DT: MARCH 4, 2025

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, ANDREA FAULK/ SRO PR

THE MUSICAL BEGINNING FOUNDATION (501c3)
LAUNCHES WITH
A TRULY ROCK & ROLL CELEBRITY FUNDRAISING EVENT,
“THE SHIRTS AGAINST THE BLOUSES”® MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT,
AT KISS WORLD MINI GOLF IN LAS VEGAS

From L-R: Heather Roberts, Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick, Micki Free
Photo Credit: Paul Citone

The Musical Beginning Foundation (501c3)—a newly created organization for which Grammy Award-winning musician Micki Free and fashion designer Heather Roberts serve as the Founders/Directors—aims to provide musical instruments to children in underserved communities, helping them develop skills that foster creativity, social connection, and emotional well-being.

The foundation successfully wrapped its inaugural celebrity fundraising event “The Shirts Against The Blouses”® Mini Golf Tournament, at KISS World Mini Golf inside the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (February 25). It was attended by an array of rock and roll artists, including guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS) and drummer Eric Singer (KISS), as well as the foundation’s sponsors. At the red-carpet event, The Musical Beginning Foundation Humanitarian Award was given to both KISS founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, accepted on their behalf by Kulick. See the list of attending celebrities and tastemakers as well as the sponsors below.

“The Shirts Against The Blouses”® Mini Golf Tournament pays homage to the iconic basketball game between Prince, Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, and Micki Free, which was immortalized in a famous Chappelle’s Show sketch. For a glimpse into the original game, read this story from Esquire. At KISS World Mini Golf, two teams, The Shirts and The Blouses, competed against each other and the winning team was The Blouses: Count’s 77 band, Stoney Curtis, Jeff Tortora, John Zito, Barry Barnes, and Tommy Paris.

“Heather and I were truly honored and humbled as our celebrity guests, friends and family showed up and showed out at the fundraiser!” says Free. “Heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors…this is just the beginning at The Musical Beginning Foundation, we strive to make a difference musically in kids lives!! Remember always…Music is the Medicine.”

Celebrities and Tastemakers included:

•Bruce Kulick (KISS)
•Eric Singer (KISS)
•Todd Kerns (Slash’s band)
•Brent Fitz (Slash’s band)
•Phil Soussan (Last In Line, Ozzy Osbourne)
•Les Warner (The Cult)
•Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot)
•Phil X (Bon Jovi)
•Patrick Vitagliano (The Bones)
•Jeff Tortora (Blue Man Group, Tinnitus)
•Stoney Curtis (Stony Curtis Band, Count’s 77)
•Count’s 77
•Jeremy Spencer, (Knuckle Heads, Five Finger Death Punch)
•Peter Summit Ross (Crashing Wayward)
•King James (Tribute to The Godfather James Brown)
•Alistair James (Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses)
•Ira Black (BulletBoys, Lizzy Borden)
•Dr. Meg Brucker (whose husband, Dr. Brad Brucker, is on the foundation’s board)
•Lonn Friend (author, “Planet Rock”)
•Sally Steele (director, producer, “Vegas Rocks”)
•Staci Layne Wilson (film director, author, “Rock & Roll Nightmares”)
•John Katsilometes (Las Vegas Review Journal)
•Aaron Kai (actor, painter)
•Ron Mancuso (The Bootlegger Italian Bistro)
•Jason Strange (Rock’n Vodka)

Sponsors: (*denotes in attendance)

*Trish Bowden – Mysterium Music
*Christina and Patrick Vitagliano – KISS World Mini Golf
*Michael Politz – Food & Beverage Magazine
*Michele Tell: PR%F the Magazine
*Brian Seliba – Need Merch
*Bob Diehm – Guitar Center
*Adam Rains – Golden Tiki
*Ava Berman & Carlos “Big Daddy” Adley – Fremont Country Club/Backstage Bar & Billiards
*Loren Roberts, Treasurer, The Musical Beginning Foundation
*Mitch Schneider, Secretary, The Musical Beginning Foundation

The event was catered by Lindy Lu’s Kitchen. One highlight of the culinary feast was the blueberry mini pancakes which were based on the pancakes Prince originally made after the original pick-up basketball game with Prince, Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, and Micki Free.

