Honeybees team selected in front of 500-plus fans
Sunday, July 27, 2008
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
A standing-room only crowd of over 500 spectators witnessed Sundays Honeybees finals, held at the House of Blues in the French Quarter. After the dance and interview portions of the competition were completed, the 2008-09 Honeybees roster was unveiled, consisting of 22 members. There were 36 finalists.
The tryouts this year exceeded my expectations, Honeybees manager/choreographer Ashley Deaton said. The girls stepped it up, but even more than that, the crowd was fantastic. It was probably about double what we expected. We packed the House of Blues with well over 500 people. It was a very exciting, entertaining show, and as a result, we have a great squad for next season.
The show was highlighted by lively performances by the Free Agents Brass Band and the Stingers junior dance team. Hugo the Hornet also made an appearance and helped give away numerous items such as free T-shirts. One of the top prizes of Sunday's event was an autographed Chris Paul jersey. Avid Hornets fan Dana Douglas of New Orleans walked away with the teal road jersey.
A panel of eight judges featured Deaton, Hornets executive of the board Chad Shinn and Hornets director of events presentation Josh Richardson. There were five celebrity judges: Uptown Angela (Q93), Mike Theis (Mix 92.3), Jamie Guillet (City Business), John Breerwood (Where Y'At) and Dennis Woltering (WWL-TV).
Twelve of the members of the 2008-09 Honeybees are returnees, including Adrienne P., Angele, Ashley B., Christina, Danielle, Jessica, Krista, Lindsey, Martine, Nicole, Shannon and Stacey. The new members are Ashlie J., Brandi, Brianna, Caitlin, Heather, Katie, Lynna, Meagan, Saydi and Trista.