Peekskill, New York · Est. 2006
Live performances. Community workshops. Scholarships for young musicians. Cross-Cultural Connection brings the transformative power of jazz to the greater New York region and beyond.
In Memoriam · 1950 – 2025
Founder and Executive Director of Cross-Cultural Connection. Ray's vision, love for jazz, and dedication to community shaped this organization for over 20 years. He is deeply missed — and his mission carries on.
Saturdays in Peekskill, NY · All Shows 6–8 PM
Cross-Cultural Connection and BeanRunner Café present five Saturdays of world-class jazz at Ray Blue Way — Esther Street & 201 S. Division Street, in the heart of downtown Peekskill.
Saturday · June 27, 2026
Acclaimed by Downbeat Magazine — saxophonist & flutist, festival veteran from Senegal to the Kennedy Center
6–8 PM · Ray Blue Way
Saturday · July 18, 2026
9-time Grammy nominee — drummer & bandleader who performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente & Mongo Santamaria
6–8 PM · Ray Blue Way
Saturday · July 25, 2026
Protégé of Dr. Randy Weston — acclaimed by All About Jazz for his gospel-rooted artistry and pure spirit
6–8 PM · Ray Blue Way
Saturday · August 8, 2026
Drummer extraordinaire — performed with Dexter Gordon, Betty Carter & Pharoah Sanders, acclaimed by Downbeat & JazzTimes
6–8 PM · Ray Blue Way
Saturday · August 15, 2026
Jeff Barone & the Ray Blue Band, with the CCC Ensemble opening — former students of Ray Blue performing his music
6–8 PM · Ray Blue WayRay Blue Way
Esther St. & 201 S. Division St.
Peekskill, NY 10566
Call (914) 737-1701 for reservations →
All shows are outdoors at Ray Blue Way unless weather or artist needs require moving inside to BeanRunner Café. Series made possible by ArtsWestchester and M&T Bank.
Who We Are
Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Peekskill, NY. For over 20 years, we have used jazz as a bridge — between generations, cultures, and communities in the greater New York region and beyond.
From free outdoor concerts to community workshops and college scholarships, our programs make jazz accessible to everyone — musicians and audiences alike.
Support Our Mission
What We Do
Free outdoor jazz concerts at Esther St at Ray Blue Way in Peekskill, bringing world-class musicians to the community every summer.
A unique mentorship program pairing professional jazz artists with student musicians for rehearsals and public performances.
Community jazz education workshops that bring professional musicians into classrooms in the greater New York region and beyond.
Annual scholarships for young jazz musicians pursuing higher education, keeping the next generation of jazz artists in the tradition.
Support the Music
Your donation funds free concerts, student scholarships, and school programs that make jazz accessible to every corner of our community.
Make a DonationJoin the Series
Ongoing Jazz Workshops · Peekskill, NY
Join our Jazz Workshop Series, where musicians of all ages and backgrounds can elevate their jazz skills and performance. Led by experienced professionals, these workshops are perfect for high school and college students, as well as adult musicians eager to deepen their understanding of jazz.
Enjoy personalized guidance in a collaborative setting, and connect with fellow jazz enthusiasts while participating in dynamic masterclasses and improvisation sessions. Developed by the award-winning saxophonist Ray Blue, this series promises an enriching experience with exceptional jazz artists and professional clinicians Jeff Barone, Joe Vincent Tranchina and others.
Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity for growth and connection!
Next session: Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6–8 PM
To ask questions or inquire about joining a workshop, contact our workshop leaders directly — we'd love to hear from you.
