Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Downtown Clayton Entertainment Calendar

Remember, it is always best to call the venue or contact number for the latest updates!

Friday, August 3
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: The Will McBride Group
GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623:

Saturday, August 4
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Zydecopious
GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623:

Thursday, August 9
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Karaoke
GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623:

Friday, August 10
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: The Amateurs
GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623:

Saturday, August 11
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Jeff Hart & The Ruins
GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623:

NC Highway Patrol Helicopter to Visit Downtown Clayton August 7

There will be a different kind of visitor to downtown Clayton the morning of August 7. As part of The Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library’s summer program “Get A Clue @ Your Library”, they have invited the NC Highway Patrol to bring their helicopter, a Bell OH-58, to the Town Square.

Several hundred children will be able to get close to the helicopter and talk with the two NC Highway officers who operate it at 10:00 am and 11:00 am.

Children participating in the summer reading program will receive gift bags provided by the Library and Friend's of the Library. The Woman's Club of Clayton will be sponsoring the refreshments.

For more information, call Kristi Lesmann at the Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library, 553-5542.

Pianist Levin to Perform at Clayton Lunch Bunch

The next performance scheduled for the Music for the Lunch Bunch series is this Wednesday, August 1st at 12:15pm at First Baptist Church in Clayton. Jonathan Levin will perform on piano.Jonathan Levin has just completed the four-year Bachelor of Music degree program for classical piano performance at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he studied with Nina Svetlanova. Jonathan is currently studying at the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music pursuing his Masters Degree in piano performance under the tutelage of pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

Jonathan began studying piano at age 8 with Dara Edwards of Clayton, who recommended him to Marilyn Brown, Director of Raleigh Conservatory of Music. Under Mrs. Brown’s mentorship and instruction, Jonathan was privileged to win numerous statewide and national piano competitions. He has been honored to have performed with the Raleigh Symphony, Durham Symphony, and the North Carolina Symphony Orchestras as a high school concerto competition winner.

One of the great highlights of the spring of 2004 was Jonathan’s selection to participate at the historically renowned Steinway Hall in New York City. Last year, he presented a solo recital at the Manhattan School of Music. This season’s concerts have included a recital at Hopper Piano Company, as well as a performance at the Brooklyn Public Library.

The Music for the Lunch Bunch is a series of summer concerts held every Wednesday, at 12:15 pm, featuring local artists performing a variety of music, with particular emphasis on classical music. The concert series is grassroots funded by the Johnston County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. There is no admission charge but donations are accepted.

Monday, July 23, 2007

”True Spirit” to Bring High Energy Gospel to Clayton Town Square on August 23



True Spirit is a group with a unique style of music which appeals to people from all walks of life. True Spirit was once known as “Kingdoms Heir”. The group was formed in 1989 and the group has recorded three projects, “My Father Rich”, “True Spirit” and their current CD “Revelation Times” which is climbing the Southern Gospel market charts. The group is made up of David Montague, Robert Siler, Glenn Frazier, John Cooper and Terrence Todd Dewberry. Together, they create the kind of music that touches your heart and lifts your spirits. They will be performing at the Concert on the Square on August 23 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

The free concert is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, Novo Nordisk and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, Morning Glory Inn and True Line Surveying.

The final Town Square Concert of the series will be “Boys from Carolina Bluegrass Band” on September 20.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Downtown Clayton Events

Friday, July 20
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: The Bill Ely Band http://www.myspace.com/17879047 and
Brothers Grim http://www.myspace.com/brothersgrimraleigh

GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623: Machine Gun

Saturday, July 21
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: The Fifty/50 Band

GOODTIMES CAFÉ & TAVERN 219 E Second Street, 550-0623: First Annual Beach Party 2-6 pm featuring “No Dice”

Nantucket Rocks Clayton!



Rock band Nantucket (left) took downtown Clayton by storm with a nearly two-hour performance that was hot, in every sense of the word! The audience of about 750 people was treated to their favorite Nantucket songs, with the loudest cheers when the band launched into their signature song "Heartbreaker".

