Mary Ramsey

Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, violin/violist Mary Ramsey of the 10,000 Maniacs appears for a performance that will explore jazz standards, gypsy jazz, the classical music repertoire as well as Mary Ramsey’s original compositions.

The indie-rock world may know her as the vocalist for the post-Natalie incarnation of 10,000 Maniacs, but the violist, violinist, and songwriter has had a long and distinguished career aside from that group playing jazz, classical, and folk music.

Mary Ramsey was born in Washington D.C.  She has been playing the violin since age 5, has worked with the Erie Philharmonic, founded the Lexington String Trio.  Mary has been performing in her critically acclaimed folk duo, John and Mary. She continued to expand her musical horizons when she stepped up to the plate and replaced Natalie Merchant in 1995 as the lead singer and songwriter of 10,000 Maniacs.

She brought the band back in the spotlight with her top 40 hit “More Than This”. In addition to writing and singing with 10,000 Maniacs, she played both viola and violin, touring the world with the band, even playing for troops in Kuwait and Bahrain. Along with singing and writing, Mary has performed in various orchestras across the country, along with her recent contributions as performer and music director at the Irish classical theater.