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BASIC NWFL and HESS Entertainment Bring Mike Epps to Florida For Fundraising Event
by Rachel Matthews
September 30, 2011
Come out and enjoy a night of laughter with Mike Epps as he shakes up the Emerald Gulf Coast. A part of the proceeds go to BASIC of Northwest Florida--a not-for-profit charity, which helps those affected by AIDS/HIV, children whose parent(s) are imprisoned, and more.
According to Wikipedia, Mike Epps "is an American stand-up comedian, actor, film producer, writer, singer, and rapper, best known for playing Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and the sequel-to-the-sequel, Friday After Next, and also starring alongside Ice Cube in All About the Benjamins." Epps began his career performing in HBO's Def Comedy Jam. He has performed in over 20 major Hollywood films.
The event kicks-off October 16th, and is rumored to sell-out early.
BASIC NWFL is led by President Dr. Hulon E Crayton, Executive Director Valerie Mincey, Michael Greene, Myron Hines, Carole Lapensohn, Deborah McCambry, Amy Minkewicz, Joyce Smith, and Mosell Washington Jr--to name a few.
Get your ticket today. Tickets may be purchased on the Marina Civic Center website. To donate directly to BASIC NWFL, go to thehttp://basicnwfl.com/give.html.
In an effort to help the educational community, Cold Weather Films, Inc (CWFI) announced that they are bringing aboard college filmmakers for a series of projects this summer. CWFI's involvement in film extends to the development of commercials, music videos, infomercials, corporate videos, and financing.
The projects are scheduled for shooting in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Students from surrounding schools will get an opportunity to showcase their talent, for a chance working part-time with CWFI, and to gain college credit, applicable to their degree in arts or film. Furthermore, students can add this enriching experience to their repertoire; a chance in a lifetime opportunity.
Spots are promised to fill-up fast! Resumes maybe submitted at Mandy.com or by emailing resumes and demo reels to info@craytoncorp.com. CWFI will accept resumes year-round.
New York! New York!
Crayton Corp, a staple in the filming industry via Cold Weather Films, Inc and Film Equipment Rentals (FER), has taken recent measures to strengthen its presence. This year, Crayton Corp and its subsidiary, FER, will be sponsoring Ace Fest--one of the filming industry's premiere film festivals.
Other sponsors include Back Stage (a casting company), Actors Rated, Groupion (a software company, which often works with Fortune 500 companies), ACA Funding (a finance company), Compare Bookings, iFix NY and many more. To view the full sponsor list, go to AceFest.com or download a copy from us below.
Crayton Corp and FER are hopeful about showing their presence in New York's busy scene, and have high hopes that the added attention will generate more clients.
Ace Fest begins this year in August. For more information, go to (http://www.acefest.com/tickets/)
Crayton Corp also has plans to attend other film industry events this year, such as Show Biz in Los Angeles and New York.
Before selecting a client to represent, Crayton Corp and it's partners go through a rigorous selection process. Mr. Greenbaum stated that, "anyone can have talent. But that's not the only thing we're looking for. We seek out those who have a go-getter spirit, are somewhat charitable, and are humble. If they fall inline with our mission and standards, why not have them on our team."
In an effort to encourage Crayton Corp's clients to continue their works of charity, earlier today, we made the following announcement:
"ATTN CLIENTS:
Mr. Greenbaum iterated that, his clients are a reflection of him, and what he overseas and does, is a direct reflection of the company. "When my clients do well, I do well, (and) the company does well. We're a team. We look good together or we look bad together. I would rather it be that we live to fight a good cause than no cause at all. It's not always about business...some things are just good for the soul."
The details of the meetings from August 2010 thru the start of the year were considered confidential. However, we felt of it as an honor to display a few pictures of the Motown legend on our website.
Join us in celebrating Veterans Day today. Remember those that we have lost and those fighting everyday for our freedom and peace of mind. This month also marks the United States Marine Corps' 235th Birthday. Please view the video presentation, as we toast to the accomplishments of our Armed Forces. USMC, Crayton Corp salutes you. Thank you for your bravery & service to our country. Have a blessed day. God bless America!
