Happy July my Excitable friends! Who wants to meet a new 311 fan spotlight? Let’s get the story from Steve Ghio!

Steve heard the blue album singles on the radio and that was his intro to 311. While “Down” was overplayed on the stations, he never got tired of the other singles. “Saw the video for Homebrew on RAGE TV Boston and it was different in a cool way. Enjoyed the singles I heard from Transistor and Soundsystem. Once I heard “From Chaos” I finally decided I needed to see them in concert.”

Steve recently did a count of shows attended and he believes he’s at 99. First show for him was October 4th, 2001, at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. As for his favorite show/event, Steve said that 311 Day 2014 was truly a turning point in his life. “I went solo only knowing of one other person going and made so many new lifelong friends.  4 strangers sharing a groove on Bourbon Street ended up sharing a cabin on Cruise 4.  If it wasn’t for meeting JP, Ryan and Mimi I may not have gotten hooked on going on the cruises.  The main reason I made my first trip to Colorado to Red Rocks in 2019 was due to meeting Eddie, Preston and the Utah crew on Bourbon Street in 2014.  I was walking around solo a day early and they were the only other 311 people that were also there early.  They welcomed me into their crew and it really set the tone for the trip.  Flash forward to 2019, I had tickets but nothing else planned for Colorado.  Eddie was going and reached out to me.  He picked me up from the airport, gave me a place to stay and we also saw some awesome street murals in Denver.  This is how welcoming the fan base is.  Whenever someone is on the fence about going to a show solo whether a local show or a big event I will always say go.  You are very likely to have a great time and make new friends.”

Picking just one song that means the most to him proved difficult for Steve. He loves “Still Dreaming” and really loves hearing it live. Another choice for him is “There’s Always an Excuse.” “Initially it wasn’t a favorite but when they played it at 311 Day 2008 that changed my outlook on the song.”

Some lyrics that resonate with Steve include “From chaos comes clarity” and he said it got him to buy his first 311 show ticket. He also loves “Stay positive and love your life.” “Great overall message.”

Worcester County, Massachusetts, is where Steve grew up. The local radio station WAAF 107.3 really shaped his musical taste, along with another station WBCN 104.1. He started going to concerts in 1996 and was hooked after his first show, which was Localpalooza in 1996 with God Lives Underwater. “In order to fund my concert adventures I got my first job as a bagger at Market Basket.  I graduated college from Clark University and got a job as a computer programmer for a medical software company.  I am very fortunate that my job is very accommodating to my 311 related vacation requests.  My main hobbies are going to concerts and photography along with hiking, geocaching and bird watching.”

Fun fact about Steve, he tries to take at least one photo every day. “I have done this every day starting June 1st 2011.  However I have not posted/uploaded all these photos.” Something that makes Steve unique is his laugh. “I am not sure how it came to be but it’s something that is noticeable about me.”

Steve’s main hobby is going to concerts. He also helps run a Facebook group called Ticket Presale Codes, which helps people find the universal presale codes for events. ” I also have a Youtube channel called “Steve’s Concert Corner” where I post a good amount of video clips from all the concerts I go to.” For guilty pleasure. Steve is hooked on older shows from the Fox network. “I didn’t have cable growing up so I got hooked on FOX TV shows like “Married with Children”, “The Simpsons”, “In Living Color” and “Beverly Hills 90210”.  I recorded about 95% of the Married with Children on VHS and had an episode checklist.   Favorite episode is “I’ll shop around.”

For other musicians besides 311, Steve loves the sounds from Sevendust, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, RATM, RHCP, QOTSA, Green Day, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, RdGldGrn, Tropidelic, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Letters to Cleo, Beastie Boys, Godsmack, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Shinedown, Royal Blood, Dilated Peoples, Evidence, and many many more. 

To 311, Steve has this message: “Keep going.  As long as you keep touring we will see you on the road.”

And now here is his message to all his fellow fans:

“In 2012 I randomly met Kelly and Keith in the parking lots at a Godsmack / Shinedown concert.  I was wearing a 311 shirt and Kelly was rocking some 311 wristbands.  We became instant friends and they introduced me to the 311 facebook community.  This also included inviting me to the 311 New England group. Joining these communities has led to so many friendships and for that I am always grateful.  Special thanks to all the friends I have met in this community.  

My best advice to any 311 fan is to get connected with the 311 community and seek out the local 311 groups where you live.  

