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Taken from Examiner (August 28, 2010)
Michael Franti and Spearhead Rock Tabernacle
by Sarah Morgan
Michael Franti performs Thursday in Atlanta.
Photo: Sarah Morgan |
Michael Franti and Spearhead knows how to put on a show. That much was affirmed at the Tabernacle on Thursday night. Franti and Spearhead gets the crowd involved in every song - People jumping around in the audience to those being pulled up on stage to dance around and sing. There wasn’t a dull moment during the August 26 performance and that includes the opener.
DJ Funklor opened up for Franti, but before he came out to play a few songs Franti came out for an acoustic performance. Spearhead Idol gave three lucky fans a chance to sing on the Tabernacle stage to see who would be crowned the Atlanta Spearhead Idol. A woman named Kim won for her performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”
The doors opened at 8 p.m. and the crowd was ready and already singing and dancing at 8:30 p.m. By the time Michael Franti and Spearhead came out a little after 9 p.m. the mood was electric. Seeing the band members jump up and down in unison as they played their respective instruments was enough to even convert the casual radio fan to a groupie. Yes, it really is that simple. It’s always clear if a musician is putting on a show or just showing up. The next time Franti is in Atlanta there will surely be some repeat ticketholders.
Of course they rocked out to the radio hits including “Sound of Sunshine” and “Say Hey.” Fans were also treated with “Hello Bonjour,” “All I want is You,” “Rude Boys Back in Town,” “I’ll be waiting,” and “Shake, Shake, Shake” among others.
One minute Franti is turning around the microphone so the crowd can sing along and the next he is in the balcony taking pictures with fans before starting another tune. People were also brought up on stage to jam with guitarists Dave Shul, J Bowman and bassist Carl Young.
Raliegh Neal kept things going during song transitions that allowed Michael time to walk through the crowd before starting the next song. Birthday cake was brought out on stage by Franti’s nieces for drummer Manas Itiene and keyboardist Jay Boogie. Not to be left out is vocalist Jolene Rust who harmonized beautifully with Franti.
Getting the crowd involved during a show is just part of what Spearhead aims to do. One of the things Franti is known most for is his humanitarian work off stage. Franti promotes peace and personal awareness. During his visit in Atlanta he promoted his work with the Care Organization. Care is a humanitarian organization that empowers women and their communities to help escape poverty. Members of the organization were front row Thursday night.
The Sound of Sunshine, a follow-up to 2009’s All Rebel Rockers, will be released on September 21. The single “Sound of Sunshine” is already out for download and purchase.
For more info: Visit the Michael Franti and Spearhead website.
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