Happy 311 Day! The band got SLO all mixed up on the way to Vegas

What a way to celebrate March than with the Road to 311 Day Tour, making its stop in San Luis Obispo at Madonna Inn Expo. 311 just wrapped their west coast tour run that culminates with the big 311 Day show tomorrow in Las Vegas. 

For fans who haven’t made the pilgrimage, believe us, it’s worth every penny.

After more than 30 years together, 311’s mix of rock, reggae, funk, and rap equates to a pretty wild night live. This night, the venue made the show pretty intimate; instead of fighting for views of the band in a flashy amphitheater, concert-goers got a stripped-down version in a smaller space. Although compact, this didn’t stop 311 from hitting San Luis Obispo with a tidal wave of energy and nostalgia.

The night’s first song was fan-favorite “Beautiful Disaster” followed by “Freeze Time” and then “Do You Right”. The set list blended well-known hits with deeper cuts to keep the audience on their feet. As I was in the photo pit, fans had the barricade rocking so much that security guards from the side stage had to move toward the middle for safety precautions! Song eight was another big favorite, “All Mixed Up”, making the crowd a little rowdy. Then Aaron “P-Nut” Wills hit the crown with a fantastic bass solo unlike most have never seen or heard before. The band joined back onto stage for a few more tracks before an epic drum solo. Again one unlike others, first it was just drummer Chad Sexton banging away, doing his thing, before the rest of the band members created a wild drum line of sorts, banging on more drums and equipment.

The energy was still high throughout the rest of the night’s set, especially when it got time to hear “Amber”. As the night drew to a close, the band returned for an encore of “Don’t Tread On Me” and “Down” as fans danced, cheering and singing along. What a night it was—and happy 311 Day to all!

Photography by Tré Torres

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