Last night, I was at a concert here in Bend, Oregon, with expectations set on seeing Citizen Cope, but it was an experience far beyond what I anticipated. I was there primarily for Citizen Cope, a band I’ve always enjoyed, but I walked away with a newfound appreciation for Bombargo and, most unexpectedly, Michael Franti.
The evening kicked off with Bombargo, a band hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, and they certainly lived up to their promise: "Good Time, Guaranteed." Their energy was infectious, and they had the whole crowd engaged from the get-go. It’s rare to see an opening act captivate an audience so completely, but Bombargo managed to turn the entire venue into a dance party. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t pass it up—they’re definitely worth it.
Citizen Cope took the stage next, and they were everything I’d hoped for. They played some of my favorite songs, including "Sideways," and it was just as soulful and powerful as ever. A nice bonus this morning was seeing that Citizen Cope reshared my Instagram story—nothing like a little social media love from a band you admire.
I wasn’t there for MIchael Franti, but I left as a fan. The whole vibe of the packed audience was something uniquely special. It was a diverse crowd, from babies to 90-year-olds, representing every ethnic and social group you could imagine. Everyone was there to have a great time, and you could feel it in the air.
One thing that really stood out to me was how Michael and his wife, Sara, showed up to watch each of the opening acts play. That kind of respect and support is rare, where most headliners stay in the green room until it’s time to hit the stage. But Franti is different—he’s clearly all about the community and the shared experience.
When Michael finally took the stage, he did so with immense gratitude, immediately thanking the crowd and the opening acts. He launched into a fun, energy-filled story, and then the music began. From that moment on, it was a whirlwind of positive vibes, with Franti constantly walking into the crowd, hugging people, dancing with fans, and just spreading good energy. It was a unique audience experience—no pushing or rude behavior, just people enjoying the moment together.
At one point, he brought his young son on stage to sing and dance, and even invited kids from the audience to join in. He also brought over 25 people up on stage that were over 70 years old attending the concert and one dancing lady was 87 years young. It was an incredible live music experience that felt almost like being part of a positive energy cult of fun. I found myself dancing, singing, and waving my hands in the air, especially during his song "Turning lemons into lemonade, finding sunshine in the shade," “Sound of Sunshine,” and "Good Day."
There was one particularly emotional moment when Franti, with his son by his side, shared a story about how, if given the chance to come back after this life, he’d want to return as a song—something that lasts forever. It was a touching sentiment that had many in tears including us.
This concert was like no other I’ve attended. While I don’t typically listen to Michael Franti’s music at home, I can say with certainty that I’ll be going to his shows from now on. I’d recommend it to everyone—even bring your kids and grandparents—and be prepared for a positive tune-up.
Every town could use a Franti tune-up, believing in the best in people and seeing past division, embracing the differences that make us unique and beautiful.