In many schools, art and music programs are often the first to be cut due to budget constraints. Roberts and Free believe music is not only a creative outlet, but also essential for childhood development and mental health. Participants in the event will be helping bring the power of music into the lives of children who need it most, inspiring young talent, and giving them the tools they need to thrive. “Our foundation believes that, whether using music as a therapeutic outlet or professionally, ‘Music is the Medicine,’ say Roberts and Free.

“I feel I’ve been blessed in my musical career,” says Micki Free, “and it’s time to give back. Most indigenous, urban and impoverished families, like mine when I was growing, didn’t have the means to buy instruments for their children. I was lucky my Uncle Frank came to my aid and bought me my first guitar. The Musical Beginning Foundation will be our Uncle Frank to many kids—that is our goal.”

“As a child I played clarinet in school, which was a meaningful experience for me,” says Roberts.  “Art has been incredibly important to me throughout my whole life.  As a graduate of Parsons School of Design in NYC, and someone who has enjoyed a career in the world of celebrity costume design, I was lucky to have been immersed into fields that allowed me to express my creativity.  Children today don’t have as much access or opportunities when it comes to the arts, and I am hopeful that I can be a part of creating positive change in their lives through The Musical Beginning Foundation.”

For those who wish to make financial contributions or donate musical instruments to The Musical Beginning Foundation, contact 725-231-3509 or go here:

https://www.themusicalbeginningfoundation.org/

L-R: Bruce Kulick, Heather Roberts, Micki Free:
Photo Credit: David Plastik

L-R: Heather Roberts, Jeremy Spencer, Phil X, Micki Free
Photo Credit: Paul Citone

About The Musical Beginning Foundation:

The foundation is led by founders Heather Roberts and “Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist Micki Free. Roberts is a fashion/costume designer and couturier for rock stars and celebrities alike, as well as the co-founder and designer for a children’s theater/events company in the PNW. Micki is also a “Five-Time Native American Music Award Winner” and an Inductee into “The Native American Music Hall of Fame.” Micki’s extensive career in the music business as a producer, writer, and performer, and Heather’s production experience in the entertainment and theater industry as well as her creative passion and eye for design will help inspire and inform.

(Event Poster)

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk – afaulk@sropr.com

###

DT: FEBRUARY 12, 2024

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, ANDREA FAULK/ SRO PR

THE MUSICAL BEGINNING FOUNDATION (501c3)
ANNOUNCES FIRST CELEBRITY FUNDRAISING EVENT
“THE SHIRTS AGAINST THE BLOUSES”® MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT
AT KISS WORLD MINI GOLF IN LAS VEGAS
ON FEBRUARY 25

The Musical Beginning Foundation (501c3) is a newly created organization for which Grammy Award-winning musician Micki Free and fashion designer Heather Roberts are the Founders/Directors. The foundation aims to provide musical instruments to children in underserved communities, helping them develop skills that foster creativity, social connection, and emotional well-being.

Free and Roberts have announced the foundation’s first celebrity fundraising event, “The Shirts Against The Blouses”® Mini Golf Tournament, at KISS World Mini Golf inside the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. It’s set for February 25, from 4-9pm.

Artists who’ve already confirmed include guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS), guitarist Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot), and Todd Kerns, the bassist/backing vocalist for Slash’s band, with many more to be added. The event is sponsored by KISS World Mini Golf, Food & Beverage Magazine, Need Merch, Mysterium Music, The Palms Casino Resort, Guitar Center, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The event will also include an auction with autographed items, concert tickets, and more.

“The Shirts Against The Blouses”® Mini Golf Tournament pays homage to the iconic basketball game between Prince, Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, and Micki Free, which was immortalized in a famous Chappelle’s Show sketch. For a glimpse into the original game, read this story from Esquire. At KISS World Mini Golf, two teams, The Shirts and The Blouses, will compete against each other.

