“The California Honeydrops...evoke the greasy rumble of Booker T and channel the spiritual ecstasy ofSly and the Family Stone.”-Rolling Stone
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfitThe California Honeydropsare anelectrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals includingByron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring withB.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Led by the enigmatic and energeticfrontman,Lech Wierzynski, and drummerBenjamin Malament, each member of the band is a virtuosoin their own rite—Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustigon saxophone,Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar,Beaumont Beaullieuon bass, and regularly accompanied byScott Messersmithon percussion,OliverTuttleon trombone,Leon Cotteron saxophone/clarinet, andMiles Lyonson trombone/sousaphone—navigating through a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics every night. But what trulysets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of improvisation-a skill so finely honed thatthey have completely abandoned the use of set lists and no two shows are ever the same. Off stage, theirmusic has been streamed more than 200 million times, and placed in a variety of TV and films, including“Dead To Me,” “Alaska Daily,” “Black-ish” and more. They are currently touring North America in supportof their new deluxe album, 'Soft Spot'.
Sun Oct 11 2026
8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Ages 18+
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Tipitina's Presents
The California Honeydrops
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The California Honeydrops
Early American Blues
“The California Honeydrops...evoke the greasy rumble of Booker T and channel the spiritual ecstasy ofSly and the Family Stone.”-Rolling Stone
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfitThe California Honeydropsare anelectrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals includingByron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring withB.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Led by the enigmatic and energeticfrontman,Lech Wierzynski, and drummerBenjamin Malament, each member of the band is a virtuosoin their own rite—Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustigon saxophone,Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar,Beaumont Beaullieuon bass, and regularly accompanied byScott Messersmithon percussion,OliverTuttleon trombone,Leon Cotteron saxophone/clarinet, andMiles Lyonson trombone/sousaphone—navigating through a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics every night. But what trulysets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of improvisation-a skill so finely honed thatthey have completely abandoned the use of set lists and no two shows are ever the same. Off stage, theirmusic has been streamed more than 200 million times, and placed in a variety of TV and films, including“Dead To Me,” “Alaska Daily,” “Black-ish” and more. They are currently touring North America in supportof their new deluxe album, 'Soft Spot'. -
Jontavious Willis
Blues
Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission: to reinvigorate today’s Blues with the spirit of the past. Inspired by a time when the Blues were plentiful and rhythm reigned supreme, Jontavious leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional Blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues. Dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm keep Jontavious sending jolts of vitality through the Blues community.
Jontavious was born and raised in rural Georgia, an environment with deep cultural roots that provides the inspiration he has continuously drawn upon to create his unique sound. He spent much of his childhood singing Gospel music at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church with his grandfather, which provided him his first setting to perform for an audience. An early phenom, his passion for the Blues was sparked at age 14 when he came across a YouTube video of Muddy Waters playing “Hoochie Coochie Man.” He achieved widespread acclaim when living legend Taj Mahal invited Jontavious to accompany him onstage in 2015, with Taj describing him as his “Wonderboy.” Jontavious was invited to open for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ during their joint TajMo tour in 2018, giving him an opportunity to present his work on a national stage. Blue Metamorphosis, his acoustic debut album released in 2016, garnered rave reviews in Living Blues and Blues & Rhythm and won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge 2018 Award for Best Self-Produced CD. His Grammy-nominated sophomore album, Spectacular Class, sees Jontavious survey an array of Blues styles with lively ensemble performances.
His upcoming album, signed with Strolling Bones Records, is a testament to his love for songwriting. With solo tracks as well as duo, trio, and full band works, he articulates a totally original take on traditional Blues.
Jontavious features prominently in shows and festivals across the world, sharing his unique blend of time-honored yet modern, intellectual yet danceable Blues with all.
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