The 2018-19 Palladian Series preview and presale party is Friday, August 10. A $10 ticket will buy you an evening out AND the chance to purchase individual tickets to shows in the season before they go on sale to the general public.
Al Strong and the Fresh Five headline the event, with a 7:30 PM concert. A pre-show reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar takes place beginning at 6:30 PM.
IMPORTANT: Tickets purchased after Wednesday, August 1, will be for concert admission ONLY and will NOT include the preshow reception.
About Al Strong & The Fresh Five
This ensemble seeks to push the envelope in defying musical genres, with hints of AfroBeat, rock, jazz and soul music all nicely woven together.
It’s all dance music for this group and a chance for pure musical expression. When not performing in the Raleigh-Durham area, Al Strong balances his nonprofit and teaching responsibilities with traveling and performing. He is regularly booked in jazz scenes up and down the East coast, frequenting cities such as New York, DC and Atlanta. He has headlined his own shows at the BlueNote Jazz Festival, the Winter Jazz Fest, Blues Alley and a host of other clubs. At the heart of Strong’s work ethic is dedication to building a brand based on good, honest music that connects with and speaks to the listener’s hearts.
The Woman’s Club of Clayton presents the 14th Annual Taste of Carolina Cuisine on Friday, November 2, at 6:30 PM at The Clayton Center. Enjoy food samples from local restaurants and vote for your favorites. Participate in the Silent Auction to purchase some great items. Save the date and join the Woman’s Club for an evening of fun and fundraising! Tickets are $40 and are available from Woman’s Club of Clayton members or by calling 919-412-6368.
Clayton Youth Theater is looking for a few good student actors! CYT will host auditions next week for the winter production of The Diviners by Jim Leonard, Jr.
Students must be in 7th-12th grade during the 2018-2019 school year to be eligible to participate. Auditions will be held Friday, November 16, at 6:30 PM, and Saturday, November 17, at 10 AM, at The Clayton Center.
Visit CYT online for more detailed audition information.
To schedule your appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Clayton.
Dress in your Sunday best, and bring your daughter or daughters out to the annual Father & Daughter Dance sponsored by Granite Lodge 191 on Saturday, February 16, from 6:30-10 PM. The dance is open to all. Tickets are $40 per dad and daughter or daughters, and light refreshment will be served.
1000 Words Photography will be on site, and will provide a 5×7 photo to all who would like one at no charge. Also, there will be two photo booths this year to help keep the lines moving.
This annual event raised more than $3,000 for high school scholarships and Granite 191’s Charities last year.
Clayton Youth Theater presents The Diviners, Thursday-Saturday, February 21-23, at 7 PM.
Winner of the American College Theatre Festival, The Diviners, is the story of a mentally challenged boy and his friendship with a disenchanted preacher. In the fictional town of Zion, Indiana, during the Great Depression, a widowed farmer is raising his teenage son Buddy, whose brain was damaged during a near drowning. Because of this experience, the boy is terrified of water, yet he has also developed a certain brand of giftedness. When C.C. Showers, a former preacher, comes to the farm seeking employment and food, a special (and ultimately tragic) bond develops between the two. Rated PG for mild language and tragedy.
Tickets for The Diviners are $12 for adults and $6 for students 18 and under, plus sales tax and fees. All seating for these performances is reserved.
Let CYT plan date night for you! Enjoy dinner at Clayton Steakhouse and then head to The Clayton Center to see Clayton Youth Theater’s production of “The Diviners.”
Clayton Steakhouse is offering 25% off for #TheDivinersCYT ticket holders! This is a first come, first served offer valid only for the date printed on your tickets. Reservations can be made directly through Clayton Steakhouse at 919-553-2299. Just be sure to mention that you are a ticket holder for CYT’s “The Diviners.”
Make it an extra special evening with dinner AND a show!
The fine print:
- 25% off offer is valid on food only
- Reservations are encouraged and typically fill up a week in advance
- When making a reservation, let Clayton Steakhouse know you are a ticket holder for “The Diviners” and be sure to bring your tickets with you to dinner, as you will need to present them to redeem the offer
- Offer is only valid for the performance date printed on your tickets
Clayton Youth Theater presents The Diviners, Thursday-Saturday, February 21-23, at 7 PM.
Winner of the American College Theatre Festival, The Diviners, is the story of a mentally challenged boy and his friendship with a disenchanted preacher. In the fictional town of Zion, Indiana, during the Great Depression, a widowed farmer is raising his teenage son Buddy, whose brain was damaged during a near drowning. Because of this experience, the boy is terrified of water, yet he has also developed a certain brand of giftedness. When C.C. Showers, a former preacher, comes to the farm seeking employment and food, a special (and ultimately tragic) bond develops between the two. Rated PG for mild language and tragedy.
