Photo by Chelsea Klette Michael Franti & Spearhead
Michael Franti & Spearhead are bringing their upbeat, positive spin on reggae, hip-hop, folk and rock to Kit Carson Park on Sept. 30, for the final concert in the park for 2017 (at least as of press time).
Touring behind the group’s ninth studio album, SOULROCKER, which was released last summer, Spearhead has taken its trademark sound in a direction that combines Franti’s acoustic melodies with propulsive beats and flourishes of electronic music. As always, Franti’s lyrics deliver a powerful message of social and environmental activism, always acknowledging the challenges we face, but finding hope and power in the people.
Making the night more memorable will be the performance of the legendary Wailers, with original members Aston “Familyman” Barrett (bass), Julian Junior Marvin (guitar) and Donald Kinsey (guitar). The Wailers, of course, are most famous for their time as the backing band of Bob Marley from 1973 to 1980. The Wailers have been keeping the music alive ever since Marley’s death in 1981.
Opening the show will be Apsáalooke Nation member Supaman, born Christian Takes Gun Parrish, a Native American dancer and hip-hop artist whose music also delivers a message of hope to young people. Supaman has been a recipient of the Aboriginal Peoples Music Choice Award, Native American Music Award, North American Indigenous Award and seven Tuney Awards.
The concert will be the last of this year’s summer season in Kit Carson Park, with performances earlier this year from Ozomotli, Dwight Yoakum and the Mavericks, and Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance.
What you Need To Know
Tickets: Tickets are available at holdmyticket.com (or by calling 505-886-1251), and are $46 general admission and $9 for kids’ general admission. Tickets can also be purchased at the venue the day of the show for $50
When: Gates to the park open at 4 p.m., with Supaman scheduled to perform at 5 p.m., The Wailers taking the stage at 6 p.m., and Franti & Spearhead going on at 7:30 p.m.
Imbibe/ingest: Food vendors will be available in the park, as well as beer tents courtesy of Taos Mesa Brewing.
Make a day of it: There are plenty of other events happening in Taos on Sept. 30, from gallery openings to more live music. Be sure to check out the calendar and plan your itinerary accordingly. If you need more music after the park closes down, local favorites Last To Know will be playing at The Alley Cantina from 10 p.m. until midnight.