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Be sure to check out the "GO" section on the Staunton Newsleader
Thursday August 12 for an article on the band!
This is some of the highlights!

Since its inception in 2008, the band Free Spirit has stumbled upon the
same dilemma time and time again.
"No one will hire us because no one knows us. No one knows us because
no one will hire us," said Ricky Doyle, who sings and plays keyboard for
Free Spirit. "It's a double-edged sword."
With more than 100 combined years of experience, members of Free Spirit
are working to turn that around. The foursome plays covers of 1970s and
'80s classic rock, but specializes in the songs you don't hear every day, said
Doyle.
"We play the songs we grew up (with) and liked. The kind of songs that
people can sing along with," Doyle said. "We do a lot of Eagles stuff. We
do Peter Frampton; a lot of people don't do him. Everyone else will do for
instance, Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama.' We'll do the songs that
they don't hear all the time."
The band is set to play some of those forgotten gems at Oasis Restaurant
and Pub in Waynesboro on Friday night.

A sample set list on the Free Spirit website, www.freespiritband2008.com,
reveals the band's range. It includes songs such as "Susie Q" by
Creedence Clearwater Revival; "Show Me the Way," by Peter Frampton;
"Lady Down on Love," by Alabama; "Two Tickets to Paradise," by Eddie
Money; "Every Rose Has its Thorn," by Poison; and "Jessica," by the
Allman Brothers.
Free Spirit is picking up more gigs in Staunton, Harrisonburg and
Lynchburg — about 30 or 40 so far this year, including shows at clubs and
private parties.
On the recommendation of a friend, Vicky and Tom Brogan booked Free
Spirit to play at their annual gathering of friends and family at their
Greenville home July 31. Even though it rained, Free Spirit kept
partygoers' spirits from dampening.
"They are really good," Vicky Brogan said. "Awesome guys. Because
everyone was so satisfied with the Free Spirit band, I said that's who I'll
(book) next year."

When Doyle and bandmates — Gary Gough , Lou Perrotta and Joe Manor
— aren't working at their day jobs selling plumbing supplies, running a
truck stop, or performing utility work, or working as a graphic designer
they're perfecting arrangements of songs other bands don't attempt.
"A lot of bands sound the same," Doyle said. "We strive to get people to say
'Oh, I haven't heard that in a long time.' It's kind of refreshing in a way."
What can people expect if they decide to check out Free Spirit?

"We're not a loud, overpowering band; we do top-of-the-line harmonies,"
Doyle said. "It won't be a typical club night."