Clayton Steakhouse Makes Greg Cox' Father's Day List

WOW!! Clayton Steakhouse 307 E Main Street in Clayton has found itself in some pretty impressive company in this morning's Raleigh News & Observer. In the Food section, on page 4E, Greg Cox aka The Epicurean, created a Hot List: Prime Steakhouse Picks for Father's Day and Michael Grannis' Clayton Steakhouse is listed with such stalwarts as Angus Barn, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Sullivan's!

Clayton's Northside Neighborhood Watch Plans Block Party

Clayton's Northside Neighborhood Watch Partnership is sponsoring a community day and block party on Saturday, June 14. The event, from 10 am to 3 pm, will be held at St Augustine AME Church, 405 E Stallings Street and at the All Star Park on Front Street. Creative fun and games, arts and crafts, gospel music, lectures, discussions and food are all part of the day's activities. St Augustine pastor Edward Hansley invitres all residents, church representatives and businesses in the Clayton Community to come out and participate. For more information, call 553-8695, 553-8539 or email cotten-clytn@aol.com.

“Liquid Pleasure” to Perform at Clayton Town Square Concert on June 19

The southeast’s premier show and dance band, Liquid Pleasure, will perform at the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, June 19 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Performing a fun variety of beach music, rock, the standards and even rap, Liquid Pleasure has appeared with such notable artists as Paula Abdul, The Temptations, Whitney Houston, The Four Tops, Stacy Lattisaw, Aretha Franklin and Jeffery Osborne. Liquid Pleasure is: Kenny Mann (keyboards, leader, manager, comedian, wise-cracker and founding member); Melvin Farrington (bass guitar, original member); Leonard Hackney (lead guitar, original member); Cedric Hardin (drums); Darrin Johnson (lead guitar and background vocals); Vincent Poole (lead and background vocals). For more information about the band visit their website at www.liquidpleasureband.com

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and upcoming concerts will feature Craig Woolard Band on July 24, Breakfast Club on August 7 and a Battle of the Bands on September 18.

Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

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

Have You Tried El Sabor de Oaxaca Lately?

Just had lunch at El Sabor de Oaxaca on E Main in downtown this afternoon and they're now taking debit/credit cards! Since I'm not a cash-carrier, I had to really plan to go there for lunch or dinner with a visit to the ATM ahead of time, but no longer.

They've also got some interesting beverages, that I do not remember the names of, but one is a natural tea, that they make in-house, crushing the leaves and everything. It's very good. They also have a rice-milk concoction that involves cinnamon and is very refreshing. Another is a spicy drink that has some chilies and other ingredients. Who needs caffeine!!

If you have the chance, check it out. The menu is different from the usual Mexican restaurant, but very good. They have regular customers now coming from Wake Forest and Raleigh...and Smithfield.

Buy a Block of the Mural and Get a Free Poster!

Dorothy Demboski, the Clayton artist who is painting the mural inside the Clayton Center is now offering posters of the mural for $30.00 each. The best deal, though, is to buy a "block" of the mural for $100, and you will get a free poster!

You can participate in the mural project by purchasing a square of the mural for $100. Of course, you can buy more than 1 block. Your share will be recognized in a plaque to hang along side the mural. Be a shareholder in this exciting community art project for Clayton.

Yes, I would like to purchase a block of Clayton
1 block - 15” square $100
2 blocks $200
3 blocks $300
Etc.

Please specify how many blocks you want to buy. ______________

Name:______________________________________
Address:____________________________________
Zip Code:_____________________
Phone, Email:__________________


Make check payable to:
Clayton Visual Arts
PO Box 698
Clayton, NC 27528

Deadline is June 15 - call Dorothy for more information (919) 333-5505 or email ddemboski@nc.rr.com

MillStock Music & Art Faire THIS SATURDAY!

Music and fine arts and crafts blend for an exciting day in downtown Clayton with the 8th Annual Millstock: Celebration of Music and Arts Faire on Saturday, June 7 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.