"Machine Gun" (right) a trio out of Wilmington provided an ideal warmup performance - and they will be playing at Good Times Cafe & Tavern on Main Street tonight.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Clayton Community Cookout - July 14th - Clayton NC


Earth Productions is pleased to announce the return of the Clayton Community Cookout on Saturday July 14th at the FlipSide, located in historic downtown Clayton, North Carolina. This event will feature national and local musicians, local artists displaying their works, and a community environment.

Join us and enjoy the music of Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Barefoot Manner, Two High String Band, Old Habits, Pickin' Buds, Turbo Pro Project and more TBA for a day of fun, community, and FREE BBQ! It will feel like a big family cookout.

FREE BBQ DINNER!

Thats right Folks! With each paid admission you will receive a FREE BBQ Dinner provided by, everybody's favorite, Lancaster's BBQ will be included in your ticket price! The FREE Dinner will be served from 5:30pm - 8:00pm only, please make note of that.
TICKETS! TICKETS! TICKETS!

Tickets are only $15.00 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Starting June 18th tickets will be available at the Coffee Mill and the FlipSide in Downtown Clayton. You can also purchase tickets ONLINE by clicking HERE. Please contact us at 919.553.6210 or email bob@earthproductions.net if you have ANY questions.

Directions

The Cookout is taking place at 105 S. Lombard Street in Downtown Clayton, North Carolina. Click HERE to view a map. If you need any further help feel free to email me at bob@earthproductions.net.

Please Remember

The Cookout is a non-profit event where 100% of all proceeds go to benefit Johnston County Public Schools. We will allocate the funds to all areas of need within the school sytem. So please bring your family out to have fun and support a good cause! Oh, and PLEASE BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIR!

DONATIONS! WE REALLY NEED DONATIONS!
Folks, this event is for the maintenance, upkeep, and building of new schools! This event is for our Children. If you love this idea but cannot make this event, if you do not like this type of event, or if you have an extra $15.00 lying around that you could donate to a good cause, I URGE you to purchase a ticket anyway! Your ticket purchase will go directly to helping us raise money to give to the SCHOOLS! It's only $15.00 but if we are all able to BOND together and make a donation as a community that $15.00 can go a LONG way!! Just look at your ticket purchase as a donation - and buy one even if you have no plans to attend. We will keep you all posted on what funds we are able to raise and EXACTLY where they are being allocated. This is a work in progress.. something we can all watch grow together and know that it is for the kids. If you need to check the validity of this event, please feel free to contact the Johnston County Schools Superintendent- Dr. Parker - 919.934.6032. We are working directly with the school board to ensure these funds go to the most glaring areas of need. Now we just need your help!

Feel free to contact us at bob@earthproductions.net or 919.553.6210 or if you do the myspace thing: www.myspace.com/claytoncommunitycookout.

STAGE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!

# 3:30-4:20 Pickin' Buds

# 4:35-5:25 Old Habits

# 5:35-6:15 TurboPro Project

# 6:30-7:45 Two High String Band

# 8:00-9:30 Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

# 9:40-11:ish Barefoot Manner

REMINDER: BBQ Dinner will be served from 5:30pm-8:00pm ONLY!! It will also be first come first serve! So arrive early.

We look forward to hearing from you. See you there!

Sincerely,

Bob Delong
President - EarthProductions

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

Barefoot Manner

Two High String Band

Old Habits

Turbo Pro Project

Pickin' Buds

A very special thanks to...



Reward Offered For Teens Charged In Clayton Business Burglaries


A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrests of two teenagers wanted for breaking into Pittman’s Jewelers on East Main Street in Clayton on July 2, where $30,000 in merchandise was stolen. The suspects have also been linked by authorities to a second nearby burglary at Clayton Before & After Care, also on East Main Street . $645 in Playstations and Gameboys were stolen but later recovered, along with some of the stolen jewelry.



