A corner of Peekskill will become a stage. During five Saturdays this summer, musicians, neighbors and visitors will share a common language: jazz. Between Brown Street and South Division Street, the space known as Ray Blue Way will host a new edition of the concert series organized by Bean Runner Café and Cross Cultural Connection. It is a cycle that will not only bring together renowned artists of the genre, but will also keep alive the footprint of the musician whose name the outdoor space bears.
The program began last June and will continue through mid-August. The common thread running through the schedule is that all of the invited artists shared stages, recordings or a direct artistic relationship with Ray Blue, the tenor saxophonist, educator and cultural ambassador who for decades carried the name of Peekskill to stages around the world. This, in addition to promoting musical activities within his own community.
The series began June 27 with T.K. Blue and his project Planet Bluu. Recognized by Downbeat Magazine, the saxophonist and flutist has participated in festivals and performances in countries such as Senegal and Morocco, in addition to appearing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The program will then continue this Saturday, July 18 with the Latin Jazz of Bobby Sanabria, a nine-time Grammy nominee and one of the genre’s most prominent figures, whose career includes collaborations with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaría.
July 25 will bring the Sharp Radway Quartet, led by the pianist and protégé of the celebrated Randy Weston. Throughout his career, Radway has shared the stage with musicians such as Randy Brecker, Yusef Lateef, Diane Schuur and Bennie Golson. His work, deeply influenced by gospel music and church traditions, has been recognized by the specialized publication All About Jazz for the spirituality and authenticity of his artistic expression.
The program will continue Aug. 8 with Winard Harper and the Jeli Posse. Considered one of the most outstanding drummers of his generation, Harper has worked alongside essential names in jazz history, including Dexter Gordon, Betty Carter and Pharoah Sanders. His music, according to specialized biographies, moves from African and Caribbean traditions to Afro-Cuban sounds, without losing the hard bop core that defines much of his work.
The series will culminate Aug. 15 with a special concert dedicated to Ray Blue’s birthday. Guitarist Jeff Barone will lead the performance alongside members of the Ray Blue Band, interpreting part of the Peekskill saxophonist’s repertoire. The evening will begin with a performance by the Cross Cultural Connection ensemble, composed of former students of Blue who continue developing the educational and musical legacy of their mentor.
For the organizers, the main goal of the series is to bring jazz to new audiences and turn it into a tool for community gathering. “We are pleased to be able to bring the joy of jazz to people,” said Riitta Blue, executive director of Cross Cultural Connection and the musician’s widow. “My late husband Ray Blue traveled the world performing and teaching jazz,” she added while highlighting that these concerts represent one of the spaces where his cultural legacy remains most alive.
Randy Klein, a member of the organization’s board of directors and chief executive officer of the Jazzheads Records label, noted that the series makes it possible to once again bring together musicians who shared stages and recording studios with Ray Blue. “It is great to see so many of the artists who recorded and performed with Ray Blue coming together in this summer series,” he said. He also explained that the organization seeks to use music as a gateway to artistic creation, education and cultural appreciation for audiences of all ages.
For her part, Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie underscored the significant impact the program could have on downtown during the summer months. “Downtown Peekskill is friendly and accessible, and we hope this jazz music series brings visitors and local people together for some good summer fun and listening enjoyment,” she said.
All concerts are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. and will take place outdoors at Ray Blue Way, although they may be moved inside Bean Runner Café in the event of inclement weather or technical requirements from the artists. For more information about the series or to make a reservation, readers may contact 914-737-1701 or visit the website www.beanrunnercafe.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source peekskillherald.com ’