Also, If you get a chance to go to a 311 Day / 311 Cruise or another special 311 event, go!.  Go to any of the preparties and if the Unity All Stars are playing check them out.”

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Super big thanks to Steve for sharing his story with us all! Always, my gratitude to anyone who reads this little blog each post. Hope you all have an amazing week and hope to see some of you at a show soon!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! Who wants to meet a new fan spotlight? Well all of you if you came here lol. Let’s get the story of Jamie Shelley!

Jamie’s love of 311 started when her brothers friend played them for her one night, right after they first came onto the scene. She was about 11 at the time.

As for show count, she isn’t sure of the total. First show for her was at Edgefest in Dallas, Texas, at the Starplex back in 2000. She went with her friend Justin Congi. As for a favorite show, Jamie said the one that changed her life was 311 Day 2018. “That was when I decided I was going to make the trip to Vegas with 6 strangers.”

As for song that means the most to her, Jamie said it’s “All Mixed Up.” “Just because with all the mistakes and choices I’ve made in my life I don’t regret a single one because it’s made me who I am today and I always bet on myself.”

As for lyric, Jamie chose as her favorite most of all as “Bet on yourself now star, cause that’s your best bet.” She also loves “Spirit on the run, I’m an alien.” ” Because who wants  to fit in. I live to be different and unique.  And  of course there’s Stay positive  and love your life because  being positive has brought a lot of joy to my life and when you’re happy that positivity can bring others happiness.”

Jamie was born in New Orleans but then adopted when she was only 6 weeks old. So she grew up in Dallas, Texas, until she was 20 and she moved to Indiana. For work, she’s done a variety of jobs to fund her love of concerts and festivals, but the best job she had to support her love of travel was making semiconductors. “That came to an end at the beginning of 2023 a few months before  my first 311 Cruise. I am not working at Blue Buffalo and making all the excitables pet food. This has been a great opportunity for me to grow and fund more 311 adventures.”

Jamie loves doing random acts of kindness without people knowing it was her. “Just to see someone smile and feel happy and loved in the moment makes my soul shine.” Her personality is what makes her unique, as she is just really happy and outgoing. ” I try to bring love and happiness to others around me. Something I’m great at is just being there and present for my friends and family.”

For a guilty pleasure. Jamie said that watching reality T.V. is it for her. “From Jersey shore to any of the Real Housewife franchise or Below Deck. ( I have a problem lol ).” When not listening to 311, she can be found jamming to RDGLDGRN, Bikini Trill, Prof, DEMN, Tropidelic, and Palmer Squares, just to name a few. “To be honest my music taste is all over the place.”

For a message to the guys of 311, Jamie has these words: “THANK YOU A MILLION times for your music your positivity and  introducing me to my best friend Daphne Stwart and my Slut Muffins and to all the other excitables I’ve met and love.”

Now here are her words to all the other awesome fans out there:

“To all the excitables I’ve met and haven’t ( I hope we meet soon be ready for a hug and high 5)  Thank you for being you and showing up for our community. Just remember you are never alone. You are loved you are amazing  Stay Positive and LOVE your life.”

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Super big thank you to Jamie for sharing her story with us all! And as always, my big love and thanks to all the readers each post. I hope you all have a great week and remember to smile at someone you think needs it!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there my friends in the 311 nation! Here we have the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! Let’s meet Patrick Meade!

There was a MTV buzz clip for the song “Down” and that’s how Pat first heard of 311. “Was hooked from then on (‘96). That got me to grab the blue album and then grassroots and music. Just never heard a band with that kind of mixed style and creative flow. I just fell in love.”

Show count for Patrick is sitting at 137. First show ever was at Great Woods in Mansfield, Massachusetts during the Transistor Tour when they played with Jurassic 5.

As for a favorite show, Pat said 311 Day 2004 takes the top spot. “It was my first 311 Day show and I was already down in New Orleans going to UNO for my junior year. Seeing 68 songs and the energy they displayed throughout the entire show and the encode of “Paradise”….It truly was paradise.”

For a song that really means a lot to him, Patrick chose “Sun Come Through.” “Whenever I’m down or confused that song would lift me up and resonate with me!”

