“Three sisters went to play and dance through golden rays of sunshine…”
Honey Whiskey Trio tells stories through song and stomp, highlighting the musical traditions of American Folk Music.
They arrange and explore music from the front porches, music halls, and hymn books of early America, and create new music that honors these rich histories. Beyond the stage, their passion for music education, community engagement, and singing unapologetically drives them as they work with youth and adult vocal ensembles and lead community workshops with life-long music lovers across the United States.
“The Honey Whiskey Trio have become a part of our family of artists that we invite back at every opportunity. Beautiful, soulful, with exquisite harmonies and a gentle sense of humor.” - Carolyn Elliot, former Director of Programming and Education at The Broad Stage
“Their sound is intoxicating… To simply classify this trio as folk, bluegrass, or jazz would be to do them a great disservice. What I hear is great music and what I see is great joy.” - Bluegrass Spin
“They always leave you sitting at the edge of your seat, waiting with bated breath for each new beautifully executed phrase. The women of HWT are also gifted educators, captivating their pupils with humor, grace and honesty, a unique and valuable combo.” - Lisa Forkish, Founder & Executive Director of the Women’s A Cappella Association
Meet the Honeys:
Courtney Gasque Politano grew up on a horse farm in Vermont, a far cry from the fast pace of Los Angeles. She comes from a musical family so when they weren’t riding, someone was always practicing. Courtney received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in French Horn from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Vocal Jazz from CSU, Long Beach where she sang in the vocal jazz group Pacific Standard Time, under the direction of Christine Guter. Courtney does Communications and Development for a school in North Hollywood and also teaches Middle School music, choir, rock band, and strings. She hopes to eventually be able to work for an Arts non-profit overseeing their educational programming and outreach.
As a composer and arranger, Courtney focuses primarily on vocal music, in the folk & bluegrass tradition. She arranges for Honey Whiskey Trio, church groups, and various choral ensembles.
Ann Louise Jeffries Thaiss was born and raised in Northern Virginia. In 2008 she made the big move out west and settled in Long Beach, CA. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. As a student, she sang in Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg and Pacific Standard Time under the direction of Christine Guter. Ann Louise regularly gigs and records with many different Long Beach-based performers and, of course Honey Whiskey Trio (under the direction of the honeys).
Ann Louise teaches preschool music at Manhattan Beach Preschool and is currently in school for her credential so that she can continue to educate Elementary aged children for years to come!
Christina Wilson was born and raised in Southern California's Inland Empire, and now resides in Long Beach, CA. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Jazz from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. As a performer she has sung with Pacific Chorale, under the direction of John Alexander, Vox Femina Los Angeles, under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine, and Honey Whiskey Trio. She also has performed with the a cappella group Hive and the band Neil Frances. As a composer and arranger, she has written pieces in classical, contemporary, and jazz genres for middle school, high school, and collegiate vocal ensembles in the United States. As an educator, she has been part of the vocal faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and continues to teach alongside Courtney and Ann Louise through Honey Whiskey Trio's community outreach efforts.