Power to the peaceful: Michael Franti

Who else would dare to brave the saturated fields of Punchestown in bare feet? Who else, under pelting showers, would be able to induce an ever-increasing crowd into dance moves of unbridled delirium? Who else could link the arms of strangers with songs of peace, love and internal sunshine? Who else could expound such pacifist hippie sentiments and be able to rock out like the best of them? Only Michael Franti and all that he represents.

Talk about lifting of spirits, this man is a six-foot-something embodiment of positivity – and the synergy between bandmembers and their adoring crowd brings a ludicrously funked up party vibe to the late afternoon downpour. Wearing his 'UNFUCK THE WORLD' t-shirt, Franti engages the minds of the Freaky People with some compelling anecdotes from his recent trip to Iraq, and his songs of peace play more powerfully than ever. The result is a sea of raised peace signs, smiling faces and glorious, divine sunshine. In the words of Franti, "Everyone deserves music and everyone deserves sunshine"...