Holm plays ‘everything from jazz to metal’

Betsy Holm hopes to make you feel at home.

So when you come into the Garage Bar at Texas Station, don't be shy. Introduce yourself, Holm says. And then make a request; she'll play it on her acoustic guitar.

"My genre is pretty much whatever anyone wants to hear," says Holm, 41. "From Melissa Etheridge to Frank Sinatra. Country, pop, hard rock. Everything from jazz to metal, I guess."

Holm, who started performing her solo act at the bar a month ago, plays from 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays.

Born and raised in California, she moved to Las Vegas 17 years ago to pursue her performing career.

"There's a lot of work out here compared to L.A.," Holm says. "There, it's more pay to play."

Holm grew up listening to mostly rock, thanks to her two older sisters. One played guitar. Holm decided to take lessons when she was 12.

Her mother was a singer in the 1940s, performing with big bands, which inspired Holm to take up singing, too. It was a given that she would be a musician. While living in California, she made a living in musical theater, performing in rock bands and writing songs.

She's still writing songs and hoping to get them heard by artists who want to record them.

When Holm isn't performing, she helps her husband out with the family business. They own several Capriotti's sandwich shops around town.

Of course, you're more likely to catch her with her guitar at Texas Station or with her steel drums. She plays them around town at pool parties and other events.

For more information, visit Holm's website, betsyholm.com.

-- By SONYA PADGETT