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The Fritz Brings Funk-Rock to The Local on Saturday, Jan. 30

The Fritz
The Fritz/thefritzmusic.com

By Bailey Faulkner

Got a case of funky fever? Asheville-based funk-rock band The Fritz will break out the grooves at The Local on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Each member of the group brings a personal funky flavor to the band’s intoxicating live music. The Fritz’ lineup is filled out by:

Jamar Woods (keyboard/vocals)

Jamie Hendrickson (guitar)

Jake O’Connor (bass)

Michael Tillis (drums)

Mike Evans (percussion)

The Fritz

Masters of improvisation, the members of the band always give all they have on stage. In true funky-jam fashion, each member enjoys taking the spotlight to show off his own funky tastes, taking the audience’s energy to the next level.

“We have a high energy dance party vibe,” Hendrickson said.

While funk aficionados at heart, the members take their “rock-honed songwriting” just as seriously as their funky foundations.

Rocking out since May 2009, the band now has four years of East Coast touring experience. The band’s touring has been extensive, giving the group the chance to spread its passionate energy to thousands.

While on tour, the band began working on songs that would later appear on its second studio effort, Bootstrap. Completed in March 2013, the nine-track album encapsulates the energy fans expect from the band’s live performances.

Since then, the band has continued touring, collecting new material for an upcoming third album. Until its next album release, fans can watch and listen to various live performances on The Fritz’ website.

Playing festivals has especially helped The Fritz grow its fanbase. In 2014, the guys performed at The Catskill Chill in New York and The Bear Creek Music Festival in Florida. Fans can check out The Fritz’ 1-hour set at The Bear Creek Music Festival on the band’s website.

During 2015, the band continued to play festivals, making appearances at the Camp Barefoot festival in West Virginia and Wakarusa in Arkansas.

The Fritz recently played four consecutive nights in Florida, making its way through Jacksonville on New Year’s Eve before spending the remaining nights in the Tampa area.

Rolling with energy from the new year, The Fritz will soon embark upon one of its biggest tours yet. Started on Jan. 21 in Greenville, South Carolina, the tour will take the group along the East Coast all the way up to Vermont.

“We’re pretty much nonstop touring,” Hendrickson said.

The Local

The Fritz is no stranger to Boone. In the last few years, the band has performed at The Local, Boone Saloon and Murphy’s Pub.

Now returning to Boone, the band is excited to see fans dancing the night away at The Local. Boone music lovers will surely love The Fritz’ funky grooves and energetic showmanship.

The Jan. 30 show will cost $5 for students with a student ID and $8 for the general population. The Fritz will begin the two-set night at 10 p.m.

If you are interested in spreading the word about The Fritz and want to potentially attend the show for free, check out the band’s Street Team tab on its website. The Fritz wants enthusiastic music lovers to help bring the funk to even larger audiences.

Don’t forget to get funky this Saturday!