Michael Franti and Spearhead, Wilmington, NC 7.27.12

Before the Richmond show, as we were talking about Spearhead on facebook, a friend had mentioned that I should come see them at her hometown venue in Wilmington, NC this weekend. The show was sold out, but she had a couple extra tickets. It seemed crazy, but as soon as Richmond was done I knew I wanted more, and would do whatever it took to get it.

So I rather impromptu-ly decided to just do it. Got the afternoon off work, rented a car, grabbed a hotel reservation. On July 27th, I set out on the 5.5 hour road trip to Wilmington. Now, I love road trips. I love them even more when I am by myself. Time to think, time to listen to music, sing at the top of your lungs, buy gas station junk food to keep you company, stop at random places, see places you've never seen before. It is just what life is about.

I arrived in good time and met up with this friend and her husband. We actually didn't know each other well, had only met a handful of times. But I quickly realize they make me laugh.. and that's all I want and need in a friend.

We went into the venue and I was so surprised that it was SO tiny. A very small, in the woods, 900 seat amphitheatre. You are basically eye level with the band, although there is a barricade between you. We were essentially second row and made it to the front row by mid-set.

This was probably the best show I have ever seen. The setlist was a great mix of old favorites and new sing-alongs. Michael Franti was very talkative and told stories about where and why and how some songs were written. He played the one that is "my" song that he wrote for his kid going away. They were rocking it out as always but the proximity of the view made it very special. About mid-set, Michael Franti pointed to my friend and told her to come over the barricade. (It's quite the haul over it, so I'm very proud of her for going despite her hestitance). He had brought her up for the set break where he has people pretend to play the guitar while he runs to the back for the next song. She just ran with it and rocked out on stage, jamming it out with Jay Boogie.

They closed the set with a new song - Long Ride Home - that just spoke to me because I had done this crazy road trip just to get there. Loved how they all came to the front of the stage and engaged us all in a sing along. It was just a very special night, and I was so happy I went.

Here's one of MF's videos from the night - upside down but you can see me clearly - if you knew what to look for! :)
http://yfrog.us/jchspwcsptozkuqhxhszbjqfz