In this special WinterWonderGrass Series episode of Steamboat Sound Check, we sit down with Ben Malament, founding member and percussionist of The California Honeydrops—a band that has spent nearly two decades redefining live music experiences with their infectious energy, genre-blending sound, and deep connection to their audience.
Born from the streets of the Bay Area, The California Honeydrops have never lost touch with their busking roots. Whether playing subway stations in their early days or setting up an impromptu post-show jam on a street corner—like they did after their unforgettable Dillon Amphitheater performance—their dedication to keeping music spontaneous and personal remains at the heart of what they do. Their signature mix of soul, jazz, R&B, blues, and New Orleans-style funk has endeared them to fans worldwide, and nowhere more so than in Colorado, where they’re a staple at legendary venues like the Mishawaka Amphitheatre and sell out shows year after year.
In our conversation, Ben takes us behind the scenes of the band’s fearless, no-setlist approach to live performances, sharing how they decide what to play in the moment and why keeping things unpredictable is key to their magic. We also dive into their latest album, Keep On Diggin’, exploring how they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. Plus, we talk about their incredible collaboration with Lindsay Lou on the song “Fall in Love Again”—and whether we might see that performed live at WinterWonderGrass this weekend.
WinterWonderGrass is often thought of as a bluegrass festival, but as The California Honeydrops prove, it’s really about celebrating musicians who know how to bring joy, energy, and authenticity to the stage. With their genre-bending sound and undeniable chemistry, they fit right in. Tune in as we chat with Ben about what makes their Colorado shows so special, their journey as a band, and what they’re most excited for at this year’s WinterWonderGrass Festival!
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