New Winston-Salem Music Venue In Former Ziggy's Building

Downtown Winston-Salem will soon be home to a new music venue. It will open in the former Ziggy's location at 170 W. Ninth St.

When that music venue closed in 2016, area concertgoers and musicians wondered what, if anything, would come along to replace it. Now a partnership of local music scene supporters have an answer.

The venue is called Ramkat, and its aim is to book not only diverse music acts, but dance, comedy, theatre, and film events as well.

“I am very pleased that this wonderful partnership has been formed and that our community is going to be blessed with these new entertainment options,” said Jason Thiel, president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, Inc. “I am confident that this will be a long-lasting venture with many benefits to our community.”

The managing partners are Richard Emmett, the music director of the Blue Ridge Music Center, and Andy Tennille, a local music promoter and photographer. Bryan Ledbetter, the owner of Airtype Studios and Camel City Goods is also an investor.

“We're thrilled to announce the opening of The Ramkat,” said Richard Emmett, a co-owner and managing partner. “Over the next several months, we'll be busy booking shows while preparing the room for a grand opening. We are grateful for the support of the community and the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership in making this project possible.”

At over 11,000 square feet and two levels, the facility has the potential to host national, regional, and local acts when it opens this March.