w/ Trevor Hall
The Pageant, St. Louis

Although mainly reggae inspired, you can't really pigeonhole Michael Franti & Spearhead as a "reggae band," since they continuously fuse genres from hip-hop, soul and funk to folk and pop. Whatever sound comes out of them, it's always a joyous one.

A native of the rich San Francisco Bay music scene, Franti has spread his musical message all over the world. He graces The Pageant's stage this Friday night with Spearhead, his band since 1994.

After years of touring and building a dedicated fan base, Franti recently enjoyed his first gold single in a more than 20 year career for the upbeat, catchy "Say Hey (I Love You)" from his sixth album, All Rebel Rockers.

"Music is the thread that's gone through my life and given it so much meaning," Franti says.

Although he cites Bob Marley as his biggest inspiration and influence, Franti also pulls inspiration from other reggae-influenced bands like The Clash and the Police, as well as classic soul and funk artists like Stevie Wonder and Sly and the Family Stone.

Franti was recently sidelined when a ruptured appendix put him in the hospital for a week; but he's back in action and ready to infuse St. Louis with some of his good vibrations. Me, I'm ready to groove on them. | Amy Burger

For more tour information, visit www.SpearheadVibrations.com .

Michael Franti & Spearhead at The Pageant
Friday, October 2, 8 p.m.
Tickets available at The Pageant box office, all Ticketmaster locations and www.ticketmaster.com .

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