In addition to the regular weekly music events being held, many local artists take part in one-time-only events, performances and collaborations, in town and down the hill.
This is the place to find out about these special events, as well as album and video releases. For regular local appearances, visit the Ramona Music Alliance calendar at: https://www.rma.bio/
Aug. 8:
The Seaside Ramblers will be playing at Ramona Family Naturals, Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The Encinitas-based band is known for its rockabilly/blues-influenced Americana style.
Victoria Bradley, owner of the natural foods store, said the Seaside Ramblers perform music similar to Junior Brown, who will be performing later the same night at Ramona Main Stage.
All concerts at Ramona Family Naturals, 325 6th St., are free and family friendly. For more information, visit: RamonaFamilyNaturals.com.
Junior Brown will be performing at the Ramona Main Stage, 626 Main St., beginning at 7 p.m. Brown is known for his unique voice and songwriting, as well as his double-necked “Guit-Steel” guitar, which combines a standard guitar with a steel guitar.
Tickets are $40; a booth seating six is $400. For more information call 760-789-7008; to purchase tickets, visit: https://ramonamainstage.com/junior-brown/.
Aug. 9:
An Americana BBQ show will be held at Ramona Family Naturals on Friday, Aug. 9. The free show, from 6 to 8 p.m., features Matt Axton from Los Angeles, whose music is described as a mix of folk, funk, country, blues and rock.
For the barbecue dinner, guests can purchase their choice of smoked beef back ribs or chicken, and of two sides. Drinks include their regular beer and wine offerings, as well as mocktails by Parch.
Ramona Family Naturals is at 325 6th St. For more information, visit RamonaFamilyNaturals.com.
August 24:
Baseball fans can catch Farm Truck at Petco Park on Saturday, Aug. 24. The alt country rockers will be at Grand Ole BBQ prior to the Padres/Mets game, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Petco Park is at 100 Park Blvd, San Diego. You must have a game ticket to attend.
Sept. 6:
The three-year anniversary of Ramona Songbirds will be held Friday, Sept. 6, at Ramona Town Hall, 729 Main St. The Songbirds and Sunflowers event will honor female music legends such as Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks and Patsy Cline.
The event will feature Jessie Smith, Ashley E. Norton with Stephanie Groot, Cathryn Beeks, Sande Lollis, Suzanne Panza, Rose Darrough, Julie Sage, Astra Kelly, Sara Jade, Jessie Lark and Chloe Lou.
Wine from Ramona Ranch Winery and beer from Smoking Cannon Brewery will be available, and the Nomadic Pizza Trolly food truck will be on site.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40; the first 75 ticket purchases will receive a commemorative wine tumbler. Tickets can be purchased at: https://addmi.com/e/songbirds-sunflowers-three-year-anniversary-celebration-O3O3DJIMDfjMF6l1XBW.
Sept. 7:
The 27th annual Julian Grape Stomp Festa is set for Saturday, Sept. 7. The family friendly event will feature authentic grape stomping, music, food, a beer garden, children’s activities, a Lucy Look-a-Like contest and merchant vendors.
“First and foremost, it’s one of the only places where you can actually stomp grapes in an oak wine barrel,” said Tyler Stamets, event organizer. “It’s traditional wine making and we recreate that classic scene.”
A traditional Italian accordion player kicks off the event, playing from 11 a.m. to noon.
The All Star Lucy Band performs from noon to 2 p.m. Ashley E. Norton, Cathryn Beeks, Chlou Lou, Marcia Claire, Stephanie Groot and Natasha Cruz dress as Lucy Richardo from the grape stomp episode in the original “I Love Lucy” television series.
After the band’s performance, the Lucy Look-A-Like contest will be held, with a $100 first prize, and prizes for second and third place.
“We had six or seven contestants last year, not counting the band, and we hope to have even more this year,” Stamets said.
From 3 to 5 p.m., The Beard and The Bird Trio, featuring Jon and Cat Hasz, takes the stage.
Throughout the day, guests can choose from several food vendors and at least 10 wineries.
Held at Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult ission is $25 and includes one tasting ticket and a commemorative Grape Stomp wine glass; $8 for anyone under 21. Parking is free.
