Katie's Spirits Brings Sarah Sherrard Band to Dexter on Saturday

Michigan singer/songwriter Sarah Sherrard has been singing other people’s songs all of her life. Opportunity came knocking for the young musician in January, however, when Sherrard received an invitation to record new original material with members of Lynyrd Skynyrd in Nashville, Tenn.

Sherrard, formally of Taylor, who headlines with various cover bands throughout the Metro Detroit area, released four brand new songs on iTunes this summer. The release is being celebrated with several live performances, including a show at in Dexter on Saturday.

“Having the opportunity to travel to Nashville and record my music with Peter Keys and other musicians from Lynyrd Skynyrd was a surreal experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Sherrard said. “The level of musicianship, creativity, and professionalism was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such talented musicians.”

Sherrard has made a name for herself locally, performing with the Jazz Band at the 2004 presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., ’s Holiday Nights program, and also winning the 2010 Woodward Dream Cruise Cruisin’ Idol contest.

Sherrard and her band are taking their show on the road this summer, with a tour of local venues to promote the new songs. Band members include Anthony Lai of Dearborn (guitar/back-up vocals), Joel Sherrard of Livonia (rhythm guitar/back-up vocals), Andy Christofferson of Chelsea (drums), and Daniel Lai of Dexter (bass guitar).

“We’ve got some great material but there’s a lot more to come,” she said. “It’s awesome to see the songs come to life. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’ll take it as far as I can go. Though we love playing covers, there is nothing like sharing music that comes from your heart with an audience. You give the audience a part of yourself and you hope they will embrace it.”

Anthony Lai, who met Sherrard through the music program at HFCC in Dearborn, said he is excited to be a part of the band.

“Sarah has all the elements a successful performer needs,” he said. “Few artists have the talent, spirit and presence that radiates from her, and we’re all excited to be part of this journey.”

Joel Sherrard agreed, stating the band brings a unique dynamic that compliments Sarah’s classic rock style.

“The group of guys that Sarah put together is truly remarkable,” he said. “Their backgrounds are just diverse enough to give Sarah’s music a truly special and unique sound. I couldn’t be more excited to be a member of such an impressive collection of musicians.”

Sherrard describes her music as old school southern rock and blues with a modern twist.

“It’s hard to classify my music into one specific genre,” she said. “The stories I wanted to tell took on a life of their own and, really, told me what they wanted to sound like. I think the different sounds on the album really make it accessible to a wide variety of listeners with a wide variety of tastes while still maintaining a certain level of consistency. I’m extremely pleased with the way it all came together.”

The Sarah Sherrard Band will perform at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at Katie's, and July 28 at 4:15 p.m. at the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival in Chelsea. For information on upcoming shows, or for booking information, visit sarahsherrardmusic.com or call Joel Sherrard at 734-558-4174. Sarah’s album “Where I Come From” can be found on iTunes and Spotify.