New position announcement: seeking online (for flash related portals), PlayStation & XBox gaming programmers. For more information, email your inquiry to info@craytoncorp.com. Please place the phrase "Programmer Applicant" in the subject line of your email.
Appropriately titled “First Impressions,” the 53-year-old’s debut CD was released in February of this year and has gained international recognition. As Bay Life Magazine went to press, Crayton held the No. 24 spot on the Smooth Jazz Billboard chart and No. 4 on SmoothIndieStar.com, a smooth jazz and indie website. According to a review by SmoothJazz.com’s Sandy Shore, Crayton is on the fast track to smooth jazz stardom.
“Dr. Hulon Crayton specializes in rheumatology by day and super-cool sax playing by night (or any time that feels right),” Shore writes. “The tenor sax man is billed as ‘jazz music’s cool new sensation,’ and his debut release, ‘First Impressions,’ verifies this diagnosis.”
Crayton’s CD features romantic tracks such as “Cool Blue” and “Follow Me,” along with the funky “Sax on the Beach” and “Sax Machine.” The cable TV company Comcast recently added several of his tracks to its Music Choice listings on the Smooth Jazz Channel.
Crayton and his band play mostly local gigs, where he loves mingling and connecting with his fans. Sometimes, those fans turn out to be his patients who didn’t even know their doctor was moonlighting as a saxophone sensation.
“(I saw a patient) with severe rheumatoid arthritis,” Crayton says, recalling a performance on stage at Pineapple Willy’s restaurant. “She was immobile when I first met her. Taking care of her daily activities was extremely difficult. Then I saw her dancing to my music.”
The sentimental, jovial doctor says being a part of this kind of transition for his patients deeply affects him.
“To see her out there dancing and having a good time because of the efforts that I was able to do for her, easing her pain, gave me such immense eternal satisfaction,” he says. “I gave her a big hug after I was done performing.”
Crayton has been a rheumatologist in Panama City since 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Lincoln University in Missouri. While in college, his roommate taught him the basics of the saxophone. Crayton took it from there.
As Crayton was preparing to pursue his MBA at the University of Northern Colorado, he was also enrolled in the ROTC program for the U.S. Army. School would have to wait while Crayton fulfilled his military duties.
He began to dream about a career in medicine but didn’t think he was “bright enough” to get into medical school.
After leaving the Army, Crayton used the G.I. Bill to complete his MBA. Crayton was still finishing his graduate studies and also entering medical school while he and his wife, Dinah, were starting a family at home.
After completing four years of medical school at the University of Wisconsin, three years of internal medicine studies and two years of rheumatology studies, Crayton made his way to Panama City.
While he was busy finding his place in the medical profession, playing the saxophone took a back seat. Crayton’s daughter, Corinna, and younger son, Darryl, began to find their niche in music, particularly the saxophone. Hearing their talent through the walls of the family home was the “itch” that motivated Crayton to pick the instrument back up.
“I had to go get a new sax because I could not get (mine) back from my daughter,” he recalls with a laugh. Thus resurfaced an old passion for jazz.
Crayton’s taste is influenced by jazz greats the Rippingtons, Grover Washington and David Sanborn — whose song “Smile” was the first song he learned to play. But Crayton also pulls from other genres and artists — hip-hop and R&B artists LL Cool J and Mary J. Blige, for example.
Produced by jazz great Jeff Kashiwa, Crayton was able to attract handfuls of professional musicians to record on his CD — artists who have played for performers ranging from Kirk Whalum to Gerald Albright, the Rippingtons and Britney Spears. Self-funding the album, Crayton called on his older son Hulon E. Crayton II’s record label, Premier Musique Group, to support the growth of his CD. It was Crayton II who developed his father’s website, designed the album cover and distributed the CD to iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com.
“He is living his dream and as such, this is the happiest he seems to be in years,” son Hulon Crayton II says of his father. “Most people have mid-life crises at his age. For him, he had a mid-life awakening.”
Still a novice to the recording industry, Crayton relates to the difficulties of perfecting each track.
“‘Follow Me’ — that song was a labor of love in the studio,” he says. “It was the first song I ever recorded, and it took eight hours to complete. Where you stand in relationship to the microphone, how you breathe, when you breathe and timing were all recording factors that took this sax player some getting used to.”
