Marilyn Rucker, known also as “The Wicked Wit of the West” sizzles on the piano and sings a mean song. Not mean-spirited, mind you, but the lyrics are far darker and more satirical than you might expect from someone who looks like the girl on the Alabam Pickle Jar. Or rather Wholesome, with a capitol W, but don’t let appearances fool you. She is a wit with an edge like vinegar and eighty-eight spicy keys to back her up.

She’s won regional, national and international songwriting awards in several different genres, including jazz, singer-songwriter and cabaret. She holds a masters degree in piano performance from Southwest Texas State University, where she studied under the world renowned jazz pianist, James Polk. Her masterful playing and singing reflect a playful mix of influences from Diana Krall, Tom Lehrer, Norah Jones, Blossom Dearie, Dave Frishberg, and Mose Allison. Her style; however, is unique.