Top Hat Entertainment: The Artists

Cam Ray

   Cam Ray is one of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s most sought-after pianists for both solo and group settings.  His diverse styles range from classical to jazz and broadway to motown, keeping his piano playing in high demand. Recently, Cam and his family relocated to Santa Rosa Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

    Cam studied classical music for 12 years when he then began studying jazz.  He has scored top ratings at numerous National Piano Guild competitions for classical piano as well as received many scholarships and awards for jazz piano.  Cam graduated from the University of North Florida in 2002 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies and Piano Performance.  After college, Cam became the instrumental director at Christ’s Church Mandarin for 3 years.    

   Cam has been playing professionally in the Southeast for 16 years and has also been a private music teacher for 11.  He has performed in many different venues in varied settings from solo piano to 17-piece big bands and off-Broadway pit orchestras.  Cam has played keyboards for the off-Broadway productions of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Producers," "Hairspray," "The Rat Pack," and "A Chorus Line." He also has appeared on 4 Big Band Themed cruises in the Caribbean with the Les DeMerle Big Band, featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele. In 2006 Cam had the privilege of performing with the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin and most recently was the opening entertainment for "Earth, Wind, and Fire."

*For a more extensive list of Cam's spectrum as an artist, view his full resume here.

 Most recently, Cam was featured in Amelia Island's "Islander" Magazine.  View the article here.

   Cam has recorded and appeared on several albums, including his solo piano CD, "The Old Rugged Cross," and "Cam Ray and Friends: Christmas Duets," featuring piano/vocal duets with a variety of vocalists. Cam also appears on "The Instant Groove: Live at the Frisky Mermaid," and was a guest pianist with the FCCJ Big Band on their album, "Jazz From 11901 Beach Boulevard." There are many recording projects in the works for Cam in the near future, so be sure to check back often.

   If you need a pianist for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or even an accompanist for a singer, Cam Ray will definitely provide the perfect touch to your next event!

Listen

Purchase

Contact

Class Act

   One of our most popular and stylistically versatile groups is Class Act.  Class Act can take you back to the laid back Vegas lounges of the 50’s and 60’s with their Sinatra/Dino vibe, or have you dancing and singing your favorite Motown classics on a packed dance floor.  Class Act ranges in size from a piano/vocal duo to their 8 piece “mini-bigband.”   From Broadway and Big Band to Motown and even Country, Class Act is versatile and authentic.

   Class Act performs for many private events, balls, and galas in the Northeast Florida / Southeast Georgia area.  Several worthy of note are the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation’s annual Evening Gala, Jacksonville’s local Dancing With The Stars, The Italian American Club’s “An Evening with the Rat Pack,” and the PGA Nationwide Tour’s Annual Meeting. 

   From the quartet to the octet, the energy that Class Act displays through their music and their presence is unrivaled.  Lead vocalist, Chris Thomas, is not only a dynamic singer, he can capture a room through his energetic style and humor like none other.  If you want Sinatra or a staggering Dean Martin, you’ve got it.  If you’re looking for the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, or Otis Redding…done deal!   

   Pianist and musical director, Cam Ray, has been performing in the Northeast Florida region for the past 15 years. He has performed with some of the best, including Dave Brubeck and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  His love of arranging and musical perfectionism makes for a winning combination when applied to the sounds of a 2-8 piece ensemble.  With his original arrangements of classic songs, Cam can make a jazz quartet sound like a 12-piece big band. 

   With the combination of unique arrangements, top-quality musicians, and a powerful lead vocalist, Class Act is definitely a musical force to be reckoned with!  You are guaranteed satisfaction when you choose Class Act Jazz Group for your next event!

Listen

Contact