Clayton police detectives have obtained warrants for Daniel Clifton Freeman, 19, and Sean Kelly Porter, 18, who are being sought on breaking and entering and larceny charges at both businesses. The teens are also wanted by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for obtaining property by false pretenses, for allegedly selling the stolen jewelry to a pawn shop in the Cleveland community. Freeman and Porter were last known to stay at an address on Ackerman Road near Garner. Anyone knowing their whereabouts is asked to contact the Clayton Police Department or their local 9-1-1 center.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Community Branding Brain-Storming Session Scheduled for July 10 at 6:30 pm

Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates will lead a discussion and brainstorming session to help create a community brand for the Town of Clayton. Arnett Muldrow will develop an overall brand for the community, as well as a distinct and consistent brand for downtown & any other character districts that become apparent during the process. Each brand, logo, and marketing approach will be part of a seamless marketing strategy for the Town of Clayton.

The brand will then be applied to a variety of uses depending on the needs of the community. These will definitely include marketing pieces as well as other potential items such as ad designs, billboards, brochure templates, banners, way-finding signs, gateways, letterhead, business cards, and others as needed by the community.

The community branding is the second phase of a three-pronged project that includes a market analysis, a community branding and a wayfinding and gateway assessment for Clayton.

The session will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers in The Clayton Center at 111 E Second Street. The discussion and brainstorming session will last a couple of hours.

For more information, please contact Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org

Clayton Market Assessment Presentation Scheduled for July 9

Aaron Arnett of Arnett Muldrow & Associates will make a brief presentation of the results of a market analysis conducted by the firm for the Town of Clayton. The presentation will detail the market analysis findings, initial business and market opportunities and may begin to suggest some strategies for Clayton. The town-wide analysis is the first phase of a three-pronged project that includes the market analysis, a community branding and a wayfinding and gateway assessment for Clayton.

The presentation will be made on Monday, July 9 at 4:00 pm in the Training Room (GS223) in The Clayton Center at 111 E Second Street.

For more information, please contact Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org

“Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012” Adopted by Town Council

"Downtown has truly become the social and cultural hub of Clayton." That's the summation of the vision statement for downtown Clayton adopted June 18 by the Clayton Town Council and created by 80 residents, business and property owners during a Main Street Vision Forum conducted in late April as part of the NC Main Street Program. During the workshop, the 80-plus participants were divided into groups, which developed lists of downtown Clayton’s strengths and weaknesses and from those lists developed individual and group vision statements. Following the Vision Forum, Clayton’s Downtown Development Association (DDA) members synthesized the twelve statements received from the April 24 Vision Forum and took the best themes and ideas to forge this vision statement.

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod said, “It was an exciting process to bring these people from all over town together and develop positive visions for downtown.” He added, “The final vision statement really sounds great and is something we can really work with.”

According to DDA Chair, Joyce Blackley, the vision statement contains goals the DDA will pursue through their volunteer committees, and by creating partnerships with the appropriate entities. Mrs. Blackley said that the most popular ideas and thoughts generated during the Vision Forum are reflected in the statement. "Everybody who participated had great ideas and this vision provides realistic and achievable goals over the next five years." she said.

Downtown Clayton Vision: 2012

The new streetscape of Main Street thrives amid a profusion of flowers and plantings, decorative street-crossings, walkways, and interesting buildings. Downtown is well-lit and safe. Overall, Clayton has a clean, uncluttered look, especially since the utility lines were put underground.

Now a diverse business center, Clayton retains its small town charm as it steams toward its progressive future. Trendy restaurants offer sidewalk cafes and entertainment for all tastes. Every storefront is occupied and restored to its original architectural glory accented by attractive landscaping. A variety of shops are open evenings to accommodate the needs of residents and visitors alike. The open-air market provides fresh, local produce and crafts.

Clayton’s growing visual and performing arts community is alive with artists and music. Public art throughout downtown provides beauty and interest. The Clayton Center continues to flourish with live professional and community performances.

Attractive and informative signs welcome residents and visitors to downtown shops and parking. They guide the way to downtown from other Clayton communities.

The visitor's center provides us with maps of historic Clayton and a schedule of events, such as the Harvest Festival and Millstock, for the downtown area. The Clayton History Museum offers an interactive map and walking tour of the historical area and other points of interest.