Of “Follow Me,” Crayton declares that “the song itself has a spiritual connotation, which makes it emotional. Although there are no words, it does have lyrics associated to it. Phrases go through your mind — an unspoken feeling.”
Perfecting his sound was essential not only to a great recording but also to a live performance in front of one of his idols. Crayton and his local band were the opening act for Jeff Kashiwa, a renowned jazz musician, in November 2005 at the Martin Theater in Panama City.
Spectators from the crowd may not notice a slip of breath or a missed note as other jazz performers would, which is why Crayton was initially nervous about playing in the same building as Kashiwa. Nevertheless, his band wrapped up their set with flying colors, and to Crayton’s surprise, he was invited back to the stage once Kashiwa’s set began. Setting the jitters aside, the two of them shared the spotlight. Soon they made their way up and down the aisles of the auditorium, interlinking their sounds and bouncing off each other’s notes.
“It was the best night of my life when it comes to performing,” Crayton says. “I even received my first autograph request.
“Jazz is not music you listen to, it is music that you feel,” he says about his love for the genre. “It is music that you touch and it touches you. It touches your mind, heart and spirit; it takes you back to a place of ‘remember when’ and puts you in a place and time that you remember from your past.”
In addition to music and medicine, Crayton is heavily involved in his community. The Crayton Foundation was established to help needy patients with the co-payments on their medical bills. The Crayton Scholarship, meanwhile, assists minority students who are interested in the medical field. Both the foundation and the scholarship are supported by his medical practice, the Arthritis and Infusion Center.
With a successful medical practice and a budding musical career, Crayton once worried that performing and practicing would take time away from his family. But he admits he would not be doing all of this without wife Dinah’s support.
“Hulon is extremely dedicated to his family,” she says.
The doctor admits he doesn’t know what will come next but eagerly looks forward to his future.
“Every day is a dream,” Crayton says. “It is different from the day before. Maybe one day I can open for Dave Koz or Boney James, or even do a European tour. I do not know how far this will go. Bring it on!”
The sultry artist’s claim to fame in her career thus far, was her past participation on American Idol & Making the Band. According to her manager, Cynthia Davis-Middleton, the 18 year-old artist did not make it to the ladder rounds. To add to that, Salter said “I thought it went well in my last audition. I wasn't prepared to do the song and forgot some of the words, but overall I enjoyed the time and experience.”
Since then, the young singer has built a strong online social following on YouTube. With hundreds of thousands of views, it is no wonder why she has turned to MySpace as her next future social triumph. MySpace has for a long time, been a great avenue for artists, comedians, film companies and more, to attain sales and spread the news of their events. Although not all have success, some members have had millions of hits and became global sensations. A few notables include Tila Tequila, Jeffree Star, Fall Out Boy, whom all became famous, seemingly overnight on the popular MySpace.com website. Although it is not Salter’s goal to become popular, famous, or a celebrity, it is the goal of the hardworking people behind her development to build her presence in the online and televised music markets.
Hulon E. Crayton II, an A&R of PMG, hopes that her music will reach the mainstream urban music audience, yet reach what he calls the youthful ‘Disney Generation,’ which he claims are those that are in middle school and younger. Further, he mentioned that “we plan to develop her presence on MySpace, YouTube and other social networking sites to put her in front of her audience. I hope that this contest will bring about participation from her fans, and bring about new followers.”
Participants of Salter’s MySpace contest can partake in the event until June 8th, 2010. PMG advises that web developers create a MySpace.com music page with their chosen layout and design, and then email the link to info@craytoncorp.com. Out of the lot of participants, one winner will be selected.
For more information on this contest, go to facebook.com/courtneysalter. She can also be found online at twitter.com/courtneysalter2 and myspace.com/courtneysaltersingssoul.
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For further information, contact MM Entertainment Publicity, and ask for J’Marie at (800) 891-3990 ext. 722 or email info@craytoncorp.com.
PMG plans to have Courtney in the studio later this month to record her debut EP, and hopes to pair her with iconic music producers to broaden her appeal for domestic and international exposure. In describing her sound as an artist, she said that she is “natural, funky, pro beauty, and real earthy.” Courtney wants to combine that type of sound and imagery, along with subjects that are “outside of the box” and not the industry’s typical format, but catchy and rhythmic. The 18 year old singer, will be working with the likes of Gary Foote, a bass player of Blood, Sweat & Tears, who has recorded and performed with music legends Maxwell, P Diddy, Mase, Carl Thomas, Regina Belle, and has done commercial work for MTV and other nationally played commercials.
