Couple to Bring Award-Winning Tunes to Poway

It was five years ago when Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin found both harmony and love in one another.

Now, the unmatched couple plans to bring their award-winning tunes to Poway for the first time.

Bettman and Halpin, a 2-member band from Denver, Colo., will perform at on . The couple, who played in Escondido last May, describe their music as a blend of folk, americana, blues, jazz and bluegass. But other factors make the duo stand out.

"Our music is almost entirely original," Bettman said. "We are also award-winning acoustic instrumentalists. I'm a fiddler and Luke plays guitar, mando, fiddle, and for the first time we'll be bringing his banjo on the road too. Our harmonies, our unforgettable lyrics, and our high octane instrumentals are the things people comment on most often."

Bettman, who is often compared to Alison Krauss and Joan Baez, first met Halpin five years ago when she hired him to play mando in a bluegrass ensemble. The duo then began playing together and discovered their unique chemistry.

"Within a few months Luke had the idea that he and I should get together to rehearse the music everyday for a month and 'see how good we can get,' so we did," she said. "One month turned into three, and at the end of it we were a viable duo.  Not long after that we started touring and dating."

It's been four and a half years since their first performance and Bettman said she knows their music has evolved.

"I've always been fairly eclectic as I don't like to write the same song twice," she said. "From the first album to the second I would say I got a little 'poppier' in my sound, added some grooves that can't be considered bluegrass or country.  Also, with the continuing exploration of music, Luke and I are getting deeper, more sophisticated, more streamlined."

Powegians can enjoy the duo's music at 7 p.m on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Templar's Hall for $18 or $15 for San Diego Folk Heritage members. For more information, visit StephanieBettman.com/

As we anticipate the arrival of Bettman and Halpin—Powegians can support another local by watching at the Old Globe. The play, which is showing until Saturday, features in the lead role. The popular story is the Old Globe's 14th annual run.

Back in Poway, some may be able to fulfill their New Year's resolutions at . The popular studio is now hosting classes. Get in shape with the new offering, or take one of its other courses such as , and .

On the other side of Poway, the will feature new artwork beginning Wednesday, Jan. 4. Visitors will find the work of Cherry Sweig in the PCPA lobby until Jan. 31 and can join a reception for the artist at noon on Sunday, Jan. 15.