In many schools, art and music programs are often the first to be cut due to budget constraints. Roberts and Free believe music is not only a creative outlet, but also essential for childhood development and mental health. Participants in the event will be helping bring the power of music into the lives of children who need it most, inspiring young talent, and giving them the tools they need to thrive. “Our foundation believes that, whether using music as a therapeutic outlet or professionally, ‘Music is the Medicine,’ say Roberts and Free.

“I feel I’ve been blessed in my musical career,” says Micki Free, “and it’s time to give back. Most indigenous, urban and impoverished families, like mine when I was growing, didn’t have the means to buy instruments for their children. I was lucky my Uncle Frank came to my aid and bought me my first guitar. The Musical Beginning Foundation will be our Uncle Frank to many kids—that is our goal.”

“As a child I played clarinet in school, which was a meaningful experience for me,” says Roberts.  “Art has been incredibly important to me throughout my whole life.  As a graduate of Parsons School of Design in NYC, and someone who has enjoyed a career in the world of celebrity costume design, I was lucky to have been immersed into fields that allowed me to express my creativity.  Children today don’t have as much access or opportunities when it comes to the arts, and I am hopeful that I can be a part of creating positive change in their lives through The Musical Beginning Foundation.”

About The Musical Beginning Foundation:

The foundation is led by founders Heather Roberts and “Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist Micki Free. Roberts is a fashion/costume designer and couturier for rock stars and celebrities alike, as well as the co-founder and designer for a children’s theater/events company in the PNW. Micki is also a “Five-Time Native American Music Award Winner” and an Inductee into “The Native American Music Hall of Fame.” Micki’s extensive career in the music business as a producer, writer, and performer, and Heather’s production experience in the entertainment and theater
industry as well as her creative passion and eye for design will help inspire and inform.

Heather Roberts and Micki Free

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk – afaulk@sropr.com

###

DT: SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

MICKI FREE
ENLISTS SANTANA VOCALIST RAY GREENE
ON LATEST SINGLE AND VIDEO
“WHEN THE DEVIL’S AT YOUR DOOR”
TAKEN FROM HIS NEW EP
‘DREAMCATCHER’
OUT NOW VIA BUNGALO RECORDS / UNIVERSAL

WATCH FREE & GREENE TOGETHER AT THE NEON BONEYARD IN LAS VEGAS
IN THE VIDEO
HERE

Grammy Award-winner and 5X Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement-winner MICKI FREE and Santana vocalist Ray Greene take viewers inside the Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas to illuminate the newly unveiled video for “When The Devil’s At Your Door.” Watch it streaming below or via MICKI’s YouTube HERE.

FREE’s incendiary guitar lines and Greene’s soulful vocals light up this wickedly groove-laden track from MICKI’s new EP DREAMCATCHER via Bungalo Records / Universal Music Group. The Jack Banks-directed video was filmed in Las Vegas, NV, where MICKI resides, at the acclaimed Neon Boneyard—an outdoor exhibition space which contains more than 250 reilluminated iconic neon signs from Vegas’ dazzling past. “We chose the Neon Boneyard as it references Las Vegas…Sin City,” states MICKI. “With all the temptation in Vegas I thought it was perfect for the song. Even when you’re trying to toe the line, the devil’s always at your door.”

“‘When The Devil’s At Your Door’ is a reflection on past things I may have done in my life,” says MICKI, “knowing that if I wanted to ‘soar with the angels’ I need to make atonement for my past deeds.” He elaborates. “It’s like saying what you reap, you will sow…but I wanted the groove to be sinfully suggestive, so I added killer vocals from Ray Greene, the lead singer of Santana.”

