Last night, Colin and I went with our friend Gayle to see Michael Franti in Ames. We had not planned on going to this show because we were worried that Michael Franti had changed. It is definitely bizarre to hear him on the radio and hear his songs in commercials, and we were concerned that in adding Cherine to the mix, that the overall sound would have changed. Fortunately, we were wrong! Gayle was so kind and generous in sharing her front row tickets with us, and it could have possibly been the best Michael Franti show I have seen.
We also were lucky enough to spend the evening with many of our close friends - and it was our friend Missy's birthday and her first Michael Franti show!
Cherine was really good - with a great personality and a great voice. She got everyone excited for what was to come, and after a few of her own songs she introduced Michael and the band. Michael was full of energy and love and danced and sang all over the stage, at some points coming down into the crowd to sing with the fans.
All together, Michael Franti and Spearhead give a great performance full of love and life. I don't feel happiness like that I get from Spearhead shows anywhere else, and it is such a privilege to be a part of it. Michael Franti doesn't just perform for the fans, he performs with the fans and makes it a family affair of love and friendship.
For the encore, Michael invited all the children in the audience to come on stage. By the end of the song the stage was full of people of all ages dancing and singing with the band. And, as always, Michael stayed after the show and gave hugs, signed autographs, and took pictures with the fans.