Johnny Ray to Headline Lee Mansion Fundraiser

From crooning in Las Vegas, playing local yacht clubs and country clubs, to finally being a partner in a successful Marblehead restaurant, The Beacon, Johnny Ray has spent the better part of the last quarter century entertaining with his band on Boston's north shore. After forming his band in Marblehead in 1997 to play at the old Rio Grand on school street, nobody could have predicted the way his career would take off. First on Lynn's Horizons Edge Casino Cruise Lines, then with a fifteen-year run-traveling to shows in Las Vegas. But no matter where Johnny traveled on his musical journeys around the country, he never forgot his roots and always returned to Marblehead to entertain for his friends at hundreds of events like weddings, birthday bashes, nightclubs, and fundraisers. You name it, if Johnny got the call he would show up. "Every time I drove along Lynn Shore drive," says Johnny, "and down Humphrey Street to Atlantic Ave., I always felt like I was coming home. It was like a wave of comfort washed over me as I entered the town and knew I was about to see all my friends. It didn't matter that I was born in downtown Boston or that I grew up in a great town like Brookline. I feel more at home in Marblehead than any other place I've ever lived." Johnny insists the community had always been so welcoming to him that joining his partners to open The Beacon Restaurant and settling down here permanently was a "no brainer." "It's time to give back in whatever way possible." This is why every Tuesday night at The Beacon Johnny hosts, Marblehead's Got Talent, the brainchild of David Deutsch of The Marblehead Rotary. Johnny was a one of the judges for David's production at The Cabot Theater in Beverly last year which features performers from Marblehead High School. Johnny was so taken back by the talent of the kids; he invited them all to entertain at the restaurant in regular rotation. Now the weekly event has one of the student performers, Griffin Collins, gaining experience as the talent coordinator and musical director. According to Mr. Ray, it's circumstances like these that make his entire career path worthwhile. On Saturday September 10, Johnny will have another opportunity as he headlines with his band at the Jerimiah Lee Mansion to benefit The Marblehead Museum. The end of summer party will be quite the outdoor soiree that will also feature The Rubin Brothers Jazz Trio, heavy stationary and passed appetizers, cash bars, desserts, and dancing under the stars. Tickets are $125 and can be either purchased online or in person with a check or credit card, with a portion of the purchase being tax deductible. Visit: marbleheadmuseum.org for more information or to purchase tickets.