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Local band Fritz and the Freeloaders was formed to help a cause close to singer/songwriter Gary McKinney’s heart. McKinney is the managing editor of Kearney Street Books (Books that Rock), which publishes books written by or about music and musicians, and the band seemed like a perfect way to promote events. When he wrote the novel “If You Want to Get to Heaven,” he found it hard to imagine promoting it without some musical theme.

Originally, bassist Dave Engebretson and drummer Stephanie Straight came to the rescue, and thus the band was formed, named after Engebretson’s guide dog Fritz. Though Engebretson and Straight have moved on from the project, McKinney has regrouped with Chris Powell on bass and Linda Luttrell as a vocalist.

Their first album, “Street Music, Vol. 1,” was released in 2004 and provides three of McKinney’s original songs and three covers set in different styles. They’re influenced by a variety of bands, both classic rockers and modern favorites.

Fritz and the Freeloaders will play Friday at Stuart’s at the Market, 1530 Cornwall Ave. Beginning at 7 p.m., this show is free and open to the public. Call (360) 714-0800 for more details, or check out the band’s Web site at kearneystreetbooks.com/pages/fritz.html.