t trained blues mama" is just that. Kenny's vocal power transports to memories of Janis Joplin with raw cutting intensity while simultaneously and smoothly maintaining such gentleness that songs (like 'The Truth') become cherished lullabies, pulling on every single heartstring. Kenny's ability to bring audience members to tears is legendary- going back to her days voicing the Joe Chiocca band in the DC metro/ Northern Virginia area. "I have a real attraction to super sad love songs" said Kenny at a January 2012 show at secret speakeasy The Lost Church in the Mission district of San Francisco. While exceptionally skilled at delivering heartbreaking truths, Kenny easily moves from divine to devilish and the foot stomping, finger snapping 'Need Somebody' showcases this talent.

Dennis White was born on April 11th, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, and started playing the piano at around 3 or 4 years old. He didn't receive formal lessons until he was about 7 (or so he remembers). He was taught by a friend of his mother's (also a pianist) named Florence. White played in a couple of bands in high school. One of them was called "Cy Fuher," which opened up for the Ventures (1964) at the YMCA. He was actually playing electric guitar, trained by his friend who was in the group. After he improved a little at guitar he played in another group with this friend. Dennis attended the University of Illinois where he majored in piano. He did not graduate. He never really left school. Went back several times. He played Dixieland piano in "The Red Garter Banjo Band" in Chicago. White traveled for several years, and eventually moved to SF in the '70s. There he played in a band called the "Bloated Tics". It was all instrumental on electric guitars and percussion. Later he also played in a Scottish band, called "the Cèidhlidh Cowboys." He and another member were the only non-Scots. In the '90s White played with "Otherlys" bass player Michael Lipuma in a band called "the Beat Roots." He was also in the group "the Lifters", an Irish Rock group. Today, Dennis White is a private instructor at Noe Valley Music, in San Francisco, where he teaches guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, banjo and piano.


Bass and banjo player Mike Lipuma has made music with a myriad of players, now splitting his time with The Otherlys and local country legends The Tone Ponys. But he will happily admit to wanting and waiting for the chance to work with a vocalist like Kim. Now an Otherly, Mike adds just the right amount of walking bass and knee slapping banjo.

The newest member of the Otherlys, Lee White is a mighty force in small package. Her string work adds dimension, depth and a taste of the bittersweet. The song 'All That I Am' highlights this, along with Lipuma's absorbing banjo, weaving a mesmerizing of balmy still violin tones and danceable finger picking.

Driven by commanding vocals, accessible lyrics and solid musicianship, Kim Kenny and The Otherlys confidently come together to happily, boldly and daringly craft real music.