Austin, Texas transplant, Peggy Ratusz has been pulling from the cream of the Asheville music crop since moving here in 2002. This “ruby throated” chanteuse and her band won their way regionally to compete in the prestigious International Blues Challenge held in Memphis each year in 2008, 2010 and 2016. Voted “Best in Blues” for 9 of the past 12 years, in 2016, she won in 2 additional categories: Best Vocalist and Local Artist Who Gives Back. She’s opened for Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Geoff Atchison, Danielle Nicole Band, Karen Lovely, Taj Mahal and the Beach Boys. This dynamite configuration with Kelly Jones on guitar, Jay Hoots on drums and Bob Songster on bass will set the stage on fire from slow ember to full alarm!

Playin’ it forward is her motto as evidenced by her many collaborative and philanthropic productions over the past 20 years, benefitting local musicians and charities.