Sister Sadie Brings Bluegrass Magic to Space in Evanston

Sister Sadie is not just a band; they’re a powerhouse collective redefining bluegrass with a spirit that's both bold and heartfelt. Formed in 2012 after an impromptu jam session at Nashville's Station Inn, this Grammy-nominated, all-female supergroup has broken barriers in a genre traditionally dominated by men. Their sound seamlessly blends high-energy bluegrass, gospel, and Americana, delivered with tight harmonies and exceptional musicianship.

Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

Each member brings her own unique talents to the group, from Deanie Richardson’s masterful fiddle playing to Gena Britt’s banjo skills and soulful vocals. Newer members like Jaelee Roberts and Dani Flowers brought fresh energy and vocal brilliance, while Katie Blomarz-Kimball, the band’s newest addition, gave the evening a local touch with her Chicago roots. Rainy Miatke rounded out the lineup with her skillful mandolin playing, leaving no doubt as to why Sister Sadie remains one of bluegrass’s most celebrated groups. The band's name, inspired by the Tony Rice song "Little Sadie," reflects not only their musical roots but also the deep camaraderie between its members. With accolades like the 2020 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and a Grammy nomination, they have proven themselves as a leading force in modern bluegrass.

Sister Sadie wasted no time connecting with the audience at Space in Evanston, setting the tone with their signature blend of energy and authenticity. Taking the stage slightly ahead of schedule, the band dove into their set with a stirring rendition of “Deeper Well,” featuring Dani Flowers on lead vocals. From the first note, their harmonies and musicianship filled the intimate venue, creating a connection that felt deeply personal. Jaelee Roberts brought a fresh dynamic with her vibrant voice, especially during "Something You Didn’t Count On," which struck an emotional chord 

“I love this room; I love this place I love Chicago. We’ve been up since 3 AM. We played St. Louis last night, and we had a 9’ O’clock at the Cook County Jail this morning. Most of those guys didn’t even know what Bluegrass music was; they didn’t know what these instruments were. By the time we left, they said they were going to Apple Music to listen to more.”

Before their evening performance at Space, Sister Sadie took part in a profoundly meaningful experience earlier in the day at Cook County Jail in Chicago. As part of an initiative led by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the band performed for inmates, bringing music and inspiration to a setting often overlooked. This unique opportunity to connect through art added an emotional layer to their visit to Evanston, highlighting music’s ability to uplift and bridge gaps in even the most unexpected places. With this impactful start to their day, the band carried that spirit into their concert, introducing the lively song "If We Ain’t Drinking, Then We’re Fighting." The upbeat energy of the track brought a sense of joy and humor to the evening, contrasting with the heartfelt moments

Sister Sadie’s setlist was a dynamic blend of original material and carefully chosen covers that paid homage to their influences while showcasing their versatility. A standout moment came when they performed Gillian Welch's poignant "Everything Is Free," a reflection on the changing music industry that resonated deeply with the crowd. The band’s heartfelt interpretation brought new life to the song’s themes of artistry and resilience.

The night at Space in Evanston gave fans a chance to see how Sister Sadie continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Longtime members brought their seasoned expertise to the forefront, delivering tight harmonies and dazzling instrumental performances that have become their hallmark. A highlight of the evening was the introduction of Katie Blomarz-Kimball, the newest member of the group and a Chicago native, who stepped into the spotlight with confidence. Her stand-up bass playing and heartfelt vocals seamlessly blended into the band’s sound, making her feel like she had been a part of the ensemble for years. Rainy Miatke, 2025’s IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year, showcased her skills on an instrumental number called “Albatross”, bringing the crowd to its feet with her electrifying performance. The dynamic interplay between these newer voices and the founding members demonstrated how Sister Sadie continues to balance tradition with fresh perspectives, creating a sound that is both timeless and forward-looking.

“We went into the studio on January 2nd, and we cut a record in just 5 days. 12 songs in 5-days”

Dani took a moment to share a story that struck a chord with the crowd, a tale about the band's less glamorous side. She described a dreaded drive from Nashville to Arizona, one of those endless, wearying stretches on the road that musicians know all too well. But in true Sister Sadie fashion, they turned even that tiresome journey into something meaningful. With a chuckle, Dani revealed the band's post-show guilty pleasure: a cigarette break which led to the line Marlboro’s in Muskogee. This small indulgence became the inspiration for a song from their new album, one that reflects the grit and humor found in the life of touring musicians. “Prodigal Daughter” & “Do What You Want," a song co-written with the brilliant Erin Enderlin was next

“I’m 54 years old, I’ve been playing fiddle since I was 9, I have toured with some of the most amazing people, play in the staff band at the Grand Ole Opry, but one of the most awarding things of my life (dammit, I’m going to cry) is hearing someone like Finn play my licks. It’s the best thing in the world to know that when I’m gone, he’s still going to be playing my licks.”

Deanie Richardson shared a heartfelt moment with the crowd, introducing one of her fiddle students, Finn McGuinness, who had just been accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music. The pride in her voice was palpable as she welcomed Finn to the stage, but the surprises didn’t stop there. Joining him was Luciya Sullivan, a soon-to-be freshman at Berklee College of Music and a member of the Chicago bluegrass band the Sullivan Sisters. Together, the two young musicians brought an extra layer of energy and spontaneity to the night, joining Sister Sadie for an impromptu jam session of the Bill Monroe classic, "Road to Columbus."

The interplay between the musicians was magnetic, with Deanie’s fiddle leading the charge and Finn and Luciya matching her step for step. Their performance was an electrifying reminder of how bluegrass continues to thrive across generations, blending tradition with fresh talent. The room buzzed with excitement as the music built and swelled, leaving an indelible impression on the audience. It wasn’t just a collaboration; it was a moment of pure connection that elevated the evening to something truly unforgettable.

As the evening wound down, Sister Sadie delivered a show-stopping finale that left the audience in awe. Their haunting rendition of Cam's "Diane" filled the room with raw emotion, each note drawing the crowd deeper into the story. Just when it seemed they couldn’t take it further, the band transitioned seamlessly into "Willow," a powerful moment that sent chills through the air. The harmonies and instrumentation were so poignant, you could feel the room holding its collective breath.

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After a brief exit, the band returned for an encore that felt like a gift, closing the night with a heartfelt version of "900 Miles." The simplicity and soul of the performance made it a perfect farewell, bringing the evening full circle. Sister Sadie’s ability to balance technical brilliance with such deep emotion was on full display, leaving everyone with a memory that would linger long after the music stopped. It was a night to treasure.

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Sister Sadie Set-List:

Deeper Well (David Olney Cover)

Something You Didn’t Count On

If We Ain’t Drinking, Then We’re Fighting

Everything Is Free (Gillian Welch Cover)

UNKNOWN (Instrumental)

Cannonball

Well

Sugar Moon (Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys cover)

All Will Be Well

Albatross (Instrumental)

Blue As My Broken Heart

UNKNOWN (NEW SONG)

Prodigal Daughter

Do What You Want

Road To Columbus (Bill Monroe Cover) {With Finn McGuinness & Luciya Sullivan of the Sullivan Sisters}

Diane (Cam Cover)

Willow

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900 Miles