Jay Hayden, rising local R&B singer, presents the second of two concerts on Wednesday as a Strathmore 2012 artist in residence. The first R&B musician so honored in the prestigious program, he is eager to introduce the audience to songs from his debut CD, “Love Counseling,” and select numbers from his latest album, “Believer,” due out this spring. He hopes it takes off as rapidly as his first album did, with a boost like that he received when the single “Nowhere” soared to the Billboard Top 100 chart. “I dedicated the song ‘Loving Me’ from that album to the military wives who struggle with the burden of keeping house while their spouses are overseas,” Hayden said. “It’s my tribute to every woman who has the responsibility of maintaining her home.
Hayden has performed throughout the D.C. area at such venues as the Birchmere, the Verizon Center, Bohemian Gardens, Blues Alley and Rams Head. He has worked with producers Roy Hamilton and Glen Mosley and has been involved with BET, E!, Fox