The California Honeydrops & Valerie June 10.2.21

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Mission Ballroom
Denver, CO

Words & Photos by Veronica Vera Photography

The Mission Ballroom welcomed back The California Honeydrops on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with Valerie June. The band's Denver based fans were very excited to see them perform live again after waiting well over a year. The last time The California Honeydrops performed live in Denver was for a sold-out show on January 17, 2020. Soon after that show, the band was forced to cancel or postpone concerts up until their Pure Honey Fall 2021 tour making this show well anticipated by their fans. As part of their Spreadin’ Honey Project, an effort to partner with local non-profits based in each city of their tour, a percentage of merch sales was donated to Denver Urban Gardens.

The incredible, Memphis-based, folk soul singer-songwriter, Valerie June warmed up the crowd with her song ‘Shakedown’ in her fashionable, sequins pants while playing her guitar. She also performed other hits from her 2017 album The Order of Time such as "Astrak Plane" and "Smile" which continued to rev up the fans. She filled the ballroom with cheers and applauds as she reminded us “we are all here to shine bright” after a period of great hardship our world has recently endured. Valerie ended her set with "Tennessee Time" as she explained in her endearing southern accent that Tennessee is where she calls home.

As the stage crew finished the band's setup, Lech Wierzynski, lead vocal, was greeted by cheering fans as he crossed the stage just before their set. The crowd’s excitement could hardly be contained as they waited for the band to come on stage. A huge roar of cheering fans erupted from the ballroom as the band took their spots on stage. Lech started off the show playing the trumpet, Lorenzo Loera on the keyboard, Ben Malament on the drums, Johnny Bones and Leon Cotter on saxophone. They performed fan favorites such as "All Day, All Night" and "When It Was Wrong" which got the crowd really moving and jiving. As true to form, the band gave an energetic and dance-party type of performance that their fans have come to love and expect.

Stops in New Orleans, Dallas, Austin and Houston are next on this amazing tour. The California Honeydrops announced they will be playing from their soon-to-be released album on October 14th, Covers from the Cave in the shows to come. Make sure you see this epic band when they come into town!



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