In early October, the Ramona Town Hall will be filled with sunflowers, female musicians and a lot of celebration.
Hosted by Ashley E. Norton and Ramona Ranch Winery, “Songbirds and Sunflowers” will commemorate the third anniversary of the Ramona Songbirds. The Friday, Oct. 4 event will feature Norton with Stephanie Groot, Cathryn Beeks, Chloe Lou, Sande Lollis, Jessie Smith, Suzanne Panza, Rose Darrough, Julie Sage, Astra Kelly, Sara Jade and Jessie Lark.
The women will honor female music legends such as Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks and Patsy Cline, with each performer singing a tune that inspired them on their own journeys.
“Every artist that was chosen has been a songbird throughout the season, and are invited to the annual show as one big celebration,” Norton said.
As far as honoring the female legends, Norton said, “They paved the way for us and a lot of them had it a lot harder. They inspired us.”
Originally set for September, the event was rescheduled. It will be held at the Ramona Town Hall, 729 Main St. All tickets and commemorative wine tumblers transfer over to the Oct. 4 show.
Wine from Ramona Ranch Winery and beer from Smoking Cannon Brewery will be available, and the Nomadic Pizza Trolley food truck will be on site.
To go along with the evening’s theme, Holsapple Design Company will be selling their custom-made hats, and Catherine Beeks will have sunflower headbands for purchase.
Event sponsors include Scott Lee Rudge Construction and Ramona Barn Owls.
“We’ve been over a lot of hurdles the past three years, and the strength and positivity of the community has gotten us through each time,” Norton said. “It feels really good to have this show, with this much music and success, because it means the fans support us.”
She pointed out that in 2022, only 14% of female songwriters appear in the Billboard charts.
“It’s an incredibly low number. It takes shows that feature the craftsmanship of songs by women to combat this in our very small way. Our goal is to try and even the scale; without trying to do something, you get nowhere,” Norton said.
She added that although it’s “wonderful the Town Hall is at a point of use,” much work remains to be done and more fundraising is still needed.
“It’s great to be a part of that mission,” she said.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $40; the first 75 ticket purchases will receive a commemorative wine tumbler. Tickets can be purchased at: https://addmi.com/e/songbirds-sunflowers-three-year-anniversary-celebration-O3O3DJIMDfjMF6l1XBW. For more information, call Ramona Ranch Winery at 760-789-1622.