Bettman and Halpin share standards, originals in Bayou Theater holiday concert
The truth about the Christmas season is, that it’s full of anticipation, excitement and nostalgia. It can also be comical and fun, and maybe even just slightly exhausting at times. Award-winning folk/Americana duo Bettman & Halpin will be sharing the traditional songs of the season Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7: 30 p.m. in the Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake--but with a little extra holiday, festive flair.
“We called the show ‘Christmas is a Funny Thing’ partly because it’s the name of an original song we’ll be singing, but also because we are exploring all the truth about Christmas,” said vocalist/violinist Stephanie Bettman. “We are just human with it all. Christmas can become an ideal that everyone is reaching for, but with our show, and the songs I’ve written, I like examining quirky tunes about this time of year.”
Bettman said she hoped the music would bring a few laughs from the audience. “It’s not a comedy show, but we are just going to enjoy ourselves,” she said. “We are going to share stories, and some are hilarious. We will sing songs everyone knows, and encourage singing along. It’s such a nice part of the show. Even if you don’t consider yourself a singer, it’s such a beautiful, vibrational thing.”
She added that she and her bandmate, vocalist/mandolin player Luke Halpin were bringing along their newly-released record, entitled “Timeless.”
“We’ve got some standards and some originals,” she said. “I sing and I’ve written most of the songs. Luke plays the guitar, mandolin and violin and writes beautiful instrumentals. I hope it will be a lovely, nostalgic, cozy evening.”
For more information about the Bayou Theater, or to purchase tickets Bettman & Halpin’s show, go online.