As the smoke clears, so has the scheduling for the “Cruise-In Concerts” at the Solano County Fairgrounds.

With the threat of unhealthy air, last Saturday’s debut drive-up show with Jerry’s Middle Finger was postponed until Sept. 26, with about 25 tickets remaining.

“This was a difficult decision, it has been six months since we stopped having ‘normal’ concerts and I know how much we all need to get out and enjoy some live music,” said promoter Greg Keidan of Mr. Hat Presents. “The band is concerned that it might not be healthy for them or their fans to be outside in these air conditions. The fairgrounds is also an evacuation center for large animals displaced by the fire, and I don’t want to negatively impact those animals. And I know a lot of people have had to evacuate their home and many people in the area have lost their homes, so perhaps this is not an appropriate time for this celebration.”

With “Jerry’s Middle Finger” postponed, the launching of the outdoor series falls on The California Honeydrops with the Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show on Sept. 12.

Honeydrops’ lead vocalist, guitarist and trumpet player Lech Wierzynski is ready. One can only hike so often, not that the Oakland resident via Warsaw, Poland, is complaining about nature and all its splendor.

With the pandemic putting the vise grip on live entertainment — the California Honeydrops last performed in Denver … “maybe it was San Diego” in February — Wierzynski has spent time under the stars.

“I’ve been backpacking and camping, exploring the beautiful state of California and some parts of the west,” he said by phone Monday. “That’s been the saving grace of all this: Hanging out with COVID-free trees. It’s been a source of calm for me. It gives me a little perspective.”

Featuring roots and blues, R&B and soul, the California Honeydrops have been together 13 years, rising from those busking days of Wierzynski performing for BART customers in Oakland.

“For me, the reasons for music have always been the same … connecting to a source of joy and spreading that joy and sharing that joy with other people,” he said. “It’s a way of connecting in a place inside of me that wants to dance, sing, express … a creative place that I’ve got to share with others and get on that same wavelength. It’s a great experience, one that I think helps people through this world.”

It’s easier to “get through all the things in real life better if you’re connected to that place of peace, joy and love,” continued Wierzynski. “To me, it’s not an escape. It’s a tool to make life better, walking through the ups and downs with some kind of grace.”

Yes, the musician added, “I miss watching people dance and seeing the whole room moving together. That’s the unbeatable feeling. It’s really something special when everyone starts moving together and the joy in the room is palpable.”

On Sept. 12, people may be moving — but it’s likely to be in their vehicles, though people may step out as long as they have a facial covering. While in the vehicle (almost) anything goes, with patrons able to order food and beverage from their cell phones.

These cruise-in concerts “might be the solution” to get people out to live performance, Wierzynski said.

“We’ve never done anything like this. I’m pumped. People need to have a good time,” he said. “I think that’s half the reason people are out in the streets. There are righteous causes as well. People are starved for being together and feeling a common purpose.”

Wierzynski, 38, arrived in Oakland with his parents as political refugees from Warsaw. He was 11. Though all three became American citizens, Wierzynski’s parents returned to Poland where the rest of his family lives.

“I’m not moving back,” he said. “The greatest opportunity I’ve had is here.”

Sure, Wierzynski said, those early days “busking” in the streets of Oakland weren’t always easy.

“Every once in a while, you’d get into a skirmish with other musicians who think you’ve stolen their spot,” he said. “Fighting over scraps is a sad thing to see. Overall, it was all good. I loved playing on the street, taking people by surprise who wouldn’t normally go to your shows or see live music. Of course, it could be a grind when you try to make money.”

And when someone dropped a $20 on him?

“That was always good when you’d get those big bills. It was, ‘Ooh, I get a super burrito this time,’” laughed Wierzynski. “It was no easy thing. Singing on the streets three straight hours wears you out.”

Though Wierzynski is in constant contact with his band — they’ve done one live-streamed show — he said there’s nothing like being on the road touring.

“It gives you an accomplishable mission every day,” Wierzynski said. “And all the goofing around, all the adventures. Playing for a different group of people every time. I miss the variety of that. And just the purpose of knowing what I’m here to do. That’s been the hardest adjustment for me.”

For ticket information for the Sept. 12 Cruise-In Concert with the California Honeydrops and the Sept. 26 show with Jerry’s Middle Finger, visit mrhatpresents.com.

All shows in the Cruise-In Series are 7 to 11 p.m. All ages welcomed and tickets are $99 for a vehicle pass, good for up to 4 adults plus kids. Tickets are available at mrhatpresents.com.