Hive Jive

Formed more than seven years ago by Barbara Clifford (vocals) and Theresa Drda (drums), the Honeybees were created with the idea that female vocals can be reinvented to make an important impact on today's music scene. The two core members worked with various personnel over the years. Today, the Honeybees' rock-solid line up includes Rachel Decker (vocals), Mark Braun (guitar/steel), Manny Guevara (guitar) and Michael Hogeorges (bass). With the tight, expressive harmonies of Barbara and Rachel, and Theresa as the driving force behind the drums, these three women represent the feminine strength behind the name. From there, the Honeybees move into a driving, modern energy mode driven by the varied guitar sounds of Mark, Manny and Michael. The band's musical influences range from rockabilly and roots legends such as Wanda Jackson, Janis Martin, Brenda Lee, Chuck Berry, The Sonics, Ricky Nelson, and T-Bone Walker to modern artists such as Rosie Flores and the Paladins. In 2002, the Honeybees released their EP simply called The Honeybees, their first musical product. In 2004, they released their first full length CD, The Bee Sides. It features a wide range of original material such as rockers Sugar and Spice, Road Trippin', and the jungle-rhythm-tinged, Seeing Green. Also performed is the classic Just Because and lesser known Hip Shakin' Baby. Billy Horton of Fort Horton Studios recorded the CD in Chicago and co-produced/mixed it. (Austin, Texas) In 2007, the Honeybees plan to release their second full length CD entitled Hive Jive. Billy Horton of Fort Horton Studios recorded this collection of mostly original tunes, in Chicago and once again co-produced/mixed it. The Honeybees have played a wide variety of venues and events in Chicago and in cities across the U.S. They have shared the stage with Rosie Flores, Los Straitjackets, Wanda Jackson, Junior Brown, Big Sandy, the Paladins, Deke Dickerson, Ray Condo and Sonny Burgess. Festivals include Taste of Chicago, Shake The Shack (Seattle), Hollywood Showdown (L.A.), Viva Las Vegas, Rockin' 50's Fest (Green Bay 2005 & 2007), Screamin' Fest (Spain), Rockabilly Rebel Weekender (Indianapolis), and most recently the Rockabilly Bombardment No. 3 (Austria/Germany).