Lee Deedmeyer of Howell and Sheri Gilmore of Jackson are versatile musicians who, among other musicial endeavors, perform together as a duo. Working in harmony with co-workers makes a job so much more enjoyable. Sheri Gilmore of Jackson and Lee Deedmeyer of Howell have proven that concept true in more ways than one.
Their perfect harmony goes beyond working side by side and provides an enjoyable experience for anyone watching them perform their job as the Lee and Sheri Acoustic Duo.
Having worked together professionally in the music industry over the course of 20 years, Lee and Sheri have perfected the way their voices meld together in harmony, accompanied only by Lee’s acoustic guitar and Sheri’s percussion.
As seasoned veterans of the New Jersey music scene, where they first started performing together in the popular wedding and club band Mission Dance, Lee and Sheri enjoy performing a multitude of musical genres that appeal to a variety of audiences.
When Sheri left Mission Dance several years ago and took a position as lead vocalist in a band called White Light, Lee and Sheri wanted to continue the special harmonizing vocal connection they had developed, so they formed the Lee and Sheri Acoustic Duo in 2002.
Together, Lee and Sheri perform songs made popular by the Beatles, the Eagles, U2, Simon and Garfunkel, the Who, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge, Jewel, Bad Company, Sheryl Crow and James Taylor.
Current artists whose music they perform include Train, Jon Mayer, Coldplay, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Paramore, K.T. Tunstall and more.
Lee also does a set using a ukulele and featuring the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
The duo has been seen recently performing at many popular area venues, including Park Avenue Bistro in Freehold, Surf Taco in Jackson, Woody’s in Farmingdale, Maloney’s in Matawan and The Mill at Spring Lake.
During the summer they can often be seen at Leggett’s in Manasquan, the River House in Brielle, The Dockside in Sea Bright, and Jenkinson’s Inlet Bar and Martell’s Tiki Bar, both in Point Pleasant.
They will be kicking off the spring with a performance at MJ’s in Tinton Falls on April 14.
As a resident of Jackson, where she lives with her husband, Gavin, daughter, Elle, 7, and stepsons, Tyler, 19, and Connor, 18, Sheri especially enjoys the warm welcome she and Lee receive when they perform at Surf Taco, 21 South Hope Chapel Road.
Lee and Sheri entertain the crowds at Surf Taco every other Thursday from 8 to 11 p.m. Their appearances this month will be on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.
“It’s really nice because I’ve been going to Surf Taco with my husband and daughter, and I approached Robert Courtney, the manager, and I got us the gig,” Sheri said. “After he heard us, he really liked us and he gave us every other Thursday. I love working at Surf Taco. It’s a nice bunch of people and we’re getting a great following.”
Lee also had positive things to say about Surf Taco.
“It’s a funky place with a casual, cool vibe. They serve food and drinks and it is the only Surf Taco in the area that serves liquor. Everyone who works there is really friendly and nice. There’s a big TV with sporting events and it’s a great place to bring the family,” he said. Lee and Sheri speak highly of each other and enjoy sharing their talent for harmonizing with their audience.
They both have roots in local towns and they see those they perform for as their friends and interact with them regularly during the show.
Sheri recalled growing up in a musical family, where her dad, Frank Davis, a professional musician, taught Sheri and her sister, Lori, how to play the guitar and harmonize with their voices every Sunday after dinner. She graduated from Freehold Township High School, where she started her first bands, Crusade and later Step Aside, and both she and her sister took to heart the valuable lessons their father taught them.
Sheri loves all genres of music, her favorites being Sting and Sara McLaughlin, and when she is not singing with her live bands, she enjoys hosting a karaoke night every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to midnight at Sawa Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Pier Village, Long Branch.
Lee graduated from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, and his roots in Freehold go back to 1869 with family members having operated a variety of businesses in town.
His great-grandfather, also Lee Deedmeyer, had a cigar stand at several locations in town. His great-grandmother Mary Madden and great-grandfather John Norkus were the first couple to be wed at St. Rose of Lima Church in Freehold.
Lee lives in Howell with his wife, Tara. Their daughters, Briana, 29, Lindsey, 26, and Whitney, 20, are all graduates of Colts Neck High School. Lee performed in the band Bystander prior to forming Mission Dance, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
To view Lee and Sheri’s performance schedule, visit www.missiondance.com, click on “Bands” and scroll down to Lee’s Acoustic Duo or call 908-692-9206 or email [email protected].