In this, our 11th year, we kicked it up a notch to celebrate old-school R&B and soul and the future of the blues. Toward this heady goal, the Santa Cruz Blues Festival is honored to welcome, on Saturday May 24, the incomparable Ray Charles. This extraordinary talent shaped the face of modern music over a career that spans more than 50 years. Mr. Charles will be joined by his 17-piece band and the illustrious Raelettes.