Michael Clay employs music to please audiences, lift children

Michael Clay was busy in mid May managing event projects for Michael Clay Productions (e.g., Lakeside Music Series), when the phone rang. A producer from ABC’s American Idol was calling with news. The following week, the producer said, prior to the final episode of the American Idol season, a significant check would be gifted to the Texas Music Project. (Clay co-founded TMP in 2003 and serves as its executive director.)

Why the Texas Music Project? A Richardson-native named Jack Blocker had survived the months-long American Idol competition as one of three finalists. By doing so, the Texan was given the opportunity to name a charity of his choice. Blocker selected the Texas Music Project. 

Founded to help children through music, the organization raises funds to purchase instruments for schools to foster music education. TMP also brings professional musicians to schools and hospitals to teach and inspire, often focusing on disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Willie Nelson serves as the organization’s honorary chairman.

Only six weeks prior to the phone call, Children’s Health had announced it’s partnership with TMP on an initiative to raise $125,000 for its Music Heals therapy programs.

“The implications of these projects,” wrote Aimee Heath, development officer for Children’s Medical Center Foundation, “can significantly impact how children are treated, not just at Children’s Health but across the nation and around the world.”

“The idea is based around TMP’s Music Heals program,” explained Michael Clay. “Besides donating instruments, we’re partnering with the talented music therapists at Children’s Health to help young patients turn their life experiences, stories, and ideas into songs. 

“Our goal is to record and produce professional recordings of these songs so the kids and families can cherish them for a lifetime and inspire others going through the same trauma. It’s a way for kids to feel the healing power of music and feel like mini rock stars along the way!”

“For nearly 30 years,” added Heath, “music therapy at Children’s Health has served as an important aid to help patients and families cope with hospitalization while improving physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Our Music Therapy program has board-certified music therapists specifically dedicated to clinical programs throughout the hospital. As a recognized leader in the field, our program has partnered with Texas Music Project: Music Heals Program to help better support our patients and utilize research to incorporate more evidence-based practice into individualized care.”

The new initiative resonated with Blocker. As is customary prior to American Idol’s season-ending show, each finalist returns to their hometown for heart-warming receptions and a performance before a live audience. 

Michael Clay was invited to Blocker’s “pop up” performance at Strauss Park in Dallas’ Arts District with 2,500 fans plus local and national media. After singing Willie Nelson’s “You Were Always on My Mind,” Blocker said, “I’d like to call my buddy Mike out here.

“On behalf of American Idol, ABC, and the CMA foundation,” Blocker announced, “we are so proud to offer this check for $20,000 to Texas Music Project.” Blocker confided later, “Being able to give this donation is really special, because I really do believe in the power of music.” 

“It was a great way,” Clay said, “to kick off our campaign.” Days later on Friday, May 17, Monte Montgomery took the stage at the Lakeside Music Series to benefit TMP’s new initiative. 

“I was happy to raise awareness for Michael Clay’s mission,” Montgomery volunteered. “Music is one of the few forces in the world that has its own type of magic through its ability to heal in ways that science and medicine cannot. I’m honored to lend my wisdom and experience from being a lifelong professional musician to such a great and important organization.”

“Playing at the Lakeside Music Series in Flower Mound,” he said, “was an amazing experience — to connect with so many people in such a unique and intimate outdoor setting. I’ll be looking for a return engagement sometime in the future.”

Clay has helped establish Lakeside Music Series as a favorite among musicians who appreciate the highly receptive audiences, the intimate outdoor venue, and the charming community’s walkable streets, residences, restaurants, and shops. Since July 2016, Clay has brought first-class acts and continues to introduce new acts to Lakeside (e.g., Ginny Mac, Rosana Eckert, and Monte Montgomery in the past six months).

In addition to bringing top musical talent to the Lakeside Music Series in the Shops at Lakeside Village, Michael Clay Productions provides event management, talent procurement, and creative meeting solutions for cities (Dallas Love Field, Irving/Las Colinas, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Ennis, and Murphy), communities like Lakeside Village and Cypress Waters, plus hotels and shopping centers. 

Fortunate enough to dovetail his work with his passion for music and kids, Clay “does well by doing good.” A lot of good. To show your support for the Texas Music Project, click here.

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