Among the art displays will be photography, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and stained glass. The Clayton Historical Association will have a booth and feature tours of the historic B.M. Robertson Mule Barn. Children’s activities will be hosted by Mother’s Unlimited. Downtown businesses will be open during the day and restaurants in the evening.

The musical lineup this year will kickoff with Rootzie, with a rock and funk sound; followed by Zydecopious, the Triangle’s only zydeco band. No Strings Attached will bring a great bluegrass flavor to Millstock and The Amateurs will bring a Caribbean end to the day with some great Reggae music.

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 contact Gina Moreland at millstock@gmail.com. For updates check www.myspace.com/millstockclaytonnc and www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com

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 four years ago to become an exciting downtown experience.
This event has received support from the Town of Clayton; 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 AM - NOON
ROOTZIE

Rootzie is the brainchild of singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist/ percussionist/ Gregory Blaine. Gregory has been playing and singing for some 40 years in bands up and down the eastern seaboard. Rootzie came about slowly adding one piece at a time finally jelling into a rock'n funky good sound. The musical selections come from the vast works of music Gregory was exposed to in his life: Gospel, Country, Reggae, Blues, Funk, Jazz and even as of late, Bluegrass.


12:15 PM – 1:30 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 - 3:00 PM

NO STRINGS ATTACHED
raleighbluegrass.com/

No Strings Attached is an energetic bluegrass band based in Raleigh NC comprised of an all-star cast of local musicians specializing in a deep repertoire of original, contemporary songs, traditional favorites and blazing instrumentals. Each of the members of No Strings Attached spends time in other regional and national acts such as Barefoot Manner, The Kickin’ Grass Band, Old Habits and The Stranger Brothers. Their unique individual styles and profuse experience blend together into tight vocal harmonies, polished instrumental technique and an infectious, driving rhythm.


3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

THE AMATEURS
The Amateurs have been moving people to sway and dance with their reggae and rock style of music since 1989. The enthusiasm never wanes with original member Bill "Shep" Sheppard's rhythmic congas and unique vocals. Mike Davis, another original member, keeps the energy pumping with his masterful lead guitar and vocals. Ken Joseph's rock solid drums keeps the beat feverish. Jubal Davis' steady, thumping bass lines carry on the island groove. Rounding out the band is Mike Canali's soulful sax and kickin' keyboards. A performance by The Amateurs is a guaranteed good time; the rock laced with island spice, the reggae so authentic if you close your eyes, you can feel the ocean breeze.

Part 3 - CHA Benefit Concert June 1 - Bill Leslie

The Clayton Historical Association is sponsoring a benefit concert on June 1 at The Clayton Center, featuring Bill Leslie, entitled “Tarheel Tales and Tunes”. Bill says he’s excited about performing in Clayton again and has some new music and art:




“Bill Leslie: Tarheel Tales and Tunes” will feature selections from his recently completed CD “Blue Ridge Reunion” and much more. The concert begins at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 1.Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and are on sale now at the Clayton Center box office (919) 553-1737 or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Association. timplastewart@hotmail.com

Part 2 - CHA Benefit Concert June 1 - Bill Leslie Interview

The Clayton Historical Association is sponsoring a benefit concert on June 1 at The Clayton Center, featuring Bill Leslie, entitled “Tarheel Tales and Tunes”. Bill grew up in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains and knows the value of preserving community history:



“Bill Leslie: Tarheel Tales and Tunes” will feature selections from his recently completed CD “Blue Ridge Reunion” and much more. The concert begins at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 1.Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and are on sale now at the Clayton Center box office (919) 553-1737 or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Association. timplastewart@hotmail.com

Part 1 - CHA Benefit Concert June 1 - Bill Leslie Interview

The Clayton Historical Association is sponsoring a benefit concert on June 1 at The Clayton Center, featuring Bill Leslie, entitled “Tarheel Tales and Tunes”. He will perform several selections from his newly completed CD “Blue Ridge Reunion.” Bill talks about the project and the inspiration behind it:



The concert begins at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 1.Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets are on sale now at the Clayton Center box office (919) 553-1737 or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Association.

