Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
CHARLOTTE, NC —Neighborhood Theatre was electric on January 22, 2025, as Honeycomb, Moon Hooch, and Too Many Zooz delivered a night of explosive energy and genre-defying soundscapes. From the moment the first notes hit, the audience was on their feet, ready for a wild ride through funk, jazz, and high-energy brass-infused beats.
Honeycomb took the stage first, captivating the crowd with his signature beatboxing prowess. His intricate vocal percussion blended seamlessly with deep bass grooves, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. He threw down hypnotic rhythms that built in intensity, proving why he remains one of the most innovative vocal artists in the scene.
Too Many Zooz took the stage next, bringing their signature brasshouse intensity. With thunderous baritone sax lines, blistering trumpet solos, and relentless percussion, they launched into tracks like “Nasty Apple” and “Rake Stepper,” igniting a frenzy on the dance floor.
Leo Pellegrino’s signature dance moves and gritty saxophone growls added an extra punch, while Matt Doe’s trumpet soared over King of Sludge’s driving rhythms. Their raw power and infectious energy made it impossible for anyone to stand still.
Moon Hooch followed with a set that turned the venue into a full-on dance riot. Their wild, sax-driven sound had the crowd moving with uncontainable energy. The trio’s unconventional approach— weaving together jazz, EDM, and punk influences—kept the momentum surging.
However, it was Wenzl McGowen’s baritone sax that sent deep, resonant waves through the venue, shaking the crowd with its sheer intensity. The energy only escalated when he attached a massive traffic cone to the bell, amplifying the instrument’s raw power.
Beyond their explosive sound, Moon Hooch brought their passion for environmental activism to the stage, featuring a small tree as part of their set. As the night drew to a close, the tree found a new home, raffled off to one lucky fan—a unique tradition that underscores the band’s commitment to sustainability.
For the grand finale, all the musicians returned to the stage under the name “Moon Zooz” for a high-energy encore. This powerhouse collaboration, fresh off the release of Moon Zooz, Pt. 1 and Space Cow, delivered an electrifying performance of both tracks.
As the jam session built to a fever pitch, Honeycomb rejoined the mix, layering his beatboxing over the relentless brass and percussion. The result was a euphoric, high-octane closer that had the entire venue roaring in approval—a fitting end to a night of pure musical adrenaline.
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