Larakverse: 311 SideShow, December 2024

311 is the kind of band that feels like sunshine in musical form, a staple of chill beach and surf culture that’s been around for what feels like forever. I grew up with their music—it was the soundtrack of summer days when I was just a kid in grade school, dreaming of waves and endless skies. Their sound, a perfect fusion of reggae, rock, and funk, always had this laid-back vibe that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. They weren't just a band; they were a mood, a whole lifestyle wrapped in good vibes and positivity.

Seeing them live in Goodthings Festival 2024 at December 7 was like a dream come true—a moment I had been waiting for since those carefree childhood days. But the real magic happened at their sideshow in Liberty Hall. Imagine this: a venue with a capacity of just about 1,000 people, intimate enough to feel like they were playing just for you. I was only about ten rows back from the stage, close enough to catch every strum, every beat, every ounce of their energy. It wasn’t just a concert; it felt like a private gathering of people who got it, who felt the same connection to the music that shaped so many of our lives.

The energy in that room was electric but comforting, like a warm ocean breeze. It was more than just a show—it was a reminder of how far I'd come from those childhood days, holding on to dreams and music that still mean the world to me. It’s moments like that, where time feels like it stands still, that you realize how powerful music can be. 311 isn’t just a band; they’re a thread woven into the fabric of memories, dreams, and everything cool about being alive.