Michael Franti & Spearhead sells out at The Music Hall

Dreadlocked vocalist and guitarist Michael Franti leads a band that is reputed as much for its politically charged lyrics as it is for its lusty and danceable beats. Of mixed descent that includes African, Native American, Italian and German blood, Franti is a poet and composer who merges international sounds to create uplifting music in a troubled time.

Apparently, Franti’s message resonates with listeners on the Seacoast, because Spearhead’s upcoming show at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 26, sold out a week in advance.

A native of Oakland and former basketball player at the University of San Francisco, Franti formed his first group in 1986, an afro-industrial band called The Beatnigs. In 1991, he fronted The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, which also featured jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter. Franti created Spearhead in 1994 and has since released about 15 live and studio recordings, including his 2006 Iraq-themed album, “Yell Fire!”

The artist has also been an active supporter of social justice and human rights. In 2006, he traveled to Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to play music and film his experiences in the war-ravaged Middle East. He turned his journey into a documentary called “I Know I’m Not Alone,” and his experience inspired the songs on “Yell Fire!” But far from writing depressing or bitter songs about war, Franti composes tunes that celebrate life and love, employing music to help people transcend the horrors of war.

Spearhead is rounded out by Carl Young on bass, Dave Shul on guitar, Manas Itiene on drums and Raliegh J. Neal II on keyboards. The upcoming show in Portsmouth, part of The Music Hall’s Intimately Yours series, begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. 

rocking for a cure

The fourth annual Seacoast Concert for a Cure will feature a blend of local favorites and nationally touring acts who will donate their time and music to help treat cancer. The show begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, at the Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth, rain or shine.

This year’s concert will bring in two popular Boston-based groups: The Mystix, a funky, New Orleans-style R&B band; and the Adam Ezra Group, a rootsy, indie, folk-rock band. Guests will also hear a number of familiar Seacoast sounds, including the classic funk-rock of Truffle, the bluesy swing of Lex and Joe and the traditional folk of Susie Burke and David Surette.

Over the last three years, the annual benefit concerts have raised close to $60,000 for area breast cancer support groups. This year’s proceeds will be distributed between four local organizations. Fill the Gap is a telephone helpline staffed by volunteer survivors who provide counsel and information for breast cancer patients. Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats offers adventurous retreat weekends for cancer survivors. On Belay provides support for children of people suffering from cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. And the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides care for children and adults with cancer.

A number of raffle and silent auction items will be available at the concert, including tickets to a live filming of The Colbert Report and a variety of vacation packages. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show, free for children age 12 and under. The Redhook Brewery is located on Corporate Drive in Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth. Tickets are available at www.seacoastconcertforacure.com or at Bull Moose Music locations. 

benefit at Biddy’s

Biddy Mulligan’s will host a total of six area bands on Sunday, June 29, to raise money for a woman suffering from Hodgkin’s disease. Between the hours of 5 and 10 p.m., the Dover pub will present Heavens to Murgatroid, Tim McCoy and the Papercuts, The Watermans, Wicked Automatic, Before the Crash and Swamp Yankee. A $20 suggested donation will include a food spread, door prizes and an auction.

Most of the proceeds will go toward helping Susan Willer cover medical expenses and hire a part-time helper while she undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatment for Hodgkin’s disease, a form of lymphoma. Willer is the owner of Nails to Tails Pet Grooming in Madbury but is unable to work during the intense period of her treatment.

In addition to raising money for Willer, 10 percent of the funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society. Biddy Mulligan’s Irish Pub is at 1 Washington St. in downtown Dover, 603-749-1100.