Craig Woolard Band on Town Square June 24

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.

He'll make his third appearance in Clayton June 24 on Town Square as part of the town's free concert series.

As an ambassador of Beach Music, Woolard for years enjoyed a stellar career as the front man of one of Carolina’s premiere bands, the Embers.

Woolard’s new band, "The Craig Woolard Band," was honored as "GROUP OF THE YEAR” in 2005--it's first 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 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.

Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, the free concerts---in their fourth year--have become very popular, attracting crowds of more than a thousand residents for each show.

“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,” said 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 are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the public concert. Several local vendors will be there to provide light refreshments and food. The DDA will once again serve beer and wine.

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.