The Main Street Live summer concert series kicks off this Friday at 7 p.m. with a newcomer to country music on stage.
“My band and I are very excited to play for the town of McMinnville,” Clayton Q said of the June 10 concert. “I feel like since the CMA Fest is in Nashville, this show gives us the opportunity to give a little bit of Nashville to the community.”
Clayton says the band is made possible by talented drummer Dan Read of Hollywood, California, lead guitarist Randy Russell, bassist Tom Flora, utility and backup vocalist Rhett Butler and production manager John Lahey.
“Our show this Friday night is produced by Jason Travis of Mudflap Productions, who we use at every opportunity,” Clayton said.
The set list isn’t complete, but it will include “Welcome to Nashville”, “Blue Collar Merica” and “Save Myself”. Cover requests are rarely approved, Clayton said, but he did agree to perform “Tennessee Whiskey.”
“My styles are influenced by many different genres,” Clayton said. “In a country music class, I perform traditional ballads, modern ballads, and southern rock, a little something for everyone.”
What is your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
“I’m not really nervous before I play,” Clayton said. “I say a prayer before every performance and I know in my heart it will be great. If something crazy happens, it’s like life off stage. You have to roll with the punches.
If you could live or relive a decade, what would it be and why?
“The last few years have been the best of my life so far. I hope everything turns out so well that in eight years, if someone asks me the same question, I can confidently answer them with ‘live again the last decade,'” Clayton said.
The eight-week Friday night concert series is organized by Main Street McMinnville and offered free to the public thanks to generous sponsors. Food vendors start serving at 6 p.m. and Clayton Q is scheduled to start playing at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music on the West Lawn of Security Federal on Main Street.