Clayton Unveils New Marketing Image

Clayton’s new marketing or branding concept has evolved into a very simple but powerful message – “Think Clayton.” Community leaders were looking for a branding or marketing campaign that all businesses, agencies, and community groups could use to promote Clayton while promoting themselves. “This is a comprehensive campaign to tie in organizations and events that exist in the community,” Ben Muldrow told the Town Council at their regular Monday night meeting. Muldrow is a principle with Arnett Muldrow & Associates who worked with the Town to develop the brand, as well as a market analysis and wayfinding plan. He added that “Because of its simplicity it becomes dynamically implementable.”

A branding recommendation presented at the end of last year Thinking Outside the Triangle was met with mixed reactions and a steering committee was convened to rework the concept with Mr. Muldrow. The steering committee was comprised of Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce president, Keith Branch, Downtown Development Association (DDA) chair, Joyce Blackley, DDA Promotion Committee chair, Lyn Austin, Mayor Jody McLeod, Town Manager Steve Biggs, Clayton Center Director Heidi Stump, Planning Director Skip Browder and Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen.

During the presentation, Muldrow showed the Town Council how the concept could work with businesses as well as just a stand-alone campaign. A series of sample ads showed the flexibility using different background images with the words “Think Clayton” followed by several related variations such as “Think Arts” or “Think Business” which could be used for traditional print, Internet or other media to market the whole town.

In a letter to the Town of Clayton, the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed and supported the campaign and said, "...concept of "Think Clayton" is not only innovative but will represent the community well."

Mayor Jody McLeod said, “This is a very exciting campaign and the use of the brand is limited only by one’s imagination.” Working with the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and other business groups, town officials are looking at ways to encourage businesses to incorporate the new brand into their marketing and promotion plans.

Here are some examples of how the "brand" can be used in advertisements:

First Town Square Concert A Success...Despite Weather!

Between 300-400 Nantucket fans showed up in downtown Clayton for the kick-off concert of the Town Square Concert Series last Thursday night. The place would have been packed with double that number of people had the weather forecast been more favorable. But the crowd was enthusiastic and loyal, even as it began to sprinkle shortly after Nantucket took to the stage.

Before that, Raleigh-based Groove Pilot (left) took the stage,with their mix of classic rock to high energy, rock edge dance. There was a bit of a Clayton connection: band member Joe Fox owns Olde Town Supply on E Main Street in downtown Clayton!


Headliner NANTUCKET took the stage shortly after 7 pm and put on another great show, even as the rain began to fall. They put on a great show with frontman Larry Uzell, Tommy Redd (guitar & vocals), Larry Uzzell (vocals), Mike Uzzell (keyboard & vocals), Eddie Blair (sax, keyboard & vocals), Glen Edwards (drums & vocals), and Bennie Dellinger (guitar & vocals).

Concert Clips

"YOUR PLACE OR MINE"


"IT'S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP"


"HEARTBREAKER"


Next concert in the series is "Liquid Pleasure" on June 19 at 7:00 pm

Nantucket w/Special Guest Groove Pilot TONIGHT at 6 pm

“Nantucket” Kicks off Clayton’s Town Square Concert Series THIS Thursday

Downtown Clayton will be rockin’ the evening of May 15 as legendary rock group Nantucket kicks off Clayton’s 2008 Town Square Concert Series at 7:00 pm. The free concert will actually begin at 6 pm with local rock group Groove Pilot opening for Nantucket. The concert series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. Future concert dates all begin at 7:00 pm and feature Liquid Pleasure on June 19; Craig Woolard Band on July 24, Breakfast Club on August 7 and a Battle of the Bands on September 18.

