The members of the FreeFlow Band say they stay inspired by the musicians who keep the “funk alive.”
Hailing from Asheville, N.C., the trio of FreeFlow will bring its blend of funk, soul, rhythm and blues and Motown to the Rhythm in Riverview concert Monday, July 16.
The fun runs from 4 to 9 p.m., at the V.O. Dobbins Center, 301 Louis St., with FreeFlow taking the stage at 7:30 p.m., treating Kingsport to lots of familiar cover songs with FreeFlow’s own unique spin on them.
Lead singer and keyboardist, Kevin “Kazual” Collins, founded FreeFlow seven years ago.
Collins, who has performed with bands such as Point of View and Crystal Blue, says his musical influences range from Funkadelic to Earth Wind and Fire, from blues to hip-hop to jazz to soul.
Roger “Lil’ Rog” Ware, also on lead vocals, plays percussion and says he believes in the universal effect that music has on our lives and attributes his inner faith and spirituality to the positive energy he brings to the stage.
Ware cites his musical influences as Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke.
The third member of the band, Darrell “BNote” Griffin, on bass and vocals, provides the heartbeat of the FreeFlow Band.
Griffin’s deep-pocket bass playing and rich, smooth vocals add a soul-filled color to the FreeFlow sound.
As a seasoned musician, Griffin is deeply rooted in jazz and funk and has played bass for such artists as Expose, Eugene Wilde, Gerald Levert and Betty Wright.
All three members of FreeFlow are active in their church choirs, and, when not singing in church, can be found playing local clubs, private parties, weddings and festivals.
Sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, South Central Kingsport Community Development Inc., Nathan Vaughn State Farm Insurance and WKPT-TV, the free event features food, music and activities for children, including train rides, inflatables and the Splash Pad.
For more information about Rhythm in Riverview, visit www.visitkingsport.com/funfest
For more information on the FreeFlow Band, visit w w w. f r e e f l o w b a n d . i n f o .
