For our seventh episode, we go almost literally halfway around the world to Bali, Indonesia; and yet we find a local legend: Michael Franti. A 1984 graduate of Davis High, Franti briefly played basketball at the University of San Francisco, but ultimately returned to his first love of music. He began his career with the punk-tinged Beatnigs, then earned a following with the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, before achieving wider commercial success with Michael Franti & Spearhead. The track “Say Hey (I Love You)” climbed the charts after its September 2008 release, and even made Billboard’s year-end Top 100.

Music only tells one part of Michael Franti’s story. He is also a documentarian, whose documentary I Know I’m Not Alone explored the human cost of the war in the Middle East. The award-winning film Stay Human examines people who have overcome adversity of the highest levels. Meanwhile, the power of his art inspired Michael Franti and wife Sara Agah to launch the Do It For The Love Foundation, which allows people with life-threatening illnesses and severe challenges to attend live concerts. Most recently, he co-founded a yoga resort called Soulshine Bali. While on a visit to this hotel, the COVID-19 pandemic created a lockdown that postponed his tour with country star Kenny Chesney and stranded the Franti family more than 8,000 miles away from home. Nonetheless, Michael and Sara launched the Stay At Home Concert World Tour on his Instagram account, released a Stay Human podcast, released a new album and performed on numerous virtual concerts. And of course, Franti remains a key voice for social justice and positivity. 

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