Description

MICKEY FREEMAN is a self taught vocalist who began her career in Boston in 1980 when she became a member of the 30’s/40’s campy swing group, The Boo-Bette Band, who toured throughout New England. In 1982 she formed the vocal-based group, The Ritz which was inspired by the likes of The Manhattan Transfer and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

The Ritz played jazz festivals, both domestic and international, and toured with such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Gerry Mulligan, Kenny Burrell, The Pointer Sisters, Phil Woods and Spyro Gyra in Finland, Morocco and Singapore. The Ritz also released two albums “Steppin’ Out” in 1985 and “Born To Bop” in 1987.

In 2010 Mickey was reunited through Facebook with her old friend and leader of the Rhode Island based Roomful of Blues…Duke Robillard. Duke asked Mickey to come to his gig at the Iridium to sing some tunes with his band. A magical collaboration ensued and she recorded “Livin’ The Dream” produced by Duke Robillard on Blue Duchess Records. Duke Robillard and saxophonist Scott Hamilton are guests on her CD.

For the next eight years, Mickey fronted several jazz trios and quartets in New Jersey. In 2018, Mickey relocated to Vero Beach, FL, where she performs regularly at The Grind & Grape Café, Costa D’Este Hotel, Cobalt at Vero Beach Hotel, Vero Beach Country Club, Vero Beach Yacht Club. Mickey has performed at the Laurel Awards at the Indian River Theater. In 2022 she was asked to perform at the Vero Beach Museum of Modern Arts’ Annual Fundraising Gala, as well as the Annual Film Festival White Party.

In 2019, Mickey became one of the artists in the ARTS IN MEDICINE/HEALING ARTS Program, which offers music and art therapy to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and other treatments at Florida Cancer Specialists in Vero Beach…her most rewarding musical experience to date.

Watch highlights of her past performances on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@spacecoastjazzsociety1690 

General Admission is paid at the door. $30 for members of the Jazz Society and Veterans Memorial Center, $35 for guests and students are free. Bring your own snack and drink. Tables, chairs, live jazz and a beautiful view of the river are provided.