TCNJ Jazz Ensemble Celebrates Michael Ray: A Lifetime of Musical Achievement

As the centerpiece of its 100th anniversary celebration, The College of New Jersey’s (TCNJ) Department of Music, in collaboration with Trenton Makes Music, presents guest artist, internationally renowned trumpeter, and Trenton native Michael Ray.

For those who don’t know, Michael Ray is a trumpeter known for his work with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool and the Gang, two of the most musically influential groups of the 20^th century, as well as for leadership of his own ensemble, Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe. Close friends Michael Ray and the late Clifford Adams were fellow Trenton High graduates and each, for a time, were students at the then Trenton State College. They started a neighborhood band called the VSQs that included Trenton Central High School teacher Ted Plunkett, among others. Also, Mr. Ray left college to go on tour with Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles, which included Trentonians Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx.

On Friday, November 9th at 8 p.m., at TCNJ’s Kendall Main Stage Theater, Mr. Ray will join TCNJ’s Jazz Ensemble for a performance featuring iconic pieces from his days as a member of Kool and the Gang and Sun Ra and The Arkestra. The evening concert will cap off a weeklong residency of teaching, rehearsals, master classes, and community outreach by Mr. Ray and the members of his touring ensemble.an event will feature a format of live interviews, stories, and mixed media interspersed with iconic musical selections from Mr. Ray’s days as a member of Kool and the Gang and Sun Ra and The Arkestra. Reception to follow.