Charlie Dentel Bio

Singer-songwriter Charlie Dentel is a dynamic performer who sings original melodies from the heart of American music, spanning Folk to Soul.  He draws from a large repertoire of original songs written over a performing career of 30 years, as well as an eclectic selection of covers channeling artists such as David Bowie, Prince, Elvis Costello, and more.  Whether playing guitar or piano, Dentel’s performances always feature stirring vocals, great songs, and lots of fun and love.  Dentel can be seen with his band, Charlie Dentel and the Strange Angels, as the vocalist for the TNT Big Band in Detroit, and with the Beatles tribute act Dig A Phony.

Charlie Dentel Story

Since the mid ’80’s, Charlie Dentel has been bringing his unique brand of original folk, rock and roll, roots, and soul music to audiences in the midwest, the east coast, and the west coast. First with a band called Third Rail and then Juice, formed with Ahvram Novetsky, Ben Wilson, and Alex Johnson,  Dentel performed all over the midwest and released Juice’s self-titled LP in 1989.

From 1991-1994, Dentel lived in San Francisco, CA and performed and recorded in a band called Big Fun with guitarist/producer Matt Singleton.  He also maintained a solo presence, recording and performing at venues including the Club Komotion and the Bottom of the Hill.   Dentel was featured on a Komotion International Compilation CD in 1993.

From 1994-1996, Charlie studied voice and composition at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and continued as a solo artist at venues including the OK Hotel and the Crocodile Cafe.

In 1996, he formed the group Five Ton Creek in Ann Arbor with Ahvram Novetsky and Brian Delaney, performing at venues including the Blind Pig and the Gypsy Cafe until 2000, when Dentel teamed up with Brian Delaney for his first solo CD release called Walls of Stone.

Charlie followed that CD up with a collaboration with the Motor City Horns called Innocent Things in 2003. Performances with this project included the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, and Greektown Casino.

Charlie has continued to perform and expand his style pallet, both with Charlie Dentel & the Strange Angels, formed in 2016, with the TNT Big Band since 2012, and as a pianist and vocalist with the Beatles tribute act Dig A Phony.   When he is not teaching or performing, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

Charlie Dentel is also a dedicated music educator and holds a position as a K-5 General Music Teacher in the Plymouth-Canton Community School District in Plymouth, MI. The fall of 2020 will mark his 22nd year as a music educator. His choirs perform at the Village Theater in Canton, MI and USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, MI.