For immediate release: April 16, 2024

Asheville, NC  – This June, Asheville’s cherished summer tradition returns to the scenic banks of the French Broad River for its eighth year. Music icon Michael Franti, renowned for his global performances and deep commitment to social causes, will headline a two-night musical extravaganza at the Salvage Station, continuing his support for the environmental efforts of the French Broad Riverkeeper.

The event, set for June 28 and 29, promises an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup of artists. The Friday show features Trevor Hall & The Great In-Between, Bombargo, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. The following night, attendees can look forward to performances by Niko Moon, Bombargo, and once again, Michael Franti & Spearhead. Tickets for both single and two-night passes are currently available at salvagestation.com/events/michael-franti-spearhead-4/ 

“We continue to support MountainTrue through live music and community outreach because we believe care about the health of the French Broad River,” said Katie Hild with the Salvage Station. 

Over the past decade, Michael Franti has been a staunch supporter of the French Broad Riverkeeper, a program housed by MountainTrue. This enduring partnership has significantly benefited the organization, raising over $150,000 to aid in the preservation and protection of the local river ecosystem.

As French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson explains, “It isn’t just the money that has been used to monitor the river, track pollution sources, advocate for improved policies, and improve river recreation; it’s the connection with the community. Asheville loves Michael Franti, and his brand of positivity and connection to environmental protection are the perfect matches for our work.” 

Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s Watershed Science and Policy Manager, explains that “Franti helped us push a plastic bag ban to the one-yard line by rallying the sold-out crowd two years in a row to take action, but the Retail Merchants Association overruled the will of the public and got a state law in place that now prevents action. Well, we aren’t just going to stand by and let plastic choke our waterways and poison our fish and families; we have a fresh set of actions for the public to take so we can tackle single-use plastic pollution.”

MountainTrue Deputy Director and General Counsel Gray Jernigan explains, “Every year, Franti not only shows up to headline the benefit show, he really gets behind the cause. He’s always willing to go the extra mile by giving a heartfelt shout-out to MountainTrue, recording videos encouraging the crowd to take action, donating, and getting involved. He even floated down the river to see what we have been working so hard to protect. Want to hear good music for a good cause? Come out to one or both of Michael Franti’s Asheville shows this June!” 

Join us in celebrating this unique fusion of music and environmental activism at the Salvage Station for a cause that impacts us all. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an inspiring and joyful event!

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