As for lyrics, well Pat has quite a few that he said resonate with him:  

• “It’s all right to feel good It’s all right for nothing to be wrong The deepest dream that we have could be tomorrow’s song”
• “I go a yard and a mile to make you  smileBut then I’m happy see I got so many ways to make your gaze elliptical”
• “Everything I eat is from the Earth, right?I am what I eat, straight up Earth, right? Nothing but a walking sack of Earth Nice to meet you, how do ya do? Guess what, ya, you’re one too”
• “I choose a rocky ass path but that’s how I like it Life’s a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike”
• “’Cause I’m water and carbon and not much else. I felt compunction. Conjunction junction what’s your function”
• “So you try to act tough and hide what’s inside Hold your head high, gettin fucked up and throwin’ dice As bad as yours–and and bad enough I’m sure My heart wants to love but must navigate through war”
• “Massive laminate fortress Hazy cannabis porches Saying no to the bores It’s not mine nor yours then I said The wait it sucks, I don’t mind waiting Once you get here, there’s no more gates and I gotta say”
• “I can’t free myself of the suspicion for your motives on your mission some people live for the rules I live for exceptions can’t take part in the deception but I know just how it feels to wanna blow the world awayjust to get to what is real”
• “Serendipitous, my travels throughout time I grab a moment like a thief And then I make it mine”
• “In life there are times when nothing will rhyme there are days I slip when I know I should climb breakin’ the vows I swore I’d never breaka harsh word, a white lie easy to mistake where have you been? haven’t you noticed? there’s no map that exists to point us out of this“
• “Some days it seems it’s not worth it The fight in me is all gone And I’m not trying to be perfect But just get one damn thing done Before I lose control I pick myself up off the floor“
• “I’ve come to say, we’re here to stay Utopian way we’ll play today We’ve got the drive, we are so live Won’t take a dive, we’re gonna thrive We got a condition called ambition.”

Norwood, Massachusetts, is where Patrick grew up and he’s pretty much been there his whole life, minus the year in New Orleans. He’s traveled all over the country, visiting 43 out of the 50 states. ” North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas are still on the list for me! Can’t wait to make it to all soon! I have driven cross country from Ma to San Diego, Ma to Utah and Ma. to New Orleans and enjoyed every minute of those travels! Of course they were all for 311 and college football games 😉. ”

Pat is a passionate college football fan and loves all different teams and conferences. “I especially love rooting for one of the worst in the country: our Minutemen of Umass! Lol. Planning on making a Hawaii trip in 2026 if Umass still keeps that independent game on their schedule! Fingers 🤞. Besides traveling I love being active outdoors hiking and enjoy playing basketball. Craft “beering” when traveling is also a must for me! Nothing like the endless creations and options all states have to offer. Other than that I’m a simple dude.”

Fun fact about Pat, he once ran onto the outfield at a Pawtucket Red Sox game and was tackled by the left fielder because it was taking security too long to catch him. “Ahh the good old Drunkin stupid stuff days.” Another thing about him is he can name on spot every single Division 1 College teams nicknames, 362 total. ” Lol I really don’t know how much of a talent that is but that’s all I got.”

For a guilty pleasure, Patrick loves watching “Seinfeld.” “I can watch it everyday all day! Also a Very underrated and Hilarious show I can watch just as much is Frasier (seriously it’s awesome!).”

As for other music that Patrick can be found listening to, the list includes Primus, Rob Zombie, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, 3 Days Grace, Seether, Weezer, System of a Down, Papa Roach, and Incubus.

For his message to 311, Patrick chose these words: “Thanks for all the amazing memories and for all the effort you guys have put in to the shows and albums! Definitely a part of my life that’s for sure! Oh and Nick, bring back the duo guitar on “Transistor”!!!! I miss that.”

Now here are his words to all his fellow 311 fans:

“To all the fans out there, keep doing you! I Have met so many of you and can’t say one bad thing! Have had so many great and interesting conversations and can’t wait to continue many more for years to come :)”

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Big thanks to Patrick for sharing his story with the world! Of course, my eternal thanks to everyone who reads this little blog. Hope you all have the best week! Sending you all some happiness and sunshine.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome my friends in 311 nation! It’s time we meet a new fan spotlight! Let’s get to the story of Justin Gunn!

Right out of high school in the early 2000’s is when Justin discovered 311. “I graduated 2001 was a late bloomer to everything in life my parents were pretty sheltering so when I graduated I kinda went a little wild for a while and fell into a group that listened too 311 I absolutely fell in love with the positive messages and the sound from them.”

As for show count, Justin said he really never kept track of it. He does know that any time 311 comes to New England, he is usually there. He’s also been at the last two 311 Day events and on cruise 7. “I believe my first show was in Burlington VT in 2001.”

