(l-r) Dave Abrusezze (formelly of Pearl Jam), Stevie Salas (Mick Jagger/Rod Stewart), Micki Free (Shalimar), Jean Beauvouir (Plasmatics/Little Steven), and John Brant (Cheap Trick). Photo by Kimberlie R. Hall
By Sandra Hale Schulman
Hollywood, Florida (NFIC)
Rocker, dandy, bareback sharp shooter, collectible Native jewelry dealer, and now Deputy Director of Promotions for the Seminoles… Micki Free is all that and way more.
With a career that includes Grammys, Nammys, movie roles, a dedication of one of his guitars to hang in The Seminole Hard Rock (2007), and a tour with KISS, Free may just be one of the most dynamic and unusual Native artist/entrepreneurs anywhere. Known as the Native Bling King for his massive collection of silver and turquoise, Micki was discovered by Gene Simmons, of the legendary rock group KISS, while on tour in the Midwest. After moving to Los Angeles in the late eighties, Micki’s colorful persona and powerful performances set in motion a career that would spawn three Grammy nominations with the group “Shalamar,” along touring with Diana Ross, jamming with Prince, and playing guitar on Janet Jackson’s record. Micki won a Grammy in 1985 for “Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture” for Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop.
After his stint with Shalamar, Micki went on to form his band “Crown Of Thorns” managed by Simmons, along with his partner from Kiss, Paul Stanley.
After three tours of Europe, Japan, Sweden England, and America, Micki, of Cherokee and Comanche heritage, decide to go solo and added a new chapter in his life, having chosen to “walk the red path” as a proud and blessed Native American. For his high visibility as a performer and promoter and degree in Public Relations, the Seminoles decided to hire Free on in August as Deputy Director of Promotions for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Florida Seminole Tourism.
His chief responsibilities will be to promote the two Seminole museums, events and tourism at places as far flung as Berlin and London as well as art markets and festivals across the U.S.
“I’m going to be bringing the incredible Seminole art and culture to places it hasn’t been promoted before,” says Free. “I have many new ideas about events to do at the Seminole museums and Villages here and in the Everglades. My first major event as D.D.P. (William Osceola calls me Deputy Dog) will be The AIAC (American Indian Arts Celebration) in Big Cypress Reservation. The basketry, carvings, clothing, and music of the Seminoles are really unique, so we’ll have booths and activities for people to see what they’re all about.”
“They say I’m a poster boy for promotions,” he says with a chuckle. “I have created many shows and festivals for my own lines of clothing and jewelry and music, plus I am lucky to have the life experience of being from the ‘Gene Simmons of KISS School of PR’; “Shoot Big…. Win Big… Shoot Small…. Loose Small” is one of Gene’s favorite sayings and if anyone knows how to promote and sell to the mass market it’s that guy, and I spent years with him watching and learning. Some of these new shows we’re going to have attendances of 50,000 to 100,000 people. All this rocker life has been fun, but now I’m tired of winning awards (NOT!). I need a real job! My contract is negotiated so my duties with the tribe will not conflict with my recording or touring schedule. I am also contracted to perform for the tribe at least twice a year; my blues rock & Roll set or my Native American Flute Set, it’s all good!” Recently Micki jammed on stage at Hard Rock LIVE, long time friends and fellow musicians “Cheap Trick.” Little Steven from Bruce Springsteen’s band also jammed. The Halloween segment “Cheap Trick or Treat” was filmed live at The Seminole Hard Rock Live for MTV’s “VH-1” segment to be aired in November.
You can visit Micki Free’s sites at:
www.mickifree.com
www.myspace.com/mickifreeexperience
FMI: www.seminoletribe.com
