Beginning in May, Ray’s on the River will host an intimate three-part jazz concert series to benefit local charities. The concerts will be held at Ray’s on the River’s manicured Event Lawn that overlooks the Chattahoochee River.

“We’re really excited to host such renowned jazz musicians and to be able to partner with such worthy causes,” said Mike Ross, director of operations for Ray’s Restaurants. “As an Atlanta restaurant group, we feel we have a great responsibility to give back to our local community. The Chattahoochee River is the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon of live music and great food with friends and family.”

The concert series kicks off with a performance by Ken Ford and members of the multigenerational Ken Ford Symphony at “Strings on the River” on Saturday, May 19 from 12 – 4 p.m.  Tickets are $45 per person, with a $55 VIP ticket option that includes admission, an autographed CD and a VIP meet and greet following the show.  Proceeds will benefit The Ken Ford Foundation, an organization that focuses on enhancing academic excellence through music appreciation and making music classes and programs for youth available throughout Georgia.

The next concert is scheduled for Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. The show will feature jazz and blues performances by Jon Liebman, Scott Glazer, Joe Alterman and Darren Stanley.  Tickets are $35 with proceeds benefitting the Fragile Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists families in need of aid to effectively care for their medically fragile children.

Renowned trumpeter Joey Sommerville will headline the final concert on Saturday July 21 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $35 with proceeds going to support the clean water efforts led by the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR).

Tickets for all three concerts can be can be purchased via Event Brite by clicking here.

Ray’s at Killer Creek: 770-649-0064
9am-3pm – Brunch
$29.95 Adults; $14.95 Kids (5-10); Free 4 and under
Regular dinner menu – 5pm-9pm
Click here for online reservations

Ray’s on the River: 770-955-1187
9am-9pm – Buffet
$39.95 Adults; $19.95 Kids (5-10); Free 4 and under
Click here for online reservations

Ray’s in the City: 404-524-9224
10am-8pm, Buffet
Live Music from 11am-3pm
Bottomless mimosa bar*
$29.95 Adults; $14.95 Kids (5-10); Free 4 and under
Click here for online reservations

*bottomless mimosa bar is $15 per person.

Click here to view concert details and purchase tickets to the May 19th Ken Ford concert at Ray’s on the River.

To view the full issue of The Atlantan, click here.

Whether you’re planning an intimate meal for two or bringing the whole family, please call ahead for preferred seating!  Click here to learn more about hours, pricing and how to make reservations.

DOGFISH HEAD 6% alcohol $7
60 minute” IPA, Milton, DE
India pale ale that’s hoppy with lots of citrus and a touch of herbs

HIGHLAND 5.8% alcohol $7
Gaelic Ale, Ashville, NC
American Ale with delicate hoppy bitterness and rich malty body

STONE 7.2% alcohol $16
“Arrogant Bastard” IPA, San Diego, CA
Aggressive Imperial India pale ale with a rich caramel malt backbone and floral yet spicy hops

DUCK RABBIT 5.2% alcohol $7
Milk Stout, Farmville, NC
Milk Stout balances subtle sweetness with highly toasted grains

WILD HEAVEN 8.5% alcohol $9
“Ode to Mercy” Decatur, GA
Imperial brown ale with hints of cacao, vanilla and hazelnut

SWEETWATER $7
Atlanta, GA (Seasonal)
Catch and Release series

TERRAPIN $8
Athens GA (Seasonal)
Seasonal & Monster Beer series

SUNSHINE ON THE RIVER

Tito’s handmade vodka, fresh ginger, agave nectar, orange juice, lemon and lime   12.00

SEA “RAY”

Edinburgh gin, rum, orange and lemon juice, cherry liqueur  10.00

POMEGRANATE AND PASSION FRUIT WHITE SANGRIA

Chardonnay, passion fruit puree, pomegranate juice, brandy, pomegranate liqueur   8.00

FEATURED CRAFT BEER

HITACHINO NEST, WHITE ALE, IBARAKI, JAPAN

Lightly hopped Belgium style with coriander and citrus notes   11.00

FEATURED RESERVE

2009 NEWTON UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY, NAPA COUNTY, CA

This profound and powerful Chardonnay exhibits a rich, complex intensity that can only be found in unfiltered wines. The grapes are predominantly grown in the Carneros region where bay breezes and morning fog combine to create the cooler climate ideal for growing Chardonnay rich with concentrated flavors   18.00

2009 COL SOLARE, RED BLEND, WA

From its inaugural 1995 vintage, Col Solare’s mission has been to unite two unique  viticultural and winemaking cultures: Tuscany’s Marchese Antinori and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle to produce a world-class  Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from the very best Washington fruit.   26.00

All dresses will be donated to Fairy Tale Endings, a local organization that provides a full prom makeover for teens who may otherwise not be able to attend due to financial limitations.

Ray’s on the River, known as one of Atlanta’s premiere riverside dining destinations, is partnering with The Ken Ford Foundation (KFF), founded by internationally known musician, “King of Strings” entertainer, Ken Ford to host Strings on the River on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The Ken Ford Foundation is an organization that focuses on enhancing academic excellence through music appreciation and making music classes and programs for youth available throughout the state of Georgia.  The Ken Ford concert is the first in a three-part riverside concert series that will take place between May and July at Ray’s on the River.

“This is a great day for Fulton County where we merge the charitable side of a business like Ray’s and The Ken Ford Foundation’s mission of music education,” says Foundation Executive Director Annette Davis Jackson.  “We are one and the same.”

Mike Ross, director of operations for Ray’s Restaurants noted, “With live jazz being such a big part of our restaurants’ identities, The Ken Ford Foundation partnership is a natural progression for us.”  Since founder Ray Schoenbaum opened the doors nearly three decades ago, Ray’s Restaurants have been developing deep ties to the local community and charitable organizations.  Ross adds, “For several years, we’ve worked with the Fragile Kids Foundation, and we are proud to add the Ken Ford Foundation to our list of partner organizations.”

Strings on the River will take place at Ray’s on the River’s Event Lawn that overlooks the Chattahoochee River on May 19^th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.   The event will feature concessions (beer, wine, sodas and food) and performances by Ken Ford and students of The Ken Ford Foundation.  Praise 102.5 FM will host an instrument drive during the event to donate to prodigies in schools and to The Fragile Kids Foundation, a beneficiary of The Ken Ford Foundation.

$35.00 (tax, gratuity and wine pairings not included)

APPETIZER (choice of one)

FRIED COCONUT SHRIMP

Served with a sweet chili-pineapple dipping chutney

SCALLOP SPINACH SALAD

Spinach tossed with a warm bacon dressing, button mushrooms, red onion, tomatoes, eggs and topped with a crispy fried scallop

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: 2009 Boschendal, 1685 Chardonnay-South Africa  10.00

ENTRÉE (choice of one)

MANGO GRILLED SALMON

Grilled salmon with a mango BBQ glaze, sesame sautéed spinach and                                topped with crispy Asian noodles

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: 2008 Fog Dog Sonoma Pinot Noir  14.00

FLAT IRON STEAK

Blue cheese whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, wild mushroom demi glaze

 SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING: 2008 Bodega Norton Cabernet-Argentina  12.00

DESSERT (choice of one)

CHOCOLATE VELVET CAKE

Served with vanilla bean ice cream

SEASONAL BERRIES

Served with vanilla whipped cream and candied pecans