Local music group hopes to make the big leagues, by singing the national anthem at a Mariners game | Arts & Culture

Since it’s establishment as America’s national anthem in 1931, the “Star Spangled Banner” has become commonplace for Americans, especially as the starting bell for sporting events, including Seattle’s own Mariners games.

One local music group is hoping to be a little part of a Mariners game action by singing the national anthem at a game—combining their passion for music, with the love of the home team.

The Honeybees, a musical group comprised of four women that hails from Bellingham, sent a demo tape to the Mariners in hopes that they will be chosen to perform the country’s most classic song.

All four members, Kathy Murray, Barb Fuller, Iris Likkel and Marcia Reimers, are Mariners fans, and after having sung the national anthem for local Bellingham Bells baseball team, decided they wanted to try their hand at the big leagues.

“Hopefully they’ll find a place for us,” Likkel said.

The group sent their demo CD in earlier this month. Likkel said the Honeybees don't know when, or if, they'll be contacted about singing for the Mariners, but for a dream like this, the group is willing to wait. 

“We’ll even do a Yankees game if we have to,” joked Murray, the group’s founder.

The Honeybees’ current line-up has been together for about eight years, Murray said, and performs mostly at retirement centers. 

Their repertoire consists of a multitude of songs from the 1960s and earlier. Combined with their theatrics, choreography, props and costumes, the Honeybees have been charming their audiences for years.

“It’s the one show [seniors] will not miss,” said Bev Lee, an employee at The Orchard Park Assisted Living center where The Honeybees perform every month.

The Honeybees’ concert space at Orchard Park is usually packed full for residents who want to relax, reminisce and enjoy old favorites such as 1941’s “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “Apple Blossom Time.” Even classics like 1847’s “Oh Susanna” make the cut.

The Honeybees involve their audiences by encouraging them to sing along, and incorporating jokes, dances, props and an all-encompassing charm into the performances.

“I love good music, and I know they are good,” said Orchard Park resident Helen Vorlicky, who said she attends every Orchard Park show the Honeybess do. “The harmony is good, but the entertainment is better.”

In an effort to get the attention of the Mariners’ booking people, they’re also hoping to write to the Ellen DeGeneres Show and perhaps perform for her. Likkel said they had hopes for Oprah as well, but now that the final season of the Oprah Winfrey Show has wrapped up, they’ve had to scrap that idea.

Their fans at Orchard Park are supportive of the Honeybees’ aspirations, and hope to see them come to fruition, and not just because of the ladies’ well-known love for the M’s.

“When they have a pop singer that doesn’t even know how to pronounce the words I think we need to get someone else,” said resident JoAn Jones.

The Honeybees next scheduled public performance will be April 9 at the Blue Horse Gallery, Café and Wine Bar. They will also be performing at the Northwest Washington Fair in August.