In Celebration of 311 Day

On this 311 day, I'd like to celebrate the band. 311 has been my favorite band for over a decade, dating back to 1995 and the release of their self titled album (also known as The Blue Album). The next year the songs "Down" and "All Mixed Up" were both popular and broke the band out from their humble roots and onto a larger stage. Luckily enough, I knew an older kid who already was a fan of 311 and introduced me to their previous albums. Both Grassroots and Music are classics, and remain among my favorite albums by any band.

Since then, through the release of many additional albums (14 major studio albums altogether, including live recordings, DVDs and special editions, with a 15th on the way) the band has enjoyed a ride of occasional mainstream success while thriving from a passionate, hardcore and loyal fan base.

The band is constantly on tour, and a concert never disappoints. The band performs their new songs but always throws in a handful of the songs from their first albums that have become somewhat of a tradition for regular concert goers such as myself. Additionally, after seeing them in concert on multiple, multiple occasions, I have had the doors opened to new music and artists. I have heard both Incubus and The Roots open up for them before they each reached the higher status they enjoy today.

311 Day is Every March 11

The band 311 holds a worldwide, communal celebration on March 11, or 3-11 of every year. Despite the celebration of 311 day, 311 does not stand for March 11. Nor does it stand for the KKK or the perfect length of a song as described by the band, all among the many rumors for the band's name origins. 311 actually represents the police code in Omaha, Nebraska, their stomping grounds, for public nudity or indecent exposure. Suffice it to say that after a run in with the law in earlier years, at least one of the band members ended up with a code 3-11 citation.

In the past they have held marathon concerts with super extended play lists for the occasion. This generally happens every other year, with the last 311 Day concerts coming in 2008, 2006 and 2004. I've never been lucky enough to attend one, but hopefully one day I will be able to. On 311 Day 2009, the band is hosting an online video chat with their fans and will be answering questions and talking about the latest news with the band, the upcoming summer tour and the next album release.

As a band, 311 promotes inspirational themes such as unity amongst all people ("My bros are down for the Unity. 311 is down for the Unity." From the song, you guessed it, Unity). 311 Day is a day for all 311 fans, and people around the world, to get together and celebrate together as one. So put on your favorite tunes, kick back and enjoy 311 day!