311 Goes Full Throttle in Bridgeport
311 has been a force in the music industry for over 30 years. Initially playing in local clubs and gaining a modest following, the band began to hone their sound, mixing elements of rock, rap, reggae, and funk creating their own unique style. The band has carved out a distinctive niche in the music industry. Their longevity has earned a dedicated fan base and a reputation for energetic live performances. The origins of 311 trace back to to 1990 when four high school friends—Nick Hexum (vocals, guitar), SA Martinez (vocals, turntables joining in 1992), Jim Watson (guitar), and Chad Sexton (drums)—came together in Omaha, Nebraska. They played their first gig opening for Fugazi on June 10th 1990 at the Sokol Auditorium in Omaha now named The Admiral Theatre. They were soon after joined by guitarist Tim Mahoney, replacing Watson solidifying their final lineup. Fun fact I learned while researching is the name "311" is a reference to the police code for indecent exposure in Omaha, which was inspired by an incident involving one of their friends.
311's early years were marked by constant touring and independent releases, which helped them build a loyal fan base. They released their first album, "Music," in 1993, followed by "Grassroots" in 1994. Their breakthrough came with their third album, the self-titled "311" (also known as "The Blue Album"), released in 1995. The album featured hits like "Down" and "All Mixed Up," propelling the band to mainstream success. Their self-titled album would end up going triple-platinum. Following the success of "The Blue Album," 311 released a series of successful albums throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, including "Transistor" (1997), "Soundsystem" (1999), and "From Chaos" (2001). Their music during this period showcased their signature blend of genres, and they continued to build their reputation as a dynamic live act. 311 has maintained a steady presence in the music industry with numerous albums and extensive touring. Some of their notable later works include "Evolver" (2003), "Don't Tread on Me" (2005), "Uplifter" (2009), "Universal Pulse" (2011), and "Mosaic" (2017). Their thirteenth studio album, "Voyager," was released in 2019, further cementing their legacy as innovators in the rock genre. The band would go on to release a total thirteen studio albums, two live albums, four compilation albums, four EPs and four DVDs and a series of independent releases. 311, known for their loyal fan base, often referred to as the "311 Nation," and their annual 311 Day concerts, which are marathon shows held on March 11th. These events have become legendary among fans, showcasing the band's extensive catalog and energetic performances. The band’s impact on the music scene is marked by their pioneering fusion of genres and their ability to connect with fans through both their recordings and live performances.
Finally, arriving in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater I would be able to again experience whom I consider the masters of music. But first…lightning. Lot’s of it. During the drive to the venue we are pretty certain we went through a tornado. There was one confirmed after just north of us. The gates were delayed by an hour and the show ended up starting an hour late. Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater his is a newer venue that opened in 2021. I personally love this venue. The amphitheater gives off a local hometown feel stepping away from other venues that tend to feel corporate. The amphitheater is designed with the audience in mind. With a seating capacity of around 5,700, it strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and energy. The tiered seating ensures excellent sightlines from virtually every angle, making it feel like you’re never too far from the action. The venue's location is easily accessible from I-95 with ample free parking options onsite. One of the standout features of the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater is its superb acoustics. The sound quality is consistently clear and well-balanced, regardless of where you are seated. The design of the amphitheater ensures that both the amplified and natural sounds resonate beautifully, making every performance sound crisp and immersive.
Hitting the stage first the fans were gifted an amazing performance by Neon Trees. Formed in 2005 hailing from Provo, Utah. The energy was alive the second the beat dropped. Opening with “Losing My Head” and closing with “Everybody Talks” playing a 7 song set. Highlights for me is always hearing the single “Animal”. It has this infectious energy and catchy pop-rock sound. The song opens with a striking synth riff that immediately grabs the listener's attention, followed by a driving rhythm section that sets a danceable, upbeat tempo. The guitar work is crisp and rhythmic, complementing the song's vibrant feel. Tyler Glenn’s vocals are a standout feature of "Animal." His performance is dynamic and engaging, with a mix of smooth verses and powerful choruses that showcase his range and emotive capability. The backing vocals and harmonies add depth and texture, enhancing the overall sound. The closeout song “Everybody Talks” was a huge crowd favorite. The crowd went wild as soon as they knew what they were listening to. The enthusiasm was unreal. The lead up of excitement was building throughout the whole setlist. Tyler Glenn’s voice is exceptional and spot on to his recordings. I love that. They were the perfect support act to get the crowd ready to go. The only disappointment was they only had a 7 song set. GIVE US MORE! Neon Trees will release a new album, Sink Your Teeth, on September 20. We highly recommend streaming it on your favorite music platforms.