MICKI shared how he came to enlist Greene, saying: “While at dinner with Cindy & Carlos (Santana), we were discussing who I should get to play bass on my EP. Carlos suggested Benny, his bassist in Santana, and Cindy agreed. After Benny was on board, I reached out to Ray Greene, Santana’s lead vocalist, and asked him to perform on ‘When The Devil’s At Your Door’ and he was on board as well! I’m so happy with the outcome of this project and my friendship with Carlos Santana, and his band…his guidance and advice were truly inspiring.”

Written, produced, and arranged by MICKI (who performed all guitars, lead and background vocals, and Native American flute), DREAMCATCHER was recorded between Rio Grande Studios in New Mexico with producer Ken Riley and Studio A Las Vegas with producer Myles Martin (The Weeknd, SZA, Travis Scott). For the studio sessions, MICKI enlisted members of Santana’s band including Cindy Blackman Santana (drums), Benny Rietveld (bass) and Ray Greene (vocals). The EP also includes guest appearances from bassist Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck) and Mark “Muggie Do” Leach on Hammond organ and piano.

MICKI’s monthly residency at Backstage Bar & Billiards in downtown Vegas–“An Evening With Micki Free: Songs and Stories From A Life In Music”—will take place on Thursday, September 26.

Micki Free – Dreamcatcher EP Cover Artwork

ABOUT MICKI FREE:
FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE released an alternative version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

DT: JUNE 13, 2024

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING & NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT-WINNING MUSICIAN
MICKI FREE
SIGNS TO BUNGALO RECORDS / UMG
FOR RELEASE OF NEW EP
‘DREAMCATCHER’
DUE AUGUST 23
RECORDED WITH MEMBERS OF CARLOS SANTANA’S BAND

SHARES FIRST LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC WITH VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK “DREAMCATCHER”
OUT DIGITALLY TOMORROW, JUNE 14
WATCH VIDEO HERE

ANNOUNCES LAS VEGAS SHOW WITH
GILBY CLARKE (EX-GUNS N’ ROSES) ON JUNE 21

Micki Free – Dreamcatcher EP Cover Artwork

Grammy Award-winner, 5X Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement-winner, and incendiary guitarist MICKI FREE has signed to Bungalo Records / Universal Music Group which will release his new EP DREAMCATCHER on August 23. The EP’s title track, “Dreamcatcher,” will be released digitally tomorrow, Friday, June 14, across all streaming platforms. Pre-save “Dreamcatcher” HERE. Meanwhile, MICKI has today (June 13) shared an exclusive premiere of its music video which can be seen streaming below.

“In Native American folklore a Dreamcatcher filters out the bad dreams and keeps the good ones,” explains MICKI. “To me there’s a symbol of positivity if you believe in the dreams…I always have. The EP’s name was inspired by living a dream I’ve had all my life…working with Carlos Santana and his band. The whole EP is recorded with the Santana band, like a dream come true you might say!”

MICKI shares the story of how his signing with Bungalo Records/UMG transpired:
“At my Las Vegas residency at Backstage Bar & Billiards, I was introduced to Frank Hensley, Senior Director of Label Relations at UMG, who already knew who I was and complimented me on my career and successes. Frank and I hit it off and I told him of my EP with members of Santana. After that meeting I sent him the EP and he loved it, suggesting I speak with Paul Ring, President of Bungalo Records. We all hit it off and I signed with Bungalo with Frank personally overseeing the deal. I couldn’t be happier with the team there!”

Written, produced, and arranged by MICKI (who performed all guitars, lead and background vocals, and Native American flute), Dreamcatcher was recorded between Rio Grande Studios in New Mexico with producer Ken Riley and Studio A Las Vegas with producer Myles Martin (The Weeknd, SZA, Travis Scott). For the studio sessions, MICKI enlisted members of his friend Carlos Santana’s band including Cindy Blackman Santana (drums), Benny Rietveld (bass) and Ray Green (vocals). The EP also includes guest appearances from bassist Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck) and Mark “Muggie Do” Leach on Hammond organ and piano.

