300 million kids in this world do not have shoes. You can help.

Michael Franti: Ten years ago I made a decision to go barefoot after playing music for kids in many countries who could not afford shoes.

More on this, from Michael:



This year he's partnering with Souls4Souls to get those kids shoes. Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people around the world. The shoes are distributed, free of charge, to people in need across the globe.

To participate: Local distributions, as well as additional promotions (including impromptu “busking” performances), will be held at a handful of Michael's shows:

9/11 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park/Power To The Peaceful Festival
9/22 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia
10/7 Minneapolis, MN The State Theater
10/8 Chicago, IL The Riviera Center
10/13 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
10/28 New York, NY Terminal 5
10/30 Philadelphia, PA The Electric Factory
11/13 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
11/14 Pontiac, MI Crofoot Ballroom

For every dollar that is raised, Soles4Souls will donate/sponsor a pair of shoes to someone in need. To donate/sponsor shoes, go here or text "FRANTI" to 20222.

All Rebel Rockers, you gotta let go of Remote Control

Who Says I Can't be Free? From All of the Things That I Used to Be. Re-write my History. Who Says I Can't Be Free.

photo: Mike, Abby and I at Jack's Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center August 2008 show

The 2 photos below were taken at a John Mayer/Michael Franti & Spearhead show last month by Abby Brazina, HeadCount's Philadelphia, PA Team Leader, and a member of the HeadCount Jack Johnson 2008 Tour Team. I LOVE the shirts!


photo: Mayer fans


photo: Mayer fans registering to vote at the HeadCount booth

Later on that night, Mayer brought 11 year old fan Austin on stage to play with him, after spotting Austin's sign that read, “Can I please play ‘Belief’ with you?"

Once the song had ended, Mayer yelled “That’s my man!” and “That’s your guitar, that’s yours,” and then Mayer gave the guitar to Austin.

Austin's mom said that they needed to be escorted out of the show by security because so many people wanted to take photos with her son:)



Another view of the stage here - I can't decide which video is cuter:)



I LOVE that Austin happens to be wearing Mayer's current "Heartbreak Warfare" Tour t-shirt, which I'm going to guess he bought when he and his mom first got to the show:)

Also check out this official Michael Franti & Spearhead vlog entry from the Washington, DC show - particularly about 2 minutes into the start of the video when Michael interviews the girls wearing the t-shirts.



Can't wait for the tour to come to HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA at the end of this month! :)

New Official Michael Franti & Spearhead Obama Video!

It's posted on Michael's new website, www.michaelfranti.com

Another (awesome) Obama Tribute Song -- Michael Franti & Spearhead

From Michael Franti & Spearhead's 12/11/08 e-newsletter:

Download A New Michael Franti & Spearhead Song For FREE

Michael Franti & Spearhead have released a new song called the “Obama Song.” The song, which also features Solliloquists of Sound, Cherine Anderson, and Anthony B, has been released as a free download at www.iLike.com. The song is a tribute to the president elect Barack Obama and is a celebration of the hope and optimism that has filled the hearts and minds of the country ever since the words uttered on the campaign trail, “Yes We Can.“ It is also yet another example of how Michael utilizes his music to effectively convey his message of peace, joy and hope. Featuring Michael¹s unique sound, “Obama Song”s lyrics will resonate with all those that were similarly moved by Obama's message of peace, unity, and hope.

The song is currently available for a FREE download at iLike.com/franti.

Check out a video version of the song, too: