Popular Geraldton pianist the people’s queen

From the grocery store to the gig scene — a Geraldton woman has been spreading the love by giving music to the community. For six months, De’mi Ramshaw, 24, has played improvised jazz and popular music piano covers at Rigters Queens IGA. “I enjoy playing for people and having them recognise the songs I play,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to see their reactions.” A few weeks ago, Ramshaw got a tap on the shoulder fromThe Geraldton Club’s David White, and before she knew it, she was playing at the club on a Friday night. “I really enjoyed it,” she said. She’s pretty sure she wasn’t the only one. “There were a lot of tips at the end of the night,” she said. Ramshaw has played the past three Friday nights at the Geraldton Club and has no plans of slowing down. It has been a nice change of pace as she lost her job when COVID-19 hit earlier in the year. She has always wanted to pursue a career in music, and would love to play at another venue in town. “The Murchison or Freemasons would be really amazing,” she said. Club manager Mr White said he would be happy to host Ramshaw for as long as she was happy to play. “The members love it and she loves it.” he said. Piano’s a town fixture You may have noticed the piano at Queens IGA. But, did you know it used to be a part of the Queens Hotel? The hotel was demolished to make way for Queens IGA in 2004 after being part of the town for more than a century. The Rigter family, who own Queens IGA, found the old piano in a garage in Wonthella and decided to bring it home. People from all walks of life now enjoy the piano, with shoppers rapt by the talent or bemused by kids on the keys. Striking the right note Perhaps Ramshaw is Geraldton’s very own “Piano Woman”, not too different from the original Piano Man, released by Billy Joel in 1973. What if it was written about Geraldton? Through the eyes of a woman who played the piano at her local supermarket ... Give us a song, you’re the piano woman. Give us a song today. We’re all in the mood for some groceries. From Rigters Queens IGA.