The long awaited unplugged live album featuring Johnny Downer, Michael DiPirro and Tim Sawyer. An extraordinary blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz and rock to create this one-of-a-kind listening experience. In memory of Johnny Downer

Welcome to the genre-defying ensemble known as Free Peoples. For 17 years, the band has brought an original mix of songs to its audience with reckless abandon for form within the original compositions. That is to say, they have written very traditional style American music to be performed anyway they see fit for their specific audience. The music changes and adapts and morphs constantly. That is part of their allure. Free Peoples has become one of the best American roots bands around. They’ve evolved from bluegrass roots to be one of the best live bands anywhere, with elements of New Orleans, and beyond. Fine harmonies, jazz and reggae edges with rock elements all combine into a cohesive joyful sound, impeccable musicianship and excellent song writing.

Real American Roots Music with hints of New Orleans and Bebop

Free peoples formed in 2001 in the Bay Area. The original ensemble was a trio with Tim Sawyer on guitar and vocals, Michael DiPirro on bass and vocals, and Johnny Downer on guitar and vocals. They focused their sound on acoustic music. Genres included folk, bluegrass and hints of old- timey and American traditionals. With the growing demand to play in venues requiring more electric music, they brought in Sonoma county drummer, Bradley Leach in 2002. The band began a new path, incorporating electric bass and guitar, but still keeping its original feel and its acoustic- based repertoire alive. In 2005, drummer, James Foster, replaced Leach as drummer and trombone great, Jason Thor, entered into the scene. With the addition of Foster/Thor, came yet another shift in the band’s musical evolution. Rock, Jazz , Soul, Reggae, and Funk became apparent in their writing styles. Then came the untimely death of Downer in 2009. As a result, the band changed its personnel temporarily. DiPirro was replaced by Mark Calderon on bass and Karl Kummerle on violin. The band incorporated Kummerle’s gypsy jazz sounds and Calderon’s rock steady bass playing. Then in 2011, DiPirro returned and with him came the addition of Nick Hasty on tenor sax, flute, and vocals and Jesse Shantor on alto and baritone sax. This is the current line-up to date. The horns brought yet another shift in the band’s musical evolution. New Orleans and bebop came into the foreground. Yet Sawyer and DiPirro, whom have always been the principle songwriters, maintain that acoustic, vocal-based context in the songwriting and performances overall. Free Peoples have been called “ Porch rock pros” , and their songwriting is” sophisticated with twists and turns that take the music several steps from the unexpected”. They have quietly become one of the best American roots bands. As of 2013, they have three studio albums and one live album to date.

A multicultural experience, a soulful blend of American music

Free Peoples is a multi-cultural experience. a soulful eclectic blend of American music. The music encompasses everyone within 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. Real American music with great pop oriented song writing and awesome 3 part harmony . . Free Peoples music makes you want too dance all night, or you can hear them unplugged in a more intimate setting while you sip on your top shelf martini or a glass of fine wine. The musicians are exceptional and bring something special to each song. You especially want to see them live.

A unique blend of bluegrass, folk and jazz with hints of Lyle Lovett to Django Reinhardt.

Free Peoples is a Americana/Bluegrass/Jazz hybrid direct from San Francisco Bay. Their music conjures up images of the wild west. They convey it through intricate melodies and delicate three part harmonies that yearn with emotion and whisperings of a landscape most have never known. This is not your grand pappy's bluegrass of the past but a synthesis of both the old and the new incorporating styles as diverse as the landscape they encompass.

Free Peoples is a unique blend of bluegrass, folk and jazz.

Free Peoples is a Bay Area-based band playing a style fusing bluegrass, folk and jazz. The members come from various projects local to Los Angeles and San Francisco, most notably, Trichromes, Buzz, Spirit Level and Top Four Flights. Tim Sawyer is on lead vocals and Guitar. Johnny Downer plays lead guitar and vocals. Michael DiPirro is on bass and vocals.

Special Guest on Free Peoples new self titled cd includes; Tony Trischka on banjo, Tom Rozum on Mandolin, David Phillips on Dobro and Chad Clouse on fiddle.

Mike D can also be seen with his other project, The Trichromes, featuring Billy Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead.

For Booking Contact Mara Lefkowitz- maramichelle@yahoo.com. or see www.freepeoples.com.