Michael Franti in Santa Cruz

Michael Franti is an American singer-songwriter, poet and musician, born in Oakland in 1966. His music draws on hip-hop, R&B, reggae, soul, folk and rock, often addressing social and political subjects. He first performed with the Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy before forming Spearhead. His releases include Stay Human, Everyone Deserves Music, Yell Fire! and All Rebel Rockers; he also directed the documentary I Know I’m Not Alone after visiting Iraq, Israel and Palestine. Michael Franti and Spearhead played London’s Scala in 2001, followed by the Hollywood Bowl’s world music festival in 2002. He also established San Francisco’s Power to the Peaceful festival.