February 20, 2006

Two of the most pivotal and event-filled years in the life of lauded singer/songwriter Michael Franti will culminate in June with the simultaneous release of new studio disc with Spearhead and a documentary DVD and book chronicling his recent trip to Iraq. All three will carry the name “I Know I’m Not Alone.”

The CD will be the debut Franti/Spearhead release for Epitaph’s Anti- label under a new worldwide deal and includes appearances by Pink and reggae riddim kings Sly & Robbie. The agreement with Anti- excludes Australia, where his work is licensed through Liberation Records; he will also continue to release material on his own Boo Boo Wax label, through which he has issued remix, acoustic and live efforts.

Source billboard.com.

The spirit of carnival arrived a week early in Brazil with a free Rolling Stones concert before a crowd of over 1 million people at Copacabana Beach.

The band opened the Saturday night gig with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” cheered on by fans who had staked out spots before the enormous stage.

Fire department officials estimated the crowd was over 1 million at the show’s start but that more people were coming. Officials estimated that as many as 2 million could see the concert.

“It’s going to be an amazing show,” said 19-year-old Barbara de Carvalho, a student from Sao Paulo who had camped on the beach since Thursday. “I’ve waited for this all my life.”

Photographers and fans also crowded around the Copacabana Palace hotel where the Stones have been staying since arriving here Friday.

Fans said the guitarists Keith Richard and Ron Wood appeared from time to time on the penthouse balcony to wave at them.

A specially erected footbridge took them from the hotel, over the beachfront Avenida Atlantica and directly to the stage.

Source yahoo.com.