Jonathan Ramsey

Called energetic, upbeat, and animated, Jonathan Ramsey is always in motion onstage. Still, in spite of his highly energetic and playful performances, his musical style remains true to the nature of Irish folk songs. Not one to weep into a beer, he builds up from warm ballads to rebel songs, then on to pint-banging pub songs. Soon, everyone is grabbing an empty glass and joining the percussion. Jonathan's love for music began early, from the singing and playing of his granddad and family. He took up the guitar and played with several folk, rock, blues, and jazz groups. In 1993, he narrowed his focus to Irish music with Maid in the Myddle, then with Bully Ruse. In 1996, he began performing solo at several regional Irish music venues, including Harling's Upstairs in Kansas City. His new self-titled CD of Irish songs bears witness to Jonathan's musical background. Packed with pub songs, rebel songs, and love songs, he performed these "live in studio" to capture the impact of the music. Jonathan plays live across the U.S. and Canada, and every Thursday night at Harling's Upstairs in Kansas City.