Born in a school auditorium in Berkeley, California and nurtured in live music venues on both sides of the Bay, Nashville Honeymoon is led by Hank Maninger and Lynne Maes, whose shared love of country music led to a creative partnership onstage and off.
Nashville Honeymoon’s music is a modern reworking of the classic country sounds of the 50s and 60s. Their songwriting draws on country, rockabilly, and honkytonk traditions. Hank and Lynne bring the best of traditional country duets to life, reminding listeners of George and Tammy, Loretta and Conway, Porter and Dolly, and Waylon and Jessi.
Hank and Lynne’s first (rather unassuming) performance together took place on stage at their son’s elementary school. This sparked a musical collaboration that has since brought them to venues ranging from iconic tiki bar Forbidden Island to San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.
Folks from the Bay Area are likely to recognize Hank’s signature sound on guitar, bass, and vocals. He has been active on the roots music scene since the early 80’s, playing in bands such as Bonnie Hayes and the Wild Combo and internationally with the Hacienda Brothers. Hank leads his own roots trio Hank Maninger and the Jukebox Charlies, and plays bass with The Seducers and Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces. Stop by Club Deluxe one of these Friday or Saturday nights, and you’re likely to catch Hank playing.
Lynne’s parents bought her an acoustic guitar when she was 15, but she never sang anywhere other than church—and never into a microphone, heaven forbid—until one night Hank woke her up at 1:00 am and asked her to sing a duet with him at the school talent show. She agreed just to get rid of him and go back to sleep. But it turns out they had a mighty good time, and they started writing their own songs to boot.
Nashville Honeymoon is proud to have one of the tightest rhythm sections around, with Tim Wager on electric bass and Robi Bean on drums.
Tim has been a part of the Bay Area music scene since 1974, working with blues and soul greats such as Lavern Baker, Lowell Fulson, and Charlie Musselwhite. He performs with local favorites including Terry Hanck, Brenda Boykin, and Chris Cain. Here is what Lowell Fulson has to say about Tim: “Man, playing with you is like ridin’ in a Cadillac.”
Hank and Lynne couldn’t agree more, and they would say the same about Robi Bean... but he prefers to let the drums speak for themselves.
Just in case you were wondering, yes, Hank and Lynne are married. Twice. And they visit Nashville every year right around their anniversary. Here’s to luck, love, and a passion for good country music!
The couple has plenty to say about this productive period for their band. Hank says, “After three-plus decades of playing music, it’s so great to write songs and rehearse in bed!” Lynne counters with a wry smile, “It’s a good thing Hank is a pro, or I might have to kick him out of that bed.”