The California Honeydrops are expanding their Shine Delight tour across five Colorado cities, the 8 piece band filled Mission Ballroom in Denver and sold out Washington’s in Fort Collins. Each night was loaded with consistent jams that kept the masses moving with delight.
Denver welcomed San Francisco’s The Brothers Comatose to open. The string-based quintet filled the air with familiar and exuberant folk sounds in original songs like Strings and Tops of the Trees.
They brought a gaiety vibe in their take on Wheeler Walker Jr.’s Drop ‘Em Out, inviting the crowd to sing along to the chorus.
Young mandolinist Addie Levy also weighs in on vocals, having a few of her own featured bits. Phillip Brezina bowed the violin while appropriately, Steve Height played the double bass.
For a total of 27 strings, The Brothers Comatose delivered the perfect energy needed to introduce the night’s headliner.
I had the opportunity to sit down with The Brothers Comatose’s merch manager, Carrie Jordan, who noted the band’s more spontaneous approach to making a set list.
“It always comes together just before the set, depending on the requests and the mood of the band that night. But it’s guaranteed to be a party no matter what”
Mark Franzen, Honeydrops’ merch manager, chimed in agreement that they too have a more frivolous approach on how to unravel the night.
The Brothers Comatose Social links
The California Honeydrops rallied the Denver crowd by starting with a fresh take on The Crusaders Keep That Same Ole Feeling. They transitioned their groove into Tulsa Time, found on their album Covers From The Cave.
Both nights pulled from across their 10-album discography since they started in 2008. They progress seamlessly between songs, effortlessly communicating with each other and engaging fans.
Despite their stage being immensely busy and almost unpredictable, there is an enchanting delivery of colorful, well-timed spotlights that highlight everyone accordingly.
The California Honeydrops Social Links
As previously mentioned, Lech Wierzynski leads vocals while switching out between his trumpet, guitar and infectious dancing.
The brass section consists of Johnny Bones and Leon Cotter on saxophone. One of the newest members, Miles Lyons, teeters between the tuba and slide trumpet.
Lorenzo Loera is found working across a dual-layered keyboard setup, contributing vocals and occasionally picking up the guitar or bass. However, the other newest member, Miles Blackwell, mostly takes charge of plucking the bass while also contributing to backup harmonies.
Enthusiast’s Tip: These two are half of Bay Area band, The Heeters, carrying through their alliance eloquently.
Ben Malament and Beau Beaullieu are each found behind their own uniquely designed drum kits, maintaining unified beats. Beau, previously being the one on bass, has since expanded his profile.
Ben devotes to back up vocals as well and briefly brings a washboard to the front for several acoustic songs.
It is downright impressive to see such a myriad of instruments and personas interchange so frequently, to come together creating a deeply cooperative collaboration.
There’s a whirling, infectious energy to The California Honeydrops—both on stage and on record. The Oakland-based group blends rootsy blues with soulful R&B, creating a sound that feels less like a concert and more like a full-on party.
Despite the tour recently ending, the band just released a new single titled 365 Flavors. The band fluidly releases new content in lulls of their shows. Starting in May, two dates on the lengthier Lovin’ Made Easy tour have officially sold out while several other dates already have low tickets. They are also featured in a handful of festivals hosted throughout the US later this year.
You can find more intimate content and keep up with future announcements on their social media. Tune into any major platform for music streaming as well.
Thank you Washington’s for letting us photograph the show!
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