I love Ramona!

So, did I tell you that Jonny and I moved to Ramona? It’s a place I’ve longed to live. I love its rural, small town vibe, rolling hills, farms, and wineries. We were about to sign a lease agreement for a little piece of land here in March of 2020 then POW everything changed, so when the opportunity to land here popped up at the end of last year we were over the moon. We’ve spent that past 4 months getting settled and getting to know the neighborhood, and we are finally exhaling in peaceful gratitude.

Ramona reminds me of Norco/Mira Loma, where I was born and raised, following mom around our mini farm full of sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and my pony, Mandy. Happy memories indeed, and they visit me often as I drive these gorgeous windy roads from the beautiful ranch where we reside, just 12 minutes to Main Street. This place is perfect for me, it has all of my favorite things: wine, fresh veggies, a few thrift stores, a 99 Only AND a thriving arts and music scene.

I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but I heard San Diego music promoter Rosalea Schiavone refer to Ramona’s music scene as “the Austin of San Diego”. I dig that. In addition, if I were going to compare this sweet scene to a TV show it would be “Friends”, “New Girl”, “Seinfeld”, “How I Met Your Mother”, “That 70s Show”… you get the idea. It’s like a super fun musical club of a few dozen incredibly talented country, Americana, pop and folk singer/songwriters of various ages and backgrounds, who by all accounts seem like they’re all BFFs. I mean, it’s like “Fame” or something. You get it. It’s amazing.

And it’s not only the musicians but the venues are all in on it, too. Vintners and brew masters and retreat hosts AND the community, all supporting each other and working together to keep the live music scene alive and well. And talented photographers who document it all. To top it off the Ramona Home Journal’s owner/publisher is a musician and he’s giving the music scene plenty of love and attention. It’s been truly inspiring to witness. And? Being welcomed into this community is like someone placing a warm blanket on you just as you’re falling asleep on the couch, slipping softly into a slumber full of joyful dreams. *sigh* With encouragement from these folks, I’m playing music more often than I have in my life and I’ve never been happier.

Anyway, long story short, I invite you to Ramona. I’ll be hosting a few song circles and various opportunities for you to join the show, visit www.ListenLocalRadio.com/calendar for info, or you can just come and watch/listen. And, if I’m not working you can be dang sure I’ll be out supporting one of my Ramona pals because that is how they roll in Ramona. xo Cathryn

TUNE IN TO THIS MONTH’S LISTEN LOCAL SHOW!

This month Erin Miller from Brightwood Retreat in Julian joins me to guest host the show featuring songs and message sent in from music makers from San Diego and beyond PLUS the audio calendar is back! Sets of songs by bands and songwriters performing somewhere near you this month.

LISTEN LOCAL NEWS AND INFORMATION – MAY 2023

May 2nd we’re gathering for a Song Circle from 4pm to 6pm on the covered back patio of Pamo Valley Winery’s Tasting Room on Main Street in Ramona. Plenty of parking, byo chair and unplugged instrument and when the circle comes your way you can play any song you like and the rest of the circle will join in, if you like. It’s a potluck so if you’re coming to participate or just listen please bring something to share if you’d like to get in on the yum. No cover

May 6th we’re kicking off live music at Lavender & Olive in Ramona with an “acoustic alliance” style, in the round showcase of some of the best singing songwriters on the most stunning patio, ever! The owners of this incredible place have been hosting weddings and are now eager to share what they’ve built with our music community, too. Just WAIT until you behold this remarkable place! We’ll have a mini art walk featuring Denise Bonaimo Sarram, Geeta Chinai, Linda Glassi and more plus food by The Pizza guys and bar service by Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe available. No cover, all ages, sorry no pets. See you there!

May 12th catch Calamity AND Jeff Berkley & The Banned back to back at Gator by the Bay beginning at 5pm Congrats to Jeff Berkley for being named ARTIST OF THE YEAR! He sure deserves it.

May 19th Listen Local Lounge at Satellite begins taping SEASON 2 with guests Chuck Roberts, Ashely E. Norton, Sande Lollis, Justin Rodriquez, Aaron Markland and Marie Haddad. Check back here next month to enjoy the show(s) and check out SEASON 1 now: Stream ListenLocalRadio.com | Listen to LISTEN LOCAL LOUNGE AT SATELLITE MUSICAL TALK SHOW playlist online for free on SoundCloud

May 20th Listen Local is hosting the Song Circle at AnomaR in Ramona. This incredible interactive, immersive festival will be great fun for the entire family. Check it out and get tickets at https://www.anomarfestival.com/

On May 22nd it’s my turn to host “Dealer’s Choice” Mondays at Reds, Whites & Brews. They have an incredible back patio and on the 22nd songwriters are gathering to play OTHER local songwriter’s songs during the CALS show (cover a local songwriter). No cover Come check it out!

That’s it for May, but June is already heating up so check out the calendar at ListenLocalRadio.com to keep up with what’s happening in Listen Local land. AND!? Please send me your original song and intro message so I can play you on the Listen Local Show. Get all the details at www.ListenLocalRadio.com/submitsongs

Thank you for your support, friends, have an incredible month out there! xo Cathryn