About
mireya ramos &
the poor choices
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.
meet the artists
Violin, Vocals
Mireya Ramos
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.
Harp, Vocals
Calvin Arsenia
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.
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Beau Bledsoe
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.
Cello, Vocals
Ezgi Karakus
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.
Pedal Steel Guitar
Marco Pascolini
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.
Drums
John Currey
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.
Electric Bass
Jeff Freling
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
Trombone
Trevor Turla
Trevor Turla is a multitalented musician whose artistry spans trombone, vocals, songwriting, composition, and bandleading. Originally from Kansas City and now based in New York City, Turla began his musical journey on an unexpected instrument—the bagpipes—before discovering his true passion for the trombone. He is the founder and frontman of Sulu Moon, a soul/rock band that showcases his powerful songwriting and commanding stage presence. Turla has also performed with the acclaimed Grand Marquis blues ensemble and frequently collaborates with artists across genres. Drawing from jazz, funk, soul, and rock, his music blends tradition with innovation in every performance. Known for his emotional honesty, expressive playing, and dynamic vocals, Turla’s work resonates with audiences seeking both technical mastery and heartfelt storytelling. Whether leading his own projects or contributing to larger ensembles, he continues to be a compelling and boundary-pushing force in today’s music scene.
