We are continuing to heal from the loss of our great friend and band mate Johnny Downer. Words will never describe what he meant to all of us. In 2010 we will continue the journey to share the music of Free Peoples with everyone we come in contact with and too keep the spirit alive as Johnny would have wanted. This year marks the 9th year of Free Peoples and we will continue the commitment of bringing you great live music that will get you dancing, dreaming, smiling, laughing, or simply just living life to the fullest. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Our Summer Tour will feature:
Tim Sawyer Guitar and Vocals
Mark Anthony Calderon Bass and Vocals
James Foster on Drums
Jason Thor on Trombone
Tony Brucco on lead guitar and vocals
Mike Dyson on Keyboards
Apr 28 2010
Come see Free Peoples this Spring with special guest Sean Leahy on Guitar and vocals see tour dates for more information:
Dec 15 2009
Dec 14 2009
The Free Peoples have had a hard week and terrible news to report. Band member, Johnny Downer passed away this past Friday, December 4th, 2009. He was a great musician and amazing person. His love, energy and music vibrated through all of us. Help us celebrate his life and amazing attributes.
Johnny Downer
February 15th, 1972 - December 4th, 2009
Memorial Services held in Costa Mesa, CA Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 2pm
Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church Sanctuary 600 Saint Andrews Road, Newport Beach CA
Johnny Downer Memorial Concert Saturday January 9th, 2009 4pm - Close Hop Monk Tavern in Sebastopol, CA See www.hopmonk.com for details
Let’s go discover what the living is like The memories of time will do just right The sky’s my roof and the earth’s my floor Only a fool could ask for anything more
We’re getting back to nature So don’t get left behind Blue skies and mountains Not to go would be a crime -johnny and scott
Nov 30 2009
Dont Miss Free Peoples Holiday Show at Ace Cider Pub in Graton" Early show 6-9;
Nov 04 2009
Dont Miss Free Peoples in Sonoma County in November!!!
Sep 08 2009
Having a blast in Ibiza, wish you were all here
Sep 01 2009
The Original Free Peoples Trio Live In Ibiza
Johnny Downer, Michael DiPirro and Tim Sawyer Play Ibiza Spain Sept 3rd through Sept 17th come Join Us;
Jul 30 2009
Fruit de Vignes ferme presents
The Birds and The Bees Ball, An afternoon and evening of cross pollination!
W Song and Legend and FREE PEOPLES
When: August 1st
Time: starts at noon, music till 10ish
Where: Fruit of the Vine farm 20430 111th ave sw vashon Wa 98070
Costs: 5 per person (band fund) 10 per family (band fund)
A multicultural blend of rock, folk, latin, bluegrass and jazz.
"Bluegrass meeting west coast jazz" Download Press Kit
Free Peoples is a multi-cultural experience. It encompasses everyone within a range of its sight, sound or smell.
All the senses are on overload. Emotions run wild through the many paths the music takes you down. It is a true collaboration.
It is one entity, not a number of individuals. Real American music. A soulful blend of rock bluegrass, jazz swing and latin. Maybe country
western world beat or happy ho down world punk. We all come from different backgrounds and we do what we do, and that is what you experience.
We like to call it music for the whole family and love when hard core metal heads say they can't stand country or bluegrass are over in the
corner tapping their feet or snapping their fingers. It makes us feel real good.
Some Reviews
"Free Peoples kicks a certain kind of high-energy retro BUTT. Great grooves, fine sounds, damn fine lead playing by Johnny Downer. Huge energy, great style." -DAVID GANS, KPFA DJ (Grateful Dead Hour)
"FREE PEOPLES ROCKS! I was impressed with how good this band was. I loved the up-tempo 'new grass' songs beautifully performed and executed! I can see why they are becoming one of the hottest new bands in the Bay Area." - HERBIE HERBERT, manager of Journey
"The music is instantly fresh, a jazz-tinged, song oriented, slightly jamming take on new grass. The songwriting is sophisticated with a twist that takes the music several steps from the expected." - STEWART OKSENHORN, Aspen Times
"Free Peoples are porch rock pros". - MAURICE TILLMAN, Synthesis Magazine
Johnny Downer
