Chicagoland Musicians Patti Ecker and Sue Fink Plan August 2010 Michigan Tour

Two singer-songwriter friends from Chicago, with songs to share and energy to spare, perform in Ann Arbor and Plymouth venues as a double bill on their first Michigan tour this August.

Patti Ecker and Sue Fink, both seasoned Chicago musicians and entertainers, perform a high-energy double bill at these Michigan venues:

* Saturday, August 21st, 8:00 - 11:00 PM, Plymouth Coffee Bean, 884 Penniman Ave., Plymouth, MI, 734.454.0178. For this performance they will be joined by Detroit-area musicians Ben Hassenger ("baseball hall-of-fame songwriter, guitarist, and ukulele hero") and John Finian, known for his clever, insightful repertoire.

* Friday, August 27th, 8:30 - 10:30 PM, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 734.665.2757

* Sunday, August 29th, 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Old Town Tavern, 122 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI, 734.662.9291

There are no cover charges for these events.

Both Ecker and Fink perform frequently in Illinois (Chicago and outlying) and Wisconsin (Madison, Green Bay, Appleton). While their musical styles are quite different – Ecker leans towards jazz and blues, Fink more towards humor and acoustic folk – they have much in common: well-written songs, entertaining sets, and a deep connection with their audiences.

Ecker and Fink regularly attend the annual Folk Alliance Regional Midwest (FARM) conference, where they met many Michigan musicians, including Annie and Rod Capps, Joe Reilly, and Ben Hassenger. They were impressed with both the talent and the closeness of these musicians, and desired to explore the Michigan music scene themselves. Their Michigan friends were instrumental in recommending the venues at which they’ll now be playing.

While Ecker and Fink will perform separate sets, expect them to add harmony or instrumentation on each other’s songs. But most of all, expect to connect, be moved, and have fun!
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PATTI ECKER: Combine the bluesy sass of Bonnie Raitt with the jazzy style of Lena Horne and Keely Smith and you’ll begin to imagine Patti: a bright, energetic light with a big, warm soulful voice and a strong, percussive guitar style. She will tickle and surprise you with her slice-of-life compositions, and break your heart with her ballads, blues and torch songs. http://pattiecker.com

Discography:
- Gypsy Lover’s Eyes (2007)
¨ Prairieland (2002)

“I envision Ecker in a smoky lounge or on (or off) Broadway because she has a big voice, made for those venues…. [And] she can write songs. The blues and jazz are buried deep within her, and maybe that is why she has that aura of the stage. “ – Frank Gutch Jr. , Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange (FAME)

SUE FINK: Think Christine Lavin, with a dash of Rickie Lee Jones, Nellie McKay, and Jack Johnson: Sue Fink has been entertaining audiences since 2001 with her quirky tales of love gone awry. Her popular YouTube video, “Damsel in Distress” finds Sue tied to the railroad tracks and devising precarious scenarios to catch her beau’s attention… though she always winds up saving herself. Sue shares her unique perspective through humor, poignant lyrics, and memorable tunes. http://suefink.com

Discography:
¨ Thoughts at an Intersection (2009)
¨ Damsel in Distress (2006)
¨ Not Quite There Yet (2003, EP)

“I’m struck, in particular, by Sue’s amazing ability to… have me literally laughing out loud one minute, and almost in tears the next. She has a great way of connecting with her audience.” – Lilli Kuzma, host, “Folk Festival,” WDCB Public Radio