Songs that encourage acceptance is what Michael Franti & Spearhead is all about. Not only does lead singer Michael Franti make that clear through the conscious lyrics he writes, but also by performing live for the “All People” tour he will be bringing to Sac State Thursday.

“This tour is about connecting souls,” said Franti.

Franti was adopted at a very young age and grew up in an ethnically diverse household in Davis, Calif – just a few minutes down the road. Having been taught values of love and acceptance throughout his life, he incorporated his positive belief system into music as an adult, and has been selling out crowds ever since.

Franti started his music career in the late 80s with punk bands The Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, and finally formed Michael Franti & Spearhead which debuted itself in the album “Home” in 1994.

Franti’s “All People” album compiles songs about celebrating life next to songs about Franti’s love for his girlfriend and family. Some of Franti’s musical influences are Marvin Gaye and John Lennon, who used similar song compilation styles as they also sang words of love for the world and for people who meant the most to them.

Franti said the song on “All People” that has the most meaning to him is “Life is Better With You,” in which he expresses gratitude toward his girlfriend in the song’s lyrics such as “Pickin up pieces of my life/sometimes there’s ones I just can’t find/but they found a home with you.”

Franti’s music style includes everything from rap to classic reggae and funk to rock, and one of Franti’s priorities as a songwriter has always been to motivate others to make a difference in the world by starting from within themselves – taking a look at their own values – and adopting change for the better.

“We play songs that encourage acceptance,” said Franti. “(because) every life matters.”

Michael Franti & Spearhead has been on tour since early September and will be on tour through December.

For a chance to consume some of this love that Franti has to spread around, be sure to see the band perform in the University Union Ballroom at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are $12 for Sac State students and $22.50 for the general public.

Janice Daniels at [email protected]