The EP consists of five tracks, including his recent single, “We Are One,” which was written specifically for the World Culture Festival for which he was chosen to be an official “Envoy” for. He performed the song, leading a “1,000+ Guitar Ensemble,” at the massive Olympic-scale unity celebration at The National Mall in Washington, DC in 2023.

DREAMCATCHER EP Track Listing:
1. “When The Devil’s At Your Door”
2. “My Sweet Honey”
3. “Dreamcatcher”
4. “Night Crawler”
5. “We Are One”

MICKI—who’s based in Las Vegas, NV—will be performing as direct support for Gilby Clark (ex-Guns N’ Roses) on Friday, June 21 at Backstage Bar & Billiards in downtown Vegas. He will return to the venue to host his monthly residency (held every last Thursday), “An Evening With Micki Free: Songs and Stories From A Life In Music,” on June 27. MICKI recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of his residency with a special show featuring his friend Bruce Kulick, who was KISS’ lead guitarist for 12 years (1984-1996) noting his connection with KISS during that time as his former band Crown Of Thorns (Interscope Records) was managed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. See all upcoming dates and find ticket information here: MickiFree.com.

ABOUT MICKI FREE:
FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE released an alternative version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

DT: FEBRUARY 21, 2024

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN
MICKI FREE
TO CELEBRATE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
OF HIS “VEGAS JAM” RESIDENCY WITH
VERY SPECIAL SHOW,
‘A CRAZY KISS CONNECTION”
WITH BRUCE KULICK (KISS)

SET FOR MONDAY, MARCH 4
AT BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS IN DOWNTOWN VEGAS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

Grammy Award-winner, 5X Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement-winner, and incendiary guitarist MICKI FREE will celebrate the first anniversary of his monthly “Vegas Jam” residency Monday, March 4, at 9:00pm with a very special show at Backstage Bar & Billiards in downtown Vegas. Billed as “A Crazy KISS Connection,” the show will feature his friend Bruce Kulick, who was KISS’ lead guitarist for 12 years (1984-1996). Tickets are available now HERE or via MickiFree.com.

The evening will begin with a set by MICKI and his band The Micki Free Trinity featuring drummer Les Warner (The Cult) and Las Vegas bassist John Stenber, to be followed by a set from Bruce Kulick with musicians Zach Throne (Corey Taylor), Stoney Curtis (Count’s 77), and Warner performing KISS songs. Next, MICKI will join Bruce and the band “jamming on some Jimi Hendrix songs.”

What about the event being called “A Crazy KISS Connection”? “When Bruce was in KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were managing my band Crown of Thorns on Interscope Records as ‘Amazing Management,’” recalls MICKI. “I had been working with Gene for years as a solo artist before meeting Bruce. I think Bruce is one of the best additions to the KISS lineup. He is a master guitar-slinger and an all-around accomplished guitarist. And it’s awesome that we both now live in Vegas.”

Bruce Kulick and Micki Free (l-r)
Credit: Heather Loren

The March 4 show marks MICKI’s one-year anniversary of playing the first Monday of every month at Backstage Bar & Billiards. “Performing at my residency has made it an ongoing musical deliverance of my guitar pyrotechnics. It keeps me sharp and on the edge, inspiring my guitar performance, especially when joining my buddy Carlos Santana at his residency at The House of Blues in Vegas.”

Credit: Heather Loren

ABOUT MICKI FREE:

FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

In 2023, he was chosen to be an official “Envoy” for the World Culture Festival and performed at the massive Olympic-scale unity celebration at The National Mall in Washington, DC. On the event’s opening day (September 29), FREE led the “1,000+ Guitar Ensemble” in a performance of his single, “We Are One,” written, produced, and arranged by FREE specifically for the World Culture Festival. He performs lead vocals and lead & rhythm guitar with assistance from longtime friend and collaborator Cindy Blackman-Santana (drums), Ken Riley (bass, backing vocals) and Lila Gale (backing vocals). It’s available on Spotify (HERE) or Apple Music (HERE) along with a serene, picturesque lyric video via YouTube HERE.

