With an eclectic style and untamed lyrics, singer/songwriter Sherry Marchefsky is ready to deliver her first full-length album titled "11:11."
A Pottsville native, she has been performing her symphonic collection for her fans on the East Coast since 2008. Rooted in jazz, rock and soul, she continually captivates audiences with a balance of both original music and covers.
Since the age of 3, she was classically trained on the piano but her perpetual need for expression compelled her to start writing and composing. Sherry completed her education at Full Sail University, Orlando, Fla., in audio engineering.
While in college, she participated and won a regional talent contest to have a vocal position on a dance compilation CD for Fitzgerald Mystic Records. Upon graduation she worked at ABC News, Fox News and NPR (National Public Radio) in Washington, D.C. She recorded her first EP in Studio 4A at NPR in 2003.
Catching the attention of Howard Rosen Productions, the recording was showcased on college radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. "Nick of Time" charted No. 1 in Long Beach, Calif., while "Another Valium Day" was No. 1 in Manhattan, N.Y. In 2009, Sherry obtained sponsorship from both Jagermeister and Yuengling.
In May 2010, Sherry needed an emergency spinal fusion due to a broken back. She returned to the stage a mere 11 days later. Since then she books two types of shows: as a duo with fellow musician Dan Dull as Mona Lisa & the Mad Hatter and as a solo act as Sherry. Both shows follow the set lists of the "party bands" doing mostly modern, rock covers. There are more than 400 cover songs that she rotates in her shows, ranging from artists such as Bruno Mars, One Republic, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Jewel, Aerosmith, Offspring, Madonna, The Eagles, LMFAO, Katy Perry, Janis Joplin and much more.
Averaging about 150 to 200 shows each year, Sherry's ability to adapt to any venue - college bars, country clubs, casinos, fine dining establishments, festivals, VIP parties galleries, vineyards, etc. - leaves her audiences always satisfied. She currently books her own shows, markets her signature brand and teaches music lessons.
A release party for the album will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. April 13 at the Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets are still available for the show.
There will be a meet-and-greet reception and album signing after the show, starting promptly at 9:15 p.m. at the Greystone Restaurant, 315 N. Center St. Chuck Cahoe will be providing the music entertainment.
Sherry was recently invited to be part of the dueling piano club chain, Howl at the Moon. She currently trains a few nights a week at Baltimore's Inner Harbor Power Plant Live.
(Tutko is founder of PAMusicScene.com)