Clifton Castelloe, director of All in to Fight Cancer, joins Greazy Keyz in an all new episode of #rBeatzSessions | #CLT

All right, what’s up everybody? Welcome to rBeatz Sessions. My name is Greazy Keyz. I’ll be your host for the next little bit here. I’m the organist for the Charlotte Checkers. I’m happy to be welcoming a good friend of mine a fellow musician. I always thought if Charlotte ever had like a an annual yearbook, this guy would be a Charlotte superlative. He is co -owner of Moxie Mercantile, one of the coolest stores in town. The executive director of All-In to Fight Cancer, a great cancer awareness and fundraiser, and also he is president of the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association. So, welcome to my guest, Clifton Castelloe.

Oh, nice. Thank you so much. That’s a great intro. I thank you. I appreciate it. I want to send it right back to you because I love you, man. You know, we’ve been with each other for a long time. My wife and I moved to Chicago. in 2003, Yeah, it’s been a long time. We’ve gotten to play together in some different groups and of all the people who are making great music in Charlotte and making it possible, you’re infusing a lot of positivity, a lot of good relationships.

Well, thank you so much.

Good relationships. And over the years, Greazy Keyz, it’s just a love seeing them smile and laugh and enjoying your music.

Well thank you so much, you’re making me blush here. But more about you Clifton, so like I said you moved to Charlotte like 20 years ago, but my impression is you’ve really ingrained yourself in the fabric of Charlotte and not only with bands and music, but also within the community of retail and All-in -to Fight Cancer. You seem to be really good at kind of connecting yourself with a lot of really great organizations and a lot of cool people. So what are some of your inspirations to push yourself that way?

Thank you. You know, I was thinking about it and community has always been important to me. I can trace it back to my soccer career, like growing up playing soccer for through college went to school at Davidson. I was part of the final four team in 1992. But my mindset, it automatically goes to, you know, connection with others, striving for success. As a team, as a group, working with others. I played defender and I kind of relate that to some of the work that I’m doing with All-In to Fight Cancer and just wanting to create this positive flow of information and benefit others. I’ve come to recognize the way I was brought up and the opportunities that I had afforded (to me) and not everyone has that same opportunity, you know, that same sort of background. And of course cancer touches everyone in some way, and so, yeah, I’d love to talk more about that. But yeah, I think a lot of it’s just for this idea of teamwork and creating something together is just really core to my life. In my relationship with my wife, Michelle too, and Moxie Mercantile, and the community benefit of it, and also the life lessons that you sort of undergo when you have children. And you want to kind of just create a new environment for the future.

Right.

For the world.

And your kids, they just seem to be some of the most well -rounded, incredible kids too, so congratulations on that.

Thank you. Thank you. They are good and they’re fun to be around. You know, really, really lucky. I could talk forever about Plaza Midwood. You know and love Plaza Midwood as sort of an icon. Because Bojangles is right across Independence from neighborhood. Plaza Presbyterian weekday school, it was our kids preschool, just right there up the street on the Plaza. And so I spent literally 12 years on a preschool playground with my kids, each one. I have four daughters, so they each lined up a couple years apart, which put me on that playground for a long time. And what was wonderful is that we’re out on the playground with kid number one out of four and look around on the playground and there are 11 professional musicians on the playground.

That’s right. I remember the story.

People you know, like Mike Strauss, Hope Nichols, Aaron, Donovan Collins, I mean, Sergio Agra, it’s like the list sort of goes on. All these Plaza Midwood, you know, music types, creatives.

Right. Trailblazers in Charlotte as far as the music scene is concerned.

Yeah absolutely and highly regarded songwriters, regionally.

Watching after their little preschoolers.

Exactly, all of them having kids. We started a band, the plaza family band and I recorded three CDs of music with that with those people, you know, which is available on Spotify. Really cool, fun kids music, but by adults who are, you know, musicians that are wanting to kind of have fun with some classic children’s songs.

Right on.

That was really fun. So a lot of my relationships within Charlotte have really been generated out of Plaza Midwood, at the preschool and the kids and their friends. their friends’ parents.

And I think it’s amazing that it’s kind of grown from obviously that introduction of learning and meeting new people in the neighborhood, but then now becoming the president. Is that correct, of the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association? So, tell me a little bit about that and how does that work?

Yeah, well, it traces back to Moxie and the beginning, which for Michelle was her dream. So go to support others. I like that. Michelle supports me too in music, so when when we opened Moxie Mercantile, probably eight, nine years ago now, we managed to purchase a property on Commonwealth after leasing for two years, to own. It’s a great little bungalow shop there across the Common Market.

Yes, it is. Speaking of Common Market, Blake’s wife, Cress, Blake, the owner of Common Market’s wife taught our children at Plaza Presbyterian School. It’s just like small world. Close -knit.

Wonderful people. Once we started the shop, which was my wife’s area of expertise, she had a great career with Anthropology Stores and Urban Inc for about 11 or 12 years and a lot of travel, but kind of wanted to settle in. So we started there and once we knew we were going to be opening a shop, I just walked around and started meeting other business owners. I was just like hey, we’re gonna be opening up a shop here, you know and met some people and all wonderful personalities. Long -term Plaza Midwood people like Pap and Jaya at the House of Africa. Hope you know Boris and Natasha. Yeah, you know Perry at Petros. And Legion Brewing was opening like within a few months of Moxie. So like Legion sort of took its roots in Plaza Midwood. Right about the same time and some great folks over there. Phil and the team kicking off Legion, which is now just blossomed the right. I was walking around and meeting a bunch of business owners, the Plaza Midwood Merchant Association, which was kind of small. We had like 20, 25 members and a small team was like, Hey, you’ve got some energy and we see what you’re doing. And we started something called Midwood Market, which was an opportunity for other local retailers to pop up. Just crafts and people who really don’t have a brick and mortar, but wanted to be a part of the neighborhood and helped us with that market. And so anyway, I got kind of enlisted to volunteer, you know, for the Merchant Association. And within about a year, it was like, you know what, you’ve got some vision and some, you know, your family business. (They) said would you want to serve as president? And so I started there and really it’s just been about trying to get people to communicate with each other. It was interesting. Not everybody in the neighborhood knew each other, even their neighbors had been there for 10 years, they just didn’t talk or whatever. And so as someone who’s like thinking in terms of team, I’m like, what’s going on here? Why aren’t we talking to each other and like, you know, so the Merch Association has grown a lot. Now we’re up to 70 or 80 members. We have an executive director, Jason Michael, who is Tip Top Daily Market, fantastic place. Fantastic place. Our kids grew up together on that playground. Which is now being inherited by Arts Plus, which is amazing news,

the church there. It’s gonna be a real art center for the neighborhood.

I think it’s just amazing, ’cause you know, Plaza Midwood, at least for the past 25 years that I’ve been in Charlotte has really grown and developed. And from sort of like, you know, maybe an edgy sort of off -the -cuff sort of place to now it’s it’s really kind of the up and coming location for new folks to move to Charlotte. A lot of housing and development’s been around the area, which you know, obviously some of the older folks may not be thrilled about, but I personally think it’s wonderful for that part of town and I’m excited to see how it develops. So anybody looking for last minute Mother’s Day presents, please be sure to check out Moxie Mercantile. They have fantastic selection of items. Also, if you’re looking for clothing, you should check out my good friend Stephanie McKnight who owns Cool Water Tie -dyes, who made this incredible custom tie -dye shirt for me. Not all of them are quite as special as this one, because it makes me look invisible, but hey, if you’re looking for some beautiful tie -dye, check out Cool Water tie -dyes for your tie -dye needs.

Nice. Love it. We also have, there’s another shop, Betty by Marcy Mercantile, the street. My wife expanded into more apparel. And kids stuff.

Great stuff, great apparel.

So, looking fresh.

If want to be the most trendy person in Plaza Midwood, be sure to check out Betty or Moxie Mercantile to really keep your style fresh. So really, my impression of you, Clifton, is you’re like a modern Renaissance man. You’re just so diversified and not only through arts and business, but then, like I said, just great and savvy about building communications and building relationships but with individuals and organizations. So, let’s talk about more on All-In to Fight Cancer Organization and what is your role there?

Yeah, nice. Thank you so much. I’ll take that as a compliment. It’s true. It’s sort of, it’s funny. I mean, I’m 53. So I’ve had a lot of time to think about things and as a musician and you know this firsthand, you’re confronted with a lot of challenges because you’re looking gigs and being probably the number one and most important aspect other than infusing creativity in the world and writing what’s in your heart or performing for others and and getting that going and positive energy. I think what’s funny is I was a musician playing for All In To Fight Cancer events, so for those of you don’t know, All In To Fight Cancer is a nonprofit it was formed in 2010 in honor of a gentleman named Rob Eubank who passed away from colon cancer in 2011. A good friend of his, Steve Amedio and another buddy founded All-in to Fight Cancer in honor of Rob. The idea is we want to bring people together in a really positive way, like a celebratory way but to raise money for local cancer organizations. So since 2011, every year there’s been a Texas Hold ’em poker tournament at the Fillmore. The Fillmore is transformed into a casino. It’s all Texas Hold ’em. A lot of people who know how to play the game and a lot of beginners, like people who are just sort of coming to it. That’s the biggest challenge I think that we face is just letting people know that a poker tournament, you know, is for everyone. You can learn poker, Texas hold em pretty quick and easy. And it’s just really an excuse to get people together who have been affected by cancer in some way. So, like survivors are there, if they’re not physically feeling up to running a 5K or doing some more active stuff, sitting at a table and playing cards, which is what Rob did. He went to a fundraiser for Easter Seals and a great time during treatment. And he was like, you know what if we’re gonna raise money and help others. Then let’s do it through this thing. I don’t think anybody would have thought how it’s grown.

It’s amazing.

Yeah, the first year, I think there were 12 tables of 9, maybe something, and now we have 56 tables of 9 Players at the Filmore, over 700 750 people. So it’s basically sold out, and there’s live music. It’s a big part of it.

Yes, it is. I love that aspect of it.

So it’s like a live concert, and everybody’s smiling, having fun. We have a survivor story, so someone might talk about their cancer journey for a few minutes and just kind of remind us why we’re all there. But the reason is just to kind of come together and join in the fight against cancer and raise money in a really fun celebratory way.

So I’ve had the pleasure of performing with you there, music at the All -In to Fight Cancer Benefits, and it really is just amazing to see all those hoops come together. So if someone wanted to see about registering to play and to help donate, what would you do?

Great idea. Allintofightcancer.org is the website. Just one long word and there’s information there. So I played music at the event, opened it up, but wasn’t really a part of the organization just, you know, within the music capacity only. Then I found out that they were looking for an executive director a couple years ago. And I said, you know, I don’t know. Michelle actually sort of nudged me and was like, you know what, you should apply for that. And I was like, I don’t know, it’s like, it’s a big event and it’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears of growth for the nonprofit. I was very sort of in and humbled by the thought of leading something like that but I’ve learned that that is one of my strengths. I like bringing people together. I like seeing people have a positive experience, you know and I like the relationships that I’ve developed with some of the beneficiary organizations who are doing this amazing work in the community. This event provides a really unique opportunity for them to raise money that they wouldn’t have otherwise. So, anyway, another reason for bringing me on was to expand the event to some other cities. So we had the Charlotte event, the Filmore. Last year was our first year with three events in the triad. In Winston Salem, and we had an event in Raleigh at the Ritz there in the Triangle, which is a live nation venue. So all three events are very similar in their makeup and goals and connection between music, community, and a fun game, bringing people together to raise money. And yeah, it’s been wonderful, man. I love it. I don’t wanna keep doing it, keep growing along. And essentially how the music and that actually came together sort of seamlessly, I wouldn’t have expected it.

And speaking of music, you are also just one of the most prolific songwriters I’ve ever known personally. It just always amazes me and you’re very willing to share. So I always love when you share new ideas, maybe within the group that we’re playing with or just stuff that maybe you might be working with someone else. So where do you draw some of your inspiration for for your songwriting?

Oh, that’s great. Well, I was an English major in school. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with it. It sort of signaled a curiosity for words and use of words. I’ve always loved music. In my heart I felt a little bit humble about expressing myself. And so one of my life’s goals has been to become more comfortable with self expression, like even public speaking, which I do for the nonprofit. And in the merchants too, but as far as song writing goes, I seek connection, you know, with others through songs. Songwriting is such a powerful tool for bringing people together and for also changing the world or expressing yourself and allowing others to express themselves and hearing what they have to say through their music or how they respond to yours. So that’s really kind of, I think, what attracts me to it. is like the need to become better at self -expression. Like I just want to, you know what I mean? And I feel like over time, I’ve gotten a little bit better at it. But I’m still very, still very, it’s also music is also a real humbling experience because you’re always surrounded by people who are more talented. Like in one way or another, they’ve got a better voice. They’ve got a better sense on their instrument. Maybe they learned theory, you know? And I just like sit back and do that, right? Yeah, it’s amazing, you know, and so it’s sort of when you meet your own limitations and and say I can’t quite do that yet. The guitar for example has been a really fun puzzle, you know to try and like solve and get better at like you never figured all out, right? You just kind of get a little better as you go.

Just develop your own voice on it.

Yeah, that’s it. And then sharing wise, I love working with other people and I’ve gotten past the point where I’m so attached to my music that I don’t want others to, I don’t know. I found that I’ve written hundreds of songs that are sitting on my hard drive and whatever. Yeah, it’s just like, but then I get with people and I really thirst for their take on it and what they bring to it. ‘Cause like for example, you know, you, in working with you, like the things that you bring and the ideas that you have, the things that you do naturally elevate.

Well, thank you.

The music.

Well, thank you.

Tremendously. And you do that for so many groups locally. I mean, seriously, I was reading like thousands of records you’ve played on.

A friend of mine, Boom Garner, makes a joke. It’s like if you haven’t really made it in music in Charlotte unless you play with Greazy Keyz. Just so you know, if you’re out there trying to break break into music and Charlotte, you got to come play with me sometime.

That’s right. Don’t be afraid either.

So we’re gonna take a quick break here in just a few moments and listen to original song of yours. But yeah to your point with music, I know a lot of folks can see it can become very competitive. Me personally, I let that go a long time ago and really feel like, yeah, I’d much rather learn from someone or I feel like maybe I’ve reached my limitations somewhere in some aspect of my music, but to step back and to listen to another keyboard player or listen to another songwriter and not take it as like, oh man, that’s better than me, but what can I take from that? So, I think that’s a great sort of approach to take whenever you’re pursuing music is it’s not all about being the best. It’s about developing your own voice and being satisfied in that or grow more in that, in your own strengths, as opposed to feeling like you have to outdo the other guy.

Yeah, totally, yeah. I agree with that. And I’m like you, I don’t know that I’ve ever sort of thought that way about competition, except to recognize that it signals something within me that needs to grow. You know what I mean? Like if I’m fearful or if I’m feeling like somebody is playing their guitar a lot better than I could or whatever, I’m just like you know at this point in my life it doesn’t affect me as much as just to enjoy it right like say, all the hours that must have been spent to get that good yes you know it’s so great you know and I’d love to play with somebody like that you know.

So, any aspiring musicians out there watching you know keep it up. Don’t feel like you have to be the best at it, but just feel like you want to develop your own voice and do your own thing. Like Clifton says, kind of put your own self out there and collaborate with others. Obviously music is made better when you have more folks participating, whether in a band or with an audience. So I think it’s great. We’re gonna take a quick break have a word from our friends and sponsors and maybe set up a play some music.

Welcome back everybody. My name is Greazy Keyz, organist for your Charlotte Checkers hockey team, here with my good friend Clifton Castelloe. Getting ready to play some songs for you on rBeatz Sessions. So, Clifton tell us about your song.

Nice. So after I lived in Santa Barbara, California for about nine years and played music out there quite a bit and so since then I mean I’ve always had sort of an affection for reggae and kind of the music of the beach and the islands. This song is sort of based in there and just a reflection on feeling stuck in your life and then needing someone else to kind of pull you out of your funk, you know, whatever it is, that’s kind of the basis for the for the thought.

Hey another brilliant song by my buddy Clifton Castelloe. Let it Go. Thank you, Awesome. Yeah, my name is Greazy Keyz. Happy to be out here on this beautiful day, with some rBeatz Sessions. We’ll catch you guys next time.