The next show in the Clayton Town Square Concert Series is Legends of Beach, an all-star cast in the beach music industry, on July 16 at the Town Square in downtown Clayton.
Sometimes history does repeat itself. In this case we’re talking about the History of Beach Music and some of the people who actually helped make it happen. The roots of The Legends of Beach go back to 1958 when the legendary Jackie Gore decided to put one of the premier beach music groups together.
What followed was one success after another with that generation… and generations to follow.
Legends Jackie Gore and keyboardist/arranger Johnny Barker each wrote songs that would help shape what was to come in the genre. Jackie’s “I Love Beach music” from 1979 and “Summertime’s Calling Me” written by Johnny in 1975 have become beach music classics.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg… so to speak. Gerald Davis, nationally known as an award winning producer, musical director, bassist, and vocalist, has been a major influence in creating the sound of “I Love Beach Music” and countless other beach music classics. The collaborations of Barker and Davis were responsible for numerous beach music awards in the 80’s and 90’s and together raised the standard of excellence to new heights.
Lead vocalist Mark Black’s resume as a writer/performer/producer stands on its own. While fronting the band that Jackie left for 11 years, his reputation grew quickly on stage as a dynamo on lead vocals and sax. With his own home studio, Mark produces music for the Legends of Beach and clients like The Discovery Channel.
Jeff Grimes decided to settle down from the sometimes gruesome road and open his own recording studio in Goldsboro NC. Having preformed nationally with the Jimmy Castor Bunch, Jeff has been a mainstay in beach music since the early 90’s. His talent is heard daily on guitar, sax, and vocals on beach music stations throughout the South.
Drummer, Glenn Edwards, is the newest addition to this legendary sound, and has spent the last several years playing drums with the Fabulous Shades and the legendary rock group, Nantucket.
The sound of live horns is the icing on this cake! Of course only the best will do here, and that is The Rusty Smith Horns. Rusty not only plays trumpet, but writes and arranges the charts and directs the horn section comprised of only “A List” players. His resume includes the Temptations, Four Tops, Spinners, The Charlotte Symphony, Louise Mandrell, and on and on.
Then it’s all brought together by sound engineer, Steve Davis. With over 30 years in the business, Steve is well known as a no compromise professional, delivering the mix that is powerful, yet detailed with every nuance coming from this incredibly talented group.
So as you see, The Legends of Beach is comprised of an all-star cast in the beach music industry. Their website is www.legendsofbeach.com
Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks, homemade ice cream and Italian ice. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.
Major sponsors for the concerts include, the Town of Clayton, Downtown Development Association, Clayton News Star and Time Warner Cable & Clayton Steakhouse. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Johnston Health and Novo Nordisk.
The Town Square is in downtown Clayton at 100 W Main Street between S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets.
Future shows in the series include: Zydecopious on August 20; and Band of Oz on September 17.
For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.org.
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