Sugaray Rayford & Matt Weidinger

Muskoka’s steamship heritage is older than Canada. The first ship steamed Lake Muskoka in 1866. In 2017, we marked the amazing RMS Segwun’s, 130 year history. She is North America’s oldest operating mail steamship.

Wenonah II, a modern interpretation of a traditional steamship, is named in honour of Wenonah, the first steamship to sail Lake Muskoka.

Wenonah II combines turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences including air-conditioning and an on-board elevator. Passengers can enjoy three dining rooms and three decks offering the ultimate lakeview experience. 

Sugaray Rayford is a man with a message and a larger than life personality and voice to deliver it. Working with producer, songwriter Eric Corne for the past 3 albums, the soul-blues powerhouse has crafted an incendiary sound and narrative, combining classic soul melodies and funky R & B grooves with raw blues power.

The pair’s first collaboration, Somebody Save Me, earned Rayford a 2020 Grammy nomination. Later that year he took home Blues Music Awards for ‘Soul Blues Male Artist’ and ‘B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.’ Rayford’s follow up In Too Deep won a plethora of awards including the Blues Music Award for ‘Soul Blues Album of the Year’.

Rayford’s new release is entitled ‘Human Decency’. The title track is a simple reminder that our similarities are stronger than our differences and in the end, there is no black or white or left or right, there are only hearts and minds.

About the leadoff single, “Run For Cover” a song that takes no prisoners, Q Magazine declares, “The bluesey soul of Rayford comes on full steam with this powerhouse single.”

“We’re calling people on their bullshit but we’re having fun with them. That’s my way. I’m gonna tell it to you straight but with love in my heart. I always bring some suga with the salt!” says Sugaray, bellowing with laughter.

An all-star cast lent their talents to the album, including guitarist Rick Holmstrom and singer Saundra Williams who are both from Mavis Staples’s band, along with bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Lucinda Williams, Merle Haggard).

“Vocal magic and a killer band.” – Soul Tracks

“Human Decency is Rayford’s most consistent outing. These songs, arrangements, and performances are excellent, elevating him from a very fine singer to perhaps becoming a great one.”” – AllMusic ****

Special Guest is Matt Weidinger one of the most sought after and well-known entertainers in Ontario. He is a singer/songwriter and a multi instrumentalist. He has three original albums under his belt and although considers the Hammond Organ, his instrument of choice, is equally comfortable on piano, guitar, bass and mandolin.