Lipstick and Rye performs live.
Submitted Photo
When Amy Hubbard and Ryan Fenton are not at their day jobs, they are performing as Lipstick and Rye and entertaining crowds of people.
The duo, which has been performing for a year, was originally called the Amy and Ryan Duo. A mutual friend came up with the name Lipstick and Rye. Rye being a play on words with Ryan’s name and Amy is always wearing lipstick.
“Ryan is in a few other local bands, and he asked me to come up on stage to sing a few songs with his band when I was out to see them one night. I was on a short music hiatus and wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take next time with my music. After playing a few songs with Ryan, we decided to start our own duo. Ryan still plays with other bands,” said Amy Hubbard.
The duo plays country music. Amy has a bluegrass background and mixes bluegrass songs as well. She will take a non-country song such as “Good Riddance” by Green Day and put her own spin on it.
“We play all over NEPA, and you can catch us at bars, restaurants, events, carnivals and fairs. We also get booked for private events like birthday parties, holiday gatherings and graduation parties. We are typically booked two to four shows per week. It sometimes is a lot. We both have full-time jobs and busy schedules outside of music, but we wouldn’t change a thing, and we always have a blast. We appreciate all the bars and restaurants that support our music along with the patrons and our following of Lipstick and Rye fans. We can’t do it without them,” said Amy Hubbard.
They have played at The Lounge of the Abingtons, McGrath’s Pub and Eatery and Gin’s Tavern.
“I love going to Lipstick and Rye shows because Ryan and Amy are so interactive with the crowd. Not only do they kill the country covers but they throw in some hits from other genres as well,” said Casey Hunbbard sister of Amy Hubbard.
There’s never a dull moment at a Lipstick and Rye show,” said Morgan Madans.
“Amy and I met at the Sunrise Café where she works during the day. All of the regulars and employees in there kept telling me how incredibly talented she is. When I finally was able to hear her sing, I was blown away. There are many things I enjoy. I enjoy when we play together. Aside from her incredible talent, she is so easy-going and fun to perform with. Our gigs seem effortless and our chemistry both on stage and off contributes so much. We take performing seriously. We get the crowd incorporated as well by passing out tambourines, shakers, a cowbell, triangle and even a washboard near the end of the show and it goes over so well. The whole place is banging and clanking along. That was Amy’s idea, and it’s a blast. Everyone needs to come see our show for the full experience, said Ryan Fenton.
“I wanted to start playing with Ryan because I wanted to get back into performing but was hesitant. I sometimes do solo acoustic shows by myself if Ryan is booked already with his other bands. Having Ryan adds so much more to the overall performance and experience of a Lipstick and Rye show. Ryan is a seasoned musician, and I have been learning a lot along the way from him like running sound and to just have fun and not stress if I miss a lyric or break a string,” said Amy Hubbard.
I love that Lipstick and Rye does mostly country music but also switch it from country and are always trying something new. The shows are fun. We’re always hooting and hollering and have the best time,” said Amanda Madans.
“I really enjoy going to the venues and putting on our shows and giving our all and interacting with the crowd. Meeting so many great people along the way and making connections. We are a high-energy country duo. The high energy we bring is a favorite of mine. People feed off it and it brings smiles to faces which we love,” said Amy Hubbard.
“I like how they mostly do the good old country hits that everyone knows and loves. I love going to their shows because they keep it fun and get the crowd involved. You can definitely tell that Ryan and Amy love doing what they do together,” said Emily Hubbard sister of Amy Hubbard.
They were recently awarded Best band in the Abingtons for 2025.
To book Lipstick and Rye, contact Amy Hubbard at 570-575-1246 or Lipstick and Rye’s Facebook page and leave a message. Follow them on Facebook to see where they will be playing next.
