Originally founded in 1999 under the name Night Train, the Silky Ray Band continues to set the stage on fire with their jumpin' style of blues, jazz, R&B and funk. The band puts a unique spin on works by artists like Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, James Brown, Wynonie Harris, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, and others in addition to originals that make for an energetic, soulful and danceable mix.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, this exciting group has been thrilling audiences and musicians alike at clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest. The band has opened for such luminaries as BB King, George Thorogood, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Son Seals, Anson Funderburgh and the Mighty Blue Kings. The band has placed third in the 2000 Columbus Blues Challenge, was a finalist in the 2010 River City Ohio Blues Competition and has performed at major festivals such as the Big Bear Rhythm & Food Fest, the Columbus Arts Fest, the Dublin Art + Music Fest, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest, the Solid Gold Rib Fest, and the BB King Blues Fest.

There are not many groups that can play a good, soulful blues tune, switch to a tight, funky groove tune, and then change things up with a cool jazz tune. What makes the Silky Ray Band a step above any other band is the caliber of the musicians in the group. Playing with energy and soul that spreads to the audience, captures them and keeps them hooked are: lead singer "Silky" Ray Macklin, guitarist Jeff Brandt, saxophonist Fred Gablick, keyboardist Dean Marcellana, bassist/vocalist Dan Sagraves, and drummer Rick Soriano.

Ray Macklin: The talent and magnetic stage presence of singer Ray Macklin ensures that the audience has a good time. Silky Ray's booming vocal style is influenced by such great blues shouters as Big Joe Turner and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. When Silky Ray sings with his powerful voice, the entire audience is captivated by the force they just heard.

Jeff Brandt is a guitarist heavily experienced in the blues, playing many years with various blues bands. He was the guitarist for the main band in STAA (Support The Artists of America), a group of all kinds of entertainers that tour midwest prisons and other institutions. Jeff was also the guitarist with Aberdeen Slim, a blues singer and harmonica player originally from Aberdeen, Missisippi, then Chicago, Illinois. Jeff also played guitar in Willie Pooch and the Upsetters, winning the Columbus Blues Challenge and going on to The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee playing at the famous BB King blues club there. You may have also seen Jeff with: The Delta Sheiks, The Truetones, Blues A-Go-Go, The Odd Job Millionaires, and The International Hustlers.

Fred Gablick is a master on all the saxophones. When he starts to blow his horn, you'd better hold on to something or you'll be blown away! Whether gently swinging a riff or wailing away on a hot solo, Fred's distinctive and soulful playing gives the band plenty of steam.

Dean Marcellana: A recent transplant to Columbus, Dean's keyboard and melodica playing show his great versatile talent and thirty-plus years of musical experience playing throughout the highly competitive California and Boston music scenes. First trained as a classical pianist, Dean plays all styles with taste, sophistication, technical prowess, and great feel.

Dan Sagraves is a versatile bassist who lays down a solid groove on both acoustic and electric bass. He has spent many years touring with the great rockabilly band the Flyin' Saucers and roots rock legend Sleepy LaBeef. His solid bass playing lays down a strong foundation for the band to groove like a mo-fo! Dan can sing and play bass like no other - and look out when he slaps the rhythm out of that big dog bass!

Rick Soriano: The drummer's rock-steady grooves drive the band on a journey through many musical landscapes. Well-versed in all styles, whether it's a funky James Brown groove, a lively jump blues, a swinging shuffle, or any groove that moves, this Tri-C award winning drummer makes you want to get up and dance to the music. Rick is also a wonderful talent on the keyboards and occasionally plays keys for the band too. You gotta check out the smaller 4tet version of the band when Rick plays drums and keys simultaneously - quite a show that you gotta see to believe!