Jazz Tuesdays - Dr. Ramona Collins w/ Cliff Monear, Nick Calandro, Randy Gelispie (3/18/25) Set 2

Set two from this evening features sit-ins from special guests like Randy "Uncle G" Gelispie! Enjoy.

==========================================================

We are honored to welcome back Dr. Ramona Collins as our featured guest for this week's show.

Singer/songwriter/educator/actress & radio host Ramona Collins was born in Toledo, OH, but grew up right here in Lansing, where her mother was a jazz pianist and singer.

Ramona is a premier entertainer whose fun, sassy, sultry & swingin’ shows have made her an audience favorite at clubs, concerts and festivals wherever she goes. She covers all the flavors, from honey to hot sauce, whether she is half of a duo or fronting an orchestra. Ramona is a past president of the Toledo Jazz Society, considered a jazz activist by many who know her, and was the driving force for renaming Toledo’s former jazz festival in honor of the late, great Art Tatum.

Ramona has worked with a who’s who of jazz musicians in the Midwest and beyond, and has been honored for her contributions to the arts in her hometown of Toledo. In 2024, the University of Toledo honored Ms. Collins with a Degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa, in recognition of her musical achievements and community engagement!

Backing up Ramona we have an extraordinary trio of musicians including Detroit great Cliff Monear on piano. This will be Cliff's first time performing at Jazz Tuesdays and we are excited to have him in the house. We also have Nick Calandro on bass, and Jazz Tuesdays host Jeff Shoup on drums.

Special thanks to our sponsors Gregg Hill/Cold Plunge Records, Casio Music USA, and Law Office of Trent Harris. Thanks also to the crew at Moriarty's Pub. We couldn't do what we do without your support!