Michael Franti Rocks It Out In Philly

What a great show the other night at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA for Michael Franti and his fans. I have liked Franti's music for the last couple of years, I agree with some of his political and humanistic views. If you aren't familiar with him, check him out! A lot of his music is politically and soul driven, he is a vegan, an activist, peace, and social justice. When he first came out on the stage and started playing, I looked at a friend of mine and said, "This is not what I was expecting." I was a little let down because I loved some of his previous music and his new album was much more dedicated to a funk, party, dancing type genre. I love his new album, but I liked Yell Fire! better. After the first 3 or 4 songs, I was wrong, this was turning into a great, great show. He came pretty close to selling out the Electric Factory that night and almost everyone there was dancing, having a good time, and enjoying the sounds of Franti. Franti has a good message and I think more people should listen. Cheers! Brain

Updated Concert List

Oct. 19, 1996 - Marilyn Manson - Agora Thearte, Cleveland, OH

Oct. 19, 1996 (same night) Mushroomhead - Peabody's, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 19, 1997 - 311 w/De La Soul - Darien Lakes PAC, Darien Lake, NY

July 11, 1998 - Third Eye Blind, Our Lady Peace, Eve 6 - Darien Lake PAC, Darien Lake, NY

Oct. 14, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH

Nov. 10, 1998 - Jars Of Clay - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

Dec. 28, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

1998-1999 Bands like Never Say Never, Thick as Thieves, Earth Crisis, and many more local bands in Erie

Early 1999 - Train - Media Center Music Store - Erie, PA

1999 - Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

June 3, 1999 - Dave Matthews Band - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

June 19, 1999 - Ben Folds Five - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

June 30, 1999 - Collective Soul, Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

July 27, 1999 - Barenaked Ladies - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

Sept. 19, 1999 - Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Edwin McCain, Christina Aguilera - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA (this was a free show, I didnt pay to go to it, stop laughing)

Nov. 17, 1999 - Pennywise, Strung Out, ALL - Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH

2000? - The Clarks - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

2000? - Naughty By Nature - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

November 21, 1999 - Counting Crows, The Wallflowers - Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH

Feb. 13, 2000 - No Use For A Name, Frenzal Rhomb, Mad Caddies - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 2, 2000 - Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Nine Days - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

October 31, 2000 - Elliott Smith, Grandaddy - Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Dec. 8, 2000 - Dave Matthews Band - Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA

2001? Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag - Club Laga, Pittsburgh, PA

March 25, 2002 - Art Alexakis, Sister Hazel - Florida Atlantic University, Baco Raton, FL

Aug. 14, 2002 - Vans Warped Tour, Bad Religon, NOFX, NUFAN, Lagwagon, Flogging Molly, New Found Glory...etc - La Salle Park, Buffalo, NY

2004? Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA (free again, relax!)

Sept. 21, 2005 - Our Lady Peace - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 5, 2005 - Athlete, Rob Dickinson, The Working Title - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 6, 2005 - Acceptance, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Receiving End of Sirens - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 13, 2005 - Foo Fighters & Weezer - Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 13, 2005 - U2, Institute - American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

June 19, 2006 - Good Clean Fun - LAVA Community Center, Philadelphia, PA

Aug. 15, 2006 - 311, Jurassic 5 - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 26, 2006 - Death Cab For Cutie - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

March 14, 2007 - Mute Math, The Cinematics - TLA, Philadelphia, PA

May 27, 2007 - Keane, Rocco DeLuca & The Burden - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

July 28, 2007 - 311, Matisyahu - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 3, 2007 - Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 2, 2007 - Nada Surf, Sea Wolf - 8x10, Baltimore, MD

Nov. 10, 2007 - Jimmy Eat World - The Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 14, 2007 - Citizen Cope (Special Acoustic Solo Show) - Tin Angel, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 21, 2007 - Dane Cook - Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

Jan. 22, 2008 - Band of Horses - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

April 10, 2008 - Ben Folds, Eef Barzelay - Kirby Sports Center at Lafayette College, Easton, PA

April 13, 2008 - Nada Surf, Illinois - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

April 15, 2008 - Paddy Casey, Jason Collett - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

May 5, 2008 - Flight of the Conchords - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

May 20, 2008 - The Swell Season - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA
June 7, 2008 - Hayden, Haley Bonar, Hezekiah Jones - North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA

June 12, 2008 - Death Cab For Cutie, Rouge Wave - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
June 14, 2008 - Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefers - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

July 31, 2008 - The Long Winters - Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York City, NY

Aug. 12, 2008 - Radiohead - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

Sept. 6, 2008 - Ben Folds w/ the Philadelphia Orchestra - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 20, 2008 - NOFX, Dillinger Four, The Flatliners - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA


Upcoming - Dear and the Headlights, Michael Franti, Matt Duke, Nada Surf

Podcast # 1?? Maybe

So I have been trying to start his podcast for sometime now and I think I might have made it work...you just need to click on the link below and it will take you to another website where you can download it. I hope it works for everyone...if it doesn't, please let me know.

This Podcast is about a few of my favorite bands.


http://www.box.net/shared/f6ogjx9k75

Music Today

Music genres have changed over times since the mid 1990’s. It started out as 80’s rock and shifted towards grunge music with the label Sub Pop out of Seattle in the mid 90’s. Soon after we saw a shift from grunge to pop rock as MTV started to gain more popularity with its reality TV shows. MP3’s started to gain popularity over CD’s and so did rap music over grunge and pop rock. Gangster rap made its way into the spotlight in 2000 and then it shifted to pop rap. Around 2003, punk rock and emo music made its way into the scene and gain popularity on MTV. Kids started dressing differently again and started wearing their hair long. Pop rap and emo music still fills the airways, but now America is seeing pure pop music, Top 40 style music, take over the airways again like it did in the 50’s and 60’s.
Pop music has now become “PC” rap and emo music. These music types are ok if this is the music that a person is into. I personally find it hard to listen to because most of the artists sound the exact same as the previous one. They started out by making crappy music in their basement while listening to a band they liked that had no musical talent. These bands copy each others’ hairstyles, clothing, and lifestyles. They don’t stand for anything, they don’t believe in anything. I believe what makes this music so popular is the fact that people in America are afraid to stand out, to be different; they are afraid what others might think of them. What happened to the times when you worked to make money for your family, not working to be able to afford the most expensive things at the local mall? As America has changed and has become a lack of quality, so has its’ music. It is time for more people to start making changes in their lives and that includes what they believe in and the music that influences them.
I have found two musical genres to be really inspiring to me over my years here on this Earth. Punk/Hardcore & Indie music. These two types of genres have really given me a code to live by and things to believe in. I started listening to Punk/Hardcore music when I was in the awkward teen years and didn’t know where to turn. Even thought the music was fast and seemed mean, there is actually a lot of love and support in this music, more hardcore than punk, but they put out a good message. Hardcore believes in family, friends, being original and supportive of others. Punk believes in doing this DIY style and caring less about what others think of you and being yourself. Indie music has started to make more of a presence on the music scene today and is bringing along a lot some good values. A lot of the artists I listen to believe in human rights, animal rights, creativity, support for one another, love, friendship, and most importantly, life. These artists want to spread their word and stand up for what they believe in. It is a rare occurrence now a days to find people who believe in something different and aren’t afraid to stand up to those leaders and tell them differently.
I may not know everything or much at all, but I have a system that I live by. Music has helped me find love, friendship, freedom, beliefs, and peace. I encourage all 12 year olds to start taking an interest in music and decide what they want to do with their lives. Now is the time to make a difference, 10 years ago was a time to make a difference and I think we are starting to see some of that change. Don’t be afraid to listen to something different, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you think is right. Music has changed over the last 30 years and so do people. Accept the difference in people and their ideas, but come to an agreement. Let’s move away from the “Pop 40” music and the people who don’t believe in much but materials and start listening to someone with a message. Cheers! Brain

The Puropse of This Blog Thing...

There are three things in my life that I really enjoy...music, traveling, and photography. If I could combine all there as a profession, my life would be pretty content. I love music, it has been a huge part of my life and I can think of nothing that I love more,(outside of family and friends) than music. It sets my mood in the morning, helps me relax and night, removes negative energy from my life, and can change my mood midday. I started out listening to punk music when I was younger and got into this whole confused, adolescent life. As I grew up and learned how to become an adult, my lifestyle changed, my views developed, my ideas on life came about and I wanted to live a healthy, positive lifestyle. I do not enjoy Top 40 music, it becomes very annoying and repetitive to me. Most of the music that I listen to is indie music, music that no one has heard of, and honestly, music that most people wouldn't enjoy. I am starting this blog for a grad school project, but the more I think about this, the more I want to keep writing about my musical interests. So enjoy the blogs about my concert lists, reviews of shows, new bands that I have come across and leave me some messages. Cheers! Brain

Concert List

So this has been going on for about a year now...music is a huge part of my life, it helps me relax, it allows me to connect with myself. It has been an interesting year to say the least (thank you to my friends who have been there for support), but I have had good times with mostly Brett and Kevin going to shows. Why am I doing this? More for me than any of you, its always nice to remember what you have seen and where you have been...so this is my day of memories...hopefully a good one...enjoy if you read these lists....I am hoping to get to close to 20-25 shows in the year 2008...it has been a great year so far and I have another Ben Folds show coming up, NoFX, Lagwagon, and I am sure a couple of more...Cheers!

