James’ Arts & Culture Revival: Get To Know Dena Underwood

Hey! Philly-music lovers, this month I’m bringing you an inside look at a few local musicians that are keeping our music scene on the map in their own special way. First up, is the ever-talented (and Philly born-and-raised) pianist and vocalist Dena Underwood. 

Dena comes from a family with some very deep musical roots. This definitely shows in the natural richness of her voice and in Dena’s dedication to her musicanship. As a matter of fact, G-Philly Magazine just hailed Dena as one of the city’s Top 5 LBGT musicans and artists.  You can checkout the article here. 

Each and every Monday and Thursday, you can catch Dena at one of my favorite local piano bars, Tavern on Camac – which happens to be of the country’s oldest gay and lesbian bars. Here, Dena and a colorful cast of regulars sing a mix of jazz standards, broadway showtunes and classic soul. I definitely think Dena’s voice shines the brightest, but I’m always surprised by some of the talent that shows up (and shows out!) from week to week. 

So, as you make your summer plans, be sure to checkout and support Dena and all of the other local musicians that are writing the next chapter of Philly’s rich music legacy.  

Checkout our exclusive Philly 360° Q&A with jazz vocalist and pianist Dena Underwood! 

James: Hey Dena!  So, you are Philly born and raised, right? What do you love about living here?

Dena: Philly is definitely a  close-knit city.  I feel like any venue that I visit or play in, there is always someone I know, and I have tons of friends and family here. I mean I definitely want to make music in other places, but right now this is where I am based, and it’s nice.  

James: How does the city inspire your music?

Dena: Well, It’s where I grew up, and even just walking around the city I get alot of influences.  I get the opportunity to perform with some amazing people.  Twice a week I perform at a great local piano bar, Tavern on Camac, and in July I’ll be performing at the Sugarhouse Casino with Eddie Bruce & The Tom Adams Trio.  It’s great, when I visit places like Time, Ortlieb’s or Chris’ Jazz Cafe, it seems I can always just hop up and play with people.  

James: Okay, a hypothetical question! You have a friend coming into town for a few hours and you can only take them one place or do one thing with them.  Where do you go? What do you do?

Dena: Hmmm, I’d probably take them to Ortlieb’s. I really like the neighborhood – Northern Liberties! There are so many places we could grab a bite to eat and then head to Ortleib’s. I know on Tuesday nights, they still have the jam sessions.  

James: So, for you music is definitely a family affair, right? What is that like? Knowing that you could pass the mic around the dinner table and there’s always someone to sing or play? 

Dena: That makes for a good time! Family gatherings are fun and energetic.  It’s like a showcase of all the Underwoods – my dad, my aunt, my cousins, my sisters. It’s definitely a good time – like a concert!

James: You know I’m a huge fan of your voice. I love you singing jazz, soul, standards and broadway tunes! You have so many different dimension to your voice.  Where does that come from? Who has influenced your sound?

Dena: Well first my family, then I have this really deep love for Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme.  People don’t really listen to (Mel Torme) that much, but he was an amazing musician and a great drummer and vocalist. I’ve also been listening to Robert Glasper a lot lately, his piano playing is just beautiful – amazing ideas!

James: You were recently featured in G-Philly Magazine as one of Philly’s top LBGT musicians. Tell us about that! 

Dena: Yes, that was really great. It was tons of fun and a real honor to be listed as an artist people should be looking out for and following. The Philadelphia Tribune also wrote a great review (read it here) of my last show at the Sugarhouse Casino back in April. So Philadelphia has definitely showed me a bunch of love – I’m really grateful! 

James: So what’s on the horizon for your own music? Tell us what you are working on now. 

Dena: Right now, I am really working on trying to write some originals.  For the past few years, I’ve focused on learn jazz standards and pop tunes to play at my regular gigs, but I really want to branch out and do some original music.  I’ve also been in the religious community a little bit more, singing at Broad Street Ministry and with the choir at Arch Street Presbyterian – and that’s really taking me back to my roots.  Beside some choral experiences with Anna Crusis and another group called SheWho, I haven’t really sung with a choir since my high school days.  

James: That’s right, you’re another one of the tremendous talents from Philly’s High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). So let’s see, your fellow alumni are Boys II Men, Tyce from MPrynt, Jazmine Sullivan…

Dena: Yes, Jazmine Sullivan attended after I did, but I definitely went to high school with Boyz II Men and even sang with some of them.  

James: Awesome. You already mentioned your gigs at one of my favorite spots in the Philly Gayborhood, Tavern on Camac.  What do you enjoy about playing there?  

Dena:  It’s random! (laughs) It seems like I’ve pretty much gotten into a groove during my Thursday night gigs there, but then sometimes it turns into something else – totally unexpected!  We always have a great time and I’ve been able to connect with and touch such a diverse group of people by working there. And, now that I’ve started playing there twice a week… Mondays are a total mixed bag! You’ve definitely never seen anything quite like Mondays at Tavern on Camac.  

James: So, during my interviews I always ask folks about their BHAG. Have you ever heard of a BHAG? A Big-Hairy-Audacious-Goal? You know, the sky’s the limit kind of dream!

Dena: Okay! Well, it would be to put out a project of my own originals mixed with some jazz. And, also to leave the country and go to Japan and do some jazz there – Amsterdam, London Paris! Yeah, that is the BHAG! For sure. 

Insider Tip: You can catch Dena every Monday and Thursday at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac Street.  Also, on July 20, Dena will join Eddie Bruce & the Tom Adams Trio for a special night of jazz at Sugarhouse Casino.  

Like the Dena Underwood Facebook Page to get updates on Dena’s concerts, music and more!