Americana has been influenced significantly by Irish music – particularly through traditional instruments, historical immigration patterns, and the evolution of genres like country and bluegrass.
A local exponent of this genre is coming to Iúr Cinn Fleadh. Beki Hemingway is an Americana singer-songwriter known for her warm storytelling and rootsy melodies – and she’s bringing it all back home.
Originally from Colorado, Beki and her musical partner and husband, Randy Kerkman, made the bold move to Ireland in 2016 in search of new musical adventures and meaningful work.
They’ve since settled in Dundalk, where they’ve continued writing, recording, and connecting with audiences both locally and abroad. Their most recent release, Earth And Asphalt, marks a rich chapter in Beki’s journey — an album steeped in personal transformation, road-tested resilience, and observations shaped by years of travel and introspection.
Despite their Irish surroundings, Earth And Asphalt sounds unmistakably American. With cowpunk swagger on tracks like Birmingham and alt-country heartache in Hurricane, Hemingway draws influence from the likes of Emmylou Harris and Lone Justice while weaving in her own experience.
Beki said the miles travelled across Earth And Asphalt reflect an inward journey. ‘Despite having several geographical references, the album is more about a place in my soul than any points on the map,’ she explained. Her recording explores the elusive balance between life on the road and staying grounded in a community. ‘I have really come to value the people who love me no matter what, and I’m trying to figure out where I belong,’ said Beki.
Her long and varied career has found her singing in several bands – including comical punk-rockers This Train – as well as singing live and studio back-up vocals on everything from industrial to inspirational music.
Things really clicked when she started collaborating with Randy Kerkman in the late 1990s. She released five CDs on the Minneapolis-based indie Salt Lady Records, performed up to 150 shows per year, and shared the stage with nationally and internationally acclaimed singer/songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Shawn Colvin, and Duke Special.
Beki and Randy play at St Mary’s Church Of Ireland, John Mitchell Place, on Monday 25 August. See the events listing for full details.