30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 13-19, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC “Who the fuck is Meredith McHenry?” This was printed on a banner made for her by a Monterey bartender. The answer is that Meredith McHenry is an engaging singer-songwriter with a solo act well worth checking out. But like the layers of sound McHenry orchestrates on her looper, there is more to her story. We can deconstruct the layers by focusing on her original single “Water’s Edge,” a fast-paced, folksy tune that takes the listener on an emotional roller coaster as it describes being in an abusive relationship and the fear of leaving it. The song showcases both the bigness of her voice and her flair for clever lyrics. McHenry takes advantage of her musical instincts as she repeats, “Lord please help me…” until reaching an a cappella crescendo. “Water’s Edge” has all the makings of a pop-folk radio hit. But there’s a difference between the studio version and her solo act. “Your vision is going through someone else’s ear and filter,” McHenry explains. Knowing how to play the piano and guitar would change all that, and also allow McHenry to play music full time instead of relying on her band’s schedule. As McHenry puts it, however, she’s “really bad at being really bad at something.” So she did not take the time to learn how to play. Then the pandemic happened. McHenry used this “forced pause” to teach herself the piano and guitar by livestreaming her practice sessions on Facebook. McHenry was surprised that her fans came to support her. “It was awkward and halting and really uncomfortable,” she confesses. The investment paid off. One of McHenry’s most memorable gigs was the debut of “Water’s Edge” as a solo act on her looper at a performing arts center in Livermore. The device provides backing music. McHenry was finally able to perform the tune as she originally envisioned, as a soloist. “I never thought I would be able to do that,” she reflects. “I thought I would have to rely on other people to interpret my ideas for as long as I was writing. So that was really powerful for me.” McHenry also engages in the longlost art of banter, making the audience feel included. Loop back to the top— who is Meredith McHenry?—and you know she is a musician whose solo act is worth a listen. Meredith McHenry performs 1pm Sunday, June 16 at Twisted Roots, 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley; and 5pm Tuesday, June 18 at Monterey Plaza Hotel, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover. meredithmchenry.com. TAYLOR BOONE PHOTOGRAPHY Looping Queen Meredith McHenry has a dynamic and versatile solo act, thanks to a musical device. By Tonia Eaton Teaching herself to play piano and guitar allowed Meredith McHenry to pursue music full time and to render her music as she envisions. We Speak German… CARS! Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini-Cooper Using current modern technology our experienced staff will diagnose, maintain and repair your German car. Certified Monterey Bay Green Business 373.5355 249 DelaVina, Monterey www.ccrepairmonterey.com Chiquito Want to meet Chiquito? Please fill out our online adoption questionnaire. Things to love: approx. 7 years old - 17 pounds - male - Beagle , Chihuahua mix Meet Chiquito, a tiny guy with a huge personality! He warms up slowly but soon blossoms into a loving companion. Chiquito loves walks, cozy beds, and giving kisses. Though he gets along with dogs, he prefers a cat-free, child-free home. Chiquito would love to be your newest family member! Ad Sponsored by Judy LeRoy With Lasso If you’d like sponsor our next ad, please give us a call. 831-718-9122 | www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 BLACK CAT LOVE Pfui (Phooey) is a rather handsome short-haired 11-year-old with soft black fur. He’s a playful guy who loves catnip toys, especially his favorite banana. His outgoing personality shines through once he is comfortably adjusted to his new circumstances. Can you give this boy a chance at a new beginning? Check out this dashing guy at www.gocatrescue.org and while there fill out an adoption application! Ad sponsored by JENIFER BOVEY in memory of all the senior cats she has ever loved If you would like to sponsor our next ad, please contact us! 831.200.9700 www.gocatrescue.org From our Farm To Your FamilY Fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce. Get your customized share of the harvest each week delivered. We deliver every Thursday to: Carmel/Carmel Valley: Hidden Valley Nursery Pacific Grove: Happy Girl Kitchen South Salinas, North Monterey Seaside: (coming soon) Watsonville: at the farm! Watsonville LiveEarthFarm.net
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