Ray's Bio:

Ray Sikora is one of six children raised in Boonton, New Jersey. His parents, Stanley and Emily had always loved music and family. It was natural for each child to pick up an instrument and run with it. Stan played violin and Emily played piano. Ray’s three older brothers were given accordion lessons, but they found ways to avoid the tortuous task of practicing. His parents finally gave up chasing them down, but Ray became mesmerized with the sound of live music being played at the annual “Cousin’s Day Picnic”. He decided at a young age he was destined to have music be a big part of his life. He jumped in head first and has never looked back; for those who know Ray, his most exceptional attribute is energy!

Ray got his first Western Auto acoustic guitar and a Kenny Rogers’ “Learn to Play Guitar Book” on Christmas of 1968. Next it was learning songs from the Beatles, the Lovin Spoonful, Creedence Clearwater and the Beach Boys. If Ray wasn’t playing sports, getting into mischief with cousins and friends, or canoeing up the Rockaway River, he was in the attic or in the basement learning guitar chords and trying to sing without being heard! When Ray entered Morris Catholic High School, he had met Brian McArdle who also had the same musical interests. They traded songs, built up some courage and formed their first band. Brian’s older brother Jimmy, and a school friend Mike Powers would be their foursome. Mike played drums and Jimmy sang and drove a station wagon loaded with equipment. Brian’s mom must have been the band’s biggest fan because she allowed them to practice in their living room, and bought enough Sears amplifiers and Speakers so the band could play their first gigs.

As Brian learned more acoustic tunes, he introduced Ray to another player. Michel Beliveau knew many of the same songs they knew and then some. As the first band disintegrated, an acoustic trio would resurface. Steve Racine (a harmonica player), Bruce Alexander (musical historian and roadie) and Henry Gianella guitarist and compadre would frequently support Ray, Brian, and Michel’s efforts. The Bad Azz Band eventually renamed themselves Hard Luck. (Ray, Brian, and Michel) sang three part harmonies and used acoustic guitars and an occasional bass. Their biggest show was opening for bluegrass extraordinaire Norman Blake at Millersville State College. Michel left for college and the country rock music was popular. Although Ray and Brian went separate ways to attend college as well, Ray picked up a pedal steel guitar and starting making some sounds on it. When Ray and Brian connected again with three Boontonites (Rob Venturini, John DeLuca, and Bob Aquino) they formed a popular five piece band called Gold Dust. Featuring vocal harmonies, a driving sound, and enthusiasm, the band played many of the colleges, clubs, and bar scene in Northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Opening for the Patty Smith Group at William Paterson College, Gold Dust showed it could appeal to a larger diversified audience. Brian and Nanette and Ray performed as an acoustic trio after GoldDust disbanded, and were frequent performers at the Fireside Inn in Denville NJ. Linda, Ray’s future wife also sang for special engagements. When Brian and Nanette left for Maine, Ray joined up with Brian’s brother Kevin and friend Gary Gamble. Sagebrush was formed.

Performing high energy bluegrass and country rock, Ray added future brother in law John Search to play drums. Sagebrush won a battle of the bands and would play steady Fridays and Saturdays at Stockman’s Inn (Rockaway NJ) for a number of years. John was replaced by Don McQuade as their drummer and Gary Gamble eventually left to be replaced by Walt Super on bass. Birt MacKenzie was asked to take over the drums and vocals. Through all the transitions, the band’s ability to have different lead vocals and harmonies expanded their range and repertoire of songs. Doug Clark and Bob Marks (both full time members) added awesome lead guitar and vocals when the band expanded to a five piece band. Linda Sikora worked as a sound engineer for the bigger gigs.

When Ray left the band to go solo, his first gig was a Sunday brunch at Mugs (now the New Orleans Steakhouse). Harold’s Pub, The Candlelight Inn (Franklin, NJ), Tomahawk Lake (Sparta, NJ) soon followed and Ray became very popular in Sussex County. Using guitar, bass pedals connected to a keyboard, and a drum machine, Ray became a popular one-man band. Through the advice of JoJo Russell and Alan Carpet (both friends and full time entertainers), Ray got involved in the karaoke kraze. Ray found it gave everyone an opportunity to participate in the musical experience and saved a lot of wear and tear on his vocal chords.

While family and music have always been Ray’s primary focus, his love for kids shares an equal amount of commitment. Ray has been a Special Education teacher for over 31 years in the Kinnelon School District. He has worked at Stonybrook Elementary, Pearl R. Miller Middle School and Kinnelon High School. Although he has a principal and supervisor’s certificate, Ray’s love is in the classroom where he can work directly with the kids. Ray and his lovely wife Linda have been married almost 30 years. Their children Daniel, Jess, and Justin have carried on the musical legacy that has been a part of the Sikora family. Daniel resurfaces from time to time to play keyboards, Jess is an excellent vocalist, and Justin has been seen plucking a bass guitar at various gigs. Players and friends have come and gone only to resurface again. If you ask Ray about this whole experience he would be the first to tell you how fortunate he feels to have had these opportunities meet with so many great people…..and he’s still enjoying the ride….