Michael Franti is a spoken word artist with a socially conscious vision. Through

music and poetry, Franti tackles a wide range of peace and social justice issues.

He is the creator and lead vocalist of Michael Franti & Spearhead, a band that

blends hip-hop with aspects of funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock. The band’s 7

albums discuss topics ranging from globalization, homelessness, gay rights and

the death penalty, to the positive and lasting effects of music.

Franti has travelled the globe, exploring the diversity of the human spirit and

sharing his musical message. He has produced a documentary entitled I Know

I’m Not Alone, and collaborated with artists such as John Mayer on thirteen

different albums. For the past twelve years, Franti has chosen to walk barefoot in

support of his partnership with Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated

to providing free shoes to people in need around the world.

Michael Franti is speaking and performing in Macky Auditorium at The University

of Colorado at Boulder on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and

the event starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8, and can be purchased with a valid

Buff OneCard at the University Memorial Center Connection. There is a limit of 2

tickets per student card. For further information, please email

speakers.coordinator.ceb@gmail.com or call (919) 428-5541.