July 10, 2026
Many musical partnerships come and go, but some are simply meant to last. Denny Vaupel and Jill Buhagiar of Honey on the Rocks first began performing together in 1981 after being asked to provide music for a mutual friend’s wedding. Although collaboration paused when Jill pursued travel opportunities, the duo reunited after her return to the area during the pandemic. Looking ahead to their upcoming performance, Egyptian Theatre marketing intern AJ Evon spoke with the pair about their musical journey more than 40 years in the making.
AJ: What originally inspired the duo’s name?
Denny: I honestly do not remember where the name Honey on the Rocks came from or who came up with it. We just thought it was catchy and used it.
A: You’ve both done various music acts in the past. What makes Honey on the Rocks special to you?
D: As a working musician, I have been very fortunate. I am currently playing with two concert bands, two jazz bands, Black Tie trio, Wing and Prayer Dixie band, Bend in the Road fold group, and Jill. I guess all my career I could never be tied down to one style or instrument. I do enjoy my work with every group I am part of, but Honey on the Rocks is something special. Any band or group has to rehearse to provide their best performance. Jill and I “kind of” do that. But there is a certain musical freedom n taking a standard or “pop” tune and making it fit our sound and style. There are several well known tunes that we do like no one has ever done before. And audience reaction is always good. And there are some tunes that we do true to the original – lots of Carol King and James Taylor – why mess with them. We are also very fond of Diana Krall. She and Jill have the same vocal range – low alto. That puts her right in the upper part of my baritone. The blend is quite unique and pleasant.
A: What styles can audiences look forward to during the performance?
D: While we do our share of pop and a little rock, the bulk of our sets is jazz standards– All of Me, It Had to be You, and who doesn’t like Misty?
A: What decades would you say are most influential to your shows?
D: Jill does a few numbers that were recorded in the 1930’s!! And they sound as good today as they did 90 years ago. Singers like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett made whole careers out of tunes like that. Melodies that are easy to remember and lyrics that beautifully flow will never be out of style. I am a huge Jimmy Buffet fan. But I still love those tunes from the big band 40’s.
A: After performing for several years, are there any events you most look forward to?
D: Do Jill and I have a favorite gig? I don’t really think so. Each has its own feel and audience reaction and each one is important in its own way. For the past two years we have been on the rotation at Tapa La Luna. We have done lots of private parties and have done all the nursing or retirement homes. Twice a month you will find us at Kishwaukee Hospital during lunch hour– this may be one of our favorites. And for several years now we have part of music at the Farmers Market. And thunderous applause or just a smile on the way to surgery both mean the same to us. We love what we are doing. We will do it as long as we can.
