Former Marine and Soul-Blues Vocalist is a Veteran in Every Way!
Riding a wave of accolades for his just-released CD Somebody Save Me (Forty Below Records) and two 2019 Blues Award nominations, soul/blues vocalist Sugaray Rayford headlines the 24th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival, on Saturday, June 15, 2019.
The Blues Festival features a full line up of blues, R&B and funk performers of national and regional note, including Detroit’s “Queen of the Blues,” Thornetta Davis, and three DMV-favorites: Hardway Connection, Lauren Calve Band, and Funky Miracle. Admission is FREE.
The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization is presenting the festival for the 24th year in partnership with Arlington Arts (Arlington Cultural Affairs Division).
“A sound that’s undeniably fresh and inspired… When [his new CD] Somebody Save Me arrives next month, nobody will be able to save Sugaray Rayford from the widespread success that his music so rightfully deserves.” (Albumism). This is typical of the universal acclaim being lavished on the sixth studio album by the 6’5” tall Marine veteran. Rayford is also nominated for two 2019 Blues Awards: “Soul/Blues Male Artist” and the “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” Award.
With a voice like a force of nature, Rayford holds court in any room he enters. Possessing a magnetic personality and an old school vocal style that echoes Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass, Rayford is also a stellar dancer with moves reminiscent of the Legendary James Brown. In other words, festival attendees are in for one heck of a good show.
“A true badass… marrying the funky soulfulness of classic R&B records while acknowledging contemporary sensibilities.” (Popmatters).
In addition to an array of available food and beverages and plenty of kids’ activities, the Blues Festival will showcase a new Arlington Art Truck installation: artist Neil Feather’s interactive Futura Percussion 1860, featuring only mid-19th-century technology and built from recycled materials. GRUMP is bringing local arts and crafts vendors from the area to show and sell their handmade work. From watercolor art to handmade soy candles to small batch silk screened shirts, you can pick up something you won’t find anywhere else. Spend the day on Arlington’s oldest and newest ‘Main Street’—in one of its most diverse, vibrant communities—listening to quintessential American music that will make it impossible not to get up and dance.
Check out all of the great things happening at this year’s Blues Festival!
Facebook: @ArlingtonCPRO | Twitter: @ArlingtonCPRO | #CPBluesFest
