Breaking In The Sound with Fortunate Youth and Michael Franti
Photo by Phil DeSimone
The Sound in Clearwater, Florida, is a must-visit amphitheater, captivating music enthusiasts with its outstanding view of the water and downtown Clearwater. Last Friday, July 21, the venue hosted its sixth show, providing an unforgettable celebration that left everyone yearning for more. As soundcheck shook the airwaves, the venue buzzed to life. It mixed with an electrifying atmosphere as renowned bands Fortunate Youth and Michael Franti took the spotlight.
Fortunate Youth took the stage first, and their soulful reggae-infused tunes swept over the audience along with the warm ocean air, creating a vibe truly unmatched by surrounding venues. Dan Kelly’s suave vocals and the band’s infectious melodies transported everyone in attendance to a place of pure bliss. Kelly once explained a long time ago that the message of the music is the band’s name, Fortunate Youth.
Photos by Phil DeSimone
All through their set, the passion of Fortunate Youth’s music exuded from the scorching hot horn section and thundering bass. The music brought everyone together under the veil of peace, love, and unity, but the vibe acted as the glue that kept everyone together in the fluid wave of bodies that surrounded the stage, swallowing the sea of red chairs. With each note Fortunate Youth poured over the crowd, an enchanting symphony of cheers and roaring acclaim resounded.
Photo by Phil DeSimone
When the time came for Michael Franti to grace the stage, the number of people that apparated around the stage multiplied as the good vibes wafted above. With his magnetic presence and infinite energy, he effortlessly connected with the audience, igniting an unbreakable bond. Before long, Franti had the entire venue dancing. Not a single soul stood still to the amplifiers' tunes.
In a heartwarming and spontaneous gesture, Franti invited a young professional chocolate eater from the audience to join him on stage during the performance of "The Sound of Sunshine." As the chocolatier entered the spotlight, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation, not knowing what to come from this unexpected collaboration.
With an undeniable charm and infectious enthusiasm, the young fan fearlessly belted out the song's lyrics. The raw emotion and genuine love for the music resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, sending powerful feelings cascading through the audience. At that moment on stage, boundaries dissolved, and barriers were broken as the power of music bridged the gap between performer and audience.
Photos by Brian “Porkchop” Nicholson & Phil DeSimone
The magic of that night at The Sound in Clearwater wasn’t just about the talent on stage; it was about the sense of togetherness, the shared love for music, and the beauty of human connection. It provided a celebration of music and the power it has to connect, touch the heart, and unite us together as one. For anyone with a love for live music and a thirst for musical journeys that touch the soul, The Sound is undoubtedly the place to be, with an ever-growing lineup of incredible shows and an atmosphere that’ll surely beckon any music lover to the streets of Clearwater.
Review by Brendan Mcginley