We are
Cross Cultural Connection
Our mission is dedicated to promoting jazz culture, the art of improvisation, and music education. This includes musical and entertaining performances by top level musicians and vocalists, along with music learning workshops conducted by established music educators sharing their wealth of knowledge to new audiences. We bring this combination of performance and music education to schools, universities, and communities worldwide.
Our initiatives include Jazz Education Workshop Series, Artist-in-Residence Programs, Jazz Performances and Community Concerts. A highlight of the organization is the Philip G. Miller Scholarship Fund which gives out scholarships to outstanding jazz students.
Community-focused Workshops and Education Programs
Jazz is innovation and inspiration
Cross Cultural Connection was established in 2005 by award-winning jazz saxophonist, musician, and educator Ray Blue. The organization continues promoting his steadfast belief that jazz and improvisation are powerful vehicles for cultural awareness and communication.
Cross Cultural Connection continues to deliver Ray Blue’s message. Jazz and improvisation celebrate innovation and inspires life. No barriers. Cross Cultural Connection.
Cross-Cultural Connection is
supported by:
Our Founder Ray Blue:
An Accomplished Jazz Performer and Educator
Ray was a New York bred saxophonist and educator who performs and conducts workshops and master classes internationally. Over the years Ray has shared the stage and studio as leader and sideman with John Gilmore, Dr. Art Davis, Benny Powell, Harold Maburn, Kirk Lightsey, Kenny Barron, Bobby Sanabria, Bernard Purdie, Wycliff Gordon, Wayne Dockery, Clifford Adams, Steve Turre, Ted Curson, Joe Lee Wilson, Joe Ford, Ed Cherry, John Bestch, Calvin Hill, Essiet Okon Essiet, Michael Cochrane, Charlie Persip Super Band, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Cotton Club All Stars, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, and many others. He was also a cast member of the “Ray Charles Show”, which toured in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy from 2008 to 2010.
Ray Blue's festival performances as a band leader and featured artist include: Hartford Jazz Festival; Zanzibar International Film Festival; North Sea Jazz Festival-Cape Town, South Africa; Macufe Festival-Bloemfontaine, South Africa; European Union Annex Festival-Dublin, Ireland; Audi Jazz Festival-Brussels, Belgium; Macao Jazz Festival, China; The New York State Black Arts Festival-Albany, New York; Midi Music Festival-Beijing, China; Pori Jazz Festival, Finland; Foix Jazz Festival, France and others.
JAZZ IS LIFE
Ray Blue - a portrait of an artist
A Film by Jeff Gadge
Always with a Purpose
Ray released his first CD as a band leader, Always with a Purpose, in 2001. Further releases include: Live at Liars Theater I, Live at Liars Theater 2, Transvision, Berries and Blues, Work, and People under Jazzheads label.
EDUCATION:
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Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Clinical Social Work (University of Iowa)
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Bachelor's degree, Sociology and Psychology (Wm. Penn University, Iowa)
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Jazz Education and Performance Studies (Jazz Mobile, New York)
AWARDS:
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State of New York Legislative Resolution, 2025
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Posthumous Community Service Award, NAACP Freedom Fund 2025
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Proclamation, New York State Senate, 2021
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Sophia Abeles Education Award by ArtsWestchester, 2016
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Proclamation, Westchester County Board of Legislators, 2015
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Proclamation, City of Peekskill, 2015
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Jazz Legacy Award, IOWA Juneteenth Observance, 2015
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Mayor's Award, City of Peekskill, 2014
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Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, 2013
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Tri M Music Honor Society, 2012
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Distinguished Career Award, Wm. Penn University, 2010
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Annual Ray Blue Jazz Award, Wm. Penn University, 2006 (presented to graduating senior)