As for a favorite show or event, Justin said that by far it was the cruise. “What an amazing experience. Before that it was it was 2017 in Hampton beach. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and saw miT walking down the back stairs and he was so cool and talked to me for a bit and took a selfy with me and my buddy.”

There are a few favorite songs for Justin, because each album came out in a different part of his life. However, the one that really means the most to him is “Dodging Raindrops.” “The meaning really hits home for me I love being in my comfort zone and staying home or places I’m comfortable in. In the past 5 years I have really started to travel and do more outside of my comfort zone and I am truly glad I have.”

Some of Justin’s favorite lyrics include: “I know the storm is only mental,” “This moment is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present,” and “You’ve got to trust your instincts, and let go of regret.”

Justin was born in 1982 in Casper, Wyoming. He moved to New Hampshire when he was 7. “My dad was from Reading, MA, and my grandparents had a cabin on Newfound Lake. My dad always loved that area so we moved to Bristol, NH, and I have been there since.” His parents are about to hit 50 years married and he has a younger brother. Both Justin and his brother are adopted, from different families.

Justin was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and dispersion. Being a kid in the 90’s he was on a variety of different medications. “In school I was kinda one of those guys that never fit into 1 click but I was know l known by everyone I was in sports, theater, music lots of extra curriculum stuff after school. Graduated 2001 in the middle of my class. After school I started getting exposed to the real world I was very sheltered in my child years. Fast forward to 2007 I kinda don’t like 2001-2007 years. One of my friends was looking for roommates and I knew this girl Ashley from work but didn’t really know her but her and myself moved into a mutual friends house and at a party we threw one night we hooked up and we have been married for 17 years now with 2 beautiful children 2 girls Koral, 15, and Willow, 10.”

Justin has worked for Walmart for 20 years, working his way up the ranks to salary management. “I ended up stepping down from that position 4 years ago. I currently live in the house behind where I grew up, my kids go to the same school I went to and have some of the same teachers I did. It’s one of those really cool things in my opinion that doesn’t happen very often. 3 years ago I opened my own corn hole league and ran that for 2.5 years until it got too toxic for me. Currently my obsessions are cooking and grilling, my family and golf, we also love going to our cabin during the summer that’s our happy place. About 4 months ago I was in a pretty dark place for a long time so I finally to a leap and got put on anti depressants and started therapy today, I feel like my old happy fun self again.”

Interesting fact about Justin is that he can make balloon animals! He also really loves to cook, as mentioned above. “I have always had a passion for it and I have multiple friends abs family all the time telling me I should open some sort of food business.” Guilty pleasure for him, he really loves to watch T.V. series.

Justin has always been really drawn to music, liking pretty much most genres except country. He loves 90’s stuff, especially Blink-182. Other artists he loves include Little Stranger, Dirty Heads, Ballyhoo!, and Tropidelic. “I also love island music.”

To 311, Justin would like to say: “Thanks for the great music but what I am truly thankful for is the family they have created with their music. I have so many friends that I would not have and these aren’t just like Facebook friends these are Tru friends that live all over the world. And I am very appreciative of that.”

Now here are his words to all the other fans out there:

“I would like to say to all the Excitables is if your struggling with mental health reach out to a friend a family member a Healthcare professional anything. I know its scary and out of your comfort zone but you need to take care of your self and you will be happier if you take that first step trust me from personal experience. Like we always say love your life.”

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Thank you Justin for sharing your story! As always, so much gratitude to all the readers each post as well. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again my Excitable friends to another edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight! Let’s meet Daphne Lewis Stewart!

It was around the time that the Blue album came out that Daphne first heard 311 being played on the radio. “I immediately bought the album from BMG Music Service (who remembers that LOL) and became hooked. The heavy guitars drew me and the lyrics kept me coming back for more.”

While Daphne has been a fan since the early 90’s, she wasn’t able to see 311 live until 2007 in West Palm Beach, Florida. “I expected a typical concert where the band only plays their newer songs. I was already a HUGE fan but when they played Gap, which I was dying to hear live, I was blown away. I knew I was an Excitable for life!” Show count for her is somewhere in the 50’s which includes five 311 Day events, two cruises and Pow Wow.

