Uncle Cheef
An unexpected club in Brewster draws top-notch musicians and channels NYC style
Last night was not my first time at Uncle Cheef, a relatively new live music lounge in Brewster. And it won’t be my last. As it did on my other visits, the club provided a night of exceptional music, creative food, a warm atmosphere and a wonderful audience. A sophisticated space, with vaulted ceiling, chandeliers as well as a disco ball, black walls and fine acoustics, it is unique in this area, and I do mean unique, a word that writers are cautioned against using.
To see and hear this caliber of talent in a space like this, you would expect you’d have to trek to NYC, which we all know (whether by car or train), from up here, is a trip. But Uncle Cheef, who lives in Brewster, has brought a touch of NYC with him by opening this club nearly two years ago.
So, let’s start first with Uncle Cheef, a Tonight Show musician! He is also a six-time Grammy-award winning saxophonist, and his name is really Ian Hendrickson-Smith. Wearing his signature hat, he has been in the club every time I’ve been there. I haven’t heard him play, but I hear that occasionally he will jump into a performance if the mood is right.
He introduces himself to anyone who expresses interest in chatting with him, and last night, I watched him help the staff clear a few tables and meeting folks as he went along. He is authentic and down-to-earth, and his wife, Jenny, is there alongside him. They make a beautiful couple, and I’m glad they brought this place to Brewster. Follow him on Instagram (unclecheef).
I’ve enjoyed the music each time I was there, and last night’s performance moved me to finally write about the club. Consistency is important, and I think Uncle Cheef (a nickname from his time with the Dap-Kings, with “Uncle” added on by his friends’ kids) has the formula. To hear an interview he did when the club was opening, listen to DJ Val on WRRV for some back story.
Last night, we sat at the bar to see award-winning KJ Denhert, NYC-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter take the stage with her band, the Evening News. KJ has played here before, and typically her shows are sold out because she is talented, funny, personable and a complete joy to hear.
She describes her music as urban folk and jazz, with influences from James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan, but her music melds and stretches beyond categories. Whatever genre she calls it, KJ is a captivating storyteller, and her 40-year career, 10 albums, numerous awards and thousands of fans prove it. She knows how to work the room.
After the show, she greets attendees, and her humility is apparent when I say to her, “You don’t need me to tell you this, but that was a fabulous performance, and you are amazing!” She laughs and replies, “Oh, yes, I do! Thank you!”
If you go, check the website as Friday and Saturday are ticketed shows; prices generally around $20; Thursday and Sunday generally are not, but always check website. Upcoming events on website calendar page. The club seats just over 100 people.
The menu offers a good range of options including vegan. There is a $25 food & beverage minimum. My friends and I shared plates of chicken wings, roasted brussel sprouts (so good! served with lemon ricotta, apples, maple walnuts, bacon and crispy quinoa), a chopped salad and duck fat baked potatoes. All delicious and interesting. Menu here. Nice bar. Craft cocktails, wines, beer.
Prices reflect the NYC vibes, but it’s a nearby getaway that will make you feel as though you’re in the city.
Uncle Cheef is upstairs at 988 Route 22 on the outskirts of Brewster village. Ample parking across the road. Open Thursday to Saturday 6:30 p.m. to close. Sunday 4:30 p.m. to close. Live stream on Vimeo. Check website.