The Reason for the Benefit

Why is it important to keep places like White Horse Black Mountain alive and well?

White Horse Black Mountain makes a difference in the lives of people.

The venue has been a huge asset for the people of Black Mountain and the surrounding areas of Western North Carolina. The venue has been praised by musicians, audience members, and members of the community for it's quality peformances and it's warm and welcoming spirit.

But it goes beyond that. White Horse Black Mountain has demonstrated that it truly cares about people and desires to make a difference in the lives of people; locally, regionally, and around the world.

During early March, White Horse Black Mountain held it's 2nd Help Haiti Heal Benefit event. Asheville resident and friend of White Horse, Lorin Mallorie, was in Haiti at the time and helped arrange and remote Skype broadcast of Haitian musicians who once again had a stage to share their lives and music with the world. Their performance was shown live on the huge screen at White Horse and White Horse arranged to have the performance webcast live ..... so that anyone in the world could see and hear the voices and music of Haiti.

Lorin Mallorie describes the impact of that event as follows:

On Saturday evening we stage a "live" concert via satellite call to White Horse Black Mountain, which is hosting a Haiti benefit. James Vergenau (aka Rebel) of the Haitian reggae band Yizra'el sings an original tune called "Mother Nature"; Jagat accompanies him on the hand drums. The smaller venues here are still closed for reconstruction, and it's Rebel's first performance since the quake two months ago.

They tell me the White Horse audience was in tears. But what stays with me from that night in Kenscoff is the look in Rebel's eyes, alive and inspired to once again be playing the music he loves — this time for a little town in far off America.





Peggy Ratusz

PEGGY RATUSZ
http://www.myspace.com/peggyratusz2


"Asheville’s live music scene loves Peggy Ratusz. She’s one of those people you just want to get to know – and give her just a couple of minutes between sets – and you will know her. She is friendly, accessible and you can just feel the energy she brings with her. It’s that energy from doing something that you love."---Ashevilles Hot .com

Whether she's fronting a band and belting out a class R&B hit, or moaning the blues accompanied by a soulful guitar, Peggy Ratusz has become one of the favorite voices in the area.   Versatility, range, depth...and most of all soul are characteristics often used to describe Peggy's amazing vocal performances.  

Long-time admirers of her voice are now coming to appreciate that she's one of the area best songwriters as well.  Both her voice and her songwriting skills are showcased on her most recent CD, Infused with the Blues.

Not only is Peggy a favorite with listeners she's also a favorite among othe musicians.   She's always been a strong supporter and encourager of other musicians and in many cases sacrifices her own career to support and promote the talents of other regional musicians.    When Peggy went into the studio to record Infused With The Blues, she decided to ask "a few friends" to help out.   With great effort she finally narrowed down the list of musical friends to 25 musicians who eagerly went into the studio to record backup instrumentals and vocals for the new release.