Without Ramona Lisa Grotte & her talented musicians, the streets of Seattle would be a lot less lively… The Mumble caught up with the lady for a wee chat!
Hello Ramona, first things first, where are you from & where are you at, geographically speaking?
I’m from & still live in the Seattle area, Washington State, USA.
How did you develop your appreciation of music?
I grew up with music playing in the background/foreground in every part of my life. All of my Grandparents as well as my parents always had music playing. Radio, records, 8-tracks, tapes, CDs etc. Every genre. Live shows!!! I can’t imagine life with out it.
You are one of the head honchos of Gigs 4 U – can you tell us about the organisation?
I am the Programming Director at Gigs 4 U. Our company provides live music/entertainment services for our clients events/programs. We have helped our clients create new opportunities for artists to get paid to play. Many of these gigs did not previously exist. Our clients know that music enhances their spaces for their employees, guests, general public. The live music program at SeaTac airport is an award winning program that has helped artists make new fans that would otherwise not know who they are. Like a world tour with out leaving home!
Good work – so how did you get involved in the company?
I was invited to help with programming at the very beginning of the company by the owner/founder Edward Beeson. He and I have since become very close and are currently getting ready to live on a boat together. His company has changed lives in MANY ways!
What do you like to do when not organising Seattle’s kick-ass public music scene?
I like to spend time at the beach with Edward and our dogs. I love art and when I have time, I actually create stuff!
You’re washed up on a desert island with an all-in-one solar powered DVD/TV combo & three films, what would they be?
Oh my gosh. Something by Hitchcock, something from British telly and something musical.
When did Gigs 4 U begin & how has the company grown since that time?
It was formed in 2013 to launch the live portion of the Experience the City of Music program at SeaTac airport. Since that time the company has grown to provide services to many more clients like: Amazon, The Downtown Seattle Association, Friends of Waterfront Seattle, Seattle Parks and Rec., Microsoft, Whole Foods, Nordstrom, and many more. We have over 1000 vetted artists in our database, with about 150 of them are being actively scheduled for on-going programs throughout the city. In 2019 we represent all genres, instrumentation, ethnicity and configuration, while logistically we can provide solo, small production for an intimate crowd or we can go full band, staging, sound system etc.
What inspires you in the morning to get to work for Gigs 4 U?
The artists. So many artists are struggling to make a living at being artists and this is a shame for our society. Art is a fundamental need for humans. Music is more powerful than anyone realizes. It is in the universe and pulses in our souls. We as a society should be paying our artists fair compensation for the beauty and help that they bring to us daily.
Can you describe the relationship you have with your performers?
Our artists are like family to us. We are always looking for more ways to help them pursue their craft and be able to make a living from it. Some of them are my best friends.
Mumble Music 