Band
Phil Butte: Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
Travis Fuller: Guitars/Vocals
Eric Turner: Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Jake Sherman: Drums
Timmy Martin: Keys
Eric Strathmeyer: Keys
Andrea Crocker: Sweet Melody Maker
Bio
Forming in late 2002 in a small town in southern New Hampshire, Duty Free serves up a steady blend of jazz/funk influenced songs sprinkled with a dash of complimenting melody. The original line-up consisting of Phil Butt - Vocals, Travis Fuller - Electric Guitars, Eric Turner – Guitar/Vocals, Tom Benson - Bass and Eric Boulter on the Drums, played together for several years catering to the likes of smoky bars, packed clubs, college campuses and festivals all over the Northeast. With original compositions and classic re-worked covers, the band's following and popularity grew steadily throughout New England. In 2006, the band's "dedication to quality live performances" and "contagious energy" (Hippo Press) provided the band with several opportunities to spread their music. The biggest of which came in August of 06’ when Duty Free prevailed through both State and Regional competitions for the nation-wide battle of the bands search. As a finalist, Duty Free was judged alongside 250+ bands from across the US and Canada before being chosen as the National Champion. Capitalizing on their success, the band was then asked to open the 2006 Amsterjam Festival in New York City with big name acts like Tom Petty and Foo Fighters. Duty Free was the only unsigned band invited to the festival. However by early 2007 after hundreds of shows and over 5 years together, Duty free announced its original line-up would disperse. Later that spring the band would re-emerge with some major changes. Guitarist Eric Turner can now be found on bass, while the additions of Jake Sherman (drums) and Eric Strathmeyer (keyboards) have revitalized the group providing both an explosion of new influence and seasoned chops. While rehearsing with the new lineup, the original members of the band finished their first album Don’t Block The Sunshine, released August 08’. The album features all original material that was forged in an array of musical styles. They range from the title track which is a pure hip-hop - funk tune, to the acoustic driven melodies of Capo. With a brand new line-up, a new album, and fresh songs to match, Duty Free is picking up where they left off. They have now established themselves as a band synonymous with high-energy shows and positive vibes. The band's open musical style continues to attract a wide range of listeners from Phish-phans to N.W.A. loyalists. Whether it’s hip-hop medleys, classic covers, a cappella numbers, acoustic soul-tunes or extended funk-jams, the diversity of Duty Free coupled with their dedication to quality live performances continues to attract even the most prudent of listeners.
Website
www.myspace.com/dutyfreeband
