The Honey Dewdrops, husband and wife duo of Kagey Parrish and Laura Wortman, have been consistently putting out captivating, innovative, and original roots music since they burst on the scene on March 15, 2008. Remember where you were that day? If you were listening to the radio, you probably do because you would have heard The Honey Dewdrops win Prairie Home Companion’s “People in their Twenties Talent Contest.” But it was no contest. Their performance that night absolutely floored the audience at The Fitzgerald Theater and left Garrison Keillor almost tongue-tied when he presented them with the Wobegon Idol Trophy.
Parrish and Wortman describe The Honey Dewdrops’ sound as “experimental folk.” That’s probably as good of a two-word description of their music as any, but it doesn’t come close to capturing what makes this band so exceptional. Both Parrish and Wortman are first-rate musicians who play multiple instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and banjo. But it’s their real-life harmonies that first catch your attention, and their compelling original songs that keep drawing you back.
The Honey Dewdrops’ last album, Light Behind Light, received widespread acclaim upon its release. It was dubbed an “instant classic” by Maryland Roots Music.com. No Depression Magazine said of it, “The core of The Honey Dewdrops’ sound remains their perfectly paired playing and harmonies that can raise chills and warm hearts, sometimes in the same song.” Light Behind Light, which was recorded at Clean Cuts Studios in Baltimore, includes nine outstanding originals including Holy Hymn, Moonpies, and Weep, which all have become fan favorites and mainstays of their live shows. I sat down recently with The Honey Dewdrops to talk about Here in the Mountains and the Maryland music scene. Parrish and Wortman have been active in the Baltimore music and arts community since moving to Charm City from Virginia over a dozen years ago. I asked them if they felt pressure to top Light Behind Light when they were contemplating its follow up. “No,” Wortman said. “We are never trying to top an album. We’re just moving through our evolution as musicians and each album is just a reflection of where we are at the time.” From: https://marylandrootsmusic.com/2025/01/06/silver-lining-in-goodbye-the-honey-dewdrops-find-a-home-here-in-the-mountains/
