Red Deer Blues Society Proudly Presents The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra

The Red Deer Blues Society and our Sponsor The Vat Pub will be hosting the Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra on August 16th, 2025 at 7:30 pm. 

The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra will be on stage at the Vat Pub performing the hits penned by the legend himself. Bassist and musical director, John V. Gray, who toured with the Ray Charles Orchestra, has assembled some of Alberta's finest musicians to  recreate the one-of-a-kind sound of Ray Charles. Thomas Alexander, (Award winning vocalist) from Edmonton's Jazz scene and formerly of Red Deer’s own Gaetz Avenue Dance Band, will perform such hits as ‘Georgia On My Mind’, ‘MaryAnn’, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and ‘Let the Good Times Roll’. 

One of Alberta's premier Jazz, Soul and Blues vocalists, Thomas created Edmonton’s first Funk band The Key, and has continued his solo works and his own show, the "Thomas Alexanders Soul Review". Jo Marillier, one of the fabulous singers of The Diva Dynamic's from Calgary, will back up Thomas' lead vocals in Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra.

You simply can't miss this evening of musical excellence presented for your listening pleasure by the Red Deer Blues Society. 

We are a non-profit society registered in the Province of Alberta. Our mission is to bring the Blues to Red Deer and Support Local Musicians. Our sponsor, The Vat Pub, has graciously hosted our endeavors since we presented our first Blues at The Vat series in November of 2023. 

One of Red Deer's Premier Live Music Institutions, The Vat Pub boasts a superior sound system, great technicians and a welcoming atmosphere to live music crowds of all Genres in Red Deer. With it's inspiring Mural Tributes to the greats, the wonderful staff and the regular customers joining in, the Vat is definately the place to be on August 16th.

The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra is comprised of several of the members of the Orchestra (Motown) we hosted in 2024, under the musical direction of John V. Gray with Vocalist Thomas Alexander. 

If you were there, you absolutely know how good this show will be.

The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra has played several times at local Venues such as Fratters, Red Deer College and The Krossing. 

We cordially invite you to attend our event.

Advance Tickets are $20 and are available on Eventbrite.ca.

If you prefer, you may also send us an email transfer to rdbs.tickets@gmail.com and a virtual ticket will be sent you shortly after purchase is confirmed. 

As always, thank you for supporting the Red Deer Blues Society and the Musicians we bring to Red Deer. Be there or be square!