Words by Al Mannarino, Photos by Keeyahtay
On July 10, 2010 I went to PNC Bank Arts Center to see a concert. I left there that night having seen an event unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Since then 311 has become a summer tradition for me. This year, 311 stopped at The Stone Pony Summer Stage and rocked a packed house on a beautiful night in July.
Opening up for 311, was the rock/reggae/progressive band PASSAFIRE. I had never heard of them before that night, but I’m glad I showed up early to check them out. Reminiscent of bands such as The Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid, PASSAFIRE set themselves apart by adding the prog element to their sound. It was great seeing them for the first time, but I couldn’t wait any longer. It was time for 311.
The started off their strong 22 song set set with “Do You Right,” off their 1993 debut album Music. It was fitting to start the show with one of their oldest songs and following it up with “Five of Everything,” one of the new tracks off Stereolithic, their incredible new album. They would go on to play five more cuts from their latest album including “First Dimension,” and my personal favorite, “Existential Hero.” Of course they also played classic 311 songs such as “Come Original,” “All Mixed Up,” and “Amber” before ending the night with the their high energy hit, “Down.” That is why I see 311 every year, not just because they put on a great show, but because they are and will always be the soundtrack to summer.
Don’t forget to check out our interview with Nick Hexum of 311.
Set List
1. Do You Right
2. Five of Everything
3. Sick Tight
4. Showdown
5. Come Original
6. Prisoner
7. How Long Has It Been
8. Ebb & Flow
9. All Mixed Up
10. Applied Science
11. First Dimension
12. Transistor
13. Love Song
14. Beautiful Disaster
15. Friday Afternoon
BASS SOLO
16. Amber
17. Existential Hero
18. Beyond the Gray Sky
19. You Wouldn’t Believe
20. Creatures (For a While)
21. Tranquility
22. Down
