Lawrence has fallen head-over-heels in love with country music again this year as it makes a pop culture resurgence. One of the acts leading the charge on the local front is Betsy O & The Hollaback Boys, known for their instant charisma and spunk when performing onstage (their country take on pop hits is a particular favorite part of their act with the locals). This week, they’re turning it up a notch by diving head-first into the Queens of Country for a little Christmas fundraiser at Lucia on Friday, December 6th. You can expect to hear Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, and more as they work to raise funds for ALS. We chatted with ringleader Betsy Ostrander ahead of the show.
IHLM: What prompted you to put this show together?
BO: I love the old classics in country music, and I’m especially drawn to music from the ’60s and ’70s. I have been wanting to present a female classic country tribute show for a long time because I feel so inspired by these women—like Dolly, Loretta, Tammy and Patsy—who seemed to effortlessly and fearlessly bare their souls to the world through relatable music. Their songs run the gamut from deeply emotional to taboo topics to completely cheeky and fun, and everything in between.
When my mom was diagnosed with ALS recently, we were inspired to turn this concert into a fundraiser for the ALS Association, an organization which provides great support for individuals with ALS and their families. She is a gifted musician, performer and educator—and she’s the reason I have a passion for music.
IHLM: It feels like country’s really having a moment in pop culture (but did it ever really go away?). Since your brand of country music blends with a lot of pop culture, what have you noticed with fans’ return to the genre?
BO: To me, it seems like “country” is a pretty general term anymore because there are so many different styles within it. While mainstream or pop country is huge, I have loved seeing the rise in popularity of music that feels more like classic country with a focus on instrumentation and songwriting, as well as country that blends other genres, like hip hop, within it.
As a band, we definitely like to mix and mash genres and float between pop and rock music, adding elements of bluegrass, folk and country, alongside our original roots music. And while our fans appreciate our unique style, people seem to go crazy when we play classic country bangers like “Fishing in the Dark” or “Jolene.” So, I think more and more, people are craving honky-tonkin’ tunes that are emotionally relatable or just gosh-darn fun.
IHLM: Who will be appearing at your show?
BO: While this show will be different from our typical acoustic sets, it will still feature our core band members—Marc Houser on guitar; David Liston on drums, and myself on vocals (this time without my trusty uke bass). We’ll be joined by an awesome lineup of guest instrumentalists: Jesse Carr from Konza Swamp Band on fiddle, Cat Rodeo’s Russ Baker on dobro, and Kansas-City bassist Chris Thompson, who plays with touring country artist Casi Joy. I’m super excited for our special guest vocalists as well—my sister Katie Young, who fronts the classic rock cover band Landrush; and Lauren Lovelle from Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, who is tearing up the local country scene right now. Additionally, up-and-coming band The Kawsies will be kicking things off with a set of country covers.
IHLM: What would you tell someone just getting into country music, and specifically music by female artists?
BO: I have struggled a lot with confidence and imposter syndrome, and I know many other women who do as well. For me, it seems to be getting better with age—maybe I’ve matured in some ways or just started caring less about what others think, who knows, but I’ve wasted too much time feeling like that. So, I would say, try not to spend your valuable energy on feelings of doubt that don’t serve you or your growth. I would encourage women to take risks in art/performance, be vulnerable and put yourself out there in whatever you want to pursue, even if it’s uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to shoot your shot. Ask for what you want, knowing that you might not get it…but sometimes, you will. Ultimately, live music (even in, or maybe especially in, intimate settings) is important, and I think there will always be a need for it because of the way it brings joy or the feeling of connection to people. So, keep doing what you love, even if you’re not selling out stadiums like Taylor Swift (yet).
IHLM: What are your 2025 plans as a band?
BO: I’ve had a fire in me to write I think as a result of being so emotionally charged recently. In 2025, we’ll work up more new music to share, and I hope to get some recording done as well. As for the Queens of Country show, we envision presenting it annually and growing the event!
While I love dreaming up plans with the Hollaback Boys, family is my main focus right now. I want to spend as much time with my mom as I can and make more memories with her, my kids and the rest of our family, together. At the same time, I’ve found music to be critical for my own mental health, so I’m trying to find a balance of family, work, music, friends, health—easier said than done, am I right?!?
IHLM: What do you hope fans will take away from this show?
BO: We hope folks can let loose, have a good time, feel welcome and loved… and escape the hardships and darkness of the world for a moment, leaving recharged with happiness. I hope they’ll also leave knowing that, by coming to the show, they’re helping individuals with ALS and their families, and we’re extremely grateful for that.
IHLM: Your live music wishes for 2025?
BO: I hope we can branch out to play at some of the local and regional venues that we haven’t played yet (while continuing to play at our tried-and-true faves) as well as connect with other bands for more show collaborations. I’d love to do more festivals, too!
My personal live music wish is to get out to see more shows in 2025 as an act of self-care… it always helps me feel refreshed, inspired and hopeful. I could use all the hope and joy I can get right now, and I know I’m not alone in that.