Sound Body and Sound Mind

There are some people in this world that are more concerned with the human condition than the advancement of technology; more concerned with saving and protecting the environment than stocking their portfolio, and even some people who are so distraught about the destruction of war that they lead a movement to better the lives of the innocent victims.

Michael Franti not only preaches about the peaceful revolution through his poetry and music, but through his actions, i.e. traveling through the Middle East and other war torn nations.

It’s a shame that radio doesn’t play tracks like the title track from his latest album with the band Spearhead, “Yell Fire.” The song is a great combination of rap/rock, with lyrics that are intelligent, like Zack De La Rocha’s of Rage Against the Machine, without the angst; they are rather a call to action to lead the listener to join in the political discourse of the world today.

That is one reason why Franti and his band are playing long sets across the festival circuit in North America this summer.

First off, they will be gracing the stage in Winnipeg for the 35th Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Later in July, they will be playing at the Soo Pass Ranch for the 10,000 Lakes Festival.

Franti’s lyrics and reggae tunes make him a perfect choice for performing for the masses.

Many people in the Sixties used to ask about folk performers, “Does he/she have something to say?” Franti is one of the few performers today that does have something to say, and will undoubtedly give the audience a message to only to move to but also to think about.

If You Go

Who: Michael Franti and Spearhead
What: Winnipeg, 10KLF
When: July 10, 24
Where: Main Stages
Info: 1-888-655-5354, 1-800-493-3378