Michael Franti is an American musician, poet, spoken word artist and singer-songwriter. He is known for his positive, socially conscious music and live shows that promote peace, love and community. In 2023, Michael Franti is touring with his band Spearhead to promote their latest album Work Hard & Be Nice.
Michael Franti’s Music Career
Michael Franti first gained fame in the early 1990s as part of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. He released his first solo album in 1994 and formed the band Spearhead in the same year. Spearhead fused hip hop with funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock influences. Their breakthrough album Stay Human was released in 2000. Over his career, Michael Franti has released 11 studio albums, 5 EPs, 2 live albums and dozens of singles. He is known for positive, uplifting songs like “Say Hey (I Love You)”, “Life is Better With You”, “The Sound of Sunshine” and “I Got Love for You”. His music incorporates elements of reggae, rock, folk, funk, jazz, hip hop and electronic music.
Michael Franti’s Activism
In addition to his music, Michael Franti is known for his humanitarian work and social activism. He promotes peace, love, community building and taking care of each other. Some of his activism efforts include:
- Performing for free at schools, prisons and hospitals
- Producing the 2004 film “I Know I’m Not Alone” about his trip to Iraq amid the U.S. invasion
- Founding the annual Power to the Peaceful music festivals promoting activism and sustainability
- Partnering with charitable organizations supporting veterans, children, the environment and more
Michael Franti seeks to spread positivity, community and activism through both his music and his actions. His concerts are known for their festive, joyful atmosphere where people can let loose but also be inspired to make a difference in the world.
Michael Franti’s 2023 Tour
In 2023, Michael Franti & Spearhead are touring across North America to promote their latest album Work Hard & Be Nice. The tour kicks off on February 1 in California and runs through August, hitting major markets across the U.S. and Canada. The band is touring with a full lineup including:
- Michael Franti – lead vocals, guitar, bass
- Carl Young – drums, percussion, vocals
- Jay Bowman – guitar, keyboards, vocals
- Mike Blankenship – keyboards, accordion, vocals
- Sara Agah – guitar, vocals
On this tour, fans can expect to hear new material from Work Hard & Be Nice as well as favorite hits from throughout Michael Franti’s decades-long career. The band puts on high energy shows incorporating various genres from reggae to rock to folk. There is always lots of crowd interaction and opportunities for dancing, singing along, and feeling wrapped up in the community vibe.
Notable Performances
Some of the notable performances on Michael Franti & Spearhead’s 2023 tour include:
- April 28 – New Orleans, LA – Jazz Fest – They will perform at the famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside huge acts like The Who, Ed Sheeran, Lionel Richie, and many more.
- May 27 – George, WA – Sasquatch Music Festival – This iconic Pacific Northwest music festival will feature Michael Franti & Spearhead along with artists like The Lumineers, Metallica, and Paramore.
- June 23 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest – They will bring their uplifting vibes to the Electric Forest festival lineup which also includes The String Cheese Incident, Sheryl Crow, GRiZ, and others.
- August 12 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest – This Boise festival brings in over 400 artists across dozens of stages. Michael Franti & Spearhead will perform alongside acts like Hippo Campus, Toro y Moi, and Spoon.
The band always puts extra passion and energy into playing big music festivals where they can spread their message to huge crowds of music lovers.
What to Expect From the Shows
Michael Franti & Spearhead concerts are known for being joyful community events full of uplifting music. Fans can expect:
- A positive, laidback, loving atmosphere
- High energy performances from the band
- Michael Franti dancing, running into the crowd, jumping on speakers
- Songs spanning Franti’s whole career
- Moments of reflection mixed with ecstatic celebration
- Messages of hope, calling for togetherness and a better world
- Covers of hits by Bob Marley, John Lennon, Sly and the Family Stone
- Collaborations with opening acts and special guests
- Fans dancing, singing, swaying and linking together
Michael Franti leaves it all on stage at his shows and brings the audience together through the joy and power of music. Fans of all ages and backgrounds come together at his concerts to smile, dance, sing, and spread more peace, love and unity into the world.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for Michael Franti & Spearhead’s 2023 tour are on sale now. Fans can get tickets through:
- The band’s official website – Spearhead-music.com
- Ticketmaster
- Tickets.com
- StubHub
- Vivid Seats
- SeatGeek
Tickets range in price from around $25 for lawn seats to $75+ for premiere seating. Many shows are already selling out quickly, so fans will want to act fast. VIP packages are also available on some dates, offering perks like meet & greets, merchandise and pre-show parties.
Conclusion
Michael Franti is set to bring his signature blend of joyful, uplifting music and good vibes to venues across North America in 2023. Touring with his band Spearhead and latest album Work Hard & Be Nice, longtime fans and newcomers alike can expect high energy shows promoting togetherness, mindfulness and social good. This is a great chance to sing and dance along with Franti classics as well as discover new favorites from his latest release. Given the current times, Michael Franti’s positive message and championing of community provides a ray of light at his concerts. Fans of all types should check out one of these shows for a heart-warming experience.