Payton Ramirez Continues Amplifying Her Voice at the Hilltop Spring Jamboree
Payton Ramirez is an independent singer and songwriter based in Columbus who has cultivated an audience through her singles and captivating live performances. Payton’s next show will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Hilltop Spring Jamboree, a free day of music and connection at the Westgate Farmers Market.
Sarah: Who are some of your favorite Columbus performers? What about their work or performance inspires your music?
Payton: A few of my favorite Columbus performers are Honey and Blue, George Barrie, and Caamp. I think all of these artists have amazing amounts of energy, emotion and incredible writing skills. They continue to inspire me every day!
Sarah: What is your earliest memory of making music?
Payton: One of my earliest memories of creating music is being four to five years old and making “music videos” with my sister. We’d use our parents’ recorder or iPad and sing together with a bright pink guitar.
Sarah: What was your experience like participating in a We Amplify Voices (WAV) songwriting workshop during middle school?
Payton: I started working with WAV in a songwriting group at Wedgewood Middle School in 2017, and I’m 20 years old now, and it still continues to change my life every day. WAV has made me so much more confident and makes me believe in myself so much more. It has affected my mental health so much, in such a positive way. I am a songwriter and a musician, and it gave me the stepping stones to be able to write and create on my own.
Sarah: What project of yours are you most proud of?
Payton: In 2024, We Amplify Voices allowed me to create my first EP with George Barrie as a mentor, and that experience completely changed how I see making music. I was in my senior year of high school, and it was such a great experience to see music I love come to life.
Sarah: What is your ideal way to spend a sunny weekend?
Payton: I think a great way to spend sunny weekends is to relax outside with my family and/or make new music!
Sarah: What is your favorite venue in Columbus to either perform at or visit?
Payton: I had a release party a few years ago and was introduced to Rambling House for my opening show, and I loved the amazing energy and community they have. I’ve never seen so many supportive artists in such a great space.
Sarah: What do you enjoy most about local events that feature live music?
Payton: I think it is so awesome to show examples of amazing artists. I really love events like the Hilltop Spring Jamboree because it brings so many amazing artists togethers and showcases them. It makes it accessible for everyone to see, create and be inspired by these people.
Catch Payton’s performance along with other local musicians, artists, and community resources at this year’s Hilltop Spring Jamboree on May 16 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
About the Author
Sarah Jenkins is the marketing intern at We Amplify Voices.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.