Decided to skip the Bad Religion chaos at Dundas Square to check out Michael Franti/Spearhead at the Luminato festival at Dave Pecaut square for free. Its a shame that Luminato and NXNE run their festival at the same time each year. If it wasn't enough of a challenge to sift through the menu of bands at NXNE, Luminato then adds a whole bunch more.
Was running from the premiere of the movie Ecstasy (based on Irvine Welsh book) at the Royal to the square and arrived slightly late. Was solo on this mission as Tuco got called in last minute by the man. What I arrived to was quite the family event with a mixed crowd of all ages and a good time. I would guess maybe about 2000+ people. Everyone was up and dancing. A couple tracks in I realized this wasn't going to be a 1990s Spearhead/Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy Drug of the Nation type of the night but more of his latest work off his past four albums gravitating towards reggae, dancehall, bossa nova, afrobeat and funk.
Unfortunately, the sound guys were off at the beginning of this show as the music was at the level that even your grandmother would be saying turn it up. Michael clued into this as the show went onward and the number of people telling him to turn it up. At one point I think the whole crowd was yelling for a volume increase. He finally stopped the show so that they could fix it. During this time he kicked into an acoustic number. After this, he advised and appologized that the sound couldn't be any louder due to sound restrictions. Thankfully though, they did actually raise the volume to a level that was reasonable/enjoyable and the dance party got bigger.
The night wasn't short of some sort of activism. At somepoint Michael invited some people up on stage. A topless woman leaped on stage to get down. "This show keeps on getting weirder by the moment" exclaimed Michael as the lady left the stage at the end of the song. So much for the family show.
Spearhead even had special guest Jovanotti (playing luminato the next day) and his band stop by to join in for their single they released last year called The Sound Of Sunshine. Jovanotti even busted out some Sugarhill Gang during one of his many cameos that night.
Michael highlighted the age of his crowd by pointing out a couple who had been married for 35 years. His comment was "You know your marriage has been a success when you are 35 years later in the front row of a rock concert.
Spearhead played for a solid two hours and had everyone screaming for more. Quite the love in. I was off though for my failed attempt to get into the Garrison to see the Black Belles.
Here is what the twitter world said about the concert:
@ElGuaposGhost: I wasnt aware that a Michael Franti show was also a family picnic..tons of kids, old people, camping chairs and blankets (IKDK: Neither did we)
@SarinaCondello: Ready to hear Michael Franti share his gifts!! #luminato is amazing!
@juliriffat: So apparently Michael Franti is kind of a big deal! #Luminato2012
@HouseHeal_Sara: Waiting for Michael Franti to play at Luminato inTO - in front row!!!
@Meskanawskwew: Woo hoo free michael franti concert!
@thisiskit_com: Seriously have you not sorted out the sound yet @Luminato the festival is almost over. #Franti
@littlebitesbig: @Luminato fix Michael Franti's microphone!!! Vocals too low :(
@thisiskit_com: I have never heard such an amazing chant for better sound than at this #Franti show @Luminato
@affanchowdhry: Michael Franti has stopped his concert at #Luminato2012 because mic not working. (IKDK: Not just his mic, the sound period.)
@iamcontinuum: Michael Franti just stopped the concert in protest for better sound quality!!! Bawse!!! Hahahaha http://fb.me/1pOir2EqI
@IKvsDK: Sounds alittle louder now luminato #franti
@_thomasle: Getting #luminato 'd again! Michael Franti!
@affanchowdhry: Awesome. Franti is bringing people on to the stage.
@chinacharlie: Topless girl on stage with @michael franti #luminato
@IKvsDK: Franti "this show is getting weirder by the moment" topless woman dancing on stage #luminato
@clarehitchens: I am a sucker for a boy with a guitar. #Franti @Luminato (IKDK: most women are)
@IKvsDK: Dualing bases #franti #luminato
@MatJWHughes: At Michael Franti show (IKDK: Thanks Mat)
@IKvsDK: Franti "Key to a sucessful 35 year marriage is being together in the front row of a rock concert"
@natsegat: Outdoor concert #Luminato6 "Live is better with you" - Michael Franti
@Meskanawskwew: Free Michael Franti concert in Toronto :) he rocked and rolled my lil rockin world tonight
@IKvsDK: Franti "Don't let nobody tell you it couldn't be done"
@NicoleW_Star: Now at the #Luminato Michael Franti/Spearhead concert. I shall mention, without comment, that there are a lot of people with dreads here.
@IKvsDK: There is a lot of dancing going on in dave pecaut square #franti #spearhead #luminato
@clarehitchens: Stage full of kids for the Michael Franti finale @Luminato
@mikemacaroni: Hearing the Italian version of "Sound of Sunshine" live w/ Michael Franti & Jovanotti in person brought me back to my 2011 summer in Italy!
@clarehitchens: Had a total blast at my first Michael Franti concert. He has a beautiful spirit. Thanks @Luminato I’m still dancing.
@juliebrar: "Everywhere I go the less I know. I know one thing- I love u Toronto." Good vibes hanging w/ old & new friends @ Michael Franti show:)
@emilythespiller: Just met Michael Franti. He gives good hugs:)
@catCwilliams: Chatting it up with the shoeless Michael Franti.
@NicolePoynter22: Michael Franti and Spearhead lit Toronto up last night at David Pecaut Square!
@MAdCastFuji: @michaelfranti & Spearhead ROCKED Toronto tonight. Thanks for the music, energy & LOVE. What a beautiful spirit! 1Luv!
@AyeletTsabari: Just saw michael franti live in downtown Toronto for free. Love this city. Love franti.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNHz6SYx-0
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