The California Honeydrops

Description

Digging deep into the roots of American music, The California Honeydrops embrace the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Second Line New Orleans Jazz, and early R&B. With stellar performances of traditional material as well as their own innovative music, The California Honeydrops get people out of their seats and onto the floor, dancing and singing along. Formed in November 2007, they first performed on the streets and in BART Stations in Oakland. Playfully crossing genres from Roots and Blues to R&B and soul, their sound is tied together by soulful vocal harmonies, colorful shouts from brass and horns, and a funky, good-times New Orleans rhythm section. Born in Warsaw, Poland, band leader and front man Lech Wierzynski began playing blues and jazz as a teenager at after-hours jam sessions in Washington D.C. After studying trumpet with Marcus Belgrave (Ray Charles), Lech continued his career after moving to Oakland. Honing his craft with some of the biggest names in American music, such as Maria Muldaur, Dan Hicks, and Jackie Payne, Lech has grown equally as a trumpeter, singer, and guitarist. The vibrant rhythm section of The California Honeydrops is fueled by piano veteran Chris Burns (Albert Collins, Freddie Hughes, Maria Muldaur), drummer Ben Malament (Terry Reid, The Marvelettes, The Jelly Roll Souls), and bassist Seth Ford-Young (Tom Waits, Sean Hayes, Beats Antique). Adding an unprecedented energy is saxophonist Johnny Bones (Eddie Palmieri, Nell Carter, Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums).

The California Honeydrops perform at the next installment of the series on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., Blues dance lesson starts at 8:00 p.m., and showtime is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Advance tickets can be purchased through http://www.ticketweb.com, or at Ashkenaz during shows. All ages are welcome at all shows, and children age 12 and under enter for free unless otherwise noted.