Tickets for The Diviners are $12 for adults and $6 for students 18 and under, plus sales tax and fees. All seating for these performances is reserved.
Let CYT plan date night for you! Enjoy dinner at Clayton Steakhouse and then head to The Clayton Center to see Clayton Youth Theater’s production of “The Diviners.”
Clayton Steakhouse is offering 25% off for #TheDivinersCYT ticket holders! This is a first come, first served offer valid only for the date printed on your tickets. Reservations can be made directly through Clayton Steakhouse at 919-553-2299. Just be sure to mention that you are a ticket holder for CYT’s “The Diviners.”
Make it an extra special evening with dinner AND a show!
The fine print:
- 25% off offer is valid on food only
- Reservations are encouraged and typically fill up a week in advance
- When making a reservation, let Clayton Steakhouse know you are a ticket holder for “The Diviners” and be sure to bring your tickets with you to dinner, as you will need to present them to redeem the offer
- Offer is only valid for the performance date printed on your tickets
Clayton Youth Theater presents The Diviners, Thursday-Saturday, February 21-23, at 7 PM.
Winner of the American College Theatre Festival, The Diviners, is the story of a mentally challenged boy and his friendship with a disenchanted preacher. In the fictional town of Zion, Indiana, during the Great Depression, a widowed farmer is raising his teenage son Buddy, whose brain was damaged during a near drowning. Because of this experience, the boy is terrified of water, yet he has also developed a certain brand of giftedness. When C.C. Showers, a former preacher, comes to the farm seeking employment and food, a special (and ultimately tragic) bond develops between the two. Rated PG for mild language and tragedy.
Tickets for The Diviners are $12 for adults and $6 for students 18 and under, plus sales tax and fees. All seating for these performances is reserved.
Let CYT plan date night for you! Enjoy dinner at Clayton Steakhouse and then head to The Clayton Center to see Clayton Youth Theater’s production of “The Diviners.”
Clayton Steakhouse is offering 25% off for #TheDivinersCYT ticket holders! This is a first come, first served offer valid only for the date printed on your tickets. Reservations can be made directly through Clayton Steakhouse at 919-553-2299. Just be sure to mention that you are a ticket holder for CYT’s “The Diviners.”
Make it an extra special evening with dinner AND a show!
The fine print:
- 25% off offer is valid on food only
- Reservations are encouraged and typically fill up a week in advance
- When making a reservation, let Clayton Steakhouse know you are a ticket holder for “The Diviners” and be sure to bring your tickets with you to dinner, as you will need to present them to redeem the offer
- Offer is only valid for the performance date printed on your tickets
The Miss Clayton/Capital City/Cleveland 2019 Scholarship Pageant is an official, local, triple preliminary associated with the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant and Miss America Organization. As such, it is a part of the largest scholarship organization for women in the world. Promoting an emphasis on academics and communication skills, the Miss Clayton/Capital City/Cleveland Scholarship Pageant is considered a launching pad for young women to further their academic and career goals.
Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin, returns to the Capital City stage for the 2019 Miss Capital City, Miss Clayton, and Miss Cleveland Scholarship Pageant. Nia was crowned Miss Capital City 2016 on the Clayton Center stage on March 5, 2016. She was a Top 10 finalist at Miss North Carolina 2016 as Miss Capital City, and also received the Beth Stovall Music Scholarship award.
Main Street Dance Studio of Fuquay Varina presents the 2019 Solo & Duet Recitals. Performances are at 1:15 PM, 3:45 PM and 6:15 PM. Contact the studio at 919-552-0480 for information.
Main Street, USA features 90 minutes of great music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s by your Around Town Singers and Orchestra. The show celebrates the return of great little Main Streets all across the nation. You’ll be peering down a replica of none other than Main Street Clayton as you enjoy and sing along with such great songs as Locomotion, One Fine Day, Rose Garden, My Guy, Downtown, and many more. If you enjoyed Mamma Mia, you’ll really enjoy our show-within-a-show inside a re-creation of Jones Cafe with Special Guests that you won’t want to miss and our energetic Around Town Dancers. Get ready to sing your favorites! Visit www.MainStreetUSAShow.com for the latest information.
The Clayton Center’s fifth annual Palladian Series Preview and Presale party is Thursday, August 8. A $10 ticket will buy you an 
evening out AND the chance to purchase individual tickets to shows in the season before they go on sale to the general public.
North Carolina duo Violet Bell will headline the event with a 7:30 PM concert. Tickets to the event go on sale on July 8 at 10 AM.
Violet Bell weaves roots, soul, psychedelic and classical music into a lush, wild soundscape. On stage and in the studio, the North Carolina duo of Lizzy Ross (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Omar Ruiz-Lopez (violin, viola, cello, guitar, mandolin, vocals) share magnetic chemistry. The two have played more than 300 shows from Montreal to Miami in just over two years, honing the fiery intimacy of their live show and building a steadily growing fan base.
Violet Bell cut their debut LP Honey in My Heart with engineer Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Nneena Freelon, Dom Flemons, Bombadil). The songs were recorded live in single takes, without isolation, click tracks or vocal tuning. Full of personality, Honey in My Heart feels consistent with the duo’s true selves as opposed to hidden behind studio wizardry.
Violet Bell was an official Americanafest 2018 showcasing artist. Since forming in March 2016, Violet Bell has been presented at venues and festivals such as WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, The Center for the Study of the American South, Rooster Walk Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Ocrafolk Festival, the Charleston Bluegrass Festival, the Festival for the Eno, the Beaufort Music Festival, the Burlington Carousel Festival, the Haw River Ballroom, Folk Alliance International, and many more.
Violet Bell has worked with KidzNotes, the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra, The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, the University of Mary Washington’s James Farmer Multicultural Fair, the Savannah Folk Music Society, and others to engage communities of all ages in educational and inspiring workshops.
Violet Bell was born in 2016, when singer-songwriter Ross recruited Ruiz-Lopez as a multi-instrumentalist for a live album recording show… two weeks before the show. Ruiz-Lopez slayed the performance and brought out a new dimension of beauty in the music. Violet Bell released their debut EP Dream the Wheel in 2017 and have been playing ever since.
Tickets on sale August 12 at 10AM. Presale available during
the Season Preview & Presale Party on August 8 at 7:30PM.
The Clayton Center welcomes country music torchbearer Marty Stuart as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his iconic album The Pilgrim. While he’s too gracious to admit it himself, the GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician is living, breathing country music history. Join Marty Stuart as he shares through story and song his remarkable life.
Throughout his career, Stuart has played alongside the masters, from Cash to Lester Flatt; he’s been a worldwide ambassador for Nashville, Bakersfield and points in between; and he’s safeguarded country’s most valuable traditions and physical artifacts, including its literal shoes: Stuart counts the brogan of Carter Family patriarch A.P. Carter and an assortment of Cash’s black boots among his vast collection of memorabilia.
But most importantly, Stuart continues to record and release keenly relevant music — records that honor country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the future. But this year, Stuart is looking to the past for inspiration. Twenty years after its original release, Stuart is breathing new life into his 1999 concept album, The Pilgrim. Hailed by critics as a showcase of Stuart’s incredible songwriting and instrumental skills, The Pilgrim is a tale of a love triangle replete with marital infidelity, soul searching and redemption — all the ingredients for classic country success.
martystuart.net
Carol Sloane recorded her first album for Columbia Records in 1961 and began a successful career appearing in the top jazz clubs in America. She made her New York debut opening for Oscar Peterson at the famed Village Vanguard. She was also the opening act for Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Jackie Mason, Phyllis Diller and Bill Cosby in such places as Mr. Kelly’s in Chicago and the “hungry i” in San Francisco.
Sloane’s extensive discography attests to her long association with major recording labels in the U.S. Among the great musicians with whom she has recorded are Art Farmer, Kenny Barron, Phil Woods, Bill Charlap, Frank Wess, Kenny Burrell, Clark Terry, Bill Mays, Houston Person and Tommy Flanagan. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and Town Hall and The Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. She also has toured Japan extensively as part of The Concord Jazz Festival and has appeared around the globe including Canada, the UK, Spain, Brazil, Portugal and The North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.
Sloane’s New York jazz club engagements include The Village Vanguard and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Jazz Standard and Birdland.
Sloane was off the scene for years, but she is back and sounding as wonderful as ever. Her concerts, club performances and master classes continue to be rich, living pathways into the music and stories beautifully shared from a life well sung.
Please note: This is an exclusive engagement of The Clayton Center and is not a part of the Palladian Series. Tickets to this event must be purchased separately.
Tickets on sale August 15 at 10AM. Presale available during
the Season Preview & Presale Party on August 8 at 7:30PM.
Melinda Doolittle is a soul–stirring songstress. Her flawless vocals, irresistible artistry and effortless style compells her audiences to keep listening.
Tone deaf as a child, Doolittle’s choir teacher would plead with her not to sing, but just silently move her mouth. Undaunted, her love of singing drove her to enter a talent show in the seventh grade where she stunned the audience with her miraculously spot on vocals and beautiful voice. She never looked back!
After graduating with a music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, Doolitte became a highly sought after background vocalist singing for musical icons including Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Aaron Neville and Jonny Lang.
Doolittle became a household name during season six of American Idol in 2007. Although she came in third in the voting, she was first with Simon Cowell, who called her his “personal favorite.” She became the sweetheart of the season, winning over the hearts of all with her stunning powerhouse vocals and her personal charm.
In 2009, Doolittle released her debut album Coming Back to You, which garnered rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times, which hailed her as one of the most “phenomenally gifted” singers in years. In 2013, she released her sophomore album You’re The Reason. Between her album releases, she penned her book Beyond Me: Finding Your Way to Life’s Next Level. Doolittle was also the well-loved co-host of TV Line’s Reality Check.
Doolittle continues to thrill audiences everywhere from the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame to The White House, from the Copa Room to Carnegie Hall. In addition, she has been a featured guest with the Boston Pops, Charlotte Symphony and United States Air Force Orchestra to name a few, and was a featured performer at the 2015 Boston Pops Fourth of July Spectacular. She is currently headlining her own soulful show Great American Soul Book.
Tickets on sale August 15 at 10AM. Presale available during
the Season Preview & Presale Party on August 8 at 7:30PM.
Take Gilbert & Sullivan, add a twist of Broadway and stir!
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present I’ve got a little Twist, a one-of-a-kind show that proves the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire is as fun, fresh and full-of-life as three little maids from school!
I’ve got a little Twist is where The Mikado meets The Music Man, where the HMS Pinafore sets sail for Brigadoon, and where The Pirates of Penzance take shore leave On the Town. In short, it’s where Broadway meets Gilbert & Sullivan.
See for yourself as New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players celebrates the legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan in American musical theater, featuring favorites from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bernstein, Sondheim, Lerner & Loewe, Meredith Willson and Jerry Herman. Life is a cabaret and so is this show — and as we all know, it’s always more entertaining when you add a little twist.
Under the supervision of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, I’ve Got a Little Twist is written and directed by David Auxier and features Daniel Greenwood, Sarah Caldwell Smith, Stephen Quint, Angela Christine Smith, David Wannen and Mr. Auxier. Mark York is the arranger, musical director and pianist.
Experience Gilbert & Sullivan like you’ve never heard them before!
Tickets on sale August 15 at 10AM. Presale available during the Season Preview & Presale Party on August 8 at 7:30PM.
Direct from Dry Bar Comedy… Don Friesen and Brad Upton!
If you missed Don Friesen‘s hilarious Showtime one-hour special, Ask Your Mom, you’ve got to catch him live at The Clayton Center. Engaging, clever and just flat-out funny, Don captures the irony of parenting, marriage and everyday absurdities through characters, voices, parodies and some of the best written routines around.
As the only two-time winner in the 41-year history of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Friesen ignites the stage with a playful, high-energy spoof of his life as a modern suburban dad trying to get through the day with a bit of money in the bank and a scrap of dignity intact. He’s a wanna-be geek who constantly upgrades to the latest tech, but can never get it to work, leading to signature bits about tech support, Idiots Guides, texting and passwords.
Friesen’s credits include Showtime, Live at Gotham, The Lewis Black Christmas Special, and Comics Unleashed. He was also featured in TBS’ The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas and is a wildly popular on KLOS’ 5:00 Funnies, 100.3 The Sound’s Laughter at 45 After, and XM Sirius satellite radio.
Brad Upton was a 4th grade teacher and high school track coach when he stepped on stage for the very first time in September of 1984. He’s never looked back. He quickly rose through the standup ranks making numerous television appearances and headlining comedy clubs from coast-to-coast.
In September of 2018 Upton surpassed 6,000 lifetime performances. He is a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and appeared at Caesar’s Palace as part of the HBO Comedy Festival. He has spent the last 12 years as the opening act for the legendary Johnny Mathis and did multiple shows all over the country with the late, great Joan Rivers.
Upton has also been seen in concert with The Smothers Brothers, Smokey Robinson, Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Lewis Black, George Jones, Glen Campbell, Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy and many others. He writes about everyday life, a long-term marriage and anything else that pops into his head. He packs more laughs-per-minute into his set than nearly anyone in the business.
