Lombard’s Maple Street Concerts welcomes Sage Christie and Heather Styka Sept. 15
Maple Street Concerts’ 40th year begins with a co-bill of two singer-songwriters: Sage Christie and Heather Styka. Both are two-time finalists in Kerrville's Grassy Hill New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters (Christie in 2022 and ’23; Styka in 2015 and ’17).
The concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the historic Maple Street Chapel, 200 S. Main St. in Lombard. Tickets are $20.
Sage Christie (formerly Siena Christie) has enchanted audiences nationwide with their stunningly clear voice and image-rich narrative songwriting. Drawing comparisons to Alison Krauss, Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell, Christie is currently working with Grammy-winning producer David Seitz on an album of their most compellingly candid songs yet, “Little Deaths,” set for release in fall 2024. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Christie now calls Asheville, N.C., home.
“I love storybooks and fairy-tales,” Christie said. “I thought maybe I’d grow out of it one day, but I never did. I still prefer fairy-tales over grown-up fiction. So I decided to write my own, in the form of an album. That’s ‘Little Deaths.’ It’s a chapter book, and across eight songs it tells a story that still feels magical to me, except that it really happened. So it’s both a fairy-tale and a memoir. Touring with these songs, honing the way I deliver them, and watching audiences respond has been incredibly uplifting and fulfilling to me. I can’t wait to finish the album and release it into the world. Meanwhile, I’m so excited to share these songs - and the stage with Heather - at Maple Street Concerts!”
Christie is making a Chicago area debut at Maple Street Concerts. Learn more at sagechristie.com.
Chicago gem Heather Styka returns to Maple Street where she performed in 2013 alongside Mark Dvorak. With a heartfelt croon reminiscent of Billie Holiday or Patsy Cline, Styka blends folk’s lyrical intricacy with a catchy, melodic pop sensibility and the grit of classic country. Her songs are smart, disarming, and cut to the truth with gutsy vulnerability. Styka’s live shows are intimate and candid, akin to late-night conversation peppered with quirky humor and confessional storytelling. Styka is currently recording her sixth full-length studio album.
“As a teenage songwriter, Chicagoland venues like Maple Street Chapel gave me my first experiences of folk music and changed the course of my life and career as a musician,” Styka said. “From nationally touring performers to holiday sing-alongs, I fell in love with the community and the energy of the space -- especially the beautiful acoustics and remarkable woodwork. Coming back to Maple Street feels like coming home. Sage is a powerful songwriter; I’m really looking forward to sharing songs with them in such a wonderful venue.”
Learn more at heather.styka.com.
“The pairing of incredible songwriters is compelling to watch as they inspire, and play off each other. Both Sage and Heather are exceptional writers, and with their vocal prowess, this show will be truly unique: enriching, uplifting, thought-provoking, and feel-good,” said Melissa Dagenhart, concert presenter and consultant for Maple Street Concerts. “Although they know each other, this will be their first time performing on a co-bill together. I’ve been a fan of Heather’s for over a decade, and I only just discovered Sage a few years ago.”
Advance tickets are $21.25 online (with processing fee) and pre-sales end at noon on the day of show. Door sales are cash or check only, pending availability. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. For tickets or information, visit www.maplestreetconcerts.org.