Stephanie Casey. Photo courtesy of Chris Rider Photography.
If you haven’t heard of Honeypump, you just may be a newcomer to the Harrisburg area.
In 2023, the rock outfit won the Central Pennsylvania Music Award for “Best Cover Band,” but that was just the cherry on top of the sundae for a group that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Way back when, lead guitarist/vocalist Rit Casey founded the band, which today also consists of Stephanie Casey, lead singer/keyboards, Ray Wright, drums/vocals, and Jim Gordon, bass guitar/vocals.
“We had 46 dates last year, so keeping it all together can be a little dicey,” Rit Casey said.
That being said, he admits that it’s a great problem to have—to be in such high demand for places that include everywhere from bars and vineyards to block parties and breweries.
When questioned about the band’s moniker, Casey was quick to correct folks whose mind might turn to the prurient. He explained that the inspiration for the name came from an art installation.
“Honeypump is a sculpture created by Joseph Beuys and installed in a German museum in which two tons of honey were pumped through tubes,” he said. “The hive is said to be on par with human social systems. Honey is flowing in all directions.”
Well-Oiled Machine
Casey, who is a self-taught musician, said that their band sets itself apart with a lead female vocalist—his wife Stephanie.
“We discovered that we’re doing stuff that other bands don’t do and that’s our calling card,” he said.
That “stuff” includes challenging songs and vocals by classic rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Styx, along with some progressive rock.
“It is more disciplined,” he said. “We get a lot of comments about the set list, and people love it.”
Stephanie Casey, who began picking out songs on the piano at the age of 4, said that she started out with classical music until she turned 12, when her attention turned to classic rock.
“A fan favorite is Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir,’” she said, referencing a song that can challenge any vocalist.
Drummer Ray Wright said that he started early as well, beginning in music around age 11.
“I stopped for about 15 years and then picked it up again when I played in a worship band at church,” he said.
Wright later joined Honeypump, filling in six years ago and eventually taking on a permanent role.
Wright uses colorful language when describing the band’s ability to take songs and make them their own, while hewing close enough to the originals to please the audience.
“We put our own stink on it,” he said, with a chuckle. “People expect a high level of performance from us, and we strive to play suitably enough to sound like those we are mimicking.”
Bass player Gordon said that his musical aspirations began when he watched the Beatles’ debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
“That’s when I decided I wanted a Paul McCartney bass,” he said, referencing the famous Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass.
Gordon attributes the success of the band to its discipline.
“We’re like a well-oiled machine, and that’s where a lot of bands fail,” he said.
Connections
The group takes time to talk to people between breaks and, as a result, has made friends with many fans.
“I think connections are made by putting your all out on stage so that, when people see you trying your hardest and delivering a song in a beautiful way, they feel connected with you,” Stephanie said.
Rob Rutz of Mechanicsburg said that he knew of Gordon and Stephanie when they played in another local outfit, 900Dream, opening for famous bands like Badfinger and the Romantics at the Metron. He later saw Honeypump for the first time at Hollywood Casino in Grantville.
“They’re perfectionists, and I’d put them up against any national bands,” Rutz said.
Andy Hawbecker of Mechanicsburg said that he and his wife Jane know the band as kind, generous and good to fans.
“They support charity and play a lot of songs and music that we like,” Andy said. Jane added, “And they’re always spot on.”
Rit Casey said that it’s been a fun ride and that he wouldn’t want to take the stage with anyone else.
“There’s something about performing live as a band,” he said. “It’s not an individual thing at all. It’s the whole band that matters more and, as you grow as a musician, you appreciate it even more.”
For more information on Honeypump, visit www.honeypump.com.
Taste of Honey
This month, you have several opportunities to catch Honeypump perform.
May 4: Boaters For Boobies Benefit, 7 p.m.
May 8: Tower City Carnival, 6:30 p.m.
May 25: The Barn at Creek’s Bend, 6 p.m.
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