Downtown has truly become the social and cultural hub of Clayton.


The Clayton Downtown Development Association is a Town Council-appointed board that is charged with the long-term effort to enhance and maintain downtown Clayton’s business and residential neighborhoods. DDA operates under a four-point umbrella, based on the Main Street Program’s “Four-Point” approach to revitalization. The four major elements contribute to a downtown’s total image and the DDA adopted these as standing committees.

Organization Committee – Betsy Grannis, Chair. This committee manages resource needs, develops financial strategies, evaluates public relations needs and drafts plan of work proposals. The type of projects this committee typically oversees includes development of project fundraising plans; developing a newsletter for downtown constituents; solicit sponsorships for specific projects.

Design Committee – Jeme Avent, Chair. This committee deals with what we see. It plays a key role in shaping the physical image of the downtown area as a place attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors. The committee builds consensus among independent business owners, property owners and civic leaders to adopt a specific approach for physical improvements to buildings, businesses and public areas. The primary activities of the Design Committee are education of committee members and property owners, offering resource assistance, planning and developing design tools for use by downtown interests.

Economic Restructuring Committee – Interim Chair This committee deals with the downtown infrastructure. It helps identify new market opportunities for the traditional commercial district, find new uses for historic commercial buildings and stimulates investment in property. Major activities are collecting information, diversifying the use of downtown, encouraging downtown investment and monitoring the downtown economy.

Promotion Committee – Lyn Austin, Chair. The mission of the Promotion Committee is to let people know about the downtown area and to promote the downtown district as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors. Developing and maintaining an image campaign, educating retailers about and encouraging joint retail promotions and special events help carry out the committee's mission.

For more information on Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012 or the DDA, call Joyce Blackley at 553-6813 or email bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org

“New Business Guide” Published by Clayton Downtown Development Association

There are numerous steps a prospective business owner must take before starting a new business. Identifying all the licenses, permits, regulations and other approvals required for the planned business is a crucial step to the success of any business. Simply knowing which agencies to contact can be a very confusing task for the new entrepreneur. The Clayton Downtown Development Association is hoping to make that process a little easier to understand with a recently published booklet entitled, “New Business Guide: Tips & Guidance for Starting a New Business in Downtown Clayton.”

Clayton’s Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen said that, “Most of the frustration and confusion of putting a new business together is not knowing how to navigate the regulatory process.” The booklet helps the prospective business owner navigate the regulatory process with resource and contact information. There are even questions to ask yourself and Town planning and inspections staff, such as how is the property zoned?

According to Naegelen, the Town of Clayton really wants to help businesses get started and grow, but many of the regulations, especially building codes, are state-mandated, not local ordinances and the town merely enforces the rules. That’s why, he added, it’s important to do your homework up front and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Copies of the booklet are available at the Small Business Center at the Johnston County Workforce Development Center and the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce. It will also be available on-line sometime this summer. For more information or for a copy of the booklet, contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 or by email at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Let's Try Again! NANTUCKET on July 19!

The legendary rock group “Nantucket” will return to the stage in the next for the Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, July 19. It’s a free, outdoor concert from about 6 pm – 9:00 pm. Special musical guest “Machine Gun” will open the show.

Nantucket was originally scheduled for the April concert, but was rained out. During their career Nantucket shared the stage with AC/DC, Kiss, Charlie Daniels, Molly Hatchet, Black Oak Arkansas, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Humble Pie, Cheap Trick, Jimmy Buffett, Ted Nugent, Elton John and many more. Nantucket has issued five albums from 1978 to 1984 and songs like “Heartbreaker,” “Born in a Honky Tonk” and “Timebomb” are sure to evoke youthful memories for many. All but one of the original band members are still together: Larry Uzzell, Tommy Redd, Eddie Blair, Mike Uzzell and Mark Downing continue to play the music that made them famous.

The free concert is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, NovoNordisk, Time Warner Cable and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, McLaurin Funeral Home, Morning Glory Inn, and Trueline Surveying.

