Musicians Playin’ & Payin’ it Forward to Support Good Causes
Local Music Makers
Nonprofits holding fundraising events often tap into our locally rich performing arts and makers community, asking creatives to lend their talents and contribute their wares to enhance abilities to raise monies for their particular causes.
Check the dates below to make sure you don't miss anything.
There’s no shortage of artisans and musicians in Western North Carolina who generously give of their time and money for causes they can get behind.
Here is information and highlights about a few of these happenings, that have either already taken place or that will happen this month and beyond. The beautiful thing about giving is that you don’t have to wait for an organization to hold an event to donate.
MAY’S FEATURED FUNDRAISING EVENT: CITY OF HOPE BENEFIT AND CONCERT
The City of Hope located in Ntagacha, an extremely impoverished Tanzanian community close to the Kenyan border, rescues children from situations of abuse, child marriage, female genital mutilation, hunger and disease.
Recently, Asheville residents Kathy Scott and Richard Williams returned from a month-long volunteer trip to this clinic and school where they mentored, nursed and helped maintain the facility and grounds there.
It became incumbent to those who witnessed each day they spent in the village, clinic and school via their social media posts, that a fundraiser to raise money for renovations
(in particular, replacing the clinic’s floor) and supplies is in order.
The benevolent owner and manager at The River Arts District Brewing Company in Asheville have graciously agreed to host the City of Hope Fundraiser on Sunday, May 5, 2024, 4pm-7pm.
During the fundraiser there will be a raffle and items will be a range of mediums generously donated by an ample number of local painters, potters, textile-ists, and jewelry makers.
These handmade pieces come from artisans such as Andy Levine, Mary Lynn Schroeder, Nan Smith Davis, Jennifer Hoolihan, Bee Adams, Mom & Daughter art team of Beth, Hali & Ayla, Claire Simpson Jones, Tarah Singh, Zen Sutherland, Linda Prager and Bud Gray.
Musicians offering access to their music via download cards, vinyl records & CD’s will be included in the cornucopia of overall raffle items. Popular groups and players such as The Moon & You, Dulci Ellenberger, Tina & Her Pony, Tall Tall Trees, Jonathan Pearlman and I will donate our media to be included in the drawings.
And speaking of music, another element of the event will include 2 sets of live music lovingly presented by acclaimed local African musician Adama Dembele and his trio along with Jazz/Blues/Fusion composer and guitarist, Jonathan Pearlman & Friends. Queens Island Cuisine food truck will be on the premises to squelch your hunger pangs.
To donate directly online: www.joinhopeco.com. Click on ‘donate’ to fill in the amount; click on ‘My Donation is for: Amani Medical Center’ and when the form asks for comments, type in “Tile Fund.”
BREWS & BEARS is an after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer, cider, or wine in hand. There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with Popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa!
Brews & Bears happens the second Friday of the month on May 10, June 14, July 12, and August 9, from 5:30 to 8 pm. The events will feature beer from Highland Brewing; cider from Appalachian Mountain Brewery; wine from Metrowines; food from Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Cecilia’s Food Truck, Bigfoot-Longs Hot Dogs, and KONA Ice; and music by Mix 96.5, 105.9 The Mountain, The Realtorz, and the Passionistas.
Tickets are $15 to $35 wildwnc.org/brews-and-bears
ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL PRESENTS: “Sound Effects Benefit Concert with music by Dirty Logic and Minør!” This is an all-ages event, and kids 7 and under get in FREE! Now in its tenth year, ‘Sound Effects’ is Asheville Music School’s primary fundraising event.
This year, they are bringing the country’s premier Steely Dan Tribute Band, Dirty Logic to the outdoor stage at Salvage Station. Their goal is to raise $35,000 to support AMS operations and the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which funds the scholarship and outreach programs.
Asheville Music School (AMS) is strengthening communities through music education and outreach, while sustaining teachers and musicians in a vibrant music culture. https://salvagestation.com/events/asheville-music-school-presents-dirty-logic/
DRAG QUEEN GAME SHOW, DIVINE INTERVENTION! - A Fundraiser for Sunrise Community for Recovery 501(c)3 (Ages 21+) Bearded Lady Productions is thrilled to return with another round of “Divine Intervention,” the sell-out smash hit game show FUNdraiser.
New questions, new entertainers! Join them on Thursday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing for an evening of wit, charm, and surprises. All profits made at this glittering game show will be donated to Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. Ages 21 and up. Tickets are $15 and are available at
PAST EVENTS YOU CAN STILL DONATE TO OUR VOICE’S FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY
2024 commemorates fifty years of resilience, empowerment, and advocacy. From its scrappy volunteer run beginnings, Our Voice has evolved into a beacon of hope and support for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking in our region.
This event featured the soulful sounds of The Free Flow band where a great time was had by all, celebrating their unwavering commitment to our community. Here’s to fifty years of making a difference and many more to come! https://www.ourvoicenc.org/
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL FUNDRAISER FOR BELOVED ASHEVILLE.
This event took place in April, to a standing room only crowd for nearly four hours! Featured acts included Isaac Haden, Ovadya, Melissa McKinney & the Ruckus, Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs and While Rome Burns.
To donate to this “beloved” organization anytime and often, go to their informative and impressive website: https://belovedasheville.com/
“Giving is not just about making a donation; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.” Kathy Calvin
Peggy’s May shows & gigs:
Thurs May 2nd – Acoustic Roots & Blues with Kelly Jones & Peggy Ratusz, The River Arts District Brewing Co, with special guest, bassist, Zack Page, 7pm-9pm
Sat May 4th – Invitational Blues Showcase hosted by Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs with special guests Aaron Price and Andrew Lawniczak, One World West 4pm-7pm
Sat May 11th - Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs Blues & Dance Band The Pillar Rooftop Bar, Hilton Garden Inn, 6pm-9pm
Sun May 12th – Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs, Highland Brewing Meadow, 2pm-5pm
Thur May 16th – Acoustic Roots & Blues with Kelly Jones & Peggy Ratusz, The River Arts District Brewing Co, with special guest, vocalist, Ellen Trnka, 7pm-9pm
Fri May 17th – Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs, Mills River Brewing, outdoor stage 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sat May 25th – Invitational Blues Showcase hosted by Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs with special guests, soul singer, Rhoda Weaver and hot rod guitarist, Jack Mascari,
4pm-7pm
Sun May 26th – Peggy Ratusz, Adam Rose & Bob Songster, Southern Appalachian Brewery 4pm-6pm
Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach,
song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at