Funky Friday

As summer slides into fall, it’s time to put away those flip-flops and slip on your dancing shoes!

One good place to test out your new dance moves is Canyons of the Blue Ridge in Blowing Rock, where Asheville’s funkiest combo, The Fritz, will perform a free show this Friday, Sept. 9. The music starts at 10 p.m.

Based in Asheville, The Fritz is a band that defies the word, “genre.” As schooled musicians, the members of The Fritz draw inspiration from a variety of musical traditions and techniques.

This fusion of styles is rooted within improvised funk and rock, but also builds in elements of jazz, classical, world and electronic music.

Jamie Hendrickson’s versatile guitar style and innate sense of melody first blended with Jake O’Connor’s funky bass lines in 2007.

From there, they met drummer Michael Tillis, who brings a strong driving energy to the ensemble.

Jamar Woods’ virtuosic keyboard solos and soulful vocal abilities propel the band into exciting musical journeys.

With the recent addition of percussionist Mike Evans, The Fritz has developed a one-of-a-kind sound in the Southeast music scene.

In its young career, The Fritz has received favorable publicity at local festivals in the Southeast, most recently performing at the 2010 Big and Hearty Festival and the 2010 Bear Creek Music Festival. The boys maintain a rigorous touring schedule around the Southeast, constantly spreading their art to keep up with the demand.

Canyons is located at 8960 Valley Boulevard in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-7661.