More than 250 intrepid Wimberley music lovers turned out for a performance of the all-female Hill Country Honeys last Friday at Blue Hole. Despite several light showers, the Honeys delivered an upbeat, rousing performance that endeared them to their many fans.
Friends of Wimberley Parks spokesperson Andrew Weber introduced the band by quoting Marilee Wood, an early city council member and one of the the first members of the Friends of Wimberley Parks, who said, “Blue Hole park was born under a lucky star.”
The crowd, game for a memorable evening, signalled their agreement, shouts, whistles and applause.
With the park’s scenic cliffs as their backdrop, the Honeys tore into a two-hour set of original songs and covers designed to show their potent songwriting, solid musicianship and the delectably soulful vocals of Rose Gabriel and Mindy Turner.
Bassist Amber Lucille and lead guitarist Sloan Michael ponied up their own vocals and musical chops to Simon’s “Loves me like a Rock,” and the Youngbloods’ anthem, “Get Together,” with the crowd leaning into the refrain, “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.” Michael’s guitar solo brought appreciative applause.
Rose introduced her original, “You’re Too Much,” based on a reaction she drew from others as a young girl gifted with exuberant energy. “Some people couldn’t handle all my joy,” she told the crowd.
The Honeys followed with Lucinda Williams’ “Lake Charles” and Elton John’s “Levon.” Michael introduced her original, “Driving Momma’s Cadillac,” about a tricked-out Cadillac with too many miles to ride like the wind.
A spate of raindrops dampened the swim lawn and stage but couldn’t budge the high spirits. A girl named Luna Pearl approached the stage and told the Honeys it was her tenth birthday and the band led the crowd in a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
Kids scaled the cliffs behind the band, friends said hello and listeners on the other side of Cypress Creek joined in.
The performance ushered in the first of four Friday night concerts at Blue Hole in April. Sponsored by the Friends of Wimberley Parks, the Wimberley Parks and Rec Department, the Stratocrackers performed April 10 and this Friday, Chasing Tigers will take the stage. On April 24, the concert will showcase the Jesse Stratton band.
