2016-2017 Concert Season

FIREBIRD BALALAIKA ENSEMBLE
October 29, 2016,
Saturday, 7:30 pm

Founded in 1995, Firebird has built a reputation as a unique and accomplished musical group performing on Russian traditional instruments.  These include the Domra, a string instrument with a thin, fretted neck and round body, the Balalaika, a triangular-bodied Russian instrument and the Bayan, a member of the accordion family popular in Russia and Ukraine. The program will also include some vocals. Firebird’s repertoire ranges from traditional Russian and Eastern European songs to well-known classics and works of contemporary composers. They tour in the U.S. and abroad, also performing on TV, radio, and films.

Check out their website.

CHRIS CERNA AND THE BLUEGRASS REPUBLIC
November 19, 2016,
Saturday 7:30 pm

Chris Cerna is the original founding member of this band , formerly known as “Lonesome Otis.” This group is not new to Ramona, having entertained for several years at the “Music Fests.” Chris is a dynamic and powerful improvisational mandolinist. He is joined by wife Celeste Cerna on upright bass and vocals, David Dickie on guitar and Billy Reid on Banjo and vocals. Chris says:”With God’s blessing and the support of all the fans of this group, they look forward to many years of playing one of the best forms of music in the world, BLUEGRASS.”

Check out their Facebook page.

DUO REVIRADO
Thomas Yee-Violin and Jose Rodriguez–Guitar
January 21, 2017,
Saturday, 7:30 pm

This dynamic and unique ensemble explores different musical styles and genres from Classical and Latin to Jazz. For Ramona they will entertain with an Italian and French Classical Program. Thomas Yee was the exciting violinist that performed here in October with the Spanish Harpist. He is the Associate concertmaster of the Monterey Symphony, and is principal violinist and soloist with many other Symphonies and orchestras in the Bay area. Thomas also teaches and duos with his wife, pianist Jieun Yee.

Check out Thomas' website.
Check out Jose's website.

SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND
April 1, 2017,
Saturday, 7:30 pm

This 70 member band will fill the Ramona stage as they perform “Around the World in 90 Minutes”, featuring music from many lands. Founded in 1989, the band is lead by conductor Roy Anthony Jr. who in 2000 served as coordinator for the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games in Australia. He has been awarded numerous awards for his musical teaching in California. The band members are chosen by audition. They continue to serve San Diego County with band music of every spectrum and are a Ramona Concert favorite.

Check out their webiste.

RAMONA HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND and JAZZ BAND
March concert date to be determined.

We are proud to be presenting our own High School musicians for the 7th year! These bands have now gone to the highest level in Band performance awards in the County. Their musicianship and virtuosity is akin to a professional symphony.