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Ralph
Ramsey - President of Abstract Entertainment
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New York - Who is Ralph Ramsey? And why is he one of the
most important young figures in today's entertainment world - as it relates in
particular to the promotion of live steelpan music performances? This
young entrepreneur, in a relatively short time has found a
niche within the entertainment industry and is intellectually and brilliantly
strategizing and fueling his
own engine. He is simultaneously creating the highway or route for
that vehicle, by tapping into the
global rising phenomenon/interest in the steelpan music and instrument.
As president of the New York-based Abstract Entertainment (AEI)
Corporation, Mr. Ramsey has compiled an impressive record in regards to showcasing the best of Caribbean culture and music to
large, varied and enthusiastic yet critical audiences. The economic background and
musical interest of these audiences cover a large cross section of the entertainment and music
world. Indeed, Ramsey has infused a new breath of life and
enthusiasm into the Caribbean music genre, not recently seen or experienced
in these circles. Additionally, he has found a way to maintain and deliver, a
high-level positive experience to his show attendees that resonates big time
with the ongoing marketing and advertising needs of his sponsors and supporters.
Ramsey has found the perfect business balance
to bringing and tapping into "tomorrow" today, while simultaneously reminding us
of the greatness of the best of "yesterday". The end result
is a fantastic mix unlike any other, and guarantees something for everyone,
while additionally creating a new learning and sensory experience. His keen
understanding of the importance, themes, and the sensibility of the various
communities he serves, has ensured a natural growing support base and
self-induced momentum that has produced a pyramid effect.
By ignoring the musical whims of the
moment - Ramsey has skillfully and mindfully put together an approach and
program that incorporate the human need and/or desire, to be associated with
pleasurable experiences and memorable activities - particularly on special days that will
generate memories for a lifetime. Ramsey has cleverly and successfully put his plan
to work around the time-honored American and world-celebrated holiday known as
"Fathers Day".
Ramsey's phenomenal success can be explained by his picking a
path that fuels itself through a
great product, recent history and credible endorsement from former event
attendees, who both publicize their own enjoyment to others, and return to
repeat performances themselves. His product is perfected by venue of
choice which demands nothing but the best like the
prestigious Lincoln Center. To that end Ralph Ramsey has not slouched
in terms of
the giants that he has contracted for his shows, all famed world musicians
in their own right. At the same time he
is unwaveringly and
skillfully introducing and providing a platform for new and emerging talent
to be seen and heard on a grand scale.
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Abstract Entertainments
presents Steelpan Jazz Concert at Lincoln Center |
With regard to advertising and sponsorship, Ramsey has
created a symbiotic relationship wherein savvy business associates are provided with a high
profile, upscale event that will be associated with their product and services. Ramsey has
executed a simple formula: culture +
edutainment + community development = successful advertising, financial
returns -
by way of: direct and effective marketing + superb talent showcase.
Today's finest and renowned steelpan
performers such as - Garvin Blake, Liam Teague, Robert Greenidge, Andy
Narell and
Rudy Smith, paired with great master musicians - the ilk of Ralph McDonald, Frankie McIntosh, Tony Cedras to name a few
- have already
graced the stage as part of Ramsey's productions.
New York
is a multi-cultural environment with people always looking to experience new
things. The fascination with steelpan is that it is fresh and provides
an unheard voice for many. It is no longer about whether the
show will be great - that is a known quantity. It's just a
matter of who is going to deliver the next grand performance, and who will
have the privilege to be in that spotlight. And while Ramsey's current
focus is set around the Caribbean genre and the fascinating phenomenon that
is the steelpan instrument, he does not limit his operations but is
committed to expand into and embrace other cultural experiences.
With this blueprint for success,
Ramsey is already exploring the exportation/franchising of his show to other
venues and countries. He is no stranger to success; the electrical
engineer is the former president of the Caribbean-based organization Hawks
International. He is credited for successfully reorganizing, re-energizing and bringing the organization back
to prominence.
Ramsey is equally at ease sharp-shooting with high-powered fortune 500
executives
as he is with the youngsters of his mas band on Eastern Parkway. But
that is just part of the key to Mr. Ramsey's success. He is deeply committed to his
culture, and the success of people through economics and education
of the community.
Ralph Ramsey clearly is already a significant and positive force
on the
Caribbean music scene. Look out for
Ramsey's next production at Jazz at Lincoln Center in June 2007.