While it’s hard to pick a favorite of those shows, Daphne said 311 Day 2014 probably takes it. “It was my first 311 day and my first event with other Excitables. I had been going to shows for years – even went to Pow Wow – but somehow I never connected with the community. I stayed in a house with about 20 other Excitables and met my best friend Kala Parisi! I still get chills listening to Use of Time with the Unity Orchestra. I can remember how I felt as the strings swelled all around me – such euphoria!”

The song “I’ll Be Here Awhile” has been a very important song in Daphne’s life. “It brought me through many years when I was not where I wanted to be. I held onto that song, thinking that this is only for awhile, not forever – it gave me hope for the future. Then when they closed 311 Day 2020 with an acoustic version, it took on a whole new meaning. As the pandemic started in America and the future was unknown, I was comforted that my favorite band – and my Excitable family – would be with me and help pull me through the uncertainty.”

So for a favorite lyric, Daphne said she almost didn’t want to say it for fear of making people have to pee, so obviously it comes from “Amber:” ““Don’t give up your independence, Unless it feels so right, Nothing good comes easily, Sometimes you’ve got to fight.” “I’ve always been taught to be independent and persistent so that really resonates with me. I also love the poetry of “when I look at you it’s like praying with my eyes.”

Daphne was born in Baltimore but raised in Port St. Lucie, Florida. She moved to Gainesville and then Jacksonville, North Carolina, before moving back to Port St. Lucie. She still lives there with her 3-year-old American bulldog, Lucky. “I’d like to live in other places but for now I want to be close to my family.” For work, Daphne is a finance coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. “I love it! I love working for non-profits because even on your worst day at work, you know that you’re helping somebody.”

When Daphne was young she started acting at a local theater. She even got her associates degree in theater performance! “I had plans to be an actress. But then I met my now ex-husband, and starting a family with him was more important than chasing my acting dream. So I switched my major to business, but I kept performing in local shows. I haven’t been in a play in a long time but I still regularly sing. I even took belly dancing lessons for a while, that was so much fun!”

Fun fact about Daphne is that she has a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a non-profit emphasis. “Also, I attended 4 different colleges for my undergrad (which is in Business Administration). This is because I was married in my early 20’s and my now ex-husband was in the Marine Corps.”

As mentioned above, Daphne still loves to sing and she also plays keyboard in the praise band at her church. “I’ve rocked the stage in a 311 tribute band called Excitables: 311 Tribute. I was also in a virtual 311 tribute band called Soul Craft Generators. I made it into the I’ll Be Here Awhile fan video!” Guilty pleasure for Daphne is the T.V. show Love After Lockup. She also recently has become addicted to the game Royal Match.

When not cranking the tunes of 311, Daphne enjoys a variety of genres. “Some of my favorites are Tropidelic, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Thundercat, Wookiefoot, Nonpoint, Thousand Foot Crutch, and I’m newly into jam bands, especially Phish.”

To 311, Daphne sends this message: “Thank you for being the soundtrack to my life. There is always a 311 lyric that exemplifies how I’m feeling. And over the last 10 years being in the 311 community, I have found some of the most amazing people, including my other bestie Jamie Shelley. My life is so much fuller because of the connections I have made thru the love of this band.”

Now here is her message to all the other fans out there:

“I’m so glad I have found my people. Be kind to one another and stay weird!”

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Many thanks to Daphne for sharing her story with us all! As always, my eternal gratitude to everyone who reads these. I wish you all a wonderful week full of happiness and positive vibes!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey there 311 nation! A new week is upon us so that means it’s time for the next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Matt Archer!

The year was 1996 and “Down” was in heavy rotation on MTV, that’s when Matt first heard of 311. “I found the blue album at my local Walmart and started down the rabbit hole. This was a time when I actually read the liner notes and lyrics as I listened. I was drawn to their music because it was different, raw, full of energy and original. When searching through a Columbia House catalog I had found out that they also had 2 other albums that I was not aware of in “Music” and “Grassroots.” A friend of mine had let me borrow their VHS release “Enlarged to Show Detail.” And then, “Transistor” dropped…!!! It was all downhill from there.”

Show count for Matt is at 39 so far. First show was on July 23, 2004, with The Roots and Medeski Martin & Wood and the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. As for picking a favorite show, there are a few that stand out to Matt. “311 Day 2020 in Las Vegas is special due to the fact that my wife and I got married on 3/11 Day in Vegas and it was our first 311 Day. It was also the first time I met a lot of new friends from around the country. 311 Caribbean Cruise 7 was probably the best vacation I have ever been on, but my favorite show may be night one 311 Day 2024. Hampton Beach shows are always fun.”