Following after Neon Trees was the eccentric and interesting set of AWOLNATION. Frontman Aaron Bruno's stage presence was magnetic. With boundless energy, he prowled the stage, engaging the audience with every move. His distinctive vocals soared through the venue, hitting every note with raw power and emotion. The band's tight musicianship was on full display, with each member contributing to the high-octane performance. Of course, the highlight of the night was the explosive performance of "Sail." As the opening notes began, the crowd erupted, and the song's crescendo turned the venue into a sea of jumping bodies and raised hands. AWOLNATION's concert was a masterclass in live performance. With a perfect blend of high-energy rock and genuine audience connection, it was a night that fans will be talking about for a long time. If you have the chance to see AWOLNATION live, don't miss it – it's an experience that truly lives up to the hype.
It’s been almost exactly 20 years since I have seen 311 live. It was on July 23, 2024 at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts and what a show that was! I still can remember it. The energy was unreal and my group of college friends absolutely had the time of our lives during this melodic explosive performance. Every party we had thrown in high school and college had 311 pumping out of the speakers. Their music creates such a vibe. As energetic and electrifying as their music is it’s still relaxing at the same time. Their creative approach creates some sort of euphoria over their listeners. I am mostly astonished by the fact that the band has kept the same lineup together throughout their whole career. This day and age that is relatively unheard of in the music industry.
The band finally hit the stage at 9:55 and the energy was thunderous, no pun attended. Opening with “Beautiful Disaster” which was a fitting song given the weather. While waiting to get into the venue concert goers were treated to a double rainbow in-between the treacherous lightning strikes. The boys in 311 never let up their whole set. The audience was locked in for the rest of the night. Nick Hexum's vocals were as powerful and captivating as ever, effortlessly transitioning between melodic singing and rapid-fire rapping. SA Martinez added dynamic layers with his distinctive voice and energetic stage presence, often engaging directly with the crowd. Tim Mahoney's guitar solos were precise and electrifying, while P-Nut's bass lines were groovy and impactful. Chad Sexton on drums provided a rhythmic backbone that was both intricate and driving. During "Love Song," the entire amphitheater sang along, creating a collective moment of connection that was both powerful and emotional. Fans were treated to a few impromptu jam sessions, highlighting the band's improvisational skills and deep musical bond. Highlights were P-Nut's bass solo which then turned into a rendition of Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing in the Name of”. He had the whole crowd singing the words while he plucked note after note. What a great moment for the whole performance. I remember 20 years ago the whole band drumming along together and here we go again. We were blessed to experience this spot on presentation. Truly a remarkable experience.
The sound quality at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater was exceptional, with every instrument and vocal line coming through clearly and powerfully. The production was top-notch, with an impressive light show and visual effects that complemented the music without overshadowing it. The balance of sound and visuals created an immersive experience that drew the audience further into the performance. The show was a masterclass in live performance, blending technical skill, energetic showmanship, and genuine connection with the audience. The band's ability to mix their classic hits with newer material kept the setlist fresh and exciting, ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers alike had an incredible time. I loved that I was able to hear 311’s new single “You’re Gonna Get It”. The only thing missing from the night was not being able to hear more and not being able to hear “Love Song”. Let’s be honest, we didn’t want the show to end and could have easily sat through another hour. 311 delivered a performance that was not only musically outstanding but also emotionally resonant, leaving us all buzzing with excitement and appreciation long after the final note of “Down” had been played. Thank you for such a dynamic performance. I will sum it up with BUY.THE.TICKET. Make sure you take all your friends and make a fun party night out of it!
Click HERE to see more photos from this show!
Check out 311 in a city near you!
August 9 - Outer Banks, NC - Roanoke Island Festival Park
August 10 - Raleigh, NC - Red Hat Amphitheater
August 11 - Charlotte, NC - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 13 - North Charleston, SC - Firefly Distillery
August 14 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy
August 15 - Albertville, AL - Sand Mountain Amphitheater
August 17 - St. Augustine, FL - The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
August 18 - Tampa, FL - Hard Rock Event Center
August 20 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
August 21 - Austin, TX - Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
August 22 - Grand Prairie, TX - Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie*
August 24 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
August 25 - San Diego, CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
August 27 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre
August 29 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 30 - Troutdale, OR - McMenamins Edgefield
August 31 - Redmond, WA - Marymoor Park
* 311 and NEON TREES only
