Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti (born April 21, 1967) is an American musician, poet, spoken word artist and singer-songwriter. Michael Franti is known for having participated in many musical projects (most of them with a political and social emphasis), including the Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. He is the creator and lead vocalist of his current independent project, Michael Franti & Spearhead, a band that blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. He is also an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues, and he is especially an advocate for peace in the Middle East. Michael Franti was born in Oakland, California.

Barely into their twenties, The New Respects are Nashville’s next big thing, armed with a rare charisma, familial chemistry, and a sonic fusion that can draw a crowd in any environment. Whether they’re captivating festival audiences at Bonnaroo or Lollapalooza or touring with Greta Van Fleet, Tobe Nwigwe, ZZ Ward, NEEDTOBREATHE or Robert Randolph, The New Respects are completely at home making music on their own terms. Comprised of twins Zandy (guitarist) and Lexi Fitzgerald (bassist), brother Darius (drummer), and cousin Jasmine Mullen (singer), The New Respects come by it honestly. Born into musical families, the band’s members were learning instruments and writing songs as high school students. Even then, it was clear the songs weren’t going to fit into clear-cut categories with predefined labels.