Hobbes Sisters Sing in Harmony

Sisters and 2010 graduates Lauren and Hannah Hobbes, 19, opened for singer/songwriter Maddie Arnold, Friday at . And with their signature break-your-heart country harmonies and their folksy-pop lyrics, friends and family in the audience found it difficult to believe it was the two's first time in a serious performance together.  

The Hobbes sisters have been singing "since they remember, always in the church choir," but it wasn't until last summer that the two began seriously singing cover tunes as well as some of their own songs at local venues.

"The place sort of fell together two years ago," said David Lindberg, the creator and namesake of David's Music House who manages the many workings of the venue. "I wanted to make something like this place possible for two reasons. One, to take lessons, record and perform. Two, for the community. I think for people who are interested in the arts, this can really bring the community together."

The girls wrote their opening number, titled "Who She Wants to Be," about "being in college, getting out into the real world and trying to figure out who you are."

Quite appropriate for the Wake Forest rising sophomores, Lauren studying Psychology and Hannah double majoring in Communications and Political Science—both currently questioning their futures.  

"Obviously, we're getting the degrees," said Lauren, "Ideally, we'll keep singing. Maybe head to Nashville later and see."

Hannah adds that they are "just starting small, singing for Saturday's open mic nights and things like that."

If appearing in talent shows throughout their time at Peters pubic schools and as talent in charity efforts, like Peters Township's annual fundraiser for cancer research, are considered small, then the identical twins may be in for one country-crazy future.  

Original songs written by the Hobbes sisters sung and strummed on twin (though not identical) acoustic-electric guitars were "Gone" and "Liar, Liar." Covers performed Friday were "Shut Up Train" by Little Big Town, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry, "Reasons Why" by Nickel Creek and "Because of You," as sung by Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire.  

The night was an evening of beginnings for the sisters beyond their musical talents, as they later revealed.

"I think this is the first time we are actually wearing all our own clothes," said Lauren.

"Jewelry and everything," said Hannah, "Usually, I'm wearing her stuff, she's wearing mine, or something from our mom or Rachel (younger sister)."

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