Musicians with Southern California roots, Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin, will perform as a foursome with a cello and percussionist at Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo on February 7 at 8 p.m., and as an acoustic duo at McCabe’s in Santa Monica on February 16 at 8 p.m.
The shows are major stops on their west coast tour in support of their new CD “Diamond”. As Bettman & Halpin are originally from SoCal, their most loyal fan base is here, and Bettman & Halpin are excited to share their new songs. This newest CD was inspired in part by the duo’s volunteer work in support of abused children.
Their ability to combine the light with the dark in a way that uplifts people’s spirits caught the attention of a board member for a leading Denver treatment center for abused, neglected and crisis-affected children. This relationship was the beginning of the duo’s exploration into the idea of music as a tool for healing (specifically) survivors of childhood trauma.
“After “Diamond” (the title track) was written,” says Bettman “Luke and I looked at each other and said, you know this is such a strong song…we should build the rest of the CD around it. And thus we changed directions, and started making a totally different record.”
As a duo, Bettman & Halpin are fast earning a reputation in folk and bluegrass circles for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. They have toured together since 2008 and have won many awards including “Best Instrumental” for Buttonwillow in the 2012 Great American Song Contest. As master storytellers in the fireside tradition, Bettman & Halpin portray intricate scenes ranging from vibrant to haunting, through stories that inspire and uplift.
Diamond is an epic musical journey, brilliant, stunning, and courageous. It is daringly original in both voice and theme, tackling such subject matter as child abuse, anorexia, and life after death. But such heavy hitting subject matter feels beautiful and cathartic in the deft hands of this talented Americana duo. This is a new venture for Bettman & Halpin in that they are less concerned with the fast pickin’ flash of their bluegrass roots and more concerned with texture and emotion, having created beautiful arrangements on which lay Bettman’s powerful vocals and Halpin’s shimmering harmony.
In the age of the digital single, Bettman & Halpin have created a CD worthy of a glass of wine and a good listen, from start to finish.
“We are really excited about this new CD,” says Bettman, “I think it’s the best recording we’ve done. So far the responses have been overwhelmingly positive!”
Performances:
When: February 7 at 8 p.m.
Where: Soka Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo
Tickets: $20
When: February 16 at 8 p.m.
Where: McCabe’s in Santa Monica
Tickets: $20
About Bettman & Halpin
Known for their down-to-Earth stage personalities and immense musical talents, the award-winning master musician and songwriter duo has produced four albums and toured nationally for over six years.
Stephanie Bettman, a former actress and circus aerialist, is at ease in front of an audience and creates intimacy with her crowd no matter the size. Bettman is classically trained in violin and opera, and studied at the Oberlin Conservatory.
Luke Halpin is a renowned multi-instrumentalist. Self-taught –at the age of eight, Halpin is a master of the guitar and the mandolin, impressive on the fiddle, banjo, and adept at nearly anything he picks up.
Together, Bettman & Halpin are becoming known for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals.
Christina Bacock
