Acoustic Music and Art Festival Coming May 14

"Unplugged: Clayton Music & Art," an acoustic-music and art festival scheduled for May 14, will be the first event to take place at the new Horne Square downtown.

Put together by the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA), it is designed to fill the void left when the Millstock Music & Art Faire was dropped earlier this year.

"Our musicians are emerging artists, veteran musicians, singer-songwriters--and all of them are acoustic," said Debbie Romano, co-chair of the CDDAs Promotion Committee. "We'll also have a variety of local and regional artists, with their art available for purchase."

Several vendors will provide snacks and refreshments, including soft drinks, water, beer and wine.

Music is scheduled from 2 pm to 7 pm.

The music line-up is:

2:00 pm - Taylor Leopold
3:00 pm - Scott Dameron & Jay Ladd V
4:00 pm - Kathy Hinton Nixon
5:00 pm - Ironing Board Sam
6:00 pm - Mr. Mustard

One of the featured artists is Ironing Board Sam, who boasts a soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess despite his 70 years. He was featured on the Night Train television show in the 1970s and continues to perform. Last year's Clayton Idol winner Taylor Leopold, who takes the stage first, will perform mostly original music.

The event is receiving support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Town of Clayton.

Blaming "limitations with the structure and identity" of Millstock, which began as a promotion for the Coffee Mill, the organizing committee voted to drop the popular event after 10 years. Both the CDDA and Clayton Visual Arts pledged to organize events to replace it. The arts group is planning a "Clayton Visual Arts Faire" for June 4, also at Horne Square.

The new Square--a tree-covered sanctuary with beautiful sidewalks, benches, greenery and design--opened earlier this year after years as an unpaved parking lot. It was crowded with residents April 26 when Mayor Jody McLeod, Town Manager Steve Biggs and other town leaders held official dedication ceremonies.

"I know people wondered if this would ever be anything but an old, dusty parking lot," the Mayor said. "I'm thrilled to be here today with all of you at the official dedication of this wonderful new downtown square where that dusty parking lot once stood. It's a great day in Clayton." 

 Town officials recently settled on the name ”Horne Square” in memory of the old Ashley Horne mansion, which once stood on the site. Granite from the old home was used in construction of the new Square, which is expected to become a popular meeting place, as well as a home for downtown activities. The town already offers free wireless internet service there.