2010 Clayton Town Square Concert Series Opens with “Nantucket” on May 13

Veteran rockers ”Nantucket” will open the 2010 Clayton Town Square Concert Series on May 13 at 7:00 pm. All concert dates are on Thursdays from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Town Square at 100 W Main Street in downtown Clayton.

May 13 Nantucket w/special guest Brimstone (starts at 6:30 pm)

June 24 Craig Woolard Band

July 15 The Central Park Band - NEW ADDITION!
July 29 Band of Oz

August 19 Hip Pocket Band

Sept 16 The Embers

Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, the free concerts have become very popular, attracting more than 1,000 Clayton residents for each show. Debbie Romano, chair of this year’s concert series said, “We are very excited about presenting this strong line-up of performers and hope to continue to make the concerts a fun event for everyone attending.”

This will be the fourth year of the ever-popular concert series. “The concerts are so much fun and have become a monthly social event where friends of all ages gather to visit each other and enjoy the music,” according to Debbie Hammond, chair of the DDA’s Promotion Committee. “As a result, many more people from Clayton and Raleigh are discovering downtown Clayton in the process.”

Residents of Clayton are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this “free” public concert. There are several local vendors to provide light refreshments and food. The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. will once again serve beer and wine. Concert Series updates can be found by visiting www.downtownclayton.org

Several downtown restaurants offer pre-concert dinner specials, including The Flipside at 408 E Second Street, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant, 217 E Main Street as well as Festejos Mexican Grill, 905 E Main Street, Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant, 226 E Main Street and Pier 33 Seafood & Bar, 312 E Main Street.

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, Millstock Music & Art Faire, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

Nantucket w/special guest Brimstone
May 13, 2010
http://www.nantucketband.com/

May 13 marks the third Nantucket performance in Clayton. Nantucket is a hard rock band that formed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1969. The band signed with Epic Records in 1977 and released its self-titled album the following year, which featured the hit single "Heartbreaker." A new Nantucket CD is scheduled for release this spring.

Nantucket has opened and toured with for top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother's Finest, and Journey and AC/DC. Most recently, Nantucket has opened for Heart in Virginia Beach and Raleigh.

Brimstone
May 13, 2010
www.myspace.com/brimstonerocksnc

Brimstone is a teenage 70’s cover band founded in 2008 at the 2112 Rock School in Raleigh. They are Nantucket’s opening act for the summer 2010 tour. The band's main purpose is to offer the school’s most talented students the opportunity to further develop their skills in a structured band environment. The band's mission is, through playing live shows around the state, to inspire and encourage other young people to discover for themselves how rewarding learning to play a musical instrument can be.


Craig Woolard Band
June 24, 2010
http://www.craigwoolard.com/

With the classic style of Ray Charles, the dynamics of Marvin Gaye and Rod Stewart, the Soul of James Brown, the vocal prowess of Steve Perry of Journey, combined with the passion of Sam Cook and Michael McDonald, you have “The Soul Man of Beach Music”, Craig Woolard. June 24 marks Craig’s third appearance in Clayton!

As the ambassador of Beach Music, Woolard has enjoyed a stellar career as the front man of one of Carolina’s premiere bands, the Embers. After 27 years with his former group. Woolard has taken on a new persona in what is claimed to be the South’s number one Beach Music, R&B, Top 40, Motown, 70’s & 80’s, and Rock & Roll Party Band….Craig Woolard is The Real Thing!

As for Woolard’s new band, The Craig Woolard Band, they are the “hottest band this side of the Mississippi! Their first year out in 2005, they were honored as ‘GROUP OF THE YEAR,” while Craig walked away with Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Best Smoothie Song, and Song of the Year. Their arrangements are exciting and ever so danceable.

As a hit maker, Craig Woolard has several signature tunes. “ What You Do To Me”, and “Georgia”, to name a few. He has had FOUR #1 songs – more than any group in this industry. Their new CD, “Making Waves” went to #1 within weeks of its release. Their # 1 Hit Song “I’ve Got A Feeling” won SONG OF THE YEAR in 2006. His music and performances continuously amaze the crowds.

Band of Oz
July 29
http://www.bandofoz.com/

The legendary Band of Oz returns to the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on July 29. The Band of OZ was formed in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South. In 1977 the band went on the road full time. Since that time the band has made an exceptional name for itself throughout the Southeast by playing the top clubs and corporate parties, and getting excellent reviews along the way. For several years the group has been a guest on most of the major beach concerts in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia.

The Band of Oz is one of the most successful groups in the Southeast, and continues to get the very best reviews from the top people in the entertainment business. The band now features a full horn section to total a dynamic eight-member group.


Hip Pocket Band
August 19
http://www.hippocketlive.com/

When Hip Pocket shows up a party breaks out and the fun begins. They were named 2009 CBMA Award for Favorite New Artist. Hip Pocket has been compared to the Band of Oz in the 1980’s & Bill Deal & The Rhondels in the 70's! The Hip Pocket Band is a one of a kind variety band. They play everything from 60's soul and 80's Dance Music to today's Hot New Country and Party Rock & Roll. If Carolina Beach Music is your thing they play the Rock & Soul Classics you are looking for. This will be the first Clayton appearance for the Hip Pocket Band.

The Embers
September 16
http://www.theembersband.net/

For decades The Embers have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul.

Rhythm and Blues became the foundation and essence of SOUL music and the Motown sound, but in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, the name that applies is "Beach Music."

A musical marvel, the EMBERS have survived disco, punk, new wave, and hip-hop and continue to take the stage as one of the most entertaining bands ever to perform. Named North Carolina's Official Musical Ambassadors, they were inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. They've opened for the Rolling Stones, done commercials for Budweiser, performed for the Olympics, President Clinton's inauguration ball and created the soundtrack for endless summers.

THE EMBERS were involved in a video commercial for the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City where their captivating premier performance resulted in a return engagement for a sold out New Year's Eve show. Pepsi released a commercial performed by The Embers to the title tune Beach Music from their Beach Music, Super Collaboration Album. In December of 2007 and 2008, The Embers were invited to perform their Christmas program for our troops and their families at various military camps and bases throughout South Korea.