Duane Betts and his band, Palmetto Motel, will bring their blend of Southern rock, blues and Americana to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Thursday evening.

Betts, the son of late Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts, spoke with Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole ahead of the show about his new album, Isle of Hope, the loss of his father and a new family foundation focused on supporting rural communities.

Betts released Isle of Hope, his second full-length solo album, in June on Sun Records. He said the album was shaped in part by the loss of his father and became a cathartic experience.

“I just wanted to write songs,” Betts said. “And just kind of talk about where I was at in my life at that time and obviously coming off of losing my father.”

The album was recorded with producer Dave Cobb and a group of studio musicians, including guitarist Johnny Anastasia, who also performs with Betts and Palmetto Motel. Betts said the live band will draw from the new album, his earlier releases and may include songs by his father and other musical influences.

Betts also discussed the newly announced the Duane and Lisa Betts Family Foundation, which grew out of experiences surrounding the family’s Horseshoe Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming. He said the foundation aims to support local identity and community traditions as rural communities face growth, rising costs and development pressures.

Potential projects include support for emerging artists, chefs, artisans and Indigenous arts, he said.

“It’s a really good idea,” Betts said of the foundation, which was spearheaded by his wife, Lisa Betts. “That’s something that she’s very passionate about.”

Bethel Woods is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.