Pais Ramirez Jazz Series

Hello, my name is Matt Dwonszyk. I’m a jazz bass player from Hartford, Connecticut. 6 months ago, I received a phone call from a saxophonist named Paisley Ramirez (Pais, he told me to call him). Pais heard about me through a mutual friend and wanted to see if I’d be interested in helping put together a jam session/series in the Hartford area starting in the fall of 2024.

For the sake of music, and giving younger musicians the opportunity to play, I agreed to help. Sadly, the phone call ended with Pais telling me he was very sick with cancer. He wanted my help to make sure his idea became a reality.

Over the past 6 months, we talked frequently. I met Pais for lunch and we talked in detail about his idea. He explained how he wanted the jam session night to feature a special guest artist. He felt it was important for younger musicians to see great musicians and to get the opportunity to play. Also, to have a solid house rhythm section that would stick around to play in the jam session. Pais was very enthusiastic about his idea. We talked about specifics and fleshed out all of the details.

My last phone call with Pais, he told me his illness had gotten worse and that he wouldn’t be able to make it to the fall. Sadly, Pais passed on shortly after our phone call. I set up this GoFundMe to honor Pais Ramirez by following through with his vision.

The Pais Ramirez Jazz Series will be a 4 concert series from September-December in memory of Pais. The concerts will be the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Each concert will feature a guest artist and will conclude with a jam session. I have a venue set up and guest artists in mind. I'll be sure to promote these concerts throughout the community and spread the word to younger students.

I’m asking for any donations that would go directly to the band and guest artists. Donations of any amount will be helpful. As a musician myself, I feel it is very important to make sure that the band gets paid a reasonable wage and I know Pais would agree.

Pais spread love to his community through music. Let's honor him by continuing to do the same.