Nantucket is a hard rock band that formed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1969. Originally known as the beach music band Stax of Gold and later Nantucket Sleighride (after the song by Mountain), the six-member group -- 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 its first release.

The band signed with Epic Records in 1977 and released its self-titled album the following year, which featured the hit single "Heartbreaker." An aggressive cross-country tour followed, and Nantucket opened for top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother's Finest, and Journey. Although its debut release was fairly dated, it sold around 200,000 copies and also made the Billboard charts. In 1979, Nantucket followed up with Your Face or Mine?

As a tribute to AC/DC lead singer Bon Scott, who died in 1980, Nantucket's Long Way To The Top included a version of the 1975 classic "It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)". The move landed the band a spot with AC/DC on its Back In Black tour for the entire summer.

The current lineup of Nantucket includes Tommy Redd (guitar & vocals), Larry Uzzell (vocals), Mike Uzzell (keyboard & vocals), Eddie Blair (sax, keyboard & vocals), Glen Edwards (drums & vocals), and Bennie Dellinger (guitar & vocals). For more information on Nantucket visit www.myspace.com/nantucketband.

Special guest, Groove Pilot will be opening for Nantucket. They are a Raleigh NC based band that plays a mix of classic rock to high energy, rock edge dance, from Jimi Hendrix to Lenny Kravitz and Blondie to Sass Jordan. There is also a Clayton connection: band member Joe Fox owns Olde Town Supply on E Main Street in downtown Clayton! www.myspace.com/groovepilotnc.

Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123 and their wine bar, the "Cork and Plate," after 5:00 p.m., featuring tapas and other light snacks. Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

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

Cider House Studio Presented with Facade Improvement Grant Check

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod and Mayor pro tem Bob Ahlert today presented Cider House Studio owners Holley Carpenter and Brandon Carpenter with a $2,000 grant check for the facade improvements made to the building at 436 E Main Street in downtown Clayton.

Downtown Clayton’s First Façade Improvement Grant Project Completed

The owners of Cider House Studio in downtown Clayton received a $2,000 check today having completed improvements to the front façade of the building in which their business is located at 436 E Main Street. It is the first project utilizing the Town of Clayton’s Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program. The program reimburses an approved project 50% of the eligible costs up to $5000. Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod and Mayor pro tem Robert Ahlert presented the check to business owners Brandon Carpenter and Holley Carpenter.

Mayor Jody McLeod said the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program is one of the ways the Town is helping to make Clayton a better place to do business. “It is critically important that the buildings look as good as they can in order for downtown to remain a viable and thriving business center and be the social and cultural hub of Clayton.”

Brandon Carpenter and Holley Carpenter sought to improve the appearance of the building, which is owned by Karen and Jamie Goff. The building is a block box with apartments on the upper floor. Holley’s improvements included adding wood-framed shutters on the second level to match and balance the existing window which was in the middle of the building. Dentil molding and trim was added to the top of the building, and the front elevation of the building was painted a light green with the new window shutters painted a darker green. Trim was painted a cream. A flower box was added beneath each of the front storefront windows, and a new metal mailbox was installed to the left of the storefront window. The cost of the improvements was $4,000.

Jeme Avent, vice-chair of the Downtown Development Association’s Design Committee said, “If it weren’t for the façade grant program, this project would not likely have happened. Although they are a new business, and don’t even own the building, Holley and Brandon recognize the importance that the appearance of a building can play in the success of their business.” She added, “One of the best investments a business or property owner can make is in their building. Well maintained buildings and a well maintained downtown will help bring and keep more people doing business and living in downtown Clayton.”

Asked about the grant application process, Holley Carpenter said, “It was fairly simple and didn’t require a lot of extra legwork.” She added, the application asks for information you would need anyway, such as a description of the proposed improvements and a couple of cost estimates.” Other than signing a few documents and waiting a reasonable time for an approval, “the process was a breeze.”

A program description and application is available online at the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclaytonnc.org/business/downtown and click Business Development.

The Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program is administered by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. For more information contact Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

BUY A BLOCK OF CLAYTON……………….Mural, that is!

