Clayton Piano Festival brings world-class musical artists to the heart of North Carolina presenting innovative, accessible, and community-driven performances. The festival connects people of all ages and backgrounds through the transformative power of live music by showcasing a wide range of styles—from classical to jazz to crossover—creating unique events in both conventional concert halls and unconventional settings. Through education, collaboration, and creative programming, CPF fosters cultural enrichment, artistic excellence, and a deep sense of community.

Our Team

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    Jonathan Levin, Artistic Director

    Praised by the New York Concert Review as “much more than a pianist, but a musician with a fine mind and enormously promising creative energy”, Jonathan Levin has established himself as a compelling pianist, composer, concert producer and music entrepreneur, creating innovative programs and and cross cultural events which reach diverse audiences throughout the world. Jonathan performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia as a part of the 4th Melody of Generations Festival with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra of the Russian Federation, and has made solo appearances in major venues across the US including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Beneroya Hall. He has been a laureate of many competitions and prizes including the National Stillman Kelley Award, 2nd Prize at the 2012 Los Angeles International Liszt Competition and recipient of the Alan Walker Award from the American Liszt Society. 

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    Donna Bailey-Taylor

    President/CEO of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau for over 24 years, and has been a major part of building commerce and tourism in Johnston County for decades.  She serves as a chairperson on multiple boards that benefit the community throughout Johnston County.  For the last two years, as a member of the Benson Art Advisory Board, she worked on fundraising and planning in 4 art projects that were a part of their overall art improvement project.  As a chairperson for the Ava Gardner Museum she headed the Ava 100th Centennial Planning Committee.  Her work on the Centennial Planning Committee included planning, fundraising, marketing, design, and outreach. 

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    David Richards, Production Manager

    Starting out at the age of 14 Professionally, David Richards has been a Musician, Educator, and Producer from California to New York City.  Mr. Richards has worked with some of the top professional musicians in the world as a Musician, Producer and Engineer.  David has continuously performed and taught music nationally landing him in New York where he worked with leaders in the music industry before he moved to Clayton, North Carolina where he has continued to perform, teach, and produce with professionals and students for the last several years.  Mr. Richards also founded and is President of JoCo Music Arts Foundation which oversees community music programs in Johnston County

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    Mike Stojic

    Mike Stojic is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran. Serving nearly nine years before being medically separated for injuries received during his time abroad. His Military Occupational Specialty was Combat Engineer. During his tenure he served as Platoon Commander and Company Commander in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was also a Combat Instructor and Officer Instructor in Quantico, Va. He has two years of Combat Deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving active duty service, Mike has made Clayton, NC his home and has pursued his dream of opening a craft cocktail bar/lounge. It is called Revival 1869. Revival has has been open for over seven years. Mike currently is working towards opening his second location. He is very proud and honored to be hosting tonight's show and hopes everyone enjoys the performances. Semper Fi!

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    Patrick Taggart

    Description goes herePatrick Taggart studied music and journalism at Baylor University and covered film and classical music for the Austin American-Statesman from 1974 to 1990. He then was a film columnist for the Austin Chronicle from 1990 to 1996. From 2007 to 2013 he served on Duke Health System's Institutional Review Board for clinical trials involving human subjects.

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    Angelique Alexander

    DescriptiAngelique Alexander is a versatile singer of both opera and jazz. As the granddaughter of late jazz drummer/vibraphonist Ray Alexander and the daughter of Russell “Hitman” Alexander of The Hitman Blues Band, she was exposed from an early age to a wide variety of music. Founded and has presented a yearly concert series in Morcom Oakland Rose Garden in Oakland, CA for the past 4 years. Angelique has been a featured singer at several Bay Area venues, such as The Academy (SF), The Battery club (SF), SF Salons by Boris Goldmund, Feinsteins at the Nikko, and The Alley (Oakland). She has also been a featured singer in the Clayton Piano Festival from the 2021-2022 season. on goes here