NEWS FLASH!! - Our 1st CD is finally out! "Swingin' At The Ball" has The Blue Rays recorded live at a jumpin' Swing Dance Party in Poughkeepsie, and is available at all our gigs, jams, and (soon) online.
Read our first review at

"The bottom line with The Blue Rays is its ability to draw in its audience with infectious grooves and good time feeling." - George A. Fletcher, Rhythm & News Magazine

"The enveloping groove of the whole band...make(s) it impossible to sit down and watch." - Cat Ballou, Woodstock Times

"These men...combine the authenticity of the blues tradition with a unique and original effervescence..." - Cat Ballou, Woodstock Times 1/15/98

    The Blue Rays would like to thank the publishers and readers of Rhythm & News Magazine for voting us #2 favorite blues act in The Hudson Valley in their January 2000 Readers' Poll. Thanks, everyone. We love ya'! - Chris, Mark, Rob & Gary

^{The Blue Rays}
(pictured from left to right)

Gary Schwartz - (drums, vocals)
(e-mail garydrums@optonline.net)
 
Robert Bard - (upright and electric basses)
(e-mail robertskytop@aol.com)

Chris DiFrancesco - (saxophones, vocals)
(e-mail chrisdifrancesco@yahoo.com)

Mark Hollenbeck - (guitars, vocals)
(e-mail flat3flat7flat5@aol.com)

Photo by Doug Baz

Calendar
The Blue Rays and extended "family", Little Marty Schecter (The Greenvile Glide)
and Rich Kelly (The Hartwell band) host a weekly open blues jam every Wednesday.
Our new home, beginning October 12, 2005 is The Katonah Grill.
Come on out for your mid-week Blues fix. . .

All musicians, vocalists, blues lovers welcome.
Bring your "axe", harp, horn or sticks!  Sign up and sit in! Great food & drink!

