Sugaray Rayford – 8/2

Sugaray Rayford is a man with a message and a larger-than-life personality and voice to deliver it. Working with producer and songwriter Eric Corne for the past three albums, the soul-blues powerhouse has crafted an incendiary sound, combining classic soul melodies and funky R&B grooves with raw blues power.

The pair’s first collaboration, Somebody Save Me, earned Rayford a 2020 Grammy nomination. Later that year he took home Blues Music Awards for "Soul Blues Male Artist" and "B. B. King Entertainer of the Year." Rayford’s follow-up, In Too Deep, won multiple awards, including the Blues Music Award for "Soul Blues Album of the Year." His new release is entitled Human Decency. The title track is a reminder that our similarities are stronger than our differences.

About the leadoff single, "Run For Cover," Q Magazine declares, "The bluesey soul of Rayford comes on full steam with this powerhouse single."

“We’re calling people on their bullshit, but we’re having fun with them. That’s my way. I’m gonna tell it to you straight, but with love in my heart. I always bring some suga with the salt!” says Sugaray, bellowing with laughter.

An all-star cast lent their talents to the album, including guitarist Rick Holmstrom and singer Saundra Williams (both from Mavis Staples’s band), along with bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Lucinda Williams, Merle Haggard).

Reviews:
- "Human Decency is Rayford’s most consistent outing. These songs, arrangements, and performances are excellent, elevating him from a very fine singer to perhaps becoming a great one." – AllMusic
- "In the spirit of much of Rayford’s output, it is a call for unity." – American Songwriter
- "Expands on Rayford’s soul blues heritage, elevating the instrumental presentation beyond expectations." – Relix
- "Vocal magic and a killer band." – Soul Tracks
- "The bluesey soul of Rayford comes on full steam with this powerhouse single." – Q Magazine

Event details:
- Date: August 2
- Doors: 5:30 PM
- Showtime: 7:00 PM (event listed 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Ticket info:
- The 443 is an intimate listening room with table service that seats 75 people.
- The green squares/circles on the floor plan are bar-height tables; the orange squares are regular-height tables.
- Most seats are sold as "Tables for Two" — the ticket admits TWO people.
- A limited number of single seats are available; single attendees may be sharing a table with other single attendees.
- Multiple tickets purchased under the same name will automatically be seated together (up to 6 people).
- Requesting a specific table is a perk reserved for VIP Patron members.
- If anyone in your party needs special seating arrangements (walker, cane, service animal, wheelchair, low table requirement, or you want to be seated with another party), please email the venue after you place your order so arrangements can be made.
- All tickets are WILL CALL — no need to print anything, just give your name at the door.

Venue:
- The 443 Social Club & Lounge
- 443 Burnet Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203

Links:
- Artist website: https://sugarayrayford.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSugarayRayford#
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarayrayford/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4dctcbWDGbSj1Nn29CV4g3?si=xM9QF1kNQ_yzI9YdR4gE5A
- Tickets (EventBrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sugaray-rayford-at-the-443-social-club-tickets-1987780858056?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Video: https://youtu.be/PEysg3-dzJU?si=IniCXQs70-_lWjU1