Fritz and the Freeloaders: About Us

Fritz and the Freeloaders Heading


Like a big hug from an old friend—that's Fritz & the Freeloaders. Acoustic rock, pop, country, and rock-a-billy. All genres, all decades, from Elvis to Green Day, from the Beatles to Britney Spears. (Please see the accompanying song list for specific material.) Warm, family-friendly and fun. Regardless of the occasion, you can't beat the Freeloaders. The band is based in Bellingham and features singer/songwriter Gary McKinney (acoustic guitars, harmonica, and vocals), singer Linda Luttrell, and bassist Chris Powell. The Freeloaders can play any sized venue: front room or small coffee house, casino or nightclub, house concert or a concert in the park. For larger venues Nathan Matson joins on drums and percussion. For many shows, one of Bellingham’s many fine saxophone players sits in, too.
About the name: originally the band got its name from a previous bass player’s guide dog, Fritz, the ever-lovable, golden lab. When Dave left to concentrate on his teaching career, the name stuck, and Fritz evolved from a flesh-and-blood presence at gigs to that of logo and mythological presence. We still see Fritz often and love him as much as ever. Fritz & the Freeloaders recorded Acoustic Street Music, Vol. 1, an EP/CD of six tunes, three of Gary’s originals and three covers, including Green Day’s Basketcase done with a country backbeat and sizzling piano solo. A new Fritz & the Freeloaders CD, Garage Band, is nearly completed. The tentative release date is spring, 2008. Gary is also an author, editor, and publisher. He owns Kearney Street Books (Books that Rock!), a small publishing house that features books by or about musicians and music. His current novel is Slipknot, a mystery featuring a county sheriff who is also a Deadhead. (“Great fun!” says the Seattle Times.) The book is available for the asking at your favorite bookstore, or on-line at Amazon.com. Visit www.kearneystreetbooks.com for more information about the Kearney Street Books catalog of fine novels and story collections.