Fritz Schindler has been a Replenish Festival favorite since the festival’s beginning. So we are excited to welcome him back again this year!
If you’ve not heard Fritz’s music, then you are in for a treat! Fritz is described as a versatile, joy-filled whirlwind of musical enthusiasm. His energetic live shows combine him playing a vast array of traditional Appalachian instruments—mandolin, guitar, hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, banjo, piano, percussion—along with his versatile singing voice and some combination of terrific musicians backing him up. Frequently added into the mix are live-looping and layering techniques, combined together to make a unique and spell-binding experience we like to call Contagious Folk ‘n’ Roll.
The talented multi-instrumentalist singer grew up in the epicenter of Appalachian heritage, Berea, KY, and is proud to now call Radford, VA his home. Fritz and his wife, Andrea, have three daughters, two dogs, and a house full of laughter, music and fur from those two doggone dogs.
Fritz’s debut EP, Sunlight Breaking Through the Trees (produced by Brian Bunn, guitarist for Thomas Rhett, Third Day and Decemberadio) released in December 2013 and songs from the project have frequently played on college radio stations in multiple states. The deeply personal songs weave stories of struggle, discovery, tough choices, disappointment, and ultimately hope. Promoting the album led to Fritz performing live for two Roanoke TV stations and later giving several live remote interviews for a Kansas radio station.
Fritz and his band released A Folk ‘n’ Roll Christmas! in 2015 and supported it with a multi-city Christmas tour by the same name to rave reviews, featuring special guests Ted Yoder, National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, of Facebook Live fame! (Tear For Fears: Everybody Wants To Rule the World & raccoon cameo) and Aidan Broadbridge, Native Scottish Fiddler.
Over the years, Fritz has opened for or shared the stage with many incredibly talented artists including: Jimmy Fortune, Michael Johnathon, 7eventh Time Down, Hawk Nelson, The Vespers, Raymond & Ruth McLain, Ted Yoder, The New Coon Creek Girls, Sky Dixon, The Penny Loafers, Nevertheless, BlueTree, Ilia, Derek Minor, Aidan Broadbridge, Jason Harrod and The Afters, just to name a few. Since 2014 Fritz has been touring with a full backing band, playing concerts, churches, and festivals throughout the Southeast U.S. Whether passionately singing, performing energetic instrumentals, live-looping, playing solo or rocking with his band Fritz always brings his signature smile and warm enthusiasm to every stage.
No matter your age or musical preference, within a few short minutes, Fritz Schindler will have your toes tapping, hands clapping, and before you know it, you’ll probably find yourself singing or dancing along…
Find out more Fritz through the following:
- Website: http://www.fritzschindler.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fritzschindler
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/fritzschindler
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/fritzschindler
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fritzschindler
