“Stephanie Bettman is an award-winning singer and fiddler with impressive versatility. ‘Get Close To Me’ is traditional-sounding folk a la Joan Baez as Bettman brings forth a dulcet voice, pure and clear. She and her tight band spice things up with the rocking ‘Seed of Doubt’ where Bettman displays her fiddle prowess and vocal power. ‘Deja Vu’ switches things up again with a jaunty, '30s-sounding torch song that has a hint of Patsy Cline in the grooves. Bettman and co. have plenty of cards up their sleeves and they deal them well.” –From Music Connection Magazine
Stephanie Bettman and her band were among the winners in this year’s Topanga Banjo / Fiddle contest: chosen from contestants from all over the United States. And when they played the 2007 Sedona Bluegrass Festival, buzz on the street labeled her “the new Alison Krauss.” Stephanie's music is new and very catchy; an engaging mixture of bluegrass, folk, roots, and jazz with sophisticated lyrics and killer instrumentation set in a folky mountain vibe. She has an amazing voice, and when her band chimes in with those soaring harmonies, audiences have been heard to literally gasp “wow.”
Her illustrious band members have worked as studio musicians in Nashville, toured this country as well as others, and opened for everyone from Kenny Chesney to Merle Haggard. Based out of Los Angeles, Stephanie and her band have shared the stage with some of Southern California’s favorite bluegrass and roots artists at festivals and in numerous respected venues including The Bluegrass Association of Southern California’s monthly Country Club Series and The Coffee Gallery Backstage (named three years in Folkworks Magazine as “the best venue in L.A. for live acoustic music”).
“A fiddle playing charmer with a set of pipes she knows how to use and gift of gab that regularly amuses her audiences” – Jesse Lilly, Mondo Cult Magazine
The Band
Fiddle / Singer / Songwriter:
Stephanie Bettman hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Stephanie is a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist. She has graced the stage as a musician, an actress, a writer, and on occation as an aerialist, but now she dovotes herself full time to music. Stephanie is a lifelong devotee to theater and performance (with a wide variety of experiences ranging from the Los Angeles Circus to the National Theater of Korea) all of which she channels into her music.
She attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she was a vocal performance major (that means opera, folks. Yep. Mozart, Puccini.) She has played her violin in all kinds of performance venues from Ohio to Korea, and worked as an actress and a singer from New York to LA.
Mandolin / Guitar / Vocals:
Luke Halpin, who's prodigious talent is matched by his grace and humility; a sublime musician who brings harmony and brilliance on many levels. Somehow fate was working in my corner when it conspired to bring Luke back to LA from Nashville in perfect time to join "the boys". Not only does he play a killer mandolin, he writes luscious songs, and sings them just as lusciously. Luke has played with the big boys, toured the country, and opened for everyone from Kenny Chesney to Merle Haggard. I'm thrilled and honored that he chooses to play with me.
Guitar and Vocals:
Danny Ciarfallia. One of the best guitar players in LA and one of the nicest guys I've known. Danny has played and continues to play all over this fair city with many of the best players in town. But more importantly, he holds us together with his rythm guitar, and brings in those bass vocals. What would we do without him? He recently played as a member of the hot band at Knott's Berry Farm. He too, has opened for most of his personal legends. He's also a regular member of a groovy band at Chez Nous every Monday night - so if you're inclined - check that one out!
Bass:
Brian Netzley. The newest addition to our little family. Brian is very modest. But when he joined the band, he raised the bar to a whole new level. Brian brings a kind of magic that makes us all better. I can't explain it - but I can guarantee it's happening. Solid as a rock, with a voice from the angels. Bless you, Brian, all six-foot-seven of ya.
