Established in 2012, The Honeybirds met through a mutual love of intricate close harmony, swing music, 1940s style and fashion, and a fair amount of tea and cake! We enjoy playing a range of different events, from weddings and birthday parties to tea dances and festivals and pride ourselves on having an authentic sound, precision harmonies, and a beautiful vintage wardrobe.
Our original members, Tessa, Daisy and Jenny, invited Molly, Kate and Ann to join in recent years, in order to ensure the group can sing as much as possible at events throughout the country. Recent clients include The English Heritage, the Ryder Cup (Gleneagles), Pickering War Weekend, and more.
Performing with either backing tracks, pianist, or full live band, The Honeybirds are confident we can provide what you're looking for, and are able to create a bespoke experience just for you!
Click here to see a sample of The Honeybirds' repertoire.
In 2019, The Honeybirds joined forces with the award-winning ‘Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra’ to record an album. On request, we can also perform a full 1920s set, complete with Charleston Dancing.
'The Honeybirds really look and sound the part. Amazing vocals which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, these ladies are a pleasure to work with, and listen to!’
- Demelza Robinson, ENGLISH HERITAGE
MEET THE HONEYBIRDS:
Daisy Thurkettle - Soprano 1
An original Honeybird, Daisy is both a talented singer and Violinist and worked for many years with 'The Swing Commanders' alongside The Honeybirds. Now relocated in her home country of Norfolk, Daisy teaches music alongside her performances of vintage music.
Molly Marie Walsh - Soprano 1
a London-based, California-born, and NYC-bred Entertainer, Molly joined The Honeybirds shortly after moving to the UK. Whilst in the US, Molly worked for a Trio called 'The Manhattan Dolls' and so brings a heap of experience along with a lot of talent!
Jenny Chamberlain Smith - Soprano 2
Jenny is an original Honeybird and an extremely experienced vocal performer, having worked for many musicians and bands across the UK. She also teaches singing around Yorkshire, as well as running vocal groups.
Ann Hudson - Soprano 2
Ann joined the honeybirds in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience. also performing around the uk as her alter-ego ‘jessica jive’, ann is an accomplished performer and educator.
Tessa Smith - Alto
Tessa is the founder of The Honeybirds and a Jazz vocalist who specialises in authentic tunes of the 1920s - 1940s. She also tutors ‘Popular Vocals’ at The University of Huddersfield when she's not performing, studying or parenting!
Kate Peters - Alto/Soprano 1
Kate joined The Honeybirds in 2015 and lends her vast talents to the group in 2 vocal roles (though not at once!) An award-winning Jazz vocalist, she is as versatile as she is entertaining and always draws a crowd with any band with which she appears.
