Maple Street Concerts present Ruth & Max Bloomquist Oct. 14

The concert takes place at 7 p.m. at the historic Maple Street Chapel, 200 S. Main St. in Lombard. Showtime is 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

"The first time I heard Ruth sing, I was blown away by her rich, warm vocals - stunning," comments Melissa Dagenhart, booker and consultant for the series. "The Bloomquists are said to be one of Michigan's best-kept secrets and it's well past time to let this secret out. They are skilled, charming, fantastic, and among my favorites."

This Michigan duo draws on folk, bluegrass, traditional country, and more, in creating their original rootsy Americana music. With award-winning songwriting and vocals, guitar and upright bass, harmonies, and down-home charm, Ruth Max are standout performers who have been delighting audiences for over 45 years.

Ruth's striking, sonorous alto voice caused Garrison Keillor to exclaim, "You've got a big voice, you've got a really big voice!"

The next evening, Keillor had them sing with him at his sold-out show at the 1,800-seat Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon, Mich. Ruth was a winner of MerleFest's Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (2003) with her gospel number, "By the River."

Also, her signature song, "Michigan Girl," has had over 399,000 views on YouTube. Their songs have been heard on syndicated programs like "The Folk Sampler," "The Midnight Special," and "Car Talk." In addition to concert and festival performances in Michigan, the Midwest, and an annual tour in Florida, they've toured in Southern France nearly every year since 2008.

Learn more about the duo at www.ruthbloomquist.com.

Tickets are $20, plus a $1.25 online processing fee, at www.maplestreetconcerts.org.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check only, pending availability. All sales are final.