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The Honeybee Trio was formed in October 2008. Its three young singers, Sarah, Natalie, and Karli were only 12 and 13 at the time. They were all aware of each other's vocal abilities: two of the girls had performed duets together, they had all performed in local talent shows, and they had all been members of the same musical theater groups. They had even discussed the possibility of doing a trio, but it wasn't until their artistic director, Debi McMindes, came along that this idea became a reality. Debi asked the three to work together for a special performance at a local retirement community. Though there were originally no plans beyond that one performance, it was clear that their combined talents produced something very special. And so, The Honeybee Trio was born. The girls sing classics from the 1930s and beyond in tight, three part harmony, with an emphasis on the 1930s and 40s swing era. In the three years since their journey began, they have performed over 100 times to enthusiastic audiences
throughout California.
Because of the nature of the songs in their repertoire, active military and veterans groups often request the girls to perform. They have formed a close association with Travis Air Force Base where they have appeared several times: the Base Commander's retirement party, a "Welcome Home Warriors" event, the "Skies Over Solano" airshow, and a VIP reception for General Raymond Johns (Commander, Air Mobility Command). Recently, they sang on the historic USS Hornet and have been invited back for repeat performances.
The trio also organized and performed at a fundraiser which directly benefited the Travis Fisher House and the Travis AFB USO. This event raised over $6500 to help these important organizations assist our military members and their families.
These girls feel a very strong tie to their community, and have also participated in other fundraisers and civic events. They have performed for the past two years at the Festival of Trees Gala to help raise funds for Opportunity House (an important local organization that houses women and children at risk), twice participated in the national Victory Over Cancer celebration, and entertained the crowd at the Vacaville Relay For Life.
In addition to these experiences, the girls have twice graced the stage at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theater to front The Moonlight Swing Big Band: a 20 piece preservation big band in the style of Glenn Miller. They had the thrilling experience of performing in front of a crowd of 25,000 at their town's tree lighting ceremony, and have entertained at the famous Jackson Rancheria Resort and Casino, sang and danced at San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders games, and performed the national anthem to open a San Jose Giants championship baseball game. They have also headlined at several local venues to sold-out crowds.
As their reputation has grown, so has the list of publications they have appeared in. These include The San Francisco Chronicle, The (Vacaville) Reporter, The (Fairfield) Daily Republic, The Dixon Tribune, Vacaville Magazine, Emma Close To Home magazine, Northbay Healthcare Wellspring magazine, Vacaville Around Town, and The Monthly Grapevine. They have also performed on Vacaville's own radio station (KUIC), and have appeared live on Good Day Sacramento, and Sacramento & Company.
They earned 1st place in the 2009 Fiesta Days Talent Competition and received the Artistic Achievement Award from the Vacaville Arts Advisory Committee and the City of Vacaville. Recently, they were given the Volunteer Appreciation Award from the Travis AFB Fisher House and the 2011 Vacaville Performing Artists' Award by the Vaca Arts Council.
They have recently completed their third CD.
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