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.

###

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

###

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

DT: SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING NATIVE AMERICAN MUSICIAN
MICKI FREE
DEBUTS TOPICAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR
NEW SINGLE
“WORLD ON FIRE (WARRIOR REMIX)”
FEATURING SANTANA BAND MEMBERS
CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA, KARL PERAZZO & ANDY VARGAS

“WORLD ON FIRE (WARRIOR REMIX)” OUT NOW ACROSS DIGITAL PLATFORMS
STREAM IT HERE

Q&A WITH MICKI FREE ON INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SOCIALLY CHARGED TRACK

Grammy Award-winner and 5X Native American Music Award-winner MICKI 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, the singer, songwriter and incendiary guitarist 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, on February 4. It features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana, the latter of whom appears alongside fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas on the riveting track “World On Fire.”

FREE has released a new remixed version of the track, “World On Fire (Warrior Remix),” and has today debuted a music video which highlights the current state of international affairs with clips showcasing turmoil across the globe. He further elaborates on the song’s meaning and the video’s imagery in a Q&A featured at the bottom of the page. Watch the music video for “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” streaming on YouTube HERE or below. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Q&A with MICKI FREE

– Can you share the main message of “World On Fire” and how you developed the lyrics? 

FREE: “To me the message is very clear in my song; I was inspired by all the turmoil going on in our world today; Roe v. Wade, the war in Ukraine, BLM, Native Americans fighting for water rights and ALL injustices happening worldwide. I literally wrote the lyrics based on current events happening in our world today; Covid, brother fighting against brother, racism, smashing a women’s right to choose, war, famine, prejudice, any and all things that moved me.”

– How did this inspire the music video?

“I literally wanted to bring my words to life in the video. To show images of the world today and all the injustices we are facing. My video is just a small part, a small mirror shall we say of my interpretation of the world today.”

– You enlisted guest musicians Cindy Blackman Santana, Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas who are all currently players in Santana’s band. Can you tell us how they came to be on the track and the impact they had on writing its music?

“Carlos Santana is one of my biggest idols and friends; ever since I was a boy, I’ve been inspired by his music and guitar playing. To actually call him my friend and jam with him now is a honor and dream come true.

Cindy Blackman-Santana was in my band American Horse Trio; she is my sister and dear friend, the bridge/link between myself and Carlos. The song ‘World on Fire’ is actually my musical homage to Carlos Santana, his feel, style and messaging. I became ‘Santana Family,’ as Cindy and Carlos call it, with my connection with Santana, and jamming with Carlos at his residency at The House of Blues in Las Vegas and joining him onstage worldwide whenever possible. My dream was to have Carlos play guitar on it as well, but he was busy recording his last album. I’m playing ALL the guitars on the song. Andy Vargas and Karl P. are my brothers as well. I asked them to guest on this track; their influences help give it the feel I was going for.”

– “World On Fire” is featured on your latest solo album TURQOUISE BLUE released earlier this year. The album highlights your reverence for blues-rock genre with some slight R&B undertones. How do you feel your past career influenced the music on this album and what separates it from previous releases?

“I’ve loved blues-rock as long as I can remember…the style of combining blues-based riffs and rock together moves my soul…I am driven by guitar tone.

Bands like Santana, ZZ Top, Bad Company, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, to name just a few, have always been an inspiration to me. Their swagger and style and songs molded my guitar playing style. Joining the group Shalamar helped me understand R&B at its finest. Turquoise Blue to me is my best album to date, bringing together all my eclectic influences and style. I wrote the whole album during Covid when we were all confined to our homes. I did what I do best–write music. I was inspired to tell a story through my songs.”

– You’ve just released a remixed version of “World On Fire (Warrior Remix),” what changes did you make to the song and why?

“The new ‘Warrior Remix’ is a bit more aggressive, and the Latin feel to the song is more apparent, bringing the percussion and solo guitar more upfront and center. Doing this adds more groove to the track, inviting the listener to move and dance.

I added a Spanish guitar intro solo to the song as well to introduce the listener to the journey we will be taking together on a Latin-inspired magic carpet.  I really wanted the listener to connect with my Santana influence in my guitar playing and percussive rhythms.”

##

FREE was born in West Texas of mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent. Using his success in the music industry, FREE has advocated for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities. He also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records). In addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and has recorded five flute music albums.

FREE was praised by American Blues Scene on TURQUOISE BLUE which stated: “He (FREE) has taken his influences, electrified them even further, added his own Native flair and created an album that belongs on everyone’s player. At this time, between a global pandemic and the brink of war, ‘Free-dom’ is on everyone’s mind, and Micki is leading the way. Have mercy!” Stream/download TURQUOISE BLUE HERE.

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

###

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