The rest of the Town Square Concert Series includes “True Spirit” gospel band on August 23 and “Boys From Carolina Bluegrass Band on September 20.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Triangle Brass Band at Tonight's Concert on the Square


Don't forget to come out to Clayton's Town Square Concert tonight at 6 pm featuring the Triangle Brass Band beginning at 6 pm. It's a beautiful day - bring chairs, blankets and the kids!

Hunger Pains will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, smoothies and soft drinks; The Clayton Historical Association will be selling homemade ice cream, and for the first time, the Downtown Development Association will be selling beer and wine.

The free concert is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from:

Caterpillar

NovoNordisk

Time Warner Cable

Clayton News Star



Additional support comes from:

Avent-Permenter Group

Clayton Glass & Mirror

Hometowne Realty

Hudson’s Hardware

Matthews Motors

McLaurin Funeral Home

Morning Glory Inn

Trueline Surveying


The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets.

For more information send an email to bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org

Monday, June 04, 2007

Notes From Millstock Music & Arts Faire 2007





Here's a note from Millstock founders Cliff & Jodi at The Coffee Mill and the Flipside: "Millstock 2007 turned out to be one of the best yet!! The weather was as good as you could ask for (can you believe the rain held off until right at the end of Kennebec's set...way cool!). The art in the street was way cool....the music was top notch!!! (Paul Barton did an amazing job with the sound...again, this year!)

Thanks to Richard Koobs for the artwork for the 7th Annual Millstock logo, poster and t-shirts! He continues to amaze us! Speaking of t-shirts, we're going to place another order early next week, so if you we ran out of your size, color, or design (tie-dye...) then you are still in luck. Get your order info to us by the end of this week and we'll get you one...or two, etc. (919)550-0174

We want to thank all of the sponsors that contributed something this year, be it bucks, or signage, or promotion. Sponsors include:
Clayton Visual Arts
Clayton Downtown Development Association
Johnston County Arts Council
NC Arts Council
Johnston County Tourism Authority
Matthews Motors
Four Oaks Bank
Fortrex Wire & Cable
Crescent State Bank
BB&T

Please support the Arts and our local businesses. A community's identity is defined by it's support of the arts and local, independently owned businesses! Just what kind of an identity do YOU want? Think about it...

A special thanks goes out to Rambo, Tim, Catharine, Bob, Brian, Dan, Hank, Jack, Zac, Brooke, ET, Nick, Hunter, Daniel, and to Tracy and Sir Ed for all the sweat equity they invested to keep Millstock alive! Thank you!

And a very special thanks goes out to all of you that came and enjoyed!

7th Annual Millstock A Celebration of Music & Art

Thank You!

More Millstock images will be posted soon!!

Sunday, June 03, 2007

MillStock 2007 A Great Success!!

The 2007 Millstock Music & Arts Faire was a great success yesterday with great weather, lots of folks, great artists, vendors and of course, great music! More photos and details later this week. Photo to the left is Valentino & The Piedmont Sheiks...following this performance, Daniel Valentino (dude in the red shirt and hat) hightailed it to Savannah to perform Saturday night with his old band! Marshall Stephenson and the Bluegrass Train, Zydecopius, and Kennebec all performed at Millstock this year.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Town Square Concert Series Schedule Finalized

The Clayton Downtown Development Association has finalized its full schedule of concerts through September. The Town Square Concert Series is held on the third Thursday of each month from April through September.

May 24 Roy Stewart & Thick As Thieves Band
June 21 Triangle Brass Band
July 19 Nantucket
August 23 True Spirit
September 20 Boys From Carolina Bluegrass rBand

The free concert series is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, NovoNordisk, Time Warner Cable and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, McLaurin Funeral Home, Morning Glory Inn, and Trueline Surveying.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information call (919) 553-1545.

THE TRIANGLE BRASS BAND
www.trianglebrass.org

The Triangle Brass Band is a group of 38 brass and percussion performers drawn from the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. Members of the band are selected by audition, and come from a variety of backgrounds, including school band directors, college faculty, physicians, lawyers, computer programmers and carpenters, to name a few.
The repertoire of the band is drawn primarily from the finest original works for brass band from the 19th century to the present. It also includes arrangements of well-known orchestral and wind band works, British folk-songs, American patriotic tunes and marches.

