The Ray Charles Project

Bay Area greats led by Santana's Tony Lindsay and guitarist Chris Cain celebrate the Genius of Soul, Ray Charles.

Saturday, October 24
First Show: 6:30 PM | Doors @ 5:15 PM
Second Show: 9:00 PM | Doors @ 8:30 PM
Admission: $32 - $65

The Ray Charles Project is a band of Bay Area heavyweights built to carry the songbook of the Genius of Soul, and its lineup reads like a who's who of Northern California music. Out front is Tony Lindsay, the longest serving lead singer of Santana and the voice up front through the band's blockbuster Supernatural era, when the group swept the Grammy Awards. Beside him is Chris Cain, the San Jose guitar master whose playing won the admiration of B.B. King and a deal with the celebrated Alligator Records. Holding down the keys is Hammond organ veteran Jim Pugh, who logged decades on the road with Robert Cray and Etta James.

Together they dig into the catalog of a man who reshaped American music, the artist who fused gospel fire with rhythm and blues on 'What'd I Say' and turned 'Georgia on My Mind' into an immortal standard. Expect the swagger of 'Hit the Road Jack,' the ache of 'I Can't Stop Loving You,' and a groove powered by a full horn section that honors Brother Ray without ever embalming him. It is the genius of soul, alive and swinging on Mason Street.