Sugaray Rayford

Born in Memphis Tennessee, Vaneese is the daughter of Rufus Thomas, whose legendary career as a musician and entertainer began in Vaudeville and spanned more than half a century in R&B recording and radio. Her older siblings are the hit recording artist “Memphis Queen” Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist Marvell Thomas (R.I.P.). Embracing this remarkable musical legacy, Vaneese carries forward the rich heritage of Memphis soul and R&B; music that has touched generations and crossed many divides. At the same time, she has combined all the influences of her background and experience – R&B, gospel, blues, and jazz – to cultivate a soul-stirring style that’s all her own.

Highly regarded within the music industry, Vaneese’s talents as a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor have made her a sought-after solo performer as well as a first-call vocalist for projects by other top-name artists. She has worked with the renowned recording producer Phil Ramone and has sung with an astonishing array of internationally known performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen to name a few. Vaneese has sung with the Baltimore and Colorado Symphonies in “Too Hot to Handel” under the baton of Marin Alsop and at Several Pavarotti & Friends concerts in Modena, Italy; The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland; The Michael Jackson & Friends concerts with Luther Vandross in Seoul, Korea, and Munich, Germany, and soul music festivals in Porretta, Narni, and Perugia, Italy.

 Snake Hill Blues is a New Haven, CT based Blue band was founded in mid 2015 and has subsequently been entertaining audiences in many regional venues ranging from small intimate club stages to large outdoor festivals. 

Comprised of six well-seasoned, versatile players, Snake Hill Blues plays a wide range of Blues & Soul standards interpreted with a bit of an edge and an improvisational approach.

Front man,  Vaughn Collins was born in Waterbury, CT at the crossroads of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement, Vaughn grew up idolizing James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, Motown and anything that grooved. He fell in love with hip-hop in 1978 before the arrival of the Sugar Hill Gang. 

Snake Hill Blues is a 2 time finalist in the Connecticut Blues Society Band Challenge

 Queen Ann Nzinga Center (QANC) arose out of a need to support underserved youth in Greater New Britain, Bristol, and Plainville, who may lack the resources and guidance to effectively navigate life’s challenges.  

The QANC will perform a few songs with their students. Last year they stole the show with their amazing performance of musicians, singers and dancers.

Watoto (Swahili for "children”) is a multicultural program empowering youth through arts and humanities workshops. Aligned with African tradition, the program includes youth of all ages who meet, learn, and create together! The program provides a safe space for participants to build positive relationships and the confidence to achieve their dreams.

Participants meet weekly to develop their unique creative talents and learn about the diverse heritage of their community. They work across mediums to create projects celebrating local heroes, stories, and cultural themes.