For a special song that means a lot to him, Matt chose “Do You Right” as it’s his and his wife Marie’s song. As for a lyric he loves, he chose the following: “Sometimes I go a little crazy. Sometimes I go a little crazy just like you I do.” He said that’s what it feels like being at a 311 show!

Warren, Massachusetts, is where Matt grew up and he’s been in Massachusetts his whole life. He’s lived in West Brookfield, North Brookfield, Auburn and now Southbridge with his wife Marie and their dog Gus. For work, Matt is a Plant Maintenance Supervisor for Spectrum cable. “This year marks 20 years working in the cable industry for me. A lot of vacation time is used for concerts!”

Fun fact about Matt, he went to college in Boston for Audio Production (as in becoming a music producer). “Although I never finished school, my love for music continues on!” Not only is he a big fan of music, but he loves the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, and he’s a big UFC fighting fan. “I am full of useless knowledge that I call Archer Fun Facts which tends to come in handy during conversations or trivia nights LOL.” Guilty pleasure for him is playing MLB The Show on his Playstation 5.

When not listening to 311, there are many other artists that Matt can be found jamming out to. “In the beginning of 2020, the radio station I grew up listening to, WAAF, had shut down. A friend of mine suggested that I start a Facebook group to share music in which ended up being Archer’s Music Exchange (feel free to join.) If you see my posts in the group, you will know that I enjoy vast array of groups and artists. Umphrey’s McGee, Primus, Phish, Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Slayer, Mudvayne, The New Mastersounds, Lettuce, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Elovaters, Pantera, and the list could go on and on.”

Matt would like to send this message to the guys in 311: “Thank you for adding to the soundtrack of my life and good times!”

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

“311 has the best commUNITY of fans in the world. I have met so many amazing people and made friends with so many of you and I wouldn’t change a minute! Thank you guys for always having a good time with us at the shows. We will see you this summer and on the cruise next year!!!”

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Thank you to Matt for sharing your story with us all! As always, my gratitude goes out to all the readers each week. Hope you are all well and sending you all good vibes!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey hey hey 311 nation! It’s about time for a new fan spotlight. This week let’s get the story of Christine Marquet!

It was during high school for Christine that “From Chaos” dropped, and we all know that “Amber” was the big single from it. “I was a sophmore in high school and a friend who was a senior needed to school me and burnt me a Grassroots CD. I was hooked! To this day the From Chaos CD is always in my car, but my biggest favorite are the classics.”

First show for Christine was in 2001 in New York City. While it was indoors, she was still excited to light up when the band played “Amber.” “Somehow I ended up dropping my piece and that was the first piece I ever broke. I went to a lot of concerts with my friend backs then to bands they wanted to see but 311 was the band I wanted to see. I think All-American Rejects opened? Anyway I always saw them every summer when they came through, typically at PNC Arts center. Throughout college I had a friend or two that would join but in my post college life I was always going alone. Night know a few people there but didn’t have a crew I rolled with. Always solo. Since I made a new friend Jackyn in 2018 my yearly ahow attendance and travel for shows has grown exponentially. I can say I’ve seen at least thirty 311 shows.” While it was tough to pick a favorite show or event, Christine went with the 2019 cruise. “I just was in heaven, every breath I took that week.”

The songs “Omaha Stylee” and “Do You Right” Christine said just “hit her to her bones.” “What’s really special about this band and their live performances for me is I can’t attend or listen without grooving and while I do tend to dance whether there is music or not if the mood is right, 311 is just such a special and unique blend they really nailed it. 10/10.”

Christine is a Jersey girl who’s heart is in theater. “I love being on stage or having anything to do with a performing arts/storytelling medium production. I guess it comes from loving to play pretend growing up and the freedom that comes with putting yourself aside to share a story or a feeling with a captivated audience. I recently resurrected my lifelong passion which I had set aside for a decade and it has brought much joy and peace back into my life. For those readers who follow me on Instagram you’ve no doubt seen my backstage antics and sneak peaks of costumes and wigs during plays I’ve been in in recent years and the Chaos and stress of the theater just really grounds me in the real world.”