January 2006 Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s                 
  4 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  6 - Friday - - - - -
  7 - Saturday - - - -
11 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
13 - Friday - - - - -
14 - Saturday - - - -
18 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
20 - Friday - - - - - -
21 - Saturday - - - -
25 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
27 - Friday - - - - - -
28 - Saturday - - - -
February  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  3 - Friday - - - - -
  4 - Saturday - - - -
  7 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  8 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill  (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
10 - Friday - - - - -
11 - Saturday - - - 
15 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
17 - Friday - - - - -
18 - Saturday - - - -
21 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
22 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
24 - Friday - - - - - -
25 - Saturday - - - - 
March  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  3 - Friday - - - - -
  4 - Saturday - - - -
  7 - Tuesday - - - - NO HIGH FALLS CAFE DANCE PARTY - (Renovation) See you on the 21st!
  8 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
10 - Friday - - - - -
11 - Saturday - - - -
15 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
17 - Friday - - - - -
18 - Saturday - - - -
21 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
22 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
24 - Friday - - - - - -Swing Dance sponsored by Hudson Valley Community Dances at Poughkeepsie Tennis Club,
                    135 South Hamilton, Poughkeepsie, NY, for info, contact Matt (845) 452-0331, or oonk@us.ibm.com
                                Dance lesson begins at 7:30 PM, dance at 8:30 PM, Admission $10, No Partner Required
25 - Saturday - - - -    
29 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
31 - Friday - - - - - -
April  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Saturday - - - -        
  4 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
  5 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  7 - Friday - - - - -
  8 - Saturday - - - -
12 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
14 - Friday - - - - -
15 - Saturday - - - -
18 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
19 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
21 - Friday - - - - -
22 - Saturday - - - -
26 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
28 - Friday - - - - - -
29 - Saturday - - - - Spring Swing (Dance Party) benefit for Marbletown Artists' Association Arts Scholarship,
                            Marbletown Community Center, 3775 Main St., Stone Ridge, NY (Across from Key Bank)
                7:30 PM lesson, 8 - 11 PM dance, Admission $10, for info contact Bart at thrall@ulster.net or (845) 687-7534
May  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  2 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
  3 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  5 - Friday - - - - -
  6 - Saturday - - - -
10 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
12 - Friday - - - - - -Hasbrouck Park, New Paltz 6 - 8:30 PM
13 - Saturday - - - -
16 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM  
17 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
19 - Friday - - - - -
20 - Saturday - - - -
24 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
26 - Friday - - - - -
27 - Saturday - - - -
31 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM                  
June  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  2 - Friday - - - - -
  3 - Saturday - - - -
  4 - Sunday - - - - -Private Party 2 - 6 PM
  6 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  7 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  9 - Friday - - - - -
10 - Saturday - - - -
14 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
16 - Friday - - - - -
17 - Saturday - - - -
20 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
21 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
23 - Friday - - - - -
24 - Saturday - - - - Private Party 2 PM
28 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
30 - Friday - - - - - 
July   Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Saturday - - - -         
  4 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
  5 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  7 - Friday - - - - -
  8 - Saturday - - - -
12 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
14 - Friday - - - - -
15 - Saturday - - - -
18 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Swing Dance Party/Open Blues Jam hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM  
19 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
21 - Friday - - - - -
22 - Saturday - - - -
26 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
28 - Friday - - - - - -
29 - Saturday - - - - 
August   Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Tuesday - - - - -High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  2 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  4 - Friday - - - - -
  5 - Saturday - - - -
  8 - Tuesday - - - - -High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  9 - Wednesday - - Kavner's Bar and Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
11 - Friday - - - - - -
12 - Saturday - - - -
15 - Tuesday - - - -  High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
16 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
18 - Friday - - - - - -Chelsea's on Fifth 10 PM (New Venue)
19 - Saturday - - - - High Falls Cafe 9 PM
22 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
23 - Wednesday - - Kavner's Bar and Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
25 - Friday - - - - - -Swing Dance sponsored by Hudson Valley Community Dances w/Special Guests Big Joe Fitz and Marta 
                   at Samuel Morse Estate, Poughkeepsie, Dance lesson begins at 7:30 PM, dance at 8:00 PM, No Partner Required
26 - Saturday - - - -
30 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
September  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Friday - - - - -
  2 - Saturday - - - -
  5 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  6 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  8 - Friday - - - - -
  9 - Saturday - - - -
12 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
13 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
15 - Friday - - - - -
16 - Saturday - - - -
17 - Sunday - - - - -A Taste of New Paltz, Ulster County Fairgrounds 1 PM
19 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
20 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
22 - Friday - - - - - 
23 - Saturday - - - -
26 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
27 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
29 - Friday - - - - - 
30 - Saturday - - - - 
October   Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  3 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  4 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  6 - Friday - - - - -
  7 - Saturday - - - -
10 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
11 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
13 - Friday - - - - -
14 - Saturday - - - -
17 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
18 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
20 - Friday - - - - - -
21 - Saturday - - - -
24 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
25 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
27 - Friday - - - - - -
28 - Saturday - - - - 
29 - Sunday - - - - -Benefit at Marbletown Community Center, 3775 Main St., Stone Ridge, NY (Across from Key Bank)
31 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
November  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  3 - Friday - - - - -
  4 - Saturday - - - -
  7 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  8 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
10 - Friday - - - - -
11 - Saturday - - - -
14 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
15 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
17 - Friday - - - - -
18 - Saturday - - - - Swing Dance sponsored by Erik Novoa, instructor, 917-414-3105 or swingshoes@aol.com for info                                             Bridgeport, CT, Dance lesson begins at 7:30 PM, dance at 8:00 PM, No Partner Required
21 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
22 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
24 - Friday - - - - - -Swing Dance sponsored by Hudson Valley Community Dances at Samuel Morse Estate, Poughkeepsie,                                     Dance lesson begins at 7:30 PM, dance at 8:00 PM, No Partner Required
25 - Saturday - - - -    
28 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
29 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
December  Click here for club addresses, Phone #'s
  1 - Friday - - - - -
  2 - Saturday - - - -
  5 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
  6 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
  8 - Friday - - - - -
  9 - Saturday - - - - Southbound BBQ 8 PM (Roberta's Birthday Party; open to public)
12 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
13 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
15 - Friday - - - - - -Private Party, Norwalk
16 - Saturday - - - -
19 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM 
20 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
22 - Friday - - - - - 
23 - Saturday - - - -
26 - Tuesday - - - - High Falls Cafe (Blues Dance Party hosted by veteran and current Blue Rays) 8 PM
27 - Wednesday - - The Katonah Grill (Open Blues Jam hosted by Gary, Little Marty, Rich Kelly) 9:30 PM
29 - Friday - - - - - 
30 - Saturday - - - - 

  Shake it loose! It'll do ya good! 

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The Blue Rays first CD release, "Swingin' At The Ball",
is now available for $15.00 (US) at all our gigs and (soon) online.
Please contact Gary Schwartz via e-mail to purchase until then.
Comments/feedback to the band:  

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