Beth Patterson

Biography

Beth Waggoner Patterson, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, began her musical career in her teens as a classical oboist, Cajun bass player, and even heavy metal bassist, while earning her first professional income in high school with a local symphony and Cajun band. She studied traditional Irish music and ethnomusicology at University College Cork in Ireland, experimenting with musical fusions, and later completed a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Loyola University New Orleans. Influenced by progressive rock band Rush, she blends traditional Irish, Celtic, and folk ballads with Cajun, world-beat, progressive rock, and her own songwriting, creating a unique style she dubs 'WAP' (Songwriter/World/Acoustic/Progressive).[1][2][4][6]

Patterson founded the ensemble Poor Clares, debuting at the 2003 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with albums like Change of Habit and Songs for Midwinter. She released solo albums on Little Blue Men Records, including Hybrid Vigor (Celtic fusion with swing and Louisiana elements), Take Some Fire (world-beat and rock-influenced), Caught in the Act (2005 live bouzouki album), and the Grammy-nominated On Better Paths (2009) for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Post-Hurricane Katrina, which closed her regular venue O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, she continued performing at Kerry Irish Pub and internationally in 20 countries, appearing on over 200 recordings, including soundtracks like The One-Eyed King and Extract.[1][3][4][5]

Based in New Orleans, Patterson performs solo, as 'Bad Beth & Beyond' (2013-2018 bawdy alter ego), duo ZoüKeys with husband Josh Paxton (since 2017), Round Pegs with Patrick O'Flaherty, and New Orleans Steamcog Orchestra as 'B.P. Hatbox'. Her primary instrument is the Irish bouzouki (8- and 10-string), alongside bass guitar and English horn, showcasing her versatility across genres and her razor wit in performances.[1][2][6]

Fun Facts

• Performed as 'Bad Beth & Beyond,' her bawdy alter ego using Irish bouzouki for risque originals and covers in New Orleans' French Quarter from 2013-2018, later discontinuing an album due to alienating material.
• Born near a Louisiana swamp in Lafayette, described by audiences as 'a cross between a cobra and a puppy' for her energetic, witty performances.
• Her 2009 album On Better Paths received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
• Played in diverse early bands including Latin, blues/funk, Cajun, R&B, and heavy metal, creating a 'tribe that never forgot her.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rush - major musical influence, progressive rock band (general stylistic inspiration) [ongoing from early career]

Key Collaborators

• Poor Clares - founding member of Celtic ensemble (Change of Habit, Songs for Midwinter) [2003 onward]
• Josh Paxton - husband and duo partner in ZoüKeys (piano) (ZoüKeys performances) [2017-present]
• Patrick O'Flaherty - frequent collaborator from Poor Clares, Round Pegs duo/3-piece (Round Pegs projects) [2019-present]
• TornaoD - played on and produced album (Orin) [2005]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz