The Backyard Betties, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, offer an authentic folk/americana style performance. The band engages audiences with Nancy Laberge’s witty banter and heartfelt original songs, the high-energy background vocals of Pip Hazell, the vocal-harmony and driving beats of Sarah Nielsen. Together, they skillfully communicate personal experiences of love, life, and loss through their music, creating a genuine and relatable connection with their listeners.
The Backyard Betties are proud to introduce their newly refined sound featuring a three-part harmony of unique female voices. This distinctive vocal blend has garnered them invitations to multiple events and venues throughout Alberta and British Columbia. In July 2023, they completed a showcase at the National Women’s Music Festival in Wisconsin, earning an invitation back as a full-stage act in 2024. Additionally, the group is set to participate in the Folk Alliance in Kansas City in 2024, as part of the Alberta Room. The Backyard Betties have stepped up their game with two new releases (released under Nancy Laberge). The first, “Forgiveness and Grace,” was nominated for a YYC Music Award in 2022 and became a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. The second release, “Just Leave,” received a nomination for a YYC Music Award in 2023. Notably, Nancy achieved international recognition by securing the People’s Choice Award at the esteemed Edinburgh Folk Club’s 47th Annual Songwriting Competition.
Their recent performances include the Calgary Folk Club, Rocky Mountain Folk Club in Calgary, Gallery House Concerts Society in Calgary, Calgary Stampede, Calgary Public Libraries, Inglewood & Currie Night Markets in Calgary, Skirts a Fire Festival in Edmonton, The Venue in High River, and Invermere Pride. They have also graced the stages of popular Calgary venues such as the Ironwood Stage and Grill and Gravity Wine and Espresso Bar for their sell-out Backyard Betties bash annually.
The group is currently working on their first official music releases branded as the Backyard Betties. The release will showcase their unique vocal configuration on a couple of popular throwback tunes like “Too Good To Be True” and “I Want You Back,” along with unreleased songs like “Good For You” and “Blame it on the Red Wine” that have been well-received at recent shows as well as a number of yet-to-be-heard original tunes.
In addition to their musical endeavors, Nancy and Pip actively support aspiring songwriters through Write On! The Songwriting Experience, a fully volunteer-driven program. This eight-month program provides aspiring songwriters with opportunities to learn the basics of songwriting, meet industry professionals, complete songwriting assignments, participate in song circle presentations, and ultimately put on a final sold-out showcase. The Backyard Betties firmly believe in the importance of mentorship and community building within the music industry.
Overall, The Backyard Betties are an exceptionally talented and captivating band with a strong commitment to connecting with their audience through meaningful, heartfelt performances. They continue to evolve their sound while remaining dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging songwriters in their community.