The IP Weekly
We live in complicated times. The news is toxic as our political climate seems hellbent on cementing division among us. We are again under siege of unhealthy air quality that we can do nothing to stop and may lead to the re-emergence of masks even if only for a day. There remain articles and analysis of the submarine Titan and the maybe coup attempt in Russia. The times are heavy and sit on our shoulders making them slump from the weight.
The news of the world only gets added to the day-to-day stress of our lives. The frustrating fits and starts of work, finding time for exercise, eating right during the summer, managing our relationships, dealing with our kids, it’s all a delicate dance. This is the backdrop of my mental state as I walked into Central Park at 72nd Street on the East Side of Manhattan last night for the Michael Franti and Spearhead concert.
My expectations were low. We happened into tickets a few weeks ago and despite knowing only one or two of his songs decided to go. An evening in Central Park really can’t be bad and we could always leave. Our slow drive into the city was threatened by rain, but those clouds broke and the sun emerged as we found ourselves a spot on the grass for our blanket. I could feel my mood lifting the aforementioned weight slowly sliding off my back. The opening band was fun, unique and uplifting. They played a spirited brand of music and managed to get many in the crowd on their feet. Their set brief, leaving the crowd primed for the main attraction. Excitement built.
It’s nice to know that I can still be surprised. By the time Franti and company came out on stage we were all on our feet. The first thing to hit me was Franti’s energy. He is infectious, encouraging the crowd to wave their hands and jump to his driving, but not frenetic beat. The music clean, simple and very well played. I didn’t know the songs, but the hooks were catchy making them easy to sing along. After one song I knew I was a fan and relaxed further, this show was going to be fun. Then the lyrics hit me.
The songs were all so positive. They spoke of kindness for all, of working hard and contributing to the world and of love — lots of love. He literally walked through the crowd shaking hands with as many fans as possible singing the entire time. He encouraged the crowd to hold one another and meet one another. At one point he asked us all to introduce ourselves to someone else around us, to not be strangers, and we did it. I met Chris, a guy wearing a Michigan hat for goodness sake. Later, Franti asked us to hold hands, make a large circle and dance together and we did it.
I left the show in a much better mood then when I entered. I was uplifted by this artist who was singing songs about the things I believe in. We should be kinder to each other, find time for each other and love each other. We should listen to each other and truly listen, not try and convince each other they are wrong. We should accept each other, we don’t have to agree, and root for each other. This message, his message, needs to be the one that dominates the news cycle. I know messages like his don’t garner clicks or controversy, but they will make you feel damn good.
