Asheville’s own Justin Ray has has earned a reputation as a fiery and compelling trumpet soloist, comfortable in a wide variety of styles. He has toured 45 countries, appeared on Grammy-winning recordings, and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Justin received a scholarship after high school to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston where he graduated with a Degree in Music Education and performed with a number of different ensembles. He completed his Masters Degree at the University of Southern California and fast became one of the most in-demand jazz trumpeters in the region, performing with artists including Bill Cunliffe, Alan Pasqua, Joe LaBarb