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Taken from Idaho Mountain Express (February 4, 2009)
Rebel rockers bundle up for SV Pavilion
Franti and Spearhead to play for Special Olympics
by SABINA DANA PLASSE, Express Staff Writer
Michael Franti and Spearhead play the
Sun Valley Pavilion as a benefit show
for the Special Olympics.
Photo by Courtesy photo |
When Michael Franti came to Sun Valley last year for 48 Straight, his first appearance was at the free "Green Your Scene" symposium at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum. Franti spoke about his beliefs in the environment and how people have the power to change. After his discussion, he sat on a stool and played acoustic guitar accompanied by a band member, and wowed the audience with his song and passion. Franti is a 21st-century rock star who is a dedicated yogi, vegan and dad, and whose activism centers on promoting peace, sustainability and human rights.
"I played a small party at Sandy Figge's house during 48 Straight, and Special Olympics organizer Chip Fisher gave the most eloquent talk I have ever heard about the Special Olympics and how it moved him. Everyone was in tears," Franti said. "I wanted to be involved."
Franti wanted to organize his performance in Sun Valley as a fundraiser and said he looks forward to being with the athletes and volunteers as well as all the people who are supporting the event.
"It fits with my philosophy," he said. "We have more requests to do stuff than we can ever possibly do. We choose things that are personally meaningful. For me, it's a way of being of service to others and of service to the world."
Franti has traveled to Iraq, Israel and other war-torn countries around the world to connect with people whose lives are much more difficult than his. He said he has learned a great deal from those experiences.
"The community in Sun Valley is filled with people who really care," Franti said. "The spirit of volunteerism and giving is very high."
Franti and Spearhead come to Sun Valley at the beginning of their new "Hey World" tour and plan to perform selections from their latest release, "All Rebel Rockers," produced in Kingston, Jamaica's Anchor Studios. The album was produced with legendary producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, who have produced albums for Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bob Dylan and Sinead O'Connor.
"In Jamaica, music is made to be listened to on a sound system, not necessarily to be played live," Franti said. "Recording in Jamaica is such a unique experience and everywhere there is music. People are living difficult lives there, and so they really get into the lyrics and philosophy behind the music."
Expect to hear several songs from "All Rebel Rockers," which contain new versions of a few of the songs Franti played acoustically at the Green Your Scene symposium. The album is fresh and presents a wide range of musical talent, influenced by Franti and Spearhead's Jamaican recording experience.
"I just keep my ear to the street," Franti said. "I listen to what people are saying, and I write from my heart. I feel like I am new and different than everyone else. I read the newspaper, and I have the same reaction as everyone else, but I have hope for the future and want to make music that lifts people up, shakes up their cynicism and shares the moment."
The benefit concert will take place at the Sun Valley Pavilion on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the show will start at 5 p.m. General admission tickets begin at $50. For $200, VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet and greet Franti before the show. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.frontgatetickets.com, or at the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Center, 251 Washington St., Ketchum.
This is an outdoor venue and concert-goers are encouraged to dress appropriately (Even Franti said he plans to wear shoes).
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