New York urban folk, jazz artist Denhert to perform July 26-27 at Saketumi

Cape Region musicians Eddie Sherman and Peggy Raley, on a trip to New York City earlier this year, made a serendipitous discovery at 55 Bar, and they are bringing their find to the beach. Eddie Sherman Presents will debut extraordinary urban folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27, at Saketumi on Route 1 in Midway.

Denhert is a multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, with her most recent award coming in 2012 as the grand prize winner of the John Lennon songwriting award in the world category. Denhert’s performances can move audiences to laugh, to dance and even to cry. NYC music critic Rich Cuccaro writes, “Listening to KJ Denhert sing for the first time, I thought to myself - it’s like hearing Roberta Flack with an acoustic guitar! Every time I’ve seen her, the silky-smooth vocals and the jazz-laced guitar phrasing have always reinforced that first impression. Her fluidity and command of every element in her arsenal has never ceased to amaze me.”

Denhert has been an artist in residence at Italy’s Umbria Jazz Fest for nine consecutive years and has just appeared at the Cairo Jazz Fest. She is a veteran of the Syracuse, Rochester and Cape Cod jazz fests. Denhert has a winter residence at Baz Bar in St. Barts and has been in residence at 55 Bar since 1997. She will make her Cape Region debut on the heels of headlining at The Iridium in NYC. She brings with her a formidable band of musicians.

Adam Kipple on keys has been described as “a standout pianist who has gone to school on McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor and earned his degree.” A composer and musician, Kipple plays piano, Hammond organ, sample and a variety of vintage pianos. He leads three of his own groups. One of his groups toured Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road series. His jazz piano quartet toured as Jazz Ambassadors sponsored by the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of State. He is a seasoned veteran of jazz fests both internationally and at home including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, the JVC Jazz Fest and fests in Italy, Turkey, Brazil and Germany.

Bassist Andy Galore is a world musician by necessity. “I don’t want any limits or restraints put on my work,” said Galore. He studied at the prestigious New School University in NYC with Reggie Workman, Buster Williams and Chico Hamilton. He has a BA in bass and has been awarded notable scholarships from LA to Vienna, Austria. The Village Voice says, “He has an impressive style and technique combined with a great stage presence.”

Ray Levier is a touring drummer, composer, producer and educator, and is an all-around musician who has the drum world in awe of his skills. Levier has reached the top tier of professional jazz drumming despite having substantially lost all 10 fingers to severe burns in a camping accident as a child. Refusing to be defeated, his love of drumming was - and still is - the key to his healing process. Internationally known drummer and clinician Don Famularo says, “I play my students Ray’s recordings and they are blown away by his skill. Then I tell them Ray’s story and their eyes get wide. After that, they have no excuses.”

Denhert and her amazing band will perform two nights in the upstairs club room at Saketumi Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27. Tickets are $25 at the door. A dinner seating is available from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Show times both nights are 7:30 to 11 p.m. Reservations must be made by calling Saketumi at 302-645-2818. The restaurant is at 18814 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach.