Spearheading on-campus Katrina relief

Though he may not quite have the name-recognition of other reggae and hip-hop artists, protest icon Michael Franti has proven himself over the course of two decades to be a prevailing musical heavyweight. As the leader of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, he toured with such headliners as U2 and Nirvana, and broke into the mainstream when he formed Spearhead in 1994.

Franti, who could not be reached for comment, and his band the Spearheads bring their music and message to the Duke University campus, holding a concert in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort Friday night on the Main West Quad. Attendance is free, and barbecue and popsicles from local store Loco Pops (see review on page six) will be provided, but donations will also be accepted as all proceeds go towards the Red Cross.

In the past five years, however, he has willingly returned to his underground roots to further direct his music to more altruistic ends. Perhaps hearkening to his upbringing as a biracial child with white adopted parents, he's transformed his fledgling spirit of agitation into one of integration. He has dropped a lot of the sound that once characterized him as hip-hop, increased the use of the acoustic guitar in his music, and has cited his more significant recent influences as Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, and Marvin Gaye. Of course, Bob Marley needs no mention-you'll understand on Saturday.

Of more recent repute have been the lyrics to his song "Bomb the World" off his latest release. Protesters from across the nation have rallied around his slogan, "You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb the world to peace."

Headlining the 911 Power to the Peaceful Festival in San Francisco last week, Michael Franti and the Spearheads helped draw crowds in excess of 50,000 in support of this year's theme concerning the war on Iraq, 'Bring 'Em Home.' After their show here, they are journeying back to the West coast to headline Lonely Planet's Passport to the World Festival, continuing a torrid pace of touring to places like Chicago and New York City.

Franti's sojourn to the Tar Heel State will also include a Thursday night screening of his documentary I Know I'm Not Alone at Griffith Theatre at 8 p.m. Following the movie, he will stick around for a Q&A session and a short solo performance. Tickets are on sale in the Major Attractions booth; $5 for students and $15 for the public.