History

Allen’s Landing Band brings unique vision and experience to  reinterpretation of bluegrass classics.

We are located in Houston, Texas and named after , the historic origin of our city.

Bobby Nichols , vocals, lead guitar, is well known throughout Texas as much for the original stylings of his baritone voice as for the incendiary moves of his flat pick guitar. He has opened for Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. His controlled and complex harmonies draw on an upbringing in the rich a cappella vocal celebrations of the Church of Christ. He frequently performs in Houston in both solo engagements and with the bands Lone Star and Tejas. He is highly sought after for studio work with local and national performers, and teaches students of guitar and voice. Bobby is a founder of Allen’s Landing Band.

Bettie Anderson, vocals, rhythm guitar, wasn’t born in Texas but she got here as fast as she could.Growing up in Central America, she developed deep appreciation of world and folk music, as well as receiving early classical music training. Her eclectic sensibilities, sensitive vocal interpretations and instinct for harmony blend elements of folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and traditional music. Her voice has been described as “unique and distinctive” and a “voice with character”. Before turning to bluegrass performance, Bettie worked in interior design, clothing design, and started a company importing high-end ethnic arts and crafts. She is past president of Houston Early Music and remains active in the early classical music community of Houston. She is a founder of Allen’s Landing Band and co-produced the band’s first album, “Dimming of the Day”.

Renna Rauch, vocals, bass, took naturally and early to performing, entertaining family and friends with guitar and voice at eight years of age. She has performed frequently at venues and festivals in and around Houston, often with the band “Western Dream”. Renna’s musical progression has led her from pop through country and finally to her real love, bluegrass. Her strong bass playing compliments sensitive vocalizations reminiscent of Alison Krause, Patsy Cline, and the Cheryholmes family. Somehow Renna has managed to balance her musical achievements with a multi-tasking life as a registered OR nurse, wife and mother (of two daughters, budding musicians also), and inspiration to her community of worship through singing of sacred music. She joined Allen’s Landing Band in 2009, replacing George Hanson on bass and vocals