The Source Weekly reporting is made possible by the power of your support! Become an Insider.

Nothing like Honey Brunches on a Saturday Morning

Local band Honey Don't raises money for St. Charles Meal Mission, while having some musical weekend fun

[
        {
          "name": "Air - Ad - Rectangle - 2 pack - Inline Content - 1",
          "insertPoint": "1/2",
          "component": "16844684",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "6"
        }
        
        ,{
          "name": "Air - Ad - Rectangle - 2 pack - Inline Content - 2",
          "insertPoint": "1/4",
          "component": "16844686",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "20"
        },{
          "name": "Air - Ad - Rectangle - 2 pack - Inline Content - 3",
          "insertPoint": "3/4",
          "component": "16844687",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "17"
        }
      ]

Music brings people together. We haven't had it in the traditional sense over the last few months, but it's been great to see how the scene in Central Oregon has banded together to keep music alive.

One local band, Honey Don't, is taking its live streamed shows and using them as a way to give back to fans and the community. You may also recall that one half of Honey Don't, Bill Powers, has partnered with us throughout the pandemic to bring you the Source Weekly Home Concert Series. During non-pandemic times, he also runs the Storytellers Open Mic at The Commons in downtown Bend—a trend he has continued with a weekly live open mic via Facebook.

click to enlarge

Nothing like Honey Brunches on a Saturday Morning

JT Thomas

Honey Don't serves up folk and bluegrass tunes on the regular. Don't miss out their Saturday morning brunch shows.

"It's been fantastic connecting with folks online," said Powers. "I know for myself, I miss the live, in-person thing a lot. A big part of playing music is finding personal connection through music. We're doing the best we can to fill that void right now. But it's far from the same."

The duo's Saturday streamed concert series, also known as Honey Brunches, gives back in more ways than one. Through sponsorships from local businesses including Worthy Brewing, Bend South Liquor, Strictly Organic, Bend Cider Co. and more, Honey Don't raffles off goods during the show.

Viewers tune in on Saturday and share the stream through their social media accounts to be entered to win brunchy themed prizes including hats, beer, cider and more. Those who don't care about winning a prize are still treated to a set of great music right from home.

"We just wanted to be bale to talk about these businesses and encourage folks to to support them," said Bill Powers. "It's a win-win for everyone."

The series also gives back by donating portions of the money raised during streams to the St. Charles Meal Mission, a program started by Eric Leadbetter that partners local musicians and restaurants like Dump City Dumplings, Big Ski's Pierogis, the Bleu Rooster and more, to feed the staff at St. Charles. People can send donations through PayPal ([email protected]) or Venmo (@bill-powers-27.)

Powers says they plan to continue doing Honey Brunches until the end of May. Their final show will be a socially-distanced live show as a full four-piece band.

Catch this Saturday's stream or others down the road on the Honey Don't Facebook page or at Bill Power's page. Shows start at 11am. To be entered into the raffle you must share out while the session is live.

If you want to be featured in our Home Concert Series, drop us a line at [email protected].

Check out last week's Honey Brunches show:

About The Author

Isaac Biehl

Isaac is living proof that "Iowa Nice" is actually a thing. A journalism graduate from Iowa State University, he regularly writes about music, the outdoors and the arts/culture scene. Isaac loves the Trail Blazers, backpacking and a good IPA. He plans to one day win Survivor. Your move, Jeff Probst...

Help make local journalism happen

We are committed to providing the Central Oregon community with well-researched news and impactful stories on local events. Your financial contribution ensures our work stays free for all. Contribute today!