Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers
In the early 1930s, small-band jazz enjoyed a heyday the likes of which it has not seen since. Stellar artists like Jack Teagarden, Billie Holiday, Django Reinhardt, and Lonnie Johnson recorded sides which remain some of the finest in the history of the music. Ballads—melancholy and blue—and hot tunes laced with exciting improvisation graced the stages and ballrooms of America, telling stories of tragedy and joy and providing dancers with rhythm for their feet.
Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers are reminiscent of this peculiar era. With some of the finest musicians in the Midwest, they have wowed audiences at top venues across North America, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Interlochen, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Ray Kamalay is the singer, guitarist, and leader of the group. He has worked in concert with many fine artists, including James Dapogny, Jethro Burns, and Howard and Ralphe Armstrong. In 1998, Ray’s work with Howard Armstrong was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award. Ray also lectures at the college level with a talk called “World Slavery – The Haitian Revolution and the Rise of American Music.” His anecdotes are often highlights of the show.
Max Gage on piano is yet another large talent. Most recently, he was a finalist in the Jacksonville Piano Competition of 2025. He has also performed with the Detroit Symphony.
Reuben Stump brings up the bottom on bass. A fellow Dimondale associate of Ray’s, Reuben is an accomplished jazz bassist and teacher of stringed instruments. His luscious low tones frame this music with beauty and grace. Reuben is also the heir to the Stump Estate of Dimondale, Michigan. The Stump Estate owns the world’s largest ukelele (Guinness Book of World Records). That is a big deal!!
🎟️ Tickets
https://urbanbeat.ticketspice.com/nov-13-ray-kamalay
$10 Advance
$15 Doors
Doors open at 5pm, show at 7pm. Our kitchen and bar will be open for food and drinks. Reserved seating is available.
📍 UrbanBeat
1213 Turner Rd
Lansing, MI
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