From Staff Reports 

HENDERSONVILLE — The Asheville-based swing jazz band Queen Bee and the Honeylovers will be the featured headliner in the city’s Rhythm & Brews outdoor concert series, taking the stage around 7:30 p.m. June 20 on South Main Street (south end) between Allen and Caswell streets, in downtown Hendersonville. 

The opening band, at 5:30 p.m., will be Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs.

Regarding Queen Bee and the Honeylovers, its website stated the following:

“Queen Bee and the Honeylovers is a dance band that performs classic swing, blues and Latin music. They have been voted best in Jazz 2020/21/22 in the Mountain Xpress ‘Best Of” poll. 

“Their debut album, ‘Asheville’ celebrated their hometown’s history and won them #41 on WNCW’s listener-voted poll of Best Albums of 2019, as well as features on ‘The State of Things with Frank Stasio’ and PBS ‘Woodsongs.’ Their video for ‘Beacham’s Curve’ won Best Soundtack at the 2019 Music Video Asheville Awards. 

“Vocal-driven with an infectious groove, the Honeylovers are guaranteed to put a grin on your face and a tap in your toes.”

The band’s Facebook page stated the following:

“Unabashedly joyful Asheville swing band performing original compositions & little-known standards, with a dedicated ‘nod’ to the small-jazz-combo and ‘hot club’ legends who first defined the genre.”

The group’s lead singer Whitney Moore started Queen Bee and the Honeylovers in 2018.

A review by Listen Asheville stated the following:

“Between Whitney Moore‘s smooth vocals and Latin flair, the music she creates is both uplifting and intoxicating.”

For the June 20 concert, doors will open at 5:15 p.m. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Admission is free.