Before rediscovering her first love of theater, Christine had stumbled upon a side quest that brought her to the wonderful family of Excitables. “When a DIY Game of Thrones Halloween Costume I made got attention and landed me an invite to New York Comic Con,I had no idea how big of a community and underground culture that scene had worldwide. What really blew my mind that first comic con was when I took a bathroom break and found 2 other girls in similarly DIY versions of the same character I was dressed as, smudging eyeshadow on their faces as dirt and soot to resemble Khalessi in the Red Waste in Season 2 of GOT. I joined in on the touch-up session to learn there was a meet-up happening right then for photo shoot specifically for Game of Thrones cosplayers. That’s how I met Jaclyn “Casterly” Fox. She orchestrated the meet up and my girl crush was activated. I followed her on Facebook and after some light stalking found that she had 311 listed in her interests. What are the odds! No one else in the universe that I know actively is aware of much less interested in 311. AND she does GOT cosplay? I immediately DMed her to invite her to an event and tell her we should be friends in real life. About a year later we were embarking on the 311 cruise that changed both our lives.”

For work, Christine does sales for licensed merch, which means she sells Spiderman t-shirts. “It’s about as close as a part-time nerd can get to doing something I honestly enjoy without it not actually being a job.” Interesting fact that many may not know, she almost died as a toddler. “It was due to a rare infection that someone brought into my daycare that inflames the epiglottis and restricts breathing. Thank God my Mommy is a nurse and knew when to go to the hospital.”

Christine can honestly say that in a trivia game about “Game of Thrones,” that she and Jaclyn would school almost anyone on the boat. “I’d say LOTR but I’m positive there are some quiet Silmarillion readers among us that would put me to shame.” Guilty pleasure for Christine is sleep! “I sleep too much. I literally would rather do anything than get out of bed, unless it’s a 311 day.”

For other music Christine enjoys, she is a big Beyonce lover. She was also brought up on Jazz. Her current musical guilty pleasure is Doja Cat. “And I’ll never skip a showtune or Disney classic when it cues up on the old I-Pod shuffle. Thanks to the 2019 cruise I discovered Tropidelic and went down the rabbit hole of discovery becoming a big follower of them, Bumpin Uglies and the Groovetastic Little Stranger. It honestly seemed kismet that all my fav bands were on the last cruise, I don’t know how that lineup could be topped in my book.”

Christine wanted to share this fun story with everyone. “In preparation for the last cruise or 311 Day I attended I decided I needed to study the bands discography. Sure I had my BearShare downloads I copied from phone to phone over the years and my trusty I-Pod shuffle Playlist- but other than the few Albums I had I knew I didn’t know the B-sides or even which song was on which album, as well as I should. I mean some of y’all got them lyrics on lock. I’ll never get there but I had some studying to do. So, having a car with a CD player and lots of road trips ahead, I did the sensible thing and found a 13 CD lot listing in which someone was offloading their collection, got a visor CD sleeve attachment, and listened to the discography in all its glory. I’ll admit I mostly stick to the classics, I’m here for the bangers.”

As for words Christine would say to 311, she was actually lucky enough to do a toast on the 2019 cruise that pretty much sums up her feelings: “I was exhausted and hungover but I won the lottery to attend that event and when they opened up the floor for a toast and no stepped forward my ballsy ass did and I got to thank SA and P-nut with the only words I had which were thank you for bringing these misfits and ragers and hippies and stars together to form this family and thank you for continuing to give us the opportunities to come together and praise you and share eachother light and love.”

Now here is her toast to all the other 311 fans out in the universe:

“Thank y’all for welcoming myself and Jaclyn Nicole in all our goofy, crazy, extra awesomeness. Neither of us truly felt the freedom to be ourselves without worry of judgement or complaint before discovering this family and there no place like being with this Familia at a show or event. Not only acceptance but encouragement and delight at us being ourselves is something people don’t get to experience in their lifetimes. And we get to do it and be it and live it every time we see your big smiling glittery faces.

Keep shining. Xoxo Marquet”

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Super big thank you to Christine for sharing her story with us all! And as always, my eternal gratitude to all the readers each post. I hope you all have an amazing week and that it’s full of light & positivity.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello my friends in 311 nation! It’s time for the latest edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s read all about Jaclyn Nicole Fox!

Driving around with Jaclyn’s sister and her boyfriend in a Jeep is the first time she heard the sweet music of 311, sometime around the year 1999. “I remember hearing Eons, Flowin and Who’s Got the Herb. I made a random mix CD with those 3 songs on it but was at the time really into the punk scene and just never really fully continued to fully follow them intensely until several years later which I wholeheartedly regret!”

