“Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art” This Saturday!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Horne Square @ Lombard & Main

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Downtown Clayton

“Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art,” an acoustic-music and art event will be held on May 14 in downtown Clayton. Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. the purpose is to promote the cultural arts in Clayton and downtown. This will be the first event at the new public space, Horne Square, at Lombard & Main streets.

Artists will set up at 1:00 pm and the music will start at 2:00 pm and conclude by 7:00 pm. Deadline for visual artists to register is May 10.  Registration form is available online or by sending an email to claytondowntown@gmail.com.

“Our musicians are emerging artists and veteran musicians, singer-songwriters and all of them are acoustic,” said Debbie Romano, co-chair of the CDDA’s Promotion Committee. “We’ll also have a variety of local and regional artists with their art available for purchase,” she added. Several vendors will provide snacks and refreshments, including soft drinks, water, beer and wine.


The music line-up is:

2:00 pm – Taylor Leopold

3:00 pm – Scott Dameron & Jay Ladd V

4:00 pm - Kathy Hinton Nixon

5:00 pm – Ironing Board Sam

6:00 pm – Mr. Mustard

One of the featured artists performing is Ironing Board Sam. In his early 70’s, Sam’s powerful, soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess remain undiminished. He was featured on the “Night Train” television show in the 1970’s and continues to perform with great energy. 16-year old singer-songwriter Taylor Leopold, who is the 2010 Clayton Idol winner, will perform mostly original music.

“’Unplugged’ will provide an entertaining spring event this year in lieu of the former Millstock event and extend the cultural arts brand that Clayton is promoting,” said CDDA President Richard Rairigh. Earlier this year, the CDDA, along with Clayton Visual Arts, ended their involvement with Millstock Music & Art Faire.

This event received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art. Other sponsors include the Town of Clayton and the Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.