commercially rated multi-engine pilot. “I have taught and helped aspiring pilots to obtain a number of ratings including: Private, Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII). Over my instructing career I have a 91% first time pass rate.” He’s also a really good baseball and golf player.

Guilty pleasure for Devin is that he’s a gamer and really always has been. ” Last year after 311 Day when the world shutdown I started playing Call of Duty Warzone with 3 other 311 friends. (Cory Gilbert, CJ Martin, and Eric Landes) This started as a way for us to have fun and not lose our minds during the shutdown and has now turned into a nightly occurrence of the four of us playing. We even have our own messenger group labeled ‘Brozone’!”

Other musicians that Devin loves include Incubus, Dirty Heads, Tropidelic, Sublime, Rebelution, and Stick Figure. “I listen to a lot of rap and hip hop too. Really love multiple genres of music!”

Devin’s message to 311 is: “Your music and existence has literally changed my life. I have so many amazing friends that I would have never had the opportunity to meet if it weren’t for the five of you and your badass music and constant positivity! THANK YOU!”

Now his message to fellow 311 fans:

“I can’t begin to explain the impact that this community has had on me. It’s truly amazing. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime with people that are literally scattered all over the world. I can’t wait until we are all together again! Much love!”

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That my friends is the story of Devin Larm! So much gratitude to him for sharing his tale. Obviously, I send so much love & thanks to the supporters out there. I hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again, my friends in 311 nation! I hope everyone was able to rock out to the Soundsystem live stream, it was fire! Let’s not delay anymore, it’s time to meet another fan. This week we have the story of Juan Carlos!

It was from the very beginning when 311 formed that Juan has been a fan. “As a musician by degree I felt like I had a pretty good appreciation for the music and all the hidden nuggets (a music theorists dream) strategically planted.”

What drew Juan to the music was, well, the music. “Its actually quite technical all around and I appreciate the musicality. More than that lyrically very impressive messaging and meaningful. I dig that!”

For show count, Juan is somewhere between 80-100. First show was in 1997 in New York. As for favorite events, he loves the cruises. “The cruises are the best to me. A chance to just chill and enjoy great music day after day with all my friends… EXCITABLES!”

Song that Juan loves and means the most to him is “Get Down” off of the Uplifter album. For favorite lyric, it’s just too difficult for him to narrow down. However he does love what has become the bands motto, “Stay positive and love your life.”

Juan was born in Connecticut but spent most of his adult life in Vermont. Currently he is residing in Kansas City, Missouri, but is seriously debating moving to Portugal. To fund his 311 habit, he works in Healthcare IT. “I guess I have that to be thankful for it funding my 311 hat & poster collection. I have traveled all over the globe for work and I’m about to retire soon… cannot wait!!!”

Interesting fact about Juan, he has a music degree from Berklee in percussion (he was a jazz drummer). He is also an ordained minister! Not to mention that he works full-time and is carrying a full course load at St. Louis University. In the little free time he has, he loves to cook. As for guilty pleasure? “At 60yo I’m guilty about nothing….but a band that I also REALLY enjoy is Dance Gavin Dance!!!!!!”

As for other musicians that Juan loves, the list includes “Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Paco de Lucia, Frank Zappa, Maynard Furgueson, Karnivool, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Tropidelic..  and on and on and on… TOMITA!”

Juan would like to send this message to 311: “I Love you guys! Don’t retire please!!! And oh ya .. I’ve been to see y’all a whole lot. Come visit me some time. #hahahaha”

Now his words to all the other 311 fans out there:

“We live in a jacked up world, and its so easy to get caught up in the BS, hate, the death, destruction, hyperbole, and lies. STOP and listen to the music, 311 MUSIC. IT always fixes me and it will fix you!”

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That’s the story of Juan Carlos! Much gratitude to him for sharing. As always, thank you readers for the continued support. Have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt