Author: Bethany Bowman

The Imaginaries Release New Music

Bethany Bowman
The Imaginaries

The Imaginaries, one of my favorite musical couples, are comprised of blues rocker Shane Henry and pop singer and pianist Maggie McClure. I featured them in September of 2022 and explored how they, coming from two different musical backgrounds, combined their efforts to bring us the unique folk/pop-rock duo, The Imaginaries. 

Besides the music they create together, they have long been part of the Sync World, writing music for TV and movies and occasionally starring in them. You can catch them in the Reagan movie singing Frankie Vallie’s “My Eyes Adored You.”

Read More

Music Spotlight: Noah Thompson

Bethany Bowman

The one word that came to mind when I heard Noah Thompson for the first time was “unexpected.” And I believe that is part of why Thompson won American Idol in 2022. No one, including himself, expected that he could sing so well and then win the competition.

Even though he had a “tumultuous childhood” in rural Western Kentucky, where he was raised, he can always remember music being part of his life. Thompson’s dad was a musician growing up, and he instilled music in him literally from the time he was in his mother’s belly.

Read More

Music Spotlight: Wendy Moten

Bethany Bowman
Wendy Moten

Not long after I started writing my Music Spotlight column, I came across one of the greatest voices I’d ever heard in Nashville, Wendy Moten. I even gave her a shoutout when Heidi Newfield released her Barfly Sessions record in 2020.

After Moten rose to fame as the runner-up on NBC’s The Voice in 2021, the rest of the world saw how fabulous she was, and I knew getting an interview would be more of a challenge.

Read More

2024 (Mostly) Country Christmas Roundup

Bethany Bowman

Various artists release new Christmas music every year, hoping one might “stick” and be replayed year after year. Many of the songs I have included in this article are from my Music Spotlight artists. Some covers are unique in their own right, but I am particularly drawn to the never-before-heard originals. For those on Spotify, here is my playlist with all the songs mentioned included. The songs are in random order.

Read More

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Farewell Tour

Bethany Bowman

When I was asked if I wanted to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band play a show on their Farewell Tour, naturally, I wanted to attend. They have long been a favorite of my husband, and I am of an age where I truly appreciate their music.

The NGDB was formed in Long Beach, California, in 1966. They toured extensively as an Americana band from 1978-1983.

Read More