It’s a cool April evening, but inside Clubhouse 24 in downtown Sacramento the densely packed bodies of concertgoers have the mercury rising steadily. The first band of the evening causally sets up its equipment as the audience chatters. The atmosphere is relaxed, however in the corner of the venue the bartender is working at a feverish pace.
As the band finishes its set-up and waits for sound check, the bartender grabs a nearby friend to pour drinks as he pushes his way toward the soundboard. As he works to balance the various instruments with the vocals and drums, he hears his interim bartender shout: “You’re out of Ice!”
When asked how hard it is to set-up, promote, and run a second Saturday show, Clayton Nutting simply replies, “I could do it in my sleep.”
Nutting, 32, helped start the non-profit organization Concerts for Charity in 2002 with the hopes of promoting the arts and helping children explore their passion for music. Throwing concerts throughout the Sacramento area, Nutting raises money through beer and wine sales to help promote his programs.
“It was this cool marriage between the music community and the non-profit community,” Nutting says.
It’s second Saturday in May and time to prepare for another Midtown show. Nutting arrives at Clubhouse24 two hours early to set-up sound equipment and prepare the bar. Planning for these events start weeks earlier, when Nutting books the venue and gets proper licenses to serve beer. He works steadily with the help of Bobby Griffith, owner of Clubhouse 24, preparing the stage and moving seating.
“He’s been vital in helping bring the arts to Midtown,” Griffith says, “[He] definitely doesn’t do it for the money and really gets a lot of satisfaction from doing the leg-work and watching a show come together.”
At 7p.m. the doors open and Nutting begins serving drinks.
“This is the part of our organization that fosters a strong independent music community,” Nutting says, “but at the same time, you know, we’re making a little bit of money.”
Since 2004 C4C has bought close to 400 guitars for children. It has also paid for musical instructors throughout the Sacramento area, including the Rio Linda School District. Nutting also partnered with other Sacramento non-profits to promote the music community. Although C4C remains a hobby for Nutting, he hopes to one day focus on the non-profit exclusively.
“I’m kind of a one-man-show,” Nutting says.
The opening band, Walking Spanish, begins with their rendition of “Just Dropped In” by Kenny Rogers as pedestrians stop for a beer and a break. Nutting runs to the soundboard making some last minute adjustments.
Nutting began promoting concerts in 1999 with a group of friends at Worcester College in Massachusetts. Although his degree was in health studies, it occurred to him that his passion for music and his talent for promoting shows could be used to help the community.
“I guess it’s just this innate thing in me that wants other people to be successful,” Nutting says.
By 9 p.m. the second band, Exquisite Corps, starts to play and Nutting is almost out of beer. He makes a call and within 20 minutes he’s back in business. While waiting for the delivery, Nutting spoke with Harley White, a Sacramento musician, about an upcoming project slated for the end of the month.
Regarding Nutting’s role in the project, White commented on Nutting’s professional nature.
“I don’t know if that’s just his personal style or how [C4C] does it,” White says. “But it’s very professional and it’s perfect.”
At 10 p.m. few patrons remain and Nutting’s beer license has run out. He finally has a chance to sit down and enjoy the fruit of his labors. He listens to Dead Western, the final act for the evening, and ponders where the night’s earnings would serve best. After expenses C4C has made $100 to donate to musical education for children.
“If I come out of these shows with 50 bucks, I’ll be happy,” Nutting says, “it’s at least a guitar.”
Dead Western’s sole musician, Troy Mighty, was impressed by Nutting’s ambition when he first met him at the Sammie Awards ceremony. Mighty has since played numerous shows for C4C.
“He contacted me and offered his helping hand, it was just impressive,” Mighty says, “He has always been super kind and taken a ton of initiative.”
As the last patron leaves, Nutting starts to pull down the sound system and clean up the venue. The money made from beer sales will be donated to Musical Charis to sponsor a young musician who would otherwise be unable to afford lessons.
When asked why he spends so much time on C4C, Nutting replies, “When you love something, when you’re passionate about it, you do it and you don’t even think about it.”