Ramona and the Holy Smokes

Ramona and the Holy Smokes is a honky-tonk band from Charlottesville, Virginia, led by singer-songwriter Ramona Martinez. Their music is a fresh take on classic country from the 1950s and ’60s, delivering authentic, heartfelt honky tonk that feels both vintage and modern. Ramona’s songwriting has earned praise for its sincerity and relatability, and she’s been recognized by Wide Open Country as one of the "15 Latino Artists Shaping Country Music." The band incorporates elements of traditional mariachi through what they call "Mexitonk," blending Mexican-American roots with country western styles, making their sound unique and compelling.

Their 2024 EP *Til It's Over* showcases a range of classic country styles with modern clarity, including standout tracks like "I Want You to Be My Man" and "Dear Avery." Recorded at Richmond’s Spacebomb Studio, the band’s music features skilled instrumentation and emotional depth, with Ramona’s smooth vocals at the center. Touring mainly throughout the Mid-Atlantic, South, and New England, Ramona and the Holy Smokes are gaining a reputation for bringing genuine and fresh honky tonk music to new audiences, keeping the spirit of classic country alive with passion and honesty.