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.