A Kinder, Gentler State Radio

At times, State Radio sounds like a grown-up, socially-conscious version of Sublime. But that's the influence of the reggae on their music, not any kind of affinity with the 90s party band. True to the meaning of reggae, State Radio - the band with the very intimidating name - is all about love - and service.

Lead singer Chad Stokes has led the charge for musicians (and their fans) to becoming more involved with the communities they visit (and live). In that vein, he started Calling All Crows, an organization dedicated to promoting human rights.  And this isn't just some one-off public service announcement; the members of State Radio get involved on the ground level, volunteering, alongside their fans, on the day of service the day of their show. It goes like this: State Radio comes to a town, they volunteer with a local organization and urge their fans to do the same. It sounds simple, but it’s pretty revolutionary, for a rock band.

State Radio will be opening for 311 starting in November. If you're headed out to see them, check website their a few days before the show to get the Pre-Show Action location and activity. But know this: you don't have to have tickets in order to help out, so if they're coming to your town, go out and meet the band and do some good for your community.