Celia Ramsay developed a deep affection for the ballads of Scotland during her upbringing, while also drawing significant inspiration from the popular music of the 1930s and 1940s. She often highlights the parallels between mid-20th-century jazz ballads and older ballads from the British Isles, noting that both traditions frequently explore themes of love, including its challenges and triumphs.
A well-recognized figure in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene, Celia's music is available on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and various other streaming services. In addition to her musical pursuits, she is a Contra Dance caller, teaching this New England-style folk dance and prompting dancers to live music across locations from Monterey to Ukiah, as well as San Francisco to Reno.
Celia, alongside her husband Kent Rasmussen, owns Kent Rasmussen Winery and Ramsay wines, which can be explored further at kentrasmussenwinery.com. She is also actively engaged in the community, serving on the boards of two nonprofits: The Freight & Salvage in downtown Berkeley and Lark Traditional Arts, which oversees the week-long summer music and dance camp, Lark Camp, in Mendocino, California.
Her performances encompass original compositions, selections from the Great American Songbook, and a rich repertoire of Scottish roots music. Celia is available as a lead or solo artist, and she collaborates with the Celtic-influenced band Fortunate Strangers for various events, including festivals, weddings, and concerts. She has graced the stage at the Freight and Salvage for her own shows, as well as alongside artists such as The Black Brothers, Holdstock and MacLeod, Flower and McLaren, and during a benefit concert for the late Chris Caswell. Additionally, Celia has participated in numerous duo-style house concerts with musicians like Eamonn Flynn, Steve Baughman, Dave Nachmanoff, and Ken Risling.
Celia's most recent album, Your Fool, was released on April 1, 2019. Unlike her previous genre-themed albums, which focused on Celtic or jazz influences, this album features songs solely written by her, showcasing a variety of styles that include pop sensibilities and Celtic influences, all distinctly marked by her artistic touch.
In January 2015, she released Singer's Request, a duo album with Shay Black, which has garnered praise for its artistic merit and diversity. This collection features both traditional and contemporary songs from Scotland and Ireland, with contributions from notable musicians such as John Doyle, Liz Carroll, and members of The Black Family.
Her second album, I'll Just Lie About It, released in May 2012, casts Celia as a jazz chanteuse. The album includes her original songs, characterized by a blend of humor and poignancy, as she explores themes relevant to women of "a certain age." It also features classic jazz standards from the 1940s, supported by a skilled ensemble of musicians.
Celia's inaugural CD, Songs of My Father's People, released in January 2011, comprises traditional Scottish songs, many presented in an unaccompanied style. These timeless pieces capture the universal human experience, reflecting joy, pain, and humor.
Since 2002, Celia has been a Contra dance caller, having a long history of guiding people in various capacities. She selects dances that resonate with her audience, utilizing clarity and brevity in her teaching, and her warm demeanor fosters a joyful atmosphere for dancers. Celia also calls family-friendly dances for diverse events and ceilidh dances—informal Scottish dance gatherings.
Beyond her calling, she offers a range of workshops, including Harmony Workshops with Libby McLaren, music camp sessions focused on harmony singing and Scottish song, private voice lessons, PR workshops covering newsletter writing, press releases, and website content, as well as songwriting for beginners and introductory Contra dance classes.
