Free & Easy (About Us)

Inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2008, Free and Easy is a dynamic 8 piece band that features incredible 3 and 4 part vocal arrangements along with a 4 piece horn section with a sound that packs a wallop! 

Free & Easy is an innovative Twin Cities’ music original that changed the landscape of live music and night clubs as we knew it. The concept for Free & Easy was simple, combine studio players and singers to deliver “hip” arrangements that not only wowed the casual music fan, but drew music industry professionals to enjoy this amazing band as well!

Free & Easy features  original members David Rodriguez (vocals/guitar), Lauren McArthur (vocals/keys/sax), Rich Hiebler, Dick Jorgensen (lead trumpet), Deone Johnson (trumpet/bone/keys) along with newcomers Jimmy Rodriguez (lead vocals/drums) Aaron Moe on reeds and Bobby Hirte (trumpet/trombone/congas).

The Free and Easy “sound” is a combination of Earth Wind and Fire, Santana, Tower of Power, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis, Michael McDonald and Motown meets The Little River Band!

Don’t be surprised if the boys break out a little 4 Seasons for those that want to hear an n awesome vocal display!

Quote “Jelly-Bean Johnson (Flyte Time Productions) “We used to sneak into the Jockey Lounge, and couldn’t believe how hip Free and Easy’s sound was. It was now cool to play clubs because Free and Easy took it to a concert level in the intimacy of a night club atmosphere.”

Today we have music venue mainstays like Bunkers, The Dakota and countless others. The Twin Cities now has a reputation for being “Funkytown USA” to the entire world do in part to Free and Easy to redefining the rules.

In 1978 James Walsh joined the band, signed with RCA Records and changed their name to

The James Walsh Gypsy Band and after touring for 18 months returned home to their Free and Easy roots.

In May 2008Free and Easy entered the Minnesota Hall of Fame at the Medina Ballroom and tore the house down! 

As a result of this incredible reunion, Free and Easy has re-formed itself with 5 original members and opened March 20^th to a standing room only crowd and are officially back and we invite you to come along

Free and Easy is ready to awaken a new generation of music lovers.

Put on your seat belt, you’re going to like this ride!