First show for Jaclyn was at Jones Beach in 2011. “My friend had an extra ticket on the floor in row G to see Sublime with Rome and 311. I went mostly for Sublime but knew a bunch of 311 songs. By the time I left the show that night I was HOOKED! Went for Sublime with Rome, left loving 311!”

It’s hard for most to pick a favorite 311 show, and it was no different for Jaclyn. She said that she loves so many for different reasons. “I think its a toss up between 311 day 2022 and 311 day at sea may have been my favorite so far. 311 day in 2022 I did the ultimate VIP package and that was such an awesome experience, having a room, the pool party, the VIP lounge everything about that experience was epic! But on night 1 getting the set lists handed to me on SA was probably one of my absolute favorite memories from an event! But as far as the last cruise, combining 311 day with the cruise was just amazing! My first cruise was in 2019 and I got on the boat knowing only my cabin mate. Getting on the cruise in 2023 I knew so many more people and had so many really close friends and connections and made so many more on that trip that it really made that cruise magical. Me and my girl Marquet brought our mermaid tails and just had a blast in the pool and on the beach at in our tails, that was a lot of fun! Plus so many other amazing artists and seeing 311 on 311 day on the boat! I came home and would not stop talking about it and vibrating with excitement from it for weeks and weeks. It is great to see different groups of friends at various shows throughout the year, but having everyone come together for 311 day and for the cruises brings the ultimate feeling of happiness and joy.”

For a favorite song, Jaclyn said “Creatures (For A While)” is the first one she remembers becoming obsessed with. “It helped me through a really dark time in my life back in 2010-2011.” As for a favorite lyric, she said the first one that really resonated with her was also from the same song. “Sometimes I go a little crazy just like you do.” Now, aside from “Stay positive and love your life,” one of her faves is “If you don’t have someone to do it with it’s not worth doing.”

Wantagh, New York, is where Jaclyn grew up, which is on Long Island and also the home of Jones Beach. She lived there most of her life until moving to Las Vegas in 2022. She grew up with a large family and while her parents divorced when she was only 2, they both remarried and lived a mile away from each other. “I have 7 siblings and I am very close to my family! I grew up taking annual trips to Disney and we are such a huge group even now my siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles , cousins , grandma my parents all try and coordinate to go at the same time and it’s so much fun. Especially now that everyone lives all over the country we still manage to come together and plan this huge vacation!”

Jaclyn’s aunt is a physical therapist who works with infants and children, so growing up she was very aware of how she was helping kids with varying disabilities. So Jaclyn decided to follow in her footsteps. “I have been a physical therapist since 2010 and have worked with children since 2012. I absolutely love what I do. Helping a baby or a child take their first steps, or learn how to stand or walk or even sit up on their own really means the world to me, plus yes it helps me fund my 311 addiction!”

Interesting fact about Jaclyn is that she wanted to be a dancer when she was growing up. ” I was obsessed with Mikhail Baryshnikov and wanted to be just like him. I would also act out all the dances from Dirty Dancing with my baby dolls and would ask everyone to “do the lift” with me like all the time!”

Jaclyn is also really into Cosplay. “I started out doing Cersei from game of thrones and have even won a cosplay contest at a Game of Thrones themed night at liberty science center. I love making costumes and meeting up with other cosplayers at conventions. I put together 2 large Game of Thrones photoshoots at 2 different castles in NY when I lived there. I love the ability to express myself artistically through my cosplay. That is how I met Marquet and how we began going to 311 events and shows together which then led to us creating the 311 Mermaids together! I haven’t cosplayed much since moving to Vegas but now I really enjoy going to watch drag shows and drag brunches. It is such a fascinating form of artistic expression and such a loving community.”

For a guilty pleasure, Jaclyn said that she loves binge watching episodes of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” “Also I love brunch! I would go to brunch every day if I could!” Some other musicians that she can be found listening to include Lady Gaga, Los Stellarians, New Found Glory, Blink 182, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tropidelic, Ballyhoo!, and Dirty Heads.

For her message to the members of 311, Jaclyn chose these words: “Thank you for years of amazing music, for being a huge inspiration in my everyday life and for bringing us all together and introducing me to some of my very best friends!”

Now here is her message to all the other fans out there in Excitable nation:

“Stay true to yourself! Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle, and if you need some extra glitter in your life always come find me!”

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So much love to Jaclyn for sharing her story with us all! My love as well to the readers and supporters each time. Hope you are all well and have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt