Pianist/vocalist Clay Whittington will present “Hymnprov” at 3 p.m. Sunday at Westminster United Methodist Church.
His performance is the fifth event in Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center’s Second Sunday Series. The program will be performed with no intermission. Light refreshments will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.
“Hymnprov is an improvisational piano concert based on the melodies of popular hymns,” said Whittington, an actor, singer, songwriter and entertainer living in Wilmington. “The concert includes many of your favorite hymns performed in jazz, blues and rock piano — completely unrehearsed.
“Hymns you may recognize include ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘It Is Well With My Soul,’ ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ and many more.”
Whittington has performed throughout the United States for piano bars, theaters and amphitheaters and is currently touring his original show, “Hymnprov.” He recently released his debut solo album, “Hymnprov,” based on the show.
As a stage performer, Whittington has been seen nationally in such shows as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Clue,” “TEXAS,” “Disney’s High School Musical On Stage” and “Nunsense!” Clay also has worked on the creative side of theater with the debut of his original score for “Cinderella: A Tale Retold” in 2008.
A “magician on the keyboard,” when he steps on stage, audiences expect nothing short of excitement and amazement. He also plays the guitar, mandolin, trombone, and ukulele. When not performing, Whittington is director of music at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston.
In film and television, his credits include: “Sleepy Hollow,” 20th Century Fox Television, Wilmington (Season 1, Episode 5).
He is a member of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, American Choral Directors Association and St. John’s Lodge No. 4 A. F. & A. M.; Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center board member and web master; an Eagle Scout and a registered volunteer at the Caswell Developmental Center.
Tickets are $10 and are available by calling, (252) 560-8515, (252) 521-4513; at the Community Council for the Arts or by visiting Grainger Hill’s Web site, www.ghpac.com.
Rick and Jane Vernon will perform at 3 pm. March 9 in the season finale of the Second Sunday Series.
Upcoming on the Grainger Hill Performing Arts Series is Franc D’Ambrosio, star of Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera,” at 7 p.m. March 29. GHPAC’s next Mystery Dinner Theater offerings are Feb. 21 at the Picnic Basket and in March at the Queen Street Deli.