The Jungle of War

Michael Franti. For those that don’t know him by name, you might know him from his musical history. Whether with the multi-media afro-noise band The Beatnigs, the

industrial-politico rap of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, or with the soulful,

inspiring funk of Spearhead, Michael Franti has always made music to shake bodies, move minds and stir the soul. Franti does this through his continued international touring and university speaking engagements. At the heart of what Franti always does is combine protest and music.

Through the years he has become a political music icon featured on numerous

benefits and tours, as well as various appearances on public radio and television free speech and independent media programming.

This Friday, Michael Franti returns to the Canopy Club for what will surely prove to be a special night of education and entertainment. Earlier this year, Franti journeyed to the Middle East to explore the human cost of war with a group of friends, an open heart and his guitar. The result of this trip is the documentary I Know I’m Not Alone. The film came out of Franti’s frustrations with watching the nightly news and hearing generals, politicians and pundits, explaining the political and economic cost of war in the Middle East, without ever mentioning the human cost. So, Franti and six of his friends bought plane tickets and headed to Iraq.

The documentary they filmed captures beautiful imagery of humanity and the

terrible destruction war brings, incorporating musical montages and a soundtrack

written during and after the experience performed by Michael Franti. With its artistic film and editing techniques using raw video elements, the documentary is unlike the many informational and politically driven pieces in the marketplace, instead offering the audience a sense of journey and the opportunity to hear the voices of everyday people living with the harsh conditions of war and occupation.

At the Canopy Club on Friday, Franti will show I Know I’m Not Alone and then spend some time answering questions from the crowd and sharing insight into the

documentary. For those of you who have ever spoke with Franti before, this will truly be an experience. The evening will conclude with a solo acoustic musical set by Michael Franti, featuring songs from the film and his extensive repertoire. If you are alive and awake to the world, you should be in attendance.

Michael Franti’s I Know I’m Not Alone, Friday at 7 p.m. at The Canopy Club. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

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