Live from Harlem – JFA Presents: Ray Blue Quintet

Ray Blue is a New York-bred saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator who performs internationally. A mainstay on the New York jazz scene, he has shared the stage and studio as leader, sideman and band member with Kirk Lightsey, Kenny Barron, Harold Mabern, Benito Gonzales, Nat Adderley, Jr., John Gilmore, Benny Powell, Eddie Henderson, Charli Persip Super Band, Wycliffe Gordon, Bernard Purdie, Steve Turre, Alicia Keys and the Sun Ra Arkestra. He has performed at festivals in Cape Town, Zanzibar, Hartford, Dublin, Macao, and Beijing. Ray received a graduate degree from the University of Iowa and studied at Jazzmobile in New York City. His alma mater, Wm. Penn University, has presented the annual “Ray Blue Jazz Award” to a graduating senior since 2004. He has released 6 albums as a leader, and is the founder of Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc. a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that promotes jazz culture, performance and education.

“Ray Blue has a majestic presence…when playing, his sense of purpose is obvious…It’s one thing to be a good composer, it’s another to be a great performer. Ray Blue’s got the whole package.”

(Jean Szlamowicz, Jazz Hot, DownBeat)

This event is free and open to the public!

This event will also stream on the Jazz Foundation and Jazz Museum Facebook pages and the Museum YouTube Channel.

Presented with the Jazz Foundation of America, supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the Howard Gilman Foundation.