In an interview, President of PMG, Hulon E. Crayton II, stated that “she is not intimidated by the expectation to amass the level of popularity of her predecessor, but merely hopes to excel in all areas, spreading the word of God through her music, and share her experiences to sway other youth from the mistakes she had made growing up.” He later added “we are proud to have her aboard and her potential is insurmountable.”
Courtney, who has been singing since the age of 5, feels as though her efforts have finally paid off and is more than ecstatic about signing her recent record deal. From her brief stint on American Idol, to her Making the Band appearance, those experiences helped pave the way for her upcoming debut on CD.
Courtney Salter can be found online at myspace, youtube, and on her main site http://courtneysalter.com.
For further information, contact MM Entertainment Publicity, and ask for J’Marie at (800) 891-3990 ext. 722 or email info@craytoncorp.com.
In an attempt to build a social following on Twitter, Crayton Corp announced today that the company will be giving away free packages, gifts, vacations, and other assorted items for those that "follow" the Crayton Corp Twitter page.
So what's the catch? There must be a total of 1,000 "followers". Do not confuse this with the "following" section on Twitter page. A "follower" is one that chooses to stay up-to-date with the users page, by selecting the "follow" button. It is then, that the user is put into the drawing.
Crayton Corp currently utilizes the Twitter page as a catch-all social tool for all of its divisions, including Premier Booking & Management, MM Entertainment Publicity, and more. Down the road, Crayton Corp will create a Twitter page for each division, but the focus has been on marketing the Crayton Corp brand online.
To join and get your chance at winning, go to http://twitter.com/craytoncorp and click the "follow" button. And that's it! Tell your friends.
Today marks the official release of Hulon's CD, "First Impressions." It is now available digitally on both CD Baby and iTunes! Click below to get your copy:
“First Impressions” (produced by Jeff Kashiwa) is currently shooting up the smooth jazz charts (#17 on smoothindiestar.com) and is already being received enthusiastically by online and terrestrial radio stations. For more information and to stay updated on all things Hulon, please visit http://www.hulonsax.com.
If you are looking for some mood music Hulon has just the right prescription on First Impressions. If you can’t be in Florida soaking up the sunshine and panoramic views at the beach then you can let Hulon and his saxophone take you there. But don’t think it’s all a dim the light down low journey, there is plenty of liveliness and funk available on the recording if you need another shot of energy besides your morning cappuccino. First Impressions was produced by Jeff Kashiwa, who was initially hired to write one song on the album, but after hearing the results of the initial collaboration, Hulon was so impressed that he hired Kashiwa to produce the entire album. When asked about his involvement, Jeff Kashiwa said, “It’s every producer’s dream to come across an artist who has 3 qualities: drive to develop their unique voice, enthusiasm for creating music and passion to perform. Hulon possesses all of these qualities. The music on his debut CD reflects many moods… from the retro soul of War’s “Cisco Kid”, to the romantic “Follow Me”, to the funk of “Sax Machine”, Hulon shows he has the stuff to keep you captivated.
The first single to go to out to jazz world will be “Sax on the Beach,” written by Kashiwa and performed by Hulon. The track is already building the anticipation for the full release of First Impressions, which will be available at all major digital retailers on February 23rd, 2009.
Hulon is a philanthropist with a successful medical practice that currently lives the jazz life in Florida. A long standing member of the group The On Call Band, Hulon has played in various venues on the Gulf Coast. Besides playing jazz at night, Hulon and his wife Dinah have dedicated their lives to giving back to the community through a creation of the Crayton Foundation. The organization provides minorities with a feasible way to attain the funding needed to attend college. In addition, the Craytons also established The Crayton Scholarship at Florida State University which helps deserving minority students change their lives forever through education.
You can learn more about Hulon by visiting his official website: www.HulonSax.com, www.MySpace.com/HulonSax or Hulon’s Official Facebook page at www.FaceBook.com/HulonSax.
Hulon's debut CD is shooting up the indie jazz charts! With only a few weeks under its belt, First Impressions has risen from the #64 slot its first week to this week's #21 spot and shows no signs of slowing down! Charts here we come!
Check out the record's progress: http://www.smoothindiestar.com/chart/.
The official release date for First Impressions is Feb 23rd.
Join us February 20th at Bonefish Grill to celebrate the release!
Silent Auction to benefit B.A.S.I.C. (Auction will go from 7 p.m. until 8:15 p.m.. Winners to be announced at 8:45 p.m.) A good music and a good cause at that.
CWFI Offers College Credit to Student Filmmakers
by Rachel Matthews
July 1, 2011
Crayton Corp Sponsors AceFest Film Festival
by Rachel Matthews
March 27, 2011
Our Clients Stand-out in Their Respective Industries
by Rachel Matthews
February 3, 2011
For a chance at winning an all expense paid 7-day trip to Palermo, Sicily (Italy), submit your list of charitable events that you are participating in (this year). Email confirmations to your representative by 2/28/11. To qualify, you must have agreed to at least 10 events in 2011. Includes hotel, airfare, 3 meals per day, transportation, and private security."
Smokey Robinson Meets With Premier Musique Group A&R and Leading Artist
by Rachel Matthews
January 1, 2011
Seeking Songwriters
by Rachel Matthews
December 1, 2010
Do you have what it takes? We will be watching the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for songwriters. One lucky songwriter may get the chance to write a song for Fantasia or Brian McKnight on an upcoming recording project on the Premier Musique Group record label. We urge competitors to submit your song at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/. You may also submit your song lyrics, along with your bio to info@craytoncorp.com.
Happy 235th Birthday USMC!
by Rachel Matthews
November 11, 2010
Video Games the Wave of the Future
by Michael Matthews
October 1, 2010
According to Crayton Corp's senior staff, a new outlet is being sought in the entertainment realm. Mr. Cohen stated that there is a prime need to capitalize on the industry's wealth of customers. The bottom line...you sell what the people want; that is where our focus needs to be." Coming soon, Crayton Corp will compile a team of game designers to begin work on Playstation, XBox, and PSP gaming consoles, along with online games.
From Medical Charts to Billboard Charts: Hulon Crayton is on the Fast Track to Smooth Jazz Stardom
by Brenna Hosey (for Bay Life Magazine)
July 15, 2010
During his day job as a rheumatologist, Dr. Hulon Crayton treats patients with arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and related disorders. But it’s his talents outside the doctor’s office that are making an impression on jazz fans everywhere.
Television Singer Starts MySpace Contest to Find Web Developers
by Rachel Matthews & J'Marie
June 1, 2010
Courtney Salter, a neo-soul artist on the Premier Musique Group (PMG) record label, has initiated a contest for all webmasters to design her MySpace page. The winner of the challenge will be allowed on the set of her upcoming music video; be the first to receive her highly anticipated EP Album prior to release; and be invited to her album release party.
Premier Musique Group Signs a Recording Contract With "American Idol" & "Making the Band" Contestant, Courtney Salter
by J'Marie
May 7, 2010
Premier Musique Group (PMG), a Christian and family-oriented recording company, added a new act to its marquee this month. Prior to, the company’s sole talent was Hulon, a top charting jazz artist that is currently ranked #25 on the Nielson BDS / Billboard music charts. To expand the company’s horizons and reach a younger generation, PMG signed American Idol contestant, Courtney Salter, a Neo-Soul / R&B artist from Washington, D.C.
Enter For Your Chance To Win on Twitter
by Rachel Matthews
April 24, 2010
"First Impressions" Now Available For Sale
by Chip Schutzman
February 23, 2010
Hulon Makes Good First Impressions With New CD On Premier Musique Group Label
by Chip Schutzman
February 18, 2010
Hulon’s debut First Impressions is a perfect title for his new album on the Premier Musique Group imprint. Hailing from Panama City Beach, FL,. Hulon knows how to enjoy his surroundings to the fullest and nothing makes it more appropriate than some relaxing smooth jazz to listen to.
"First Impressions" is Chartbound! Come Celebrate!
by Chip Schutzman
February, 5 2010
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