Talent show at Toy Boat to benefit local music veteran Priya Ray

"I want to tour and play music to as many people as I possibly can," says violinist and vocalist Priya Ray. Vintage photo of Ray from her campaign page

Orbit DVD owner and event organizer Marc McCloud is seeking performances from Asheville’s “seriously talented” and “sorta talented” for a variety show benefiting local musician Priya Ray. After sustaining a debilitating T-12-L1 spinal injury in 1999, Ray is raising funds to purchase a wheelchair accessible van, which would enable her continued pursuit of musical performance and photography.

As a traveling musician, Ray has received support from fans and friends across the globe with benefit shows in Asheville (at Odditorium, Rosetta’s and the Hop) and further flung locales like Miami, Chattanooga, San Fransisco and even New Zealand. Ray is already at least one third of the way to her $45,000 goal, which she is also pursuing via a YouCaring campaign.

“We are actively seeking the best and the worst Asheville has to offer,” reads the benefit event’s facebook page. “YOU! can be a superstar for seven minutes!”

Co-sponsored by Orbit, Bruno Cornucopia and Toy Boat Community Art Space, the Gong Show Roll Call talent show will be held at Toy Boat on Sunday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Performers of all backgrounds and talents can sign up by emailing pripee6@gmail.com. Visit the event’s facebook page for more information.

Additional fundraising efforts for Ray include dinner and music at Rosetta’s on Sunday, Feb. 8, ice cream and music at the Hop West on Thursday, Feb. 19, and a concert with Ray’s band Kreamy ‘lectric Santa and friends at Static Age records on Saturday, Feb. 28. Plus, sales from various $10 compilation CDs benefit the cause.

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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