Free and Easy, an innovative Twin Cities’ music original that changed the landscape of live music in Twin Cities night clubs, is back and better than ever. The concept for Free and Easy was simple: Use studio players and singers, write “hip” arrangements and play music that makes you want to dance.  

Free and Easy was inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame in May 2008 at the Medina Ballroom and they tore the house down!   

As a result of this incredible reunion, Free and Easy has re-formed with five original members and opened March 20, 2009 to a standing-room-only crowd. The band is officially back and we invite you to come along for the ride. 

Free and Easy features David Rodriguez, Lauren McAurthur and Jimmy Rodriguez on vocals, Dick Hiebeler on bass and a blazing horn section led by Dick Jorgensen (lead trumpet), Deone Johnson (trumpet/bone/keys) along with Aaron Moe on reeds and Bobby Hirte (trumpet/trombone/percussion).  Scott Bolin, keyboard player and singer extraordinaire, has also recently joined the band.

Armed with a killin’ rhythm section and a four-piece horn section for the ages, Free and Easy performs regularly with singer Alex Ligertwood, former lead singer with Santana. The band recently released a CD of the 2011 concert with Alex which is available for purchase from the band. On May 5, 2012 Free and Easy were joined on stage with Earth Wind and Fire’s rhythm section for an incredible 90-minute set at the MN Music Café. It was a night that folks are still talking about. The crowd loved it, the local musicians were all over it and Earth Wind and Fire said they want to sit in the next time they come to town.

Free and Easy cut their teeth on Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire and all things funky, and you’ll love their takes on Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Black-Eyed Peas, Mayer Hawthorne and Robin Thicke. If you want to take a walk on retro side you’ll love their Jersey Boys Medley and might see a little Michael Jackson break out right after a Prince groove.