Quintessential song interpreters, Paula Hanke & Peggy Ratusz team up again, to reprise their fantastic show honoring powerhouse singer, Etta James. Sure to be a sell-out, hurry and get your tickets before it does!
Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz shift effortlessly between genres with ease & control. They have been mesmerizing audiences together & separately, worldwide. Hanke, hailing from Wisconsin and Ratusz from Ohio, they have performed professionally for over 35 years.
From high school to present day, ruby-throated Blues Chanteuse, Ratusz, has toured the USA with show bands, acoustic trios, jazz & dance bands. Voted WNC’s Best in Blues for 12 of the last 17 years and in 2016 she was also voted Best Vocalist and Artist Who Gives Back. A semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge, Peggy has capitalized on these opportunities, landing her on television, radio, festivals, performing arts theaters and showcases. Opening for Tedeschi-Trucks Band in 2011, she’s also opened for Taj Mahal & The Beach Boys. Her dedication and support promoting local and regional female music artists, is also notable.
Paula’s reach has been far & wide. She started playing classical piano and alto sax at age 10. Singing became her focus after being chosen for several young performing troupes in the Mid-West, Disney, & the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater in Florida. After an appearance on Star Search ’88, Paula performed at the Plaza Hotel & the Bitter End. Through extensive touring, she’s performed for Joan Rivers, Jerry Sinfeld & shared the stage with James Taylor & Willie Nelson. She appears on records by NPR composer, BJ Leiderman and international recording artist, David LaMotte.
Etta dimmed the lines between Jazz, R&B, Soul, Pop & Rock and Roll. Both of these fervent, adaptive singers are natural catalysts for these iconic songs, which translated into hits by the “The Matriarch of Rhythm & Blues.”
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall.