"Dianne Reeves and Quartet"

Dianne Reeves and Quartet
Friday, April 1
8pm
Tickets: 553-1737 or in person at the box office (111 East 2nd St) or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com


Dianne Reeves – widely considered to be one of the most significant singers in jazz today – will appear with her quartet to close The Clayton Center’s 2010-11 Palladian Series on April 1 at 8pm.

Reeves is the only recording artist in any singing category to have won the Grammy for Best Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings: A Little Moonlight in 2003, The Calling in 2001 and In The Moment – Live in Concert in 2000. In 2006, she went on to win the award for a record-breaking fourth time for her soundtrack to the George Clooney film Good Night, and Good Luck.

Reeves’ most recent release, the 2008 CD, When You Know, is a, collection of love songs whose perspective on love ranges from youthful innocence to enlightened maturity. Produced by George Duke, When You Know is Reeves’ most commercial offering in years. Among the featured tracks are The Temptations’, “Just My Imagination” and Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You." She is scheduled to release a new album later this year.

Reeves’ was clearly born of jazz. Her singing draws upon a world of influence, and much like Carmen McRae and Billie Holiday, Reeves is tied to a powerful storytelling instinct. She was the first vocalist signed to the reactivated Blue Note/EMI label in 1987, and as a result of her unique R&B and jazz stylings, she has since captured a huge following and tremendous critical acclaim throughout the world.

Tickets for Dianne Reeves are $27.50 and can be purchased by phone at 919-553-1737, at The Clayton Center Box Office from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

Sample her music here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlFj9iCnaIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur-pPIv8Rws

"Hardest Working Man in the Art Business"

Today, I was asked by someone did I create all the art I feature on Facebook? The answer is "Yes." I paint, draw, or collage all the artwork posted on my wall. If it's on my wall, website, blog, etc., it's mine unless otherwise stated. What can I say, like James Brown was the hardest working man in show business, I'm the hardest working man in the art business.

"Art of Eric McRay Available on Zazzle"

I'm proud to announce the "Art of Eric McRay" is now available as unique merchandise available only in the official McRay Studios Store on Zazzle.

Zazzle is a Print-on-Demand company that allows artists to design & sell their own creations on T-Shirts, Postage Stamps, Cards, Mugs, Mouse Pads, Prints, Posters, etc.

Please take time to browse our store. I'm sure there's something to suit your fancy.

Enjoy, McRay

USA TODAY Zazzle Visit | Talking Tech | Jefferson Graham

"Recently Completed Commissioned Paintings"

"New York Stock Exchange" acrylic on canvas 48x48

"NASDAQ" acrylic on canvas 48x48

Exhibit of African-American artists leaps to challenge - Arts - NewsObserver.com

Exhibit of African-American artists leaps to challenge - Arts - NewsObserver.com

"Zazzle.com"

make custom gifts at Zazzle

"A Piece of My History: SHAG"

A piece of my history as an artist. My long-time friend/little brother just emailed me an image of one of my old business cards with a sketch on it. This must be from the mid-1990's

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses!) | Video on TED.com

Gary Vaynerchuk is high-octane, amazingly sincere, and wise beyond his years. Years ago when I came to a similar truth. I fired by bosses in corporate American and became a full-time professional artist. I've been gainfully unemployed for the last twelve years. Life has been profitable, prolific, and downright a lot of fun. Many days I feel like a kid in a candy store. I love being an artist!

Make time, take time, definitely view this video if you are tired of being sick and tired of your life as it is. WARNING!!! If you have tender ears, sensitive to salty language, or a religious person who will later question my values and morals, please don't view this. Otherwise, eat the fish and spit out the bones and digest some really sound advice that can really help you build a business and pursue your dreams.

Special shout out to my friend Heather who turned me onto Gary Vaynerchuk.

Check him out...

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses!) | Video on TED.com

Announcing Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris

Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich Two-Mastermind Principles

McRay Studios: "WHY NOT GET A PIECE OF THE PIE?...especially when...

McRay Studios: "WHY NOT GET A PIECE OF THE PIE?...especially when...: "‎'Blueberry Muffins' acrylic on canvas 24x24 $500 ‎'Christopher's Cookies' acrylic on canvas 14x11 $250 'German Chocolate Cake' acr..."