Michael Franti and Spearhead, Say Hey (I Love You)

I must admit, before seeing them in concert at the Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville CT, I didn't know Michael Franti, or Spearhead. I knew the song, Say Hey, (I Love You), but never knew the name of the artist responsible for the catchy tune. Already impressed by the groups performance on the night, I was pleasantly surprised when they performed, the hit, Say Hey, as their final song.

Before beginning their last number, Michael Franti explained, Say Hey was the groups first ever top 20 hit, and thanked fans for downloading, and requesting the song. As they began to sing, the stadium obliged the bands request, jumping to our feet and clapping. Young kids from the audience were brought to the stage and a little girl was allowed to sing part of the chorus. With Franti holding the microphone, the girl sang, "I love you. I love you. I love you." What an experience for her, and all the children who were allowed to go on stage during the show. There was lots of fan interaction during the night, which endured the crowd to Spearhead even more.

During several songs, Franti went out into the audience. This was the most interactive, fun group I've ever seen in concert, and I've been to a lot of concerts. They are not only a fun band, with fun music, their music has great lyrics, and a I great message.

Songs like, Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong, written about the Israel and Palestine struggles contain lyrics like:

"all the sickness, hunger and poverty
war on the land and a war in the seas
woah, war is a painful thing
but the one argument none of us can hide
is the one that's raging down deep inside
tryin' a make a point, or have the last word
but most the time people just trying to be hear."

The music of Franti and Spearhead is both relevant, entertaining, and moving, a difficult combination to master. The new album, All Rebel Rockers, contains 13 songs including, Say Hey, and Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

On Friday, February 19^th, I went to a concert to see John Mayer, and discovered Michael Franti and Spearhead. Those attending this concert without prior knowledge of Michael Franti, and Spearhead, will be impressed, those already fans of the group, know what a good time they're in for. Visit Michaelfranti.com to view the tour schedule, and see where you can catch up to Michael and the band.

Sources:

http://michaelfranti.com/media/albums/all-rebel-rockers