In 2013, I moved by train from my little mountain town in Virginia to Chicago, starting my life as a singer/songwriter, actor, and teaching artist. I remember walking down Belmont, seeing pictures of American Blues productions hanging off the street lights. I thought “I’d love the chance to work with them. They’re right up my alley.”
In 2018, I got that chance. The “Summer of Buddy” we called it. Beautiful friendships were made, and kickball games were lost and won.
After being lost at sea, a global lockdown, and five years in NYC, I’m finally back with my American Blues family. I couldn’t ask for a better team for this show, with my Firebrand family here as well. A dream come true. I’m overwhelmed with joy. Sweet Home Chicago, I’ve missed you!
Always…Patsy Cline was the last show I performed on a Chicago stage. I feel very kindred to Patsy in so many ways, little girls from Virginia with music blessing and saving our lives. It’s not just her talent that claims her place in history, but her gumption, resilience, vulnerability. Patsy and Louise were real women, and their relationship shows me what real sisterhood looks like. How we show up for each other. How love between friends may be the greatest love we’ll ever know.
Here’s to forever friends. To those who show up for us. I’m so grateful to all of you who have shown up for me.
Liz Chidester
Ensemble member since 2023
Pictured above, clockwise from left: Liz Chidester; Liz with Angela Alise & Lauren Vogel (fiddle player for Always…Patsy Cline) in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story; Liz with Molly Hernández (Louise in Always…Patsy Cline) celebrating Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at the 2018 Jeff Awards; Liz performing a Patsy Cline song as part of the Dead Ringers for Dead Singers fundraiser; Liz with Lewis Rawlinson & Nilko Andreas (guitar player for Always…Patsy Cline) performing “Women of Americana” as part of The Garage series.