I am not including the many REAL Beach Boys concerts my dad took me to when I was a kid because frankly I dont remember them besides the one time stainding in the stands singing to "409." So here is the incomplete list...I will add more once I remember what I forgot....

Oct. 19, 1996 - Marilyn Manson - Agora Thearte, Cleveland, OH

Oct. 19, 1996 (same night) Mushroomhead - Peabody's, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 19, 1997 - 311 w/De La Soul - Darien Lakes PAC, Darien Lake, NY

July 11, 1998 - Third Eye Blind, Our Lady Peace, Eve 6 - Darien Lake PAC, Darien Lake, NY

Oct. 14, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH

Nov. 10, 1998 - Jars Of Clay - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

Dec. 28, 1998 - Barenaked Ladies - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

1998-1999 Bands like Never Say Never, Thick as Thieves, Earth Crisis, and many more local bands in Erie

Early 1999 - Train - Media Center Music Store - Erie, PA

1999 - Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

June 3, 1999 - Dave Matthews Band - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

June 19, 1999 - Ben Folds Five - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

June 30, 1999 - Collective Soul, Train - Warner Theatre, Erie, PA

July 27, 1999 - Barenaked Ladies - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA

Sept. 19, 1999 - Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Edwin McCain, Christina Aguilera - Star Lake Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, PA (this was a free show, I didnt pay to go to it, stop laughing)

Nov. 17, 1999 - Pennywise, Strung Out, ALL - Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH

2000? - The Clarks - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

2000? - Naughty By Nature - Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

November 21, 1999 - Counting Crows, The Wallflowers - Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH

Feb. 13, 2000 - No Use For A Name, Frenzal Rhomb, Mad Caddies - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Aug. 2, 2000 - Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Nine Days - I.C. Light Amphitheatre, Pittsbrugh, PA

October 31, 2000 - Elliott Smith, Grandaddy - Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Dec. 8, 2000 - Dave Matthews Band - Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA

2001? Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag - Club Laga, Pittsburgh, PA

March 25, 2002 - Art Alexakis, Sister Hazel - Florida Atlantic University, Baco Raton, FL

Aug. 14, 2002 - Vans Warped Tour, Bad Religon, NOFX, NUFAN, Lagwagon, Flogging Molly, New Found Glory...etc - La Salle Park, Buffalo, NY

2004? Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera - Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA (free again, relax!)

Sept. 21, 2005 - Our Lady Peace - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 5, 2005 - Athlete, Rob Dickinson, The Working Title - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 6, 2005 - Acceptance, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Receiving End of Sirens - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 13, 2005 - Foo Fighters & Weezer - Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 13, 2005 - U2, Institute - American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

June 19, 2006 - Good Clean Fun - LAVA Community Center, Philadelphia, PA

Aug. 15, 2006 - 311, Jurassic 5 - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 26, 2006 - Death Cab For Cutie - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

March 14, 2007 - Mute Math, The Cinematics - TLA, Philadelphia, PA

May 27, 2007 - Keane, Rocco DeLuca & The Burden - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

July 28, 2007 - 311, Matisyahu - Festival Pier Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 3, 2007 - Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 2, 2007 - Nada Surf, Sea Wolf - 8x10, Baltimore, MD

Nov. 10, 2007 - Jimmy Eat World - The Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 14, 2007 - Citizen Cope (Special Acoustic Solo Show) - Tin Angel, Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 21, 2007 - Dane Cook - Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

Jan. 22, 2008 - Band of Horses - The Fillmore at the TLA, Philadelphia, PA

April 10, 2008 - Ben Folds, Eef Barzelay - Kirby Sports Center at Lafayette College, Easton, PA

April 13, 2008 - Nada Surf, Illinois - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

April 15, 2008 - Paddy Casey, Jason Collett - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

May 5, 2008 - Flight of the Conchords - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

May 20, 2008 - The Swell Season - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA

June 7, 2008 - Hayden, Haley Bonar, Hezekiah Jones - North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA

June 12, 2008 - Death Cab For Cutie, Rouge Wave - Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA

The Top 5 Shows I have ever been to...

Honorable Mention - They are Marilyn Manson in Cleveland in 1996, Ben Folds Five in Pittsburgh in 1999, Death Cab For Cutie in 2006, or Keane in Philly in 2007

5. October 31, 2001 - Elliott Smith, Grandaddy - Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

4. November 2, 2007 - Nada Surf, Sea Wolf - 8x10, Baltimore

3. March 14, 2007 - Mute Math, The Cinematics - TLA, Philadelphia, PA

2. Sept. 21, 2005 - Our Lady Peace - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

T1. Nov. 13, 2005 - U2, Institute - American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

T1. April 13, 2008 - Nada Surf, Illinois - Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA