Liz Chidester, originally from the mountains of Virginia, moved to Chicago by train in the winter of 2013. Since then, she has become involved in the Chicago music scene, performing in various venues, variety showcases, and festivals across Chicago.



Liz released her debut album "People Pumping Pedals" in 2014 under the Chicago Acoustic Underground's label CAU Dog Records. She released the acoustic EP "Otter Hill" in 2015, and with her band, Liz & the Lovelies, she released the single 'What You're Told' in the Fall of 2016.  She is currently working on a crowd funded EP "Progress Into Simplicity" set to be released in Spring 2017. Liz's music is featured on Pandora and Spotify, and can be purchased on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, or Bandcamp. 

 

Liz has also immersed herself into the Chicago theatre scene, understudying 'Prudie' and 'Rhetta' in Theatre at the Center's PUMPBOYS AND THE DINETTES, 'Mash' in Sideshow Theatre Company's STUPID F**KING BIRD at the Victory Gardens Theatre, and 'June Carter Cash' in Mercury Theater's RING OF FIRE. She recieved critical acclaim for her performance as 'Laura' in Refuge Theatre Project's HIGH FIDELITY.

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Liz is a teaching artist at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Sherwood Music School, and the Columbia College After-School Program. She teaches ukulele and songwriting to all ages.

 

Liz was a Midwest Finalist in NPR's NewSong Songwriting Compeition 2014, nominated for Best Female Vocalist in the Chicago Music Awards 2015, and a finalist in the NewSong Singer-Songwriter Competition 2016.

 

Before moving to Chicago, Liz was entertaining around the world as a lounge singer on Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line.

 

Liz Chidester is a classically trained singer, and a graduate of the School of Music at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.