On stages both large and small, the musicians and artists of Ramona continue to attract appreciative audiences wherever they perform.
Although Ramona has long had a vibrant music scene, with resident musicians and regular, if small, music festivals, there has been major growth in the industry over the past year.
“We had a great music scene prior, but it didn’t have near the that it does now from the community and from the other businesses,” said Jon Hasz, musician and owner of Ramona Music Center.. “It’s great to see others realizing the economic boost that can come from a healthy arts scene.”
Ramona talent was certainly noticed in April, when several local musicians were nominated for San Diego Music Awards in categories including Americana, Country Album, Best Local Recording and Best Music.
As musical artists continued to move to the area, Hasz and singer-songwriter Ashley E. Norton in January teamed up to form the Ramona Music Alliance, an organization designed for musicians to each other and local musical venues. More than 40 people showed up for the group’s first mixer.
“We now have more than 100 musicians directly involved with our meetings and events,” Hasz said. “We don’t have any dues so it’s hard to track precisely.”
All genres are included in the RMA, and styles range from American to country, gospel, reggae, bluegrass, folk, rock and soul.
The RMA was integral to the making of the “Our Ramona” compilation album, which features 16 songs about Ramona, performed by local musicians, singer-songwriters and artists.
A meet-and-greet for the musicians on the album was held at Ramona’s 31st annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2. The CD release party, held Jan. 18 at Reds, Whites and Brews, was a red carpet affair with hundreds of spectators attending.
Digital s of the CD and individual songs are available at RamonaMusicAlliance.Bandcamp.com, and the CD can be purchased at wineries, restaurants and retail locations throughout town while supplies last. The individual artists, song lyrics and more can be found at: www.RMA.bio/our-ramona.
Even prior to the “Our Ramona” debut, videos and album release parties have become more frequent occurrences, with Ramona offering scenic, unique backdrops for filming that often includes residents as extras in the footage.
In the recent past, residents might have had to attend a music fest or travel down the hill to listen to local artists, but that is also changing as more musical venues continue to open across town. Residents can listen to local favorites nearly any night of the week at restaurants, eateries, wineries and breweries.
Events such as “Song Circles,” “Songbirds,” featuring primarily female artists, and “Wine and Jam” sessions allow attendees to learn more about the musicians and their personal songwriting processes.
Open Mic Nights and Dealer’s Choice events regularly draw crowds of more than 100, with many attendees from down the hill making the trek to Ramona to listen and take part in the fun. Food trucks and boutique markets often accompany the events, incorporating more local small businesses in the musical community.
If that’s not enough, even more local music can be heard with the debut of Ramona’s own radio station, Ramona Radio. The brainchild of resident and business owner Eric Goforth, the 24/7 streaming platform plays music with a “backyard BBQ, Americana vibe.” More than 40% of the music is played by local and other Southern California artists.
RamonaRadio.com can be ed from the web and is available from any of the online streaming services.
Outside of local performers, Ramona continues to attract major musical acts. In March, the world-renowned Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir San Diego performed at the First Congregational Church of Ramona. Resident LaVon “Vonnie” Switzer, a member of the choir for the past 19 years, said she was thrilled to be able to perform with the group at her own church.
The Ramona Concert Association’s 2023 lineup included ensembles showcasing saxophones, wind instruments, a Celtic band and a multicultural clarinet and guitar act.
“There’s always some great touring acts coming through Ramona Mainstage,” Hasz said. “Flamy Grant made it to the top of the worship charts on iTunes the same week she played in Ramona.”
Grant made headlines as a Christian singer-songwriter and drag queen. Hasz also noted Americana artist Stacy Antonel of Nashville performed at several local venues and blues and jazz musician Robin Henkel performed a solo blues concert at the Ramona Library.
Craig Fisher, vocalist and acoustic guitar player for the band Farm Truck, hosted the band’s second annual Barn Dance in October. With several bands performing and attendance topping 300, he hopes the event as the building block for something much bigger.
“In the future, I’d like to expand it to include numerous Ramona venues who live, local music,” said Fisher, who envisions crowds of music lovers walking the streets to hear local bands, while shopping and eating in town.
With so many events happening around town, many musicians are able to find events that personally suit them.
“Everybody wants to play in Ramona right now,” Norton said, adding “how exciting it is to be part of it all.”
From planning larger music festivals to seeking more community input, Hasz and his fellow artists say they believe there is much more to come in the new year.
“We are hoping to build a sustainable arts scene for our town that puts us at the top of the destination list for the rest of San Diego County,” Hasz said