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitchell Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

DT: SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

MICKI FREE—
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING & 2022 NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE—
REVEALS PEACE-DEVOTED NEW SINGLE
“WE ARE ONE”

STREAM ON SPOTIFY HERE OR APPLE MUSIC HERE
WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE

SINGER-SONGWRITER & INCENDIARY GUITARIST
TO SERVE AS “ENVOY” OF WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 29 IN WASHINGTON, DC
AT THE NATIONAL MALL
LEADING THE “1,000+ GUITAR ENSEMBLE” TO PERFORM
“WE ARE ONE”

MICKI FREE, photographed by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

MICKI FREE— the Grammy-winning musical artist, 5X Native American Music Award-winner, 2022 The Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee, and member of Shalamar USA—has been chosen to be an official “Envoy” for the World Culture Festival the Olympic-scale, free-to-the-public (with website registration) unity celebration. Founded by Indian guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, it is taking place September 29-October 1 at The National Mall in Washington, DC. On the event’s opening day, FREE will lead the “1,000+ Guitar Ensemble” in a performance of his new single, “We Are One,” on September 29 at The National Mall in Washington, DC. See further details HERE.

“We Are One” was written, produced, and arranged by FREE specifically for the World Culture Festival. He performs lead vocals and lead & rhythm guitar with assistance from longtime friend and collaborator Cindy Blackman-Santana (drums), Ken Riley (bass, backing vocals) and Lila Gale (backing vocals). It’s out digitally today on Spotify (HERE) or Apple Music (HERE) along with a serene, picturesque lyric video seen streaming below or directly via YouTube HERE.

FREE, who recently relocated to Las Vegas, NV and has a monthly residency every first Monday at Backstage Bar & Billiards, will perform “We Are One” live on the “Morning Blend” show on Vegas’ ABC Affiliate KTNV (Channel 13) on September 13 (the show airs from 9:00-10:00 AM).

“I met with Sri Sri Gurudev Ravi Shankar and his message moved me to want to join him in getting our human beings to understand ‘We Are One,’ shares FREE. “That all peoples of the world are united as ONE…we should love and care about each other, and there’s no cosmic meaning, my message is in the lyric; simple; ‘WE ARE ONE.’”

FREE elaborates on how the World Culture Festival performance came together, stating: “A good friend of my manager, Heather Loren, invited us to meet Gurudev, as they wanted my help inviting Native American Tribes across our country to join the festival in song and dance. The committee then asked if I would lead the guitar players in song, and I accepted, then I did one better and WROTE them the song we will all be performing! We as indigenous peoples need to take the stage on opening day and show the world our positive energy!”

“We are honored we were asked to be part of such a worldly, heartfelt positive joining of cultures from all parts of the globe,” says FREE. “I’m excited to perform on the global stage and see other performers as well! It will be like a world love & peace party, sharing peace and harmony, asking the world to please come together as one.”

ABOUT MICKI FREE:
FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

SRO PR Assets: http://sropr.com/portfolio/micki-free/

ABOUT WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL
In its fourth iteration, the World Culture Festival will be an Olympic-scale celebration, with expected participation from over 180 countries and thousands of diverse artists. Backed by Hargrove, a renowned world-class production company with over seven decades of expertise in outdoor event productions including numerous Presidential Inaugurations, and produced by Emmy-nominee Robert Pullen, the WCF will be held at the National Mall in Washington, DC on September 29-October. Registration is available for free at www.worldculturefest.org.

In its last three editions, WCF reached over six million people in-person and drove hundreds of millions of views online, making it the most successful recurring global artistic event in human history. Visitors from every corner of the globe can be a part of the World Culture Festival, honoring our rich human diversity expressed through music, art, food, dance, meditation and inspirational talks. This landmark event will bring the world together in celebration to uplift the human spirit and reaffirm a collective commitment to peace and unity.

