Oh Honey Is Simply Magical

Chicago – The sweet smell of a crisp summer night made Oh Honey’s dulcet sounds all the more pleasant, when the Brooklyn duo played an amazing set along the misty waterfront, lifting spirits and beckoning Chicagoans to fall in love with Oh Honey.

Oh Honey is comprised of Mitchy Collins and Danielle Bouchard. Mitchy had been in search of a strong female vocalist to be the June Carter to his Johnny Cash. The two musicians met through a mutual friend, and in 2013 created the indie folk-pop group Oh Honey; named after the flourishing roof-top honey movement in Brooklyn, which they’re taking part in – if you’re scratching your head here, let me tell you it’s now hip and profitable to keep bees and collect the honey – and also for Mitchy’s favorite episode of How I Met Your Mother. (Yes, that’s the episode with Katy Perry. Mitchy is a huge fan of hers. You can read more about this in my upcoming interview with Oh Honey!) They soon released the single “Be Okay.” The Internet went wild for this catchy, upbeat tune with wonderful harmonies. It was even featured on an episode of Glee. The release of their EP With Love and signing with Atlantic Records followed. So did tour after tour. They recently finished touring with James Blunt and are now on the road with The Fray and Barcelona. Danielle and Mitchy opened the show at the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island with an enchanting set.

Danielle and Mitchy kicked off their set with “Get It Right.” People rose form their seats to dance and clap along. Mitchy strummed his guitar, locking eyes with Danielle. Her long blonde locks blew in the wind. Smiles lit their faces as their voices blended. The lively mid-section brought Mitchy to warm-heartedly profess, “Chicago, I think I’m falling in love with you!”

Before “I Love You Will Still Sound the Same,” Mitchy inquired, “Chicago, how many of you are in love?” A handful of hollers escaped the mid-section. Mitchy laughed. “That’s it? Only four of you?” Danielle gave it a go. She asked the question again with a smile and soft voice. Many more screams answered her. Mitchy then made a quip about being single and lonely before asking how many people weren’t in love. Listening to the duo belt out this delightful song surely left the loveless in love with life, the night, and Oh Honey.

Mitchy then asked the crowd to scream “honey” after he shouted “oh.” He let out an “Oooooh,” like Little Richard, to a booming, synchronized “honey.” After a few goes, he smiled and with a laugh exclaimed, “Okay, now you know the name of our band!” Mitchy has a wicked sense of humor, and the banter between him and Danielle is endearing. They emulate the captivating duos of music past: Bob Dylan & Joan Baez, Sonny & Cher, and Johnny Cash & June Carter. Mitchy’s tattoos and black hair give the appearance of a bad-boy rocker turned good. Danielle’s cat eyes and killer fashion sense give her a good-girl borderline bad-girl feel. They balance each other physically and vocally.

Oh Honey performed a six-song set, throwing in a cover of the TLC hit “No Scrubs,” which created a wonderful sing-along, and finishing with “Be Okay.” Before breaking into their current radio single, Mitchy announced: “We’re gonna get cheesy on you real quick. Up until about a year ago, this was a dream. If you have a dream, don’t let anyone pissed off about their life ruin yours because we’re living proof that dreams come true! And this song helped make all this possible.” People clapped and screamed in approval. Those who knew the song they were referring to squealed in excitement. Voices began to harmonize with Oh Honey, singing: “Fresh cut grass, one cold beer / Thank the Lord I am here and now, here and now / Summer dress, favorite park / Bless your soul, we are here and now, here and now.” That really was the sentiment of the night. It was the start to a fabulous, music-filled night along Lake Michigan.

Mitchy and Danielle create infectious, cheerful folk-pop, but more importantly, Oh Honey brings fourth a marvelous attitude toward life, conveying optimism with their beautiful lyrics. Oh Honey is simply magical!

You can catch Oh Honey on the “The Helios Tour” with the Fray throughout July. Head over to their facebook page to find a date near you. You can purchase With Love on iTunes.

(Photos by Sarah Hess: smhimagin.com)

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Sarah Hess

At the age of six, Sarah Hess discovered True Blue by Madonna. This resulted in her spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush microphone, belting out "La Isla Bonita" off key. Her love for music only intensified over the years thanks to her parents; her mother exposed Sarah to The Jackson Five and had her hustling to the Bee Gees, while her father would play her albums like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Some Girls' from start to finish, during which he'd lecture on and on about the history of rock & roll. Sarah would eventually stumble upon rap and hip-hop, then punk and alternative, and fall madly in love with Jeff Buckley and film photography.

After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.

You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.