The Orpheum Theater was filled with a beyond bizarre crowd on Wednesday night as audience members awaited Michael Franti & Spearhead’s return to Madison. Diversity flashed at all ends of the theater. A heavy crowd stood circling the stage. Some were young adults displaying tie-dye, hemp necklaces accompanied by glass beads, stash hats and glow bracelets. They stood among elementary children, college students, parents and average Joe’s and plain Jane’s. What stood out most were the few front-row onlookers in wheel chairs. Everyone in the Orpheum looked out of place.
All confusion was lifted as Michael Franti & Spearhead took the stage, opening with their current radio hit, “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like).” Drowning out all the background noise of the theater, Franti spoke through his appearance alone. He wore a beanie (which covered his dreadlocks), a black t-shirt, a Rasta-colored jean vest and camouflage skinnies. The guitar strap wrapping around his shoulder read, “STAY HUMAN.” A red cross stood out from between the letters. Yet his outfit remained incomplete; He performed entirely barefoot. Slowly, Franti’s story and fantasies began to unravel throughout his musical tour.
Fully engulfed by Franti’s enlightening messages, the audience evolved, exhibiting peaceful and carefree characteristics. The crowd no longer looked diverse in any manner. They finally belonged. The atmosphere was incredible and music became an uplifting power, just as Franti dreamt.
Throughout their Orpheum show, Michael Franti & Spearhead created a musical melting pot, combining reggae, pop and rap to reach out to their crowd. Consistent themes of love, peace and happiness lit the mood and created a blanket of comfort within the theater. Not only was the music phenomenal, Franti really opened up to his crowd as an entertainer. He continuously involved them in his performance. When the glorified oldie “The Sound of Sunshine” began, bare-footed Franti jumped up with his hands held high as backstage members threw enormous yellow balloons into the audience. Brimming with excitement, Franti became one with his fans. He danced within the audience, making his way to the upper balcony. The swift yet somewhat intimate relationship that he built with his fans was simply indescribable. Making his way back to the stage, Michael approached the first row fans. He spotted the two older women in wheelchairs and embraced them in his arms while he finished up the song.
Michael Franti & Spearhead outdid themselves during their performance. They touched the hearts of many and brightened up the day. Michael Franti also shared stories about his travels and humanitarian goals. He promoted his foundation called “Do It For The Love,” where money can be donated so that people with illnesses can come to live concerts. The foundation has raised money to buy wheelchair accessible vans and other necessities to make concerts a possibility for less fortunate fans. The two women he hugged were able to make it to his concert because a vehicle had already been donated to Wisconsin.
What a cool guy.
