Both Kevin Fristad and Michael Laslett have extensive musical backgrounds and have performed in many places, but they only connected with each other this past year on Whidbey.
Kevin Fristad found his way to Whidbey Island from Sonoma California 33 years ago. He was doing a show at the Thirsty Crab Brewery in Clinton when Michael stopped by for a beer. Michael introduced himself to Kevin and noted that they both like to do songs that have a social justice message. Kevin invited Michael to come to his house; then they decided to perform together when they discovered they each had lots of talent and a commitment to offering songs of protest and other themes of social justice. Michael had been living in Seattle for 30 years before he came up to Whidbey to live with his partner a couple of years ago.
Kevin notes, “We think of music as an inspiration to encourage people to take action.”
Their first musical performance together was at the Greenbank Cidery on April 26.
Word is spreading about their music and Fret & Fire is hoping to do eight to 10 local shows this coming year.
In addition to his music, Michael has a background as a union organizer and is a founding member of the Seattle Labor Chorus.
Over the years, Kevin has built an extensive and eclectic music collection, drawn especially to early country and folk music. Kevin’s musical world was shaped by early television including shows with Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, The Ed Sullivan Show and later Hee Haw and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
Michael has a beautiful voice and a guitar style suited to love songs, sing-a longs and social justice anthems. He has been doing “message music” based upon folk and roots music for over 40 years.
A major theme of Fret & Fire music is “promoting unity and inspiration in well-known songs of change, hope and resilience.”
Kevin and Michael believe “This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity against injustice and find strength in music.” They both feel strongly that “A singing movement is a winning movement.”
Their major purpose in performing as Fret & Fire is to encourage people to sing together helps build community. They believe that “Music builds hope.”
