HPL

Americana folk duo Bettman & Halpin (made up of singer/fiddler Stephanie Bettman and multi-instrumentalist Luke Halpin) are bringing their inimitable talents to the Hays Public Library on Wed., November 2nd at 6 PM.

Critics throughout the country have heaped praise on Bettman, a singer with an angelic voice and a magical touch with the fiddle and her musical partner, the guitar/mandolin virtuoso Halpin. Their concert performances and recordings have drawn favorable comparisons to the likes of Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss, all of them world-renown musical artists. On stage, Bettman and Halpin exude a warm and joyous personality in interpreting their original songs and meticulous musical arrangements.

Their live show is a combination of charm, humor and unforgettable original music. Living Out Loud Los Angeles says “Every song hijacks your heart and takes you through an emotional ride. The chemistry that Bettman & Halpin have on stage is genuine. Their performance was a breath of fresh air….”

Together, Bettman & Halpin are fast earning a reputation in folk and bluegrass circles for mesmerizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. Cellist Phil Norman enriches their sound with his eclectic and sophisticated cello playing, and Carl Sorensen’s unerring beat adds the perfect groove.

As is often the case with versatile and somewhat eclectic musicians, critics and audiences can be hard-pressed to categorize the music of Bettman and Halpin. The duo calls what they do “Americana / Folk.” Some call it folk music. “Well, we’re acoustic, that’s for sure, but we don’t worry about labels much,” says Bettman, an innovative fiddler and a singer who brings passion and occasional whimsical humor to her vocal stylings. “We just try to make good music and we invite the people to come along.” Most of the duo’s songs are originals. Bettman is principal writer of the songs.

Some songs in their vast repertoire are unabashedly foot-stomping bluegrass-tinged tunes that seem to make audiences beam with joy and practically dance in their seats. Some songs are haunting explorations of love and loss. Some offer reflections about the understated magic and mystery of seemingly quotidian struggles in everyday life.

They have played various festivals and performing arts centers all over the country, and are the subjects of the documentary “Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin; The It All Comes Back To Love Tour” which recently aired on public television in Los Angeles.

Join Bettman & Halpin for an evening of entertainment at the Hays Public Library on Wed., Nov. 2nd. The concert starts at 2 p.m. This is a free concert. For more information on the musical duo, visit their website: www.bettmanandhalpin.com.