JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s a jubilant vibe that simply fits the summer outdoor air. An octet of horns, drums, bass, keys, vocals, guitar and the occasional washboard, The California Honeydrops bring a timeless sound drenched in soulfulness and eclectic instrumental textures. And you can feel all the extra feels by supporting this concert, paying it forward for the local creative community. The Sunday show is The Center’s primary annual fundraiser, an event that supports all aspects of the organization’s mission.
With humble beginnings in 2007 busking on the streets and in the subways of Oakland, CA, the band was founded by lead singer Lech Wierzynski and drummer Benjamin Malament with a name inspired by the 1930s jugband, The Tennessee Chocolate Drops. Crowd engagement is a centerpiece of what they do on stage, a high-energy live experience that seamlessly blends R&B, funk, blues, New Orleans jazz, and American roots music. Plenty of improvisation, instrument layering and mixing up setlists from show-to-show, the Honeydrops know how to shed the work skin and bring fun to audiences. They’ve also accrued an impressive discography of studio releases, over a dozen since 2008, including the latest Keep on Diggin’ (2024) — a super groovy, upbeat and dance-forward album that also showcases their improvisational goodness.
Joining frontman Wierzynski and percussionist Malament, other band members include Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustig on saxophone, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar, Beaumont Beaulieu on drums, Miles Blackwell on bass, Oliver Tuttle on trombone, Leon Cotter on saxophone/clarinet, and Miles Lyons on trombone/sousaphone.
There’s more than just the 7 p.m. headliner set. Check out the early lineup of local Center resident offerings. Art Association of Jackson Hole, KHOL, JH Writers, and JH Public Art will each offer engaging activities, 5 to 7 p.m.
Riot Act, Inc. will perform Stephen Sondheim’s “Unworthy of Your Love” at 5:15 p.m, followed by Off Square Theatre Company at 6:15 p.m., performing songs from Shakespeare’s “Something Rotten!” Showcasing Jackson’s young musical talent, Teton Music School’s student band, AXE, will perform at 5:30 p.m.
The Center Benefit featuring The California Honeydrops, 5 p.m. Sunday June 28 at The Center Park. $76/general admission. jhcenterforthearts.org. Food and drink available from local food trucks. Chairs and blankets are welcome.