NANTUCKET
www.myspace.com/nantucketband

Nantucket is a hard rock band which formed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1969. Originally known as beach music band Stax of Gold and later Nantucket Sleighride (after the song by Mountain), the six member group of Tommy Redd, Larry Uzzell, Mike Uzzell, Eddie Blair, Kenny Soule and Mark Downing became a huge draw in their home state of North Carolina as a cover band. Nantucket eventually became a powerful and tenacious sensation, amassing numerous fans across the southeastern United States well before their first release. The band signed with Epic Records in 1977 and released their self titled album the following year, featuring the hit single "Heartbreaker." An aggressive tour across the country followed, opening for top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother's Finest and Journey. The band toured with AC/DC for an entire summer. To satisfy the demand by many avid fans, the first three studio albums were released on compact disc by re-issue label Wounded Bird Records in 2003 and 2004. Nantucket V was made available on CD through re-issue label Retrospect Records in 2007.

TRUE SPIRIT

True Spirit is an anointed group with a unique style of music which appeals to people from all walks of life. True Spirit was once known as “Kingdoms Heir”. The group was formed in 1989 and the group has recorded three projects, “My Father Rich”, “True Spirit” and their current CD “Revelation Times” which is climbing the Southern Gospel market charts. The group is made up of David Montague, Robert Siler, Glenn Frazier, John Cooper and Terrence Todd Dewberry. Together, they create the kind of music that touches your heart and lifts your spirits. This group can be reached thru Imani Booking & Promotions at 919/553-4370 or at www.imanibooking.com or www.truespiritministries.com.

BOYS FROM CAROLINA BLUEGRASS BAND
The Boys From Carolina Bluegrass Band was organized in September of 2004. The band members have over 160 years of combined musical experience. The band plays traditional to contemporary bluegrass music and it prides itself in style and presentation. Every band member sings, which leads to unique harmonics not heard in other bands.

Roy Stewart & Thick As Thieves Concert A Success!



Last Thursday Roy Stewart & the Thick As Thieves Band took the stage at the Town Square in downtown Clayton and everyone had a blast! The sun was shining (for a change!) and the audience of about 250 people enjoyed the two hour concert.

The next concert is set for June 21 with the Triangle Brass Band.



The free concert series is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, NovoNordisk, Time Warner Cable and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, McLaurin Funeral Home, Morning Glory Inn, and Trueline Surveying.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Clayton Historical Association Membership Kickoff This Weekend

The Clayton Historical Association is inviting you to our kick-off Membership Event. This event will be May 19, 2007 from 9am to Noon, at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, 100 S. Church St., in historic downtown Clayton.

Please join us and be a part of this exciting and historic event. We will have a 1937 film of Historic Clayton. We will also display and discuss Historic Exhibits, as well as plans for a registry of the town’s historical landmarks and homes. Additionally, we have planned to have several longtime citizens, born and raised in Clayton, to be present to tell stories and share their memories.

Become one of the founding members and help us to achieve the preservation of Clayton’s history and culture, as well as our goal to have a Clayton historical museum.

You are also welcome to bring and share any pictures or stories you have of Clayton.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 919-553-5334, or email at claytonNChistory@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you on May 19th between 9am and Noon. This event is “drop in” so you may come and go at your convenience.

For more information contact:
Porter Casey
President
553-5334
P.O. Box 1722
Clayton, NC 27528
claytonNChistory@gmail.com

Thursday, May 03, 2007

MillStock Music & Arts Faire on Saturday June 2




Music and fine arts and crafts blend for an exciting day in downtown Clayton with the 7th Annual Millstock: Celebration of Music and Arts Faire on Saturday, June 2 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Millstock is held at the corner of Lombard and Second streets in the parking lot of the Coffee Mill and The Flipside. Millstock is a showcase for local artists and musicians. This year more than 20 local artists will be displaying their work.