Clayton Visual Arts is raising $4,000 to match a grant from the town of Clayton to have a mural painted at The Clayton Center.

Dorothy Demboski, a Clayton artist and resident, will paint a circular mural, 10 feet in diameter, depicting various scenes around town. (picture at right) The artwork will be located on a wall at the second floor landing on The Clayton Center’s government services side. The project will take about 3 months to complete.

“In a memorandum to the council, Town Manager Steve Biggs wrote that Demboski’s piece “communicated” a very intriguing statement of Clayton.” The Clayton News Star, April 23, 2008.

You can participate in this project by purchasing a square of the mural for $100. Of course, you can buy more than 1 block. Your share will be recognized in a plaque to hang along side the mural. Be a shareholder in this exciting community art project for Clayton.

Yes, I would like to purchase a block of Clayton
1 block - 15” square $100
2 blocks $200
3 blocks $300
Etc.

Please specify how many blocks you want to buy. ______________

Name:______________________________________
Address:____________________________________
Zip Code:_____________________
Phone, Email:__________________


Make check payable to:
Clayton Visual Arts
PO Box 698
Clayton, NC 27528

Deadline is June 15 - call Dorothy for more information (919) 333-5505 or email ddemboski@nc.rr.com

Bill Leslie Presents Tarheel Tales & Tunes at The Clayton Center to Benefit the Clayton Historical Association

Tickets are now on sale for popular musician and WRAL-TV5 news anchor Bill Leslie performing Tarheel Tales & Tunes at The Clayton Center on Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m.

The concert is sponsored by the Clayton Historical Association

This special event will include selections from Bill’s recently finished album titled Blue Ridge Reunion – a CD and companion book project available this fall.

Tickets for this event are $15 (General Admission), $10 (CHA members), and $8 (Children under 12). Tickets are available at The Clayton Center Box Office, 919-553-1737, online at www.theclaytoncenter.com, or by contacting the Clayton Historical Association at claytonNChistory@gmail.com

Proceeds from this event benefit the Clayton Historical Association (CHA). The Clayton Historical Association is funded in part by the Town of Clayton Cultural Arts Fund.

"Art on First" - Friday May 9

The Eye of the Eagle Art sponsors "Art on First" on May 9, 2008 from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

We will be exploring Visual Journaling were you will learn to be more creative through the power of words and symbols. If you like writing and appreciate art, a visual journal may help open up your creativity in a new way. Students will decorate, doodle, and embellish books as they write about anything from their daily life to their wildest dreams.

Reserve your Space today by registering at Art On First A small fee of $3 is required at the door to cover supplies. For more information check out Eye of the Eagle Art.

Steering Committee Formed for Farmers Market

Last Thursday,(April 24) seventeen interested residents, growers and others attended an organizational meeting hosted by the Downtown Development Association. Discussion ranged from types of markets, to potential locations and who would operate and manage the market. By the end of the meeting, a steering committee of six people was formed and will meet May 8 to discuss organizational structure and an action plan. The steering committee members are: Betty Giacco, Adair Pickard, Mary Mizio Bevier, Michael Stancil, Ray Hunt, Anthony Pope.

Clayton News Star article

News Star Editorial

Update: Change of Air Date for Clayton to be Featured on "NC Spin"

We have received word that the date Clayton will be featured on NC Spin has been moved to Sunday, May 25.

The program airs on WRAL TV 5 at 6:30 am and WRAZ TV Fox 50 Sundays at 8:30 am. It is also available on the Internet at www.ncspin.com by clicking "View Webcast". Each week four panelists representing a range of political philosophies engage in an unrehearsed thirty minute program dealing exclusively with issues like education, taxes, politics, race, transportation, and the economy that affect the people of North Carolina. NC SPIN is current, relevant, and informative. Unrehearsed, unpredictable, uncompromising, NC SPIN addresses a wide range of topics of interest to North Carolinians.