Bluesfest Sideshow - Michael Franti & Spearhead

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, philanthropist and Bluesfest favourite, Michael Franti and Spearhead along with the dynamic, spiritual and moving Nahko and Medicine For The People will be in Brisbane for a special, one-off Bluesfest sideshow at the Tivoli on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014. One of the most positive and conscious artists in music today, Franti’s musical journey started with his Punk and Hip-Hop beginnings in his bands 'Beatnigs’ and 'The Disposable Heroes of HipHoprisy’ who toured with U2 and Public Enemy. Michael Franti will be bringing his tenth studio album All People with him, an album that has seen Franti look to his primary influences referencing a wide range of music icons including John Lennon, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye and The Clash. Special guests of Michael Franti and Spearhead in Brisbane will be Nahko and Medicine For The People who will be bringing their unique and powerful meld of World, Folk and Urban Roots to the Tivoli. It won’t be the first time these incredible musicians have shared a bill before; Nahko played at Michael Franti’s Soulshine Festival in Bali in December last year and found a fan in Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble, "I caught Nahko at Michael Franti's Soulshine Festival in Bali and booked him immediately to come and play Bluesfest this year - WOW - what a talent. If you love Michael get ready, as Nahko has that same incredible vibe. He is going to be HUGE.” Nahko and Medicine For The People, delivers his message with a powerful set, ably assisted by the tribal percussionist Hope Medford and guitarist Chase Makai. It’s a musical mission to 'create healing and activate people to change things’. Oregon-native Nahko, born a mix of Apache, Puerto Rican, and Filipino cultures, was adopted into an American family and now lives in Hawaii. The Tivoli is set for a night of powerful music on the 23rd of April 2014, with both bands known for their limitless spirit and extraordinary live shows.