Included in the mix will be vendors, yoga demonstrations and other activities. Among the art displays will be photography, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and stained glass. The newly formed Clayton Historical Association will have a booth and feature tours of the historic B.M. Robertson Mule Barn.

Artist’s wishing to exhibit and sell their work must meet certain standards. Clayton Visual Arts, which sponsors the Art Faire, requires that all works must be of original design, and executed by the exhibiting artist or artisan. Application deadline is May 28. For more information on becoming an exhibitor call Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545.

Millstock is a merger of two events. The Clayton Arts Faire began in 1999 as part of the Clayton Harvest Festival and the Millstock Music Festival, which began in 2000. Both were grassroots efforts designed to bring music and art to downtown Clayton. The events merged three years ago to become an exciting downtown experience.

This event has received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts. Johnston County Arts Council is the North Carolina Arts Council’s Designated County Partner for Johnston County.

11:00 AM
MARSHALL STEVENSON & THE BLUEGRASS TRAIN

Marshall Stephenson was born near McGee’s Crossroads in Johnston County. Marshall’s professional career started with Hack Johnson and the Tennessans who performed on WPTF Radio in Raleigh, NC. Then he went on WDVA Barn Dance in Danville, VA, later joining the Bailey Brothers, former members of the Grand Ole Opry, on WNOX Tennessee Barn Dance in Knoxville, Tennessee. Marshall played with Homer Brierhopper and Clyde Moody on television stations WTVD-Durham, WRAL-Raleigh and WETC-Wilmington, North Carolina, for 10 years making over 2,200 television performances.


12:30 PM
ZYDECOPEOUS
www.zydecopious.com

Their name means "ample amounts of zydeco," and that's what this band promises dancers and listeners alike. Zydecopious offers up not only tunes that zydeco aficionados and dancers have come to know and love (such as "Have Mercy," "I'm Comin' Home," "My YaYa," "Born in the Country," "Midland Two-Step," "Give 'em Cornbread"), but it also plays songs that reflect the heavy R&B-tinged music of Louisiana and the other Gulf Coast states, such as "Baby Please Don't Go," "Diddie-Wah-Diddie," and "Iko-Iko." And always expect some surprises, as some popular hits of the past get the zydeco treatment (remember Peggy Lee's "Fever" from 1958 and Mongo Jerry's "In the Summertime" from 1970?). Zydecopious is the Triangle's only local zydeco band. It includes Clark Aflague on frottoir; Tracy Wiebeck on bass; Mike Davis on guitar; Leo Briere on accordion; Ken Joseph on drums; and Mick Voiland on organ. They all invite you to listen, enjoy, tap your feet, and, most definitely, DANCE!


2:00 PM
VALENTINO & THE PIEDMONT SHEIKS

www.myspace.com/thesheiks


Valentino and the Piedmont Sheiks, based in Raleigh, NC, is the most dynamic vibrant blues band Raleigh has seen in a long time. Their repertoire is steeped in vintage blues and jump numbers that captivates their audience with high energy emotional performances. With over 133 years of combined experience playing the blues between its members, Valentino and the Piedmont Sheiks is a tight unit. They know how to hit you with a down and dirty groove on the slow numbers and really cook on the steaming swing tunes

4:00 PM
KENNEBEC

www.kennebeclive.com


"Its ten past twelve on a weeknight. The Pour House, one of Raleigh's most popular downtown bars, has come to electric life on what is usually a slow evening. On stage, a young man with a black jacket, a kangol cap and a guitar is two-stepping about, howling ruefully one moment, gently intonating the next. These are his songs. The five men behind him are his band. And the music is hot enough to light cigarettes on the other side of the room. Troy Smith is the front man for Kennebec, one of the hottest up-and-coming groups in Raleigh. The band is diverse and expansive: Mike Rosado (drums), Chris Miller (lead guitar), and Jeramy Blackford (vocals). Kennebec plays with the fervor of a charismatic minister conjuring up a hellfire and brimstone sermon. The result: to see Kennebec is to become a true believer." --Nick Bowden (FV Independent )