COLLABORATIONS
The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra
Featuring Grammy Award Winning Vocalist
Donald Ray Johnson
A TRIBUTE TO RAY CHARLES
Donald Ray Johnson – Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra
Grammy Award winner and five‑time Maple Blues Award nominee Donald Ray Johnson has spent over five decades at the heart of the blues, performing with legends including Big Mama Thornton, Percy Mayfield, Lowell Fulson, Phillip Walker, Maurice John Vaughan, and Sonny Rhodes.
A founding member of A Taste of Honey, Johnson earned international stardom when the group’s hit Boogie Oogie Oogie won the 1979 Grammy for Best New Artist, making history as the first African American band to do so.
Now based in Calgary, Johnson brings his rich baritone voice to the Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra, led by bassist and musical director John V. Gray.
The ensemble features powerhouse backup singers Oaitse Hellard, Jo Marillier, and Dallas Hayes‑Sparkes, alongside a full horn section, bass, guitar, percussion, and rhythm section.
Featured on CKUA Radio and several print articles, the orchestra delivers the timeless sound and spirit of Ray Charles with vibrant authenticity, while showcasing Johnson’s enduring artistry as one of the great interpreters of blues and soul.
For more details and bookings please contact: johnvgray@gmail.com
a tribute to amy winehouse
Featuring Canadian Soft Jazz Award Winner
Johanna Sillanpaa
Johanna Sillanpaa and John V. Gray have joined forces to present the music of the truly beloved Jazz Singer...
Amy Jade Winehouse.
Johanna Sillanpaa takes you on a journey through the life and music of Amy Winehouse, with her signature styling and stage presence.
Johanna is celebrated for her ability to blend modern jazz with soulful, introspective lyrics, creating music that is both accessible and deeply expressive. Her career reflects a balance of technical mastery and emotional honesty, making her a standout figure in Canada’s jazz scene and beyond.
Born in Borås, Sweden, Johanna Sillanpaa began singing professionally as a pre-teen in Northern Europe before moving to Canada, where her studies at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton opened the door to jazz and shaped her artistic path.
Her voice has been described as “a bluesy Erykah Badu,” with smoky lows reminiscent of Norah Jones and the confident range of Lisa Stansfield, a style that has carried her to performances in intimate jazz clubs across North America and Europe as well as major stages like the Montreal Jazz Festival before audiences of over 60,000.
Along the way, she has collaborated with ensembles and notable musicians from Toronto and New York, blending her own originals with inventive reimaginings of classic covers.
Johanna and Musical Director, John V. Gray have established a brilliant showcase of thoughtful arrangements and professional eloquence.
This blend of Calgary based jazz musicians has the inherent ability to transform the music of Amy Winehouse into an unforgettable evening filled with beautiful vocals and fabulous musicianship to bring you an authentic Amy experience.
For information on booking, please contact John Gray at:
johnvgray@gmail.com
The Motown Tribute Orchestra
The Motown Tribute Orchestra, featuring Award Winning Vocalist Thomas "The Voice" Alexander, established by John Gray in 2018, has featured musicians from Calgary and Edmonton Alberta. As Musical Director, John V. Gray has the musical gravitas required to put together a world class performance. From the sounds of soul, from the mid 20th Century up to today's finest performers, John V. Gray has developed a series of performances that have graced the stages of the best venues in Alberta.
For Bookings and Information please contact:
John Gray at johnvgray@gmail.com
THOMAS "THE VOICE" ALEXANDER
Soul Revue featuring Thomas "the voice" Alexander.
Step into the heart of the the legacy of soul featuring award winning vocalist Thomas “The Voice” Alexander and his unforgettable Soul Revue. Known for his rich career that began in Edmonton, Alberta, Thomas — also recognized as Bob Alexander — first made waves with The Key, Edmonton’s pioneering funk band, and later with Southbound Freeway.
His artistry draws inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald, shaping a sound that is both timeless and versatile.
With decades of experience spanning R&B, Jazz, Pop, Country, Blues, and Musical Theatre, Thomas continues to thrive, bringing smooth vocals, deep grooves, and authentic soul straight to you.
Joined by a rotating lineup of top-tier local and touring musicians, creating an intimate evening promises warm energy, a welcoming space, and live music that moves you — body and soul.
More than a concert, it’s a celebration of passion, community, and the enduring power of soul.
For information on bookings please contact John Gray at:
KATE EMERALD BAND
Kate Emerald is a dynamic force in Canada’s music scene, enchanting audiences with her award‑winning jazz vocals and vibrant performances across genres. A staple in Vancouver, she has fronted ensembles ranging from intimate trios to a commanding 21‑piece big band, earning acclaim for her versatile range likened to Adele, the powerful delivery of Aretha Franklin, and the sultry tones of Diana Krall. Her artistry has been recognized with the prestigious Top Talent Award at Miss World Canada, underscoring her impact on the arts and her ability to inspire through music.
Beyond Vancouver, Emerald has made her mark in cities including Seattle, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, performing at iconic venues and festivals. In Calgary, she collaborated with renowned musician and bandleader John V. Gray, further expanding her artistic reach and cementing her reputation as a versatile performer. Whether captivating audiences with jazz standards, energizing crowds with rock and Top 40 hits, or delivering soulful R&B ballads, Kate Emerald’s stage presence and artistry continue to resonate across the West Coast and beyond.
For more information on booking and pricing, please contact:
SHERRY KENNEDY
Sherry Kennedy is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, recording artist, and vocal coach based in Calgary, Alberta. She began singing at the age of five and quickly developed a passion for performing, first in community halls and churches, then on cabaret stages in Lethbridge during the 1970s. Her early recordings marked the start of a career that would span decades and genres, with her voice celebrated for its richness and versatility across jazz, blues, R&B, country, and musical theatre.
Over the years, Sherry has released more than ten albums and singles, toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, and built a reputation as a dynamic performer who can move seamlessly from tender ballads to raunchy show tunes and swinging big band gems. She is also a dedicated vocal coach, sharing over 45 years of professional experience with singers of all levels. Her philosophy emphasizes the energy exchange between performer and audience, which she believes is the essence of live music. Beyond the stage, she has founded Sheaken Music Inc. and Let the Music Paint!™, blending her talents in music and visual art, and has recently developed Sing TV, an online network channel devoted to vocal performance and training.
Sherry’s artistry has been enriched through collaborations with fellow musicians, including her work with John V. Gray. Together, they have created performances that highlight her expressive range and his musical craftsmanship, adding depth and resonance to her repertoire. This partnership reflects Sherry’s commitment not only to artistic excellence but also to building meaningful creative relationships. Today, she remains a fixture in Calgary’s music scene, admired for her ability to connect deeply with audiences while mentoring the next generation of performers.
For booking and more information please contact:
