40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC A few years ago, John Sherry was performing Carlos Santana’s “Europa” on the patio at C Restaurant + Bar in Monterey. Little did Sherry know that the moment he started playing, Tom Coster, one of the co-authors of the song, was being seated. Surprised to hear his song, Coster approached Sherry after it ended and asked, “Why did you play that song? Do you know who I am?” Sherry has a way of telling the story that makes the audience laugh. The banter between songs is so relaxed, it’s as if Sherry is playing for friends. But even with his trademark humor and boatloads of stories, Sherry takes his work seriously. He strives continuously to freshen up songs to make them resonate more. Having mastered the art of listening to his audience, Sherry hears the crowd as much as they listen to him—and perhaps even more attentively. A Billie Eilish tune fell flat with the crowd (to Sherry’s surprise), but songs like “Europa” and Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” are perpetual favorites. The songs he plays evolve over time and so does his interpretation of them. His acoustic guitar has a shimmer and gives Sherry the flexibility to put a personal stamp on crowd favorites. Sherry “feels” the audience, making adjustments based on their reactions. The strategy works. Sherry has recorded eight albums so far. The most recent was released just days before pandemic closures in 2020, with the help of local engineer/producer Jesse Decarlo. Circle of Dreams was his first album produced by someone other than himself. Sherry regards it as his best so far. Sherry’s fans were requesting a new album, and Sherry agreed the time was ripe. A new addition to his lineup, The Art of Dreaming, is available on CD, with the vinyl version coming by mid-December. “Music is the art made in dreams,” Sherry says. “Music can be inspiring or take one to a place of reflection or just relaxation and enable a feeling of peace. I recorded this album with those ideas in mind.” For the first time, Sherry will also include two originals, “Tuesday’s Child” and “Deep Water,” which fit right in with his classic rock style. John Sherry plays 6pm Thursday, Dec. 5 at Monterey Plaza Hotel lobby, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. 7pm Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at C Restaurant + Bar, 750 Cannery Row, Monterey; noon Sunday, Dec. 8 at Bernardus Lodge, 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. There is no cover for any of these shows. Tuning In Solo guitarist John Sherry uses fan reactions to shape his sound, with great response. By Tonia Eaton John Sherry’s willingness to take on challenging work has led to interesting assignments, including being hired to write song clips for the CBS drama The Mentalist. From our Farm To Your FamilY Fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce. Join our CSA now, and get your customized share of the harvest delivered each week. We deliver every Thursday to: Carmel/Carmel Valley: Hidden Valley Nursery Pacific Grove: Happy Girl Kitchen South Salinas, North Monterey, Watsonville: At the farm! Watsonville LiveEarthFarm.net 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE Call 831-899-1762 to order DINE IN / TAKEOUT / DELIVERY Great Dough Great Pizza is Thin crust & Sourdough pizzas Salads & Calzones • Pasta • Subs Draft beer on tap • Wine • Dessert Serving handmade pizzas with fresh, quality ingredients At The Oven, we believe YOU DON’T HAVE TO FACE IT ALONE. 24 Hour Crisis Lines Salinas: (831) 424-HELP (4357) Monterey: (831) 375-HELP (4357) www.mtryrapecrisis.org Services are bilingual and confidential Now serving Salinas and Monterey
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