Band/act: Ramona Collins.

Recently voted: Best of Toledo Jazz/Blues for 2015 by local readers.

Lineup: I am a bandleader and vocalist who works with various musicians, depending on type of gig.

Year formed: Started singing professionally in 1969. Currently retired from day gig with State of Ohio.

Style of music: Jazz, blues, Motown.

Sounds a little like: Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Randy Crawford, Earnestine Anderon.

Influences: Those listed above.

Favorite local venue: I loved Rusty’s Jazz Cafe and Murphy’s. They are now gone. It’s sad that the hometown of jazz great Art Tatum no longer has a consistent jazz club.

CDs/online releases: Everything Old Is New Again and Live & Lovin’ It!

Upcoming gigs: June 2 and July 7 at Top of Nine Restaurant; June 14 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, Detroit; June 18 at Kingsbury Park, Defiance Jazz Festival; and June 21 at Moriarty’s Pub, Lansing, Mich.

Website: ramonacollins.com
Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/Music-Theater-Dance/2016/05/26/Spotlight-artist-Ramona-Collins-1.html#mEdokt2OoRaC6LF8.99