Spearhead frontman/filmmaker/activist Michael Franti always puts on a heck of a show, whether he's going solo at LEAF, riffing in the streets of Baghdad or performing for a full-capacity club. Franti's May 24 Orange Peel show (he seems to make it to Asheville at least annually) was no exception. The show opened with a short talk by members of Military Families Speak Out — Franti's performances are always underscored by his message of peace, and he often invites active members of the military to attend his shows as guests.
So what were some of the highlights of this spring's concert? Certainly the pre-show jam session on the street, with members of Spearhead, opening act One EskimO and even Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle. Of the Orange Peel performance, fan Sue Ammons says “I'm pretty sure that was the best live show I've ever seen. The floor of the Peel felt like a trampoline, and everything was as perfect as I could imagine it.”
Of Asheville, Franti says, "One of my favorite cities in all of America to come and visit in and hang out in, practice yoga, play on the street, do all kinds of great stuff and then do the show." Relive the day through Franti's eyes at michaelfranti.com/media/videos/frantiv-asheville-nc-052410.
— Alli Marshall
