This is the fifth season of 2 Stones Events’ monthly concerts in the lower level of Ciao Amici’s restaurant in downtown Brighton (217 W. Main). Previously named Kittens & Crooners, the series has expanded its focus on The Great American Songbook to now also include other styles (gypsy, Latin, New Orleans, fusion, etc.) of the jazz genre.
For her Ciao!Jazz shows, this fabulous singer will be backed by an all-star lineup featuring Cliff Monear, keys; Jeff Pedraz, bass; Sean Dobbins, drums; and Ingrid Racine, trumpet.
The following excerpt was written by Christy Frank for One In Six:
Ramona Collins, 76, is a powerhouse entertainer from Toledo, Ohio, known for her versatile talents as a singer, songwriter, actress, emcee, educator, and radio personality. A staple of the regional music scene for over 50 years, Ramona has captivated audiences with her sultry voice and masterful delivery of jazz, blues, Motown classics, and more. Whether performing solo or with a group, she has a knack for connecting with diverse crowds, from intimate jazz clubs to large festivals. She frequently performs at senior centers, where members end up joyfully dancing to her songs.
Born in Toledo and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Ramona grew up under the influence of her mother, the late Alice Carter, a jazz pianist and singer who fostered her daughter's musical passion. This early encouragement helped Ramona overcome her shyness and transform into the dynamic performer she is today. Her rich repertoire, coupled with her natural charisma, has made her one of the most in-demand entertainers in the region.
With performances spanning Toledo, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and beyond, Ramona remains a beloved figure in the region, celebrated not only for her incredible voice but also for her unwavering dedication to the art of entertainment. Fans and audiences alike eagerly anticipate every opportunity to experience this remarkable talent live.”
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT RAMONA
“Ramona Collins has a strong, satiny voice with a lot of blues and soul seasoning and a very hip sense of time.” - Jerome Wilson — Cadence Magazine
“Review of performance at Juneteenth Celebration, Toledo Museum of Art - 6/21/2008… Her one-hour set wasn’t the finale, but it probably should have been because what could top that voice, that sound, the imagery she concocted with a trill?” - Geneva J. Chapman, Reporter — The Sojourner's Truth
“Top talent wows crowd at Idlewild Jazz Fest IDLEWILD – The sun had just begun to set on the 2007 Idlewild Festival when headliner Ramona Collins came to the stage….Collins has a terrific voice and she demonstrated time and again why she got the nod for the closing of the one-day jazz extravaganza as she performed classics like “Watermelon Man” and “Body and Soul,” which she sang as an upbeat piece rather than a lament…” - Brett M. Fischbach, Editor — Lake County Star
“Collins knows how to belt out a tune and her effervescent personality helps make her a strong stage presence and a real treat to hear… Ramona Collins is a regional performer worthy of wider recognition”” - C. Andrew Hovan, Jazz Writer & Photographer — All About Jazz
“Damn, this swings: Ramona Collins "Live & Lovin' It." Toledo native Ramona Collins shows that the old school is the gold school. This is classic jazz: swingin', hot and cool, and foot-tappin'.. it shows Ramona Collins the entertainer as well as the song stylist, an all-around talent. She is definitely a Toledo treasure that should be cherished. Definitely get this one.” - Steven J. Athanas — Toledo City Paper
“…Her voice hit all the flavors from honey to hot sauce, her delivery was always captivating, and her rapport with the listeners was instant and continuous. She flirted, she told funny stories and jokes, she teased and flattered the musicians - in short, she was fun, funny and fantastic. . .” - Betty Forest, Widow of Trumpter Jimmy Forest
“Ramona Collins, Toledo-based vocalist, has a commanding stage presence and a soulful voice. "The penetrating appeal of Ramona's performance derives in large measure of course, from her rich, nimble and evocative voice, but there's more. Her interpretations of familiar tunes convey wisdom, humor an almost ethereal goodwill that combines to create the impression of, not just a great singer, but a remarkable person sharing music and something more.” - Fritz Beyer — WGTE 91.3, Jazz Spectrum
Special thanks to our media sponsor — The Marketeer. This is a 21+ event.
$27 TICKETS — Limited to just 100 seats per show
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623002627549?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1622911575209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Doors open 30 minutes prior.
‘Cash-only’ (literally) bar: Please, only call the restaurant (810-227-9000) for dinner reservations upstairs before or after your show!