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For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

DT: MARCH 20, 2023

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN
MICKI FREE
TO REUNITE APRIL 3
WITH FELLOW MEMBERS OF SHALAMAR
FOR SECOND SHOW OF HIS
LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY
TAKING PLACE EVERY FIRST MONDAY AT
BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS IN DOWNTOWN VEGAS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

(l-r: Micki Free, Carolyn Griffey and Howard Hewett)

Grammy Award-winner, 5X Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement-winner and incendiary guitarist MICKI FREE will reunite with fellow members of Shalamar—Howard Hewett and Carolyn Griffey–on April 3 at 9:00pm for the second show of his Las Vegas residency taking place every first Monday at Backstage Bar & Billiards in downtown Vegas, Tickets are available now HERE or via MickiFree.com.

This very special evening will begin with new Vegas resident MICKI and his powerhouse Wicked Vegas band playing original songs from his discography including gems from his latest album TURQUOISE BLUE (2022), along with covers of the music that’s inspired him throughout his career. Next, MICKI and Hewett and Griffey will shine their light on an array of hits by Shalamar including “Dancing In The Sheets,” a Billboard Top 20 pop smash that was featured on Shalamar’s Heartbreak album in 1984 when MICKI joined original member Hewett in the group. The Heartbreak album also featured “Don’t Get Stopped In Beverly Hills” which earned MICKI and Hewett Grammys as writers of the song. This set by MICKI, Hewett and Griffey (a later member of Shalamar) will be followed by a jam with special guests.

“I’ve always loved performing with Howard Hewett!” says MICKI. “He’s my “brother to the bone and a powerhouse soulful sultry vocalist with a style all his own that’s recognized worldwide!! I also think Carolyn Griffey is the ‘cats meow’ as a lead vocalist!” Adds MICKI: Please join us for “A Night  to Remember,” enjoying a set of Shalamar smash hits, the way only the three of us can deliver!”

MICKI FREE’S VEGAS JAM…ROCK-FUNK-BLUES…WITH SPECIAL GUESTS!” was launched earlier this month (March 6) in front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd. The evening culminated with a fiery jam including Vegas-based musicians Alexi Grossi (lead guitarist for Quiet Riot), members of rising hard rock band Velvet Chains and Jason Ebs (singer and guitarist who’s toured with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley from KISS).

FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

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For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitchell Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

DT: FEBRUARY 1, 2023

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN
MICKI FREE
ANNOUNCES LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY
“MICKI FREE’S VEGAS JAM…ROCK-FUNK-BLUES…WITH SPECIAL GUESTS!”

SHOW TO TAKE PLACE EVERY FIRST MONDAY STARTING MARCH 6 AT BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

Grammy Award-winner and 5X Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement-winner MICKI FREE will bring electrifying tunes from his decades-long career to downtown Las Vegas with his newly announced residency at Backstage Bar & Billiards starting Monday, March 6 at 9:00 P.M. and continuing every first Monday of the month onwards. “MICKI FREE’S VEGAS JAM…ROCK-FUNK-BLUES…WITH SPECIAL GUESTS!” will see the singer, songwriter and incendiary guitarist perform original songs from his discography including hits from his latest album, TURQUOISE BLUE (2022) along with covers of the music that’s inspired him throughout his career. Given FREE’s wide circle of musician friends and collaborators—including Steve Stevens, Carlos Santana, Billy Gibbons, Bruce Kulick and more—the residency will feature surprise drop-in guest appearances. Tickets are available now HERE or via MickiFree.com.

“I’m very excited to start my residency in Las Vegas! It has been a dream of mine ever since coming to see my friends: Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, ZZ TOP, and KISS at theirs,” shares FREE, who recently moved to Las Vegas. “It’s gonna be a killer time to jam with old friends and meet new friends as well. I had no idea the music scene here was so vibrant! So many of my LA friends have lived here for years and are loving it. There’s so much to see and do and with 100+ shows each week I don’t think I’ll be getting bored! Plus the restaurants are over-the-top amazing!”

FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and In addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

Follow MICKI FREE online at:
Website | FB | IG | Spotify | YouTube

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitchell Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com