For all booking inquiries please contact Greg Kastelman:
Sin Fronteras
For centuries, the U.S.-Mexico border has been a vital focal point for cultural and political dynamics, serving as an intersection where diverse forces converge and interact.
Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices is a groundbreaking collaboration that explores the rich tapestry of musical styles and traditions born from both sides of this extensive 5,525-mile border. This project celebrates the shared elements between seemingly distinct genres such as Ranchera, Jarocho, Bluegrass, Jazz, and Country.
The group’s mission is to highlight that the U.S.-Mexico border is far more than a physical divide—it is a vibrant and dynamic space where ideas and cultures flow freely, transcending barriers. Within this unique environment, numerous musical traditions have thrived, shaped by the challenges and complexities of this geographical and sociopolitical context. These traditions embody resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of connection that deserves to be brought to a wider audience.
Led by Grammy-winning vocalist and violinist Mireya Ramos, in collaboration with the versatile and genre-blurring Poor Choices, the ensemble is uniquely suited to bridge genres, generations, and cultures. Together, they craft a compelling musical dialogue that fuses ranchera soul with country storytelling. Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices embodies the creativity and innovation that defines cross-border collaboration, illuminating the vibrant cultural landscape of this exceptional region.
Photographer: Dan White
Sin Fronteras
Mireya Ramos & The Poor Choices
“Sin Fronteras”, Mireya Ramos’ new collaborative album with Kansas City favorites, The Poor Choices is out now on all platforms!
Listen Now
”In the face of these gorgeous songs, the things that seemingly divide our two countries feel trivial — they can and will be transcended by something far greater.
Adobe and Teardrops
Artist Bios
Mireya Ramos – Violin, Vocals
Mireya is a vocalist, violinist, composer, and arranger, and the founder of Flor de Toloache, NYC’s first and only all-women mariachi band. She co-produced Sin Fronteras with Beau Bledsoe, founder/director of classical chamber Ensemble Iberica. The 10-song album features 25 musicians, including Latin Grammy winners Texmaniacs, Ensemble Iberica, and western band Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Though this community spans different genres, generations, and cultures, it coalesced around an album of original and traditional songs that meld influences from both sides of the border.
Calvin Arsenia – Harp, Vocals
Singer, harpist, and author Calvin Arsenia has redefined the arts with his genre-bending performances and angelic voice and harp stylings. Voted Kansas City’s Best Musician (2018–2023) and featured on platforms like Billboard and GRAMMY.com, Arsenia blends gospel, classical, jazz, and electronic influences into elaborate sensory concerts exploring sexuality, religion, and race. Standing at 6’6” and known for his striking style, his performances are as visually captivating as they are musically profound. Arsenia is also the co-host of the podcast We Were Christian Kids and the author of Every Good Boy Does Fine, a poetic journey of healing and acceptance.
Beau Bledsoe – Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Beau Bledsoe performs and records classical music, jazz, and folkloric music worldwide as he seeks to integrate different musical cultures with diverse audiences. Through his many varied projects and ensembles, Beau has toured extensively throughout Europe, Russia, South America, and North America, producing fifteen recordings under his recording label Tzigane. Beau is currently the artistic director and founder of Ensemble Ibérica, which explores the music of Spain, Portugal, and the colonial Americas. His Southern roots have led him to pick up the telecaster and learn the songs he knew growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Ezgi Karakus – Cello, Vocals
Ezgi Karakus is a highly accomplished Turkish cellist whose musical journey began at the age of eleven. Her talents were duly recognized as she won the concerto competition three times during her conservatory education. After moving to the United States, her exceptional skills were awarded first prize in the Belle and Lynum Jackson Balshaw Music Competition. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Cello Performance at the prestigious UMKC Conservatory of Music & Dance. Ezgi has performed internationally with renowned orchestras like the Topeka Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. She was also featured as a soloist at the esteemed Springfield Symphony and Yo-Yo Ma’s Master Class at the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts.
Marco Pascolini – Pedal Steel Guitar
For more than twenty years, Marco has forged his path as one of the most well-respected musicians in Kansas City. Recognized as one of the region’s most influential musicians, his talent across a multitude of instruments has been acknowledged in numerous music media, including The Kansas City Star and The Pitch, among others. Be it an electric guitar or a pedal steel in his hands, you’ll find him touring with Kasey Rausch’s Country Duo or on stage in his hometown with Mr. Marco’s V7, The Naughty Pines or songwriter extraordinaire Scott Hrabko.
John Currey – Drums
Originally from Tyler, Texas, John Currey is a freelance percussionist with over 20 years of of experience as an in-school presenter and clinician. John specializes in Modern dance accompaniment and has toured extensively throughout the US, Mexico, and Western Europe. Teaching credits include the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, Graceland College, and Pittsburg State University. John currently directs the Mexican marimba quartet Sol de Chiapas.
Jeff Freling – Electric Guitar
Guitarist/composer Jeff Freling, originally from Kansas City, spent 11 years in Chicago, IL performing with Blue Man Group on electric zither and Chapman stick and on guitar with Tributosaurus, Mar Caribe, and the popular Tom Waits tribute band, Big Time. He also served as a sideman to guitarist/songwriter Doug Gillard of Guided By Voices. Jeff studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA, and the Conservatory at UMKC in Kansas City, MO
”Mireya Ramos made a good decision when she allied with The Poor Choices... The cross-cultural results are rewarding. Fresh interpretations of classic material ranging from 'Regresa Ya' to 'There Stands the Glass' bridge the distances between Mexico City, Nashville, New York and San Juan.
KCUR (NPR Kansas City)
Tour History
El Palacio de la Musica – June 14, 2025, Merida, Yucatán, Mexico
GlobalFest (Lincoln Center – David Geffen Hall) – January 12, 2025, New York City, NY
MTH Theater – December 28, 2024, Kansas City, MO
Bartlett Arboretum – October 20, 2024, Belle Plaine, KS
Wheatland Music Festival – September 5-7, 2024, Remus, Michigan
Official Showcase – Folk Alliance International Conference – 2023, Kansas City, MO
MTH Theater – July 17, 2019, Kansas City, MO
Press
“Artist Mireya Ramos takes mariachi music to another level”
“Interview with Mireya Ramos prior to the Sin Fronteras concert in Kansas City”
“The essence of New York lies in that mix of cultures, and that is also reflected in my music.”
“A Latin Grammy-winning mariachi vocalist teaming up with a country and western band? It sounds wild, right? But as Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices prove in today’s mini-concert, the two genres share a lot in style, culture and sound.”
“In the face of these gorgeous songs, the things that seemingly divide our two countries feel trivial — they can and will be transcended by something far greater.”
“Mireya Ramos made a good decision when she allied with The Poor Choices… The cross-cultural results are rewarding. Fresh interpretations of classic material ranging from ‘Regresa Ya’ to ‘There Stands the Glass’ bridge the distances between Mexico City, Nashville, New York and San Juan.”
— KCUR (NPR Kansas City)
“Nothing short of dreamy… an exceptional example of contemporary R&B. It not only pays homage to the original version but also pushes the boundaries of musical genres.”
— Modern Soulful Music (on “I Fall To Pieces”)
“This take on the 1961 Nashville Sound classic by Patsy Cline will make you fall in love with its tranquil tempo and dreamy atmosphere… Mireya Ramos’s unreal vocal performance envelops you, giving the warmest, floaty feel, and her violin passages are touching.”
— Grotesqualizer (on “I Fall To Pieces”)
“Her breathtaking vocals swell and billow alongside the band’s uplifting instruments, lending her anguish an exquisite splendor that pierces the heart.”
— Grimey Goods (on “Regressa Ya”)
“the song effortlessly blends Nashville country and rancheras, raising the stakes with a gospel choir and KCMO jazz. Its lyrics about losing a part of you when a loved one leaves is emotionally supercharged by Ramos’ breathtaking vocal performance, giving us a chill-inducing moment.”
— Remezcla (on “Regressa Ya”)
“It’s a song that makes you want to take a shot of tequila, yet also find a line-dancing partner.
— RIFF Magazine (on “Regressa Ya”)