Stockton Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival in Stockton on tees,

Born to convey a powerful message, Sugaray Rayford fuses soul, blues, and R&B with his larger-than-life voice. Collaborating with Eric Corne, their album *Somebody Save Me* earned a 2020 Grammy nod. Rayford won Blues Music Awards for 'Soul Blues Male Artist' and 'B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.' With hits like *In Too Deep* and *Human Decency,* he blends surefire funk and blues with star collaborators, such as Rick Holmstrom and Saundra Williams.

Connolly Hayes, a UK Blues Awards 2024 nominee for Emerging Act, blends blues, rock, and soul. Their debut album "Remember Me" was a hit, gaining recognition nationwide. Formed by Jess Hayes, Frankie Connolly, Beau Barnard, Joe Mac, and Andy Wilder, this quintet's influences include Bros Landreth and Tedeschi Trucks.