On trumpet, the California Honeydrops’ Lech Wierzynski plays with Ben Malament on the washboard at Terminal West in Atlanta, Georgia. [Nikon D5, 28-300mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/5.6, 1/200]

For my wife’s birthday, we went to Terminal West, a concert venue in Atlanta, Georgia, to hear The California Honeydrops play.

I am thrilled I brought my Nikon D5 and Nikkor 28-3oomm ƒ/3.5-5.6, so I could capture some of the band playing for our family album.

From their website: http://www.cahoneydrops.com/

The California Honeydrops don’t just play music—they throw parties. Drawing on diverse musical influences, including Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, they have taken those parties worldwide, playing festivals of all kinds and touring widely across North America, Europe, and Australia. The band was honored to travel with Bonnie Raitt on her 2016 North American album release tour and, in the past, has been privileged to support the likes of B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John. Whether playing for audiences of thousands or in intimate venues where they can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make the audience dance and sing.

Founded by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski and percussionist Ben Malament, The Honeydrops started busking on the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, where they quickly developed a passionate local following. But the band’s roots stretch back to Wierzynski’s childhood in Poland, where he soaked up the sounds of contraband American recordings by Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. Later, as a first-generation immigrant to the U.S. and child of political refugees, he assimilated himself by devouring American rock & roll, soul, jazz, and hip-hop recordings. His musical immersion continued at Oberlin College and on the club circuit in Oakland, California.

Growing up playing trumpet all the way into college bands and singing for the church, I loved the group’s sound. Their music is eclectic because most bands have a more narrow style.

Hearing a washboard being played with a horn section was just amazing. The syncopation and groove made me feel like I was enjoying the musicians in a garage jam session where they were playing for the love of the music rather than for performance only.

Terminal West was one of the best venues in Atlanta that I have been to for a small intimate band experience.

The cost of our tickets was only $15 each. The food was also great and reasonably priced.

They had two bars, and the staff was excellent.

We will be looking for more bands playing at Terminal West shortly.