JazzFest - Rudy Ray

Part of the 2026 Toronto Jazz Festival. Venue: Sidewalk Sessions Location: 5 Hazelton Avenue More information from Toronto Jazz Festival Rudy Ray Kwaku is a Toronto-based Ghanaian-Canadian trumpeter, curator, and actor working across jazz, Afro-diasporic music, soul, and community-engaged performance. As the founder of Rudy Ray & Co., he has built a reputation for creating vibrant musical experiences that bridge artistry, storytelling, and cultural connection. His work moves fluidly between the stage, screen, and public space, with performances ranging from intimate ensemble settings to major festival and civic presentations. Rudy has appeared as a musician and actor in film and television productions including Murdoch Mysteries, The Boys, and Welcome to Derry. As a live performer, he is known for a warm, expressive trumpet sound and a collaborative spirit that has led to appearances with a wide range of artists and presenters, including a featured performance at Massey Hall alongside Jon Batiste. Beyond performance, Rudy is an active cultural programmer and community builder whose work often connects music with wellness, education, and public engagement. Whether leading his own projects or contributing as a sideman and curator, he brings a thoughtful, uplifting energy rooted in both musical excellence and social impact.