Interview:
David Ramirez,
"Stages"
Based on director Ryan Booth’s 2017 short The Heights, the drama Stages stars Austin-based singer-songwriter David Ramirez as Ben Garza, the former frontman of a critically acclaimed but moderately successful indie band who embarks on his first solo tour of Texas and neighboring Southern states. Ben is joined on the road by his ex-bandmate Parker (Jake McMullen) and his loyal manager Rita (Jolene). Ben’s opening act, Jessie Ramos (Leslie Grace), is a promising young singer struggling to find her voice as a songwriter. But things take off for Jessie when the song she writes with Ben finds an audience outside of the intimate venues they play. Finding himself at a crossroads, Ben has a choice to make: continue to struggle to make ends meet as a full-time musician or sell out by writing songs for other artists. Stages also stars Rafael Casal as Ben’s ex-bandmate Jason, Marc Menchaca as country superstar Pat Byrd, and David Strathairn as revered country artist Porter Gates. Directed by Ryan Booth, and written by Dan Steele and former Austinite Bradley Jackson, Stages will screen at 9:45 p.m. March 12 at the Alamo South Lamar, 3:30 p.m. March 14 at the Violet Crown Cinema, and 9:30 p.m. March 17 at the Rollins Theatre at the Long Center. Austin-based singer-songwriter David Ramirez originated the role of Ben Garza in the 2017 short film The Heights. He also has appeared in the films SinÉl, The Occupant, and [REC] 3: Genesis and the TV series Like, la leyenda, Pelotas, and Homo Zapping. His albums includes 2017’s “We’re Not Going Anywhere,” 2020’s “My Love is a Hurricane,” 2021’s “Backslider,” and 2025’s “All the Not So Gentle Reminders.” He will perform April 10 at the Redbird Listening Room in New Braufels. Aired: March 11, 2026. Web sites: https://www.davidramirezmusic.com/ https://schedule.sxsw.com/films/2253651 |
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