For as long as I can remember, Memorial Day weekend in Louisville has usually led most to take the weekend trip to ‘the lake’, the opening of Lakeside Swim Club, and since 1991 the Kentucky Reggae Festival has dominated the local flare at the Water Tower on the Ohio River.
Since I haven’t experienced a summer in Kentucky in 8 years, it seems my arrival has parlayed alongside a most special evening tonight when reggae legend Michael Franti, and Spearhead, luckily strays to Headliners. Whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Franti and Spearhead in that oh so contagious ‘Say Hey (I Love You)’ that graces the opening scene of Valentine’s Day, backs a Corona Light commercial, and is even on the soundtrack for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What most don’t know is that Franti and Spearhead have been going strong since 94 with 7 studio albums, numerous collaborations with the likes of Steel Pulse and the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Franti is even a significant advocate for peace in the Middle East.
While they have played for President Obama numerous times and toured with John Mayer (sans Jessica Simpson’s sexual napalm) , tonight’s sold out show promises to bring immense positivity, consistent inspiration, and likely a bit of sweaty dancing to our beloved Headliners Music Hall. Hopefully you have a ticket as the mere presence of Franti and Spearhead is usually just the remedy needed for most anything that ails you. If not, someone please hang out by the tour bus and riddle me why Franti hasn’t worn shoes since 2000, minus boarding a plane and those pesky restaurants with their dress codes.
Photo credit: James Minchin
