Band Bio

Born in Berkeley and nurtured in live music venues on both sides of the Bay, Nashville Honeymoon is a honkytonk band that plays free-spirited, open-hearted California country & Americana music. Led by songwriting duo Hank Maninger & Lynne Maes, along with bandmates Leor Beary, Tim Wagar, and frequent collaborator Joe Goldmark, you’ll find Nashville Honeymoon on stages all over northern California, from the iconic Ivy Room in the East Bay to Santa Cruz’s legendary Moe’s Alley.  You can keep up with them at their residencies at The Riptide (San Francisco), Little Hill Lounge (El Cerrito) and frequent appearances at beloved live music venues, such as Club Deluxe (San Francisco).   

Folks from the Bay Area are likely to recognize Hank’s signature sound on guitar 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. When he’s not busy with Nashville Honeymoon, Hank leads his own roots trio, Hank Maninger and the Jukebox Charlies.

Lynne lives to write, especially songs that start with questions.

Tim Wagar has been a part of the Bay Area music scene since 1974; working with blues and soul greats such as Lavern Baker, Lowell Fulson, Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, Jimmy McCracklin, James Cotton, Floyd Dixon, Robert Lockwood Jr., Pinetop Perkins, Henry Butler, Barbara Lynn, Brownie McGhee, Charles Brown, Charlie Musselwhite, Syl Johnson, and Howard Tate. 

He performs with local favorites including Terry Hanck, Flambeau, Brenda Boykin, Mitch Woods, Glenn Walters, Chris Cain, and the Soul Delights; and has appeared in a wide variety of settings including local night clubs and major festivals. He has toured throughout the US, Canada, Japan and Europe, and has recorded with Taj Mahal, Maria Muldaur and Howard Tate. “Man, playing with you is like ridin’ in a Cadillac.” - Lowell Fulson

Leor Beary sings and plays drums in Nashville Honeymoon, adding perfect harmony parts and singing lead as well - all while holding down the groove alongside Tim. He and Hank have overlapped in more bands than they might care to admit, from backing up Chuck Prophet early on to playing with Johnny Dilks & His Visitacion Valley Boys, Stompy Jones, and Lloyd Tripp, among others.

Pedal steel legend Joe Goldmark joins Nashville Honeymoon frequently, as does the incredibly talented Jody Richardson on fiddle. You can hear both of these wonderful musicians on Nashville Honeymoon’s albums, and they perform live together regularly.

Each player brings their own personality and depth to the music, and their genuine connection with each other and with their listeners is at the heart of what Nashville Honeymoon does. 

Just in case you were wondering, yes, Hank and Lynne are married. Twice.