Music

The California Honeydrops Ignite MGM Music Hall: A Night of Joy and Soul

Review of the October 27th, 2023 Performance in Boston, MA

On a crisp autumn evening in Boston, the MGM Music Hall buzzed with anticipation. The city’s famed concert venue, perched beside Fenway’s storied green walls, was alight with golden glow and the chatter of fans eager for a taste of the California Honeydrops’ singular blend of soul, funk, blues, and New Orleans brass. Word had spread for weeks about this show—October 27th, 2023 was circled on many calendars—not just for what the band would play, but how they would play it: with the jubilant, improvisational spirit that has made the Honeydrops both cult favorites and festival mainstays.

Stepping into MGM Music Hall that night felt like stepping onto a street in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The air was festive, electric. Rows of gleaming brass instruments caught the spotlights, and even before a note was played, the crowd seemed to sway gently in expectation. The Honeydrops are known for breaking down the barriers between band and audience, and from the outset, this was more than a concert—it was a gathering, a communal celebration of music’s power to uplift.

The venue itself, with its tiered balconies and excellent sightlines, provided the perfect canvas for an immersive musical experience. Fans, ranging from lifelong devotees to curious newcomers, filled the space, their diversity a testament to the band’s wide appeal.

When the lights dimmed and the California Honeydrops ambled onstage—not with the swagger of rock stars, but the warmth of old friends—the audience erupted in cheers. Lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski greeted the crowd with a grin, his trumpet slung nonchalantly by his side. Without preamble, they launched into “When It Was Wrong,” one of their signature tunes, its groove infectious and immediate. Within minutes, the entire hall was moving as one, hips swaying and hands clapping in time.

The band wasted no time showcasing their versatility. Each member—Wierzynski on trumpet and vocals, Ben Malament on drums and washboard, Johnny Bones on saxophone and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beaumont Beaullieu on bass—took turns shining in the spotlight, weaving solos and instrumental breaks with effortless camaraderie. The interplay between horns and rhythm section was tight yet playful, a hallmark of their live shows.

The California Honeydrops defy easy categorization, and their MGM Music Hall setlist was a joyful testament to their eclecticism. Moving fluidly from rollicking R&B to simmering blues, from Crescent City funk to folk-tinged balladry, the band proved that genre is more guideline than rule. “Long Way” and “Brokedown,” both crowd favorites, showcased Wierzynski’s soulful vocals—equal parts grit and honey—while the band behind him created a rollicking, danceable soundscape.

It was during the up-tempo “Honey Sugar” that the crowd truly let loose. The Honeydrops eschew the barrier of the stage, often venturing into the audience or inviting fans to join them in a chorus. Dancers spun in the aisles, and even the most reticent attendees found themselves swept up in the music’s infectious joy. The rhythm section drove the groove relentlessly, but always with a light touch—music that moves both body and spirit.

One of the band’s greatest gifts is their ability to shift from exuberant party anthems to intimate, heartfelt ballads. Midway through the evening, the lights softened, and Wierzynski addressed the crowd, sharing stories of long tours, late-night jam sessions, and the simple joy of playing music with friends. The performance of “Let It Go” shimmered with tenderness; the audience, rapt and silent, swayed gently as trumpet notes floated skyward.

The Honeydrops’ banter between songs was spontaneous, authentic, and often hilarious. Whether recounting misadventures on the road or riffing on Boston’s unpredictable weather, the band fostered a genuine connection with their listeners. These moments of levity made the soulful numbers hit even harder—joy and sorrow intertwined, as in life.

Throughout the night, the lines between performer and listener blurred delightfully. At several points, the band launched into extended improvisational jams, encouraging the audience to echo back melodies and choruses. The rendition of “Just Another Day” turned into a jubilant singalong, thousands of voices rising in unison. The Honeydrops’ music is rooted in community; in Boston, that community was palpable.

An unplanned highlight arrived when Wierzynski, trumpet in hand, leapt down from the stage, leading a parade through the crowd. Musicians and fans formed a jubilant procession, weaving among seats as laughter and music filled the air. It was a reminder that for the Honeydrops, music is not a performance to be observed but a celebration to be shared.

Instrumental prowess is central to the California Honeydrops’ appeal, but never at the expense of emotional resonance. Johnny Bones’ saxophone solos soared, by turns sultry and exuberant. Malament’s inventive drumming anchored the set, while Loera’s keys provided both subtle textures and rollicking solos. The interplay between brass, rhythm, and keyboard felt organic and improvisational—a band perfectly in sync, yet always willing to take risks.

Especially memorable was the washboard solo, a nod to the band’s New Orleans roots. The audience cheered as Malament coaxed rhythms and textures from the humble instrument, transforming a simple household object into a powerhouse of percussive energy.

As the main set drew to a close, the crowd’s cheers grew insistent, and the band obliged with a generous encore. The final songs were both reflective and celebratory—a rousing rendition of “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” had every last person on their feet, while the closing “Like You Mean It” sent fans out into the brisk Boston night with spirits lifted.

The California Honeydrops’ October 27th performance at MGM Music Hall will linger in the memories of all who attended. Their ability to unite a diverse audience, to inspire both joy and reflection, and to remind us of the simple magic of live music is rare indeed. In an era where connection can feel elusive, the Honeydrops offered not just entertainment but communion—a reminder that, in the right hands, music is a language we all share.

For those who witnessed this night of revelry, laughter, and soul, one thing is certain: the California Honeydrops don’t just play songs; they create experiences. Boston, on this autumn night, was aglow with their light.