It’s a Family Affair at the STAY HUMAN HARVEST BALL.

Michael Franti has found a subtle, yet effective way to incorporate many of his passions while sharing his art of music at the newest venue in town. On a Fall afternoon in Denver, Wynkoop Alley was filled with food and drink vendors, exhibitors, kid activities and cool DJ vibes. Pre-show activities included yoga and a live podcast where ski mountaineer Chris Davenport, strategist/entrepreneur Rob Schuham, and politician/businessman John Hickenlooper talked about climate change and how passion leads to purpose. Chuck Morris, music legend and CEO of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains, honored the former Colorado Governor, Hickenlooper, with a poster picturing him on stage at Red Rocks with Old Crow Medicine Show; the poster will be on display at the Mission Ballroom.

Pre-show activities continued with a large crowd gathering outside the Mission Ballroom to hear an acoustic Michael Franti and Spearhead trio; old favorites and new songs alike had people singing and smiling in unity with their hands in the air. Michael introduced his son, Cappy Franti, to the crowd – we were all treated to a joint performance of Cappy’s new single, “Mind Elevation” – a poignant rap of consciousness providing thoughtful solutions to world issues. As Cappy sang and entertained the masses, Michael played guitar and beamed with pride. The family time continued outside as Michael called his wife, Sara, and youngest son, baby Taj, to the stage for “Life is Better with You”.

The festivities soon transitioned to inside the Mission Ballroom, the newest music venue in Denver, operated by AEG Presents – it boasts state of the art features such as a flexible stage design and max capacity of 3,950. Located at the entryway to RiNo, Denver’s creative area to the North, Mission Ballroom has it all! Surrounded by a growing art scene, this venue has incorporated the needs of the musician and the concert goer seamlessly. The stage technology allows for intimate or large shows, the main viewing area is surrounded by an upper level balcony, tiered levels allow for open views from all sections while a large globe fixture changes the mood throughout from disco ball to elegant gold glow. The backdrop display allows Artists to share sharp, crisp digital images while their clear sounds carry throughout the venue. There are comfortable seats for those who prefer to sit during the event and multiple, large well stocked bars for patrons to quench their thirst without wait.

Concert goers were treated to performances by Bombargo, formed in 2014, this Saskatoon, Saskatchewan band interacted with the audience, filled the ballroom with energy, and left us wanting more of their indie funk tunes. Devon Gilfillian, from Nashville, Tennessee, entertained with his soulful guitar ballads consisting of a warm mix of blues and gospel. Then, the stage lit up with a large video image of Taj Franti; the family affair continued. DJ Taj opened and closed the two and a half hour performance of Michael Franti and Spearhead. One minute the crowd was jumpin’ and Olympic medalist, Gretchen Bleiler, was dancing on stage; the next minute the crowd stood in silence – showing respect for the thousands of people who have passed away in the United States due to gun violence since April 20, 2009, at Columbine. Michael played and sang in the crowd, gave a high-five or hug to each person he passed. The songs are simple, the messages are great – for example, “work hard and be nice to people” – one of Michael’s newest songs continues to spread kindness and love through the gift of music.

Michael Franti and members of Spearhead have traveled and toured together for up to 25 years, they are a family on the road. In 2020, Michael Franti will be joining Kenny Chesney for a multi-city stadium tour, see michaelfranti.com for more information. Soulrockers will also be pleased to know Michael announced he will perform Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado.

Article written by Karen Stocker and photography courtesy of Susie Wolcott