Peggy Ratusz – Playin’ it Forward.
Blues/Jazz/Swing & Soul chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz has a crystal clear, swanky, funky and fun range of nostalgic to modern vocal stylings that effectively transmits the groove and the lyrical content. She’s been honing her craft for over thirty five years. And for the past ten, she’s either won or placed in the Western North Carolina Readers poll for Best in Blues. This year, she was named Best Vocalist and was also voted as the regional artist who gives back to the community the most.Â
With her stellar backing instrumentalists, this “ruby-throated†International Blues Challenge semifinalist 2008, 2010 and 2015, thrives on sharing her interpretations and influences from all kinds of stages: Wedding Receptions, Cocktail Hours, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate themed events, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, Festivals, Clubs and dinner theaters. She’s opened for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the late great, Sean Costello (Susan Tedeschi Band’s guitarist), Geoff Atchison, Taj Mahal, Denise LaSalle and Mac Arnold and Plate Ful O’ Blues.
Repeat clients like Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival, Omni Grove Park Inn, The Inn at Biltmore Estate, The Cliffs at Keowee, know they can count on Peggy to provide just the right playlist with the skill set to execute it. Accolades always mention her professionalism and include how easy she and her accomplished players are, to get along with.
You’ll hear an array of delightful and delicious Swing and American songbook Jazz, jumpin as well as slow burning Blues, Old School R&B and Soul.  Her influences range from Bessie Smith to Elvis Presley, Smokey Robinson to Bonnie Raitt, Frank Sinatra & Jobim to Wilson Picket & Aretha Franklin, from Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Ray Charles to Imelda May & Stevie Ray Vaughn. She and her Daddies are ready to Swing your reception or private party. But if its background music you need, or if you just want to enhance a cocktail hour, she and her impeccable duo or trio can adapt to any ambience you wish to create. Â
You’ll find this matriarch behind the scenes a well. She books a singer songwriter in the round and a “Female Artist Spotlight Night.† “Women Making Music†is the column she writes each month for WNC Woman Magazine and is a vocal coach to students who range from novice to professional. Playin’ it forward is her motto and her calling.Â
Entertainment so memorable that hundreds of people are still cheering from the stands.
The music was just what we asked for, for the Chamber of Commerce event this year! You and your piano player will be asked back for sure! Thank you!!! ...
- Tara J.
(Jul 16, 2016)
Thank you thank you thank you, Peggy, Jon, Chuck, Ben and Grant for making our reception swing!!! With ½ the swing dancers in Asheville at our wedding, you performed the perfect music to keep everybody hyped up and getting’ down! ...
- Robert & Norene B.
(Jun 18, 2016)
I'm a nut for Good female vocalists and when I heard Peggy on her website, I insisted that my wife and daughter consider her band for the wedding reception in Cashiers, NC. None of us were disappointed. The top 40 hits mp3 playlist she made to play d...
- Norm J.
(Apr 26, 2014)
Peggy ‘s Quartet was perfect for our appreciation dinner – a jazz-blues diva with an excellent, solid band! Events ...
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(Apr 19, 2014)
You put together a great band last minute and we don’t know what we would have done without you going the extra mile! Gosh, Peggy I can’t thank you enough! I will recommend you to anyone who asks! ...
- Jonas G.
(Apr 12, 2014)
I am not surprised at all that you were voted best in Blues! That’s why the Mustang Club hired you for the Blues Festival! What a great way to start the day with your killer 4 pc band! No regrets, other than your set was cut short on account of rai...
- Joe G.
(Jul 13, 2013)
Thank you all so much for performing at our wedding! It was everything we had hoped for. We and our guests completely enjoyed the music. Thank you again! It was wonderful and so classy! ...
- Dan & Ariel
(Jun 15, 2013)
Wow Peggy! Jeff and I cannot be more pleased with the outcome of our wedding reception music! You were worth every dime and then some! ...
- Erin & Jeff
(Apr 20, 2013)
Thanks for making our trip to Asheville extraordinarily fun and memorable. You and your band are wonderful hosts and truly inspirational musicians. ...
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(Nov 17, 2012)
The Peggy Ratusz Trio was a highlight of the morning brunch and 90th birthday party celebration for our mother. She was thrilled with the special songs you learned just for her. She wanted us to make sure we told you how much she appreciated that! Es...
- Sara & Liz C.
(Oct 20, 2012)