SongSisters – Sue Fink, Patti Shaffner, and Amy Dixon-Kolar – are award-winning singer/songwriter friends who discovered that their own distinctive styles blend together, creating something richer than the individual, stronger as a whole. They delight in and celebrate each other’s music: each “sister” takes the lead on original songs, the others adding soaring harmonies and instrumentation. Audiences enjoy their diverse repertoire of original and thoughtfully chosen cover songs.

In 2008, Sue invited Amy and Patti to join her for an in-the-round gig opportunity. She thought their varied styles – Sue’s whimsical songs, Patti’s forays into folk and jazz, and Amy’s impressive finger-picking, with folk, Celtic, and blues influences – would make for an interesting evening. How pleased they were to discover they loved performing together! As they continued to grow together, they began to feel like sisters in song and, thus, became SongSisters.

They meet regularly in Chicago (the half-way point of the 85-mile distance between them) to rehearse and re-imagine their original songs for the trio. They also enjoy re-interpreting favorite cover songs, instilling them with SongSisters’ flair. When writing new compositions it is often with each other in mind, knowing the songs will be much richer when played and sung together. SongSisters tours the Midwest and beyond, performing at clubs, music series, benefits, house concerts, festivals, and live radio shows.

In 2013, they recorded their SongSisters LIVE! CD, which has received nationwide attention and airplay. On their solo CDs, SongSisters can be heard on multiple tracks as they support each other’s efforts.

Their newest CD, Right Now, was released October 24, 2024, and contains originals and two covers loved by SongSisters. It is available at their Bandcamp music site.

While Sue, Patti, and Amy flourish in their individual careers, coming together as SongSisters always adds a sense of celebration to their musical journeys. They invite their audiences to come join them in joyful song.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Sue Fink engages audiences with her unique perspective on the world, through her compelling songs and charming performances. Her genre is acoustic/folk with a hint of jazz, a large dollop of humor, and a drop of sadness for good measure: think Christine Lavin, with a dash of Rickie Lee Jones, Melanie, and Nellie McKay. Her songs have received airplay locally and nationally, including “The Midnight Special” (Rich Warren, WFMT) and “Folk Festival” (Lilli Kuzma, WDCB).

“I’m struck, in particular, by Sue’s amazing ability to segue from a quirky song to very serious material, 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

“Sue Fink is a totally disarming songstress, with humor based on wit and style — and brains of a very quirky nature. She can be devilish, childlike, deadly serious — and sometimes all at once! Fun to be had at every intersection.” – Nancy Emrich Freeman, LilFest (concerts & booking)

 Patti Shaffner has been performing in music and theater since 1982 in and around Northwest Indiana but as far away as Hawaii and Scotland. She is a dynamic performer, making a solid connection to the audience with a naturally engaging stage presence. Her genres range from Folk and Jazz to Blues and Musical Theater and she moves with ease between them. Her lyrics are thought provoking and her songwriting has garnered awards including First Place – Singer/Songwriter in the Great American Song Contest 2015. She also leads Circle Singing, a textless form of improvisational singing, working with Schools, Community Groups and Corporate Team Building; having been mentored by Bobby McFerrin and Mistress of Improv Singing, Rhiannon. She performs with SongSisters as well as solo, and with Jazz combos when those opportunities arise.

“Patti Shaffner is riveting on stage. Her connection with the audience, her charisma and her seemingly limitless vocal abilities are captivating. Patti is a consummate songwriter, true artist and a musician’s musician – an utter delight. I can’t wait till she’s on our stage again!”
– Sandra Thompson Executive Director, The Acorn