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Taken from SpearheadVibrations.com
Thank you for the vibes - Newsletter 12/05
Twelve hours after our performance at Folsom prison, we landed on Alcatraz Island for the annual sunrise service, commemorating the American Indian Movement's occupation of the former prison island 37 years ago. It was a beautiful event with people from all directions of the earth gathering to speak, dance and sing just as the sun peaked over the horizon and lit up San Francisco Bay.
Friday night Native elders opened the Harvest Ball with a prayer and Santa Cruz's Goddess of Funk treated us all to a rousing set of samba and reggae.
Saturday night Brett Dennen opened the show, as well as a lot of new eyes and ears to his unique blend of acoustic Brazilian Reggae. After that, Hot Buttered Rum took the stage and I joined them for a bluegrass version of Red Beans and Rice and then a cover of Bob Marley's "Small Axe".
Sunday, New Monsoon rocked the house with their eclectic mix of rock and world music. Radioactive and I joined them for a cover of "Crime to Be Broke in America". Later that night, the ultra talented Bay Area Singer Jenny Johns sat in with Spearhead on a number of tunes and blew everyone away with her power and grace.
The highlight of the weekend for me was the family matinee. We had no idea how many people would show up for it as we had never done one before and we hoped we would get a few hundred folks out there. We were astonished when over a thousand children, parents and grandparents came out for a rocking good time of parades, face painting, puppets and music. The Matinee raised over $10,000 for the Tipitina's Foundation hurricane relief effort!!! We said in advance, that if it went well we would do it more often - so look out for family matinees in other cities throughout the year. All three Harvest ball shows were recorded and are available on www.spearheadvibrations.com.
I want to thank all who attended this year's Ball for making it such an exhilarating event. After all the great vibes created at the Harvest Ball I am really looking forward to the New Year's Eve "Let It Go!"? shows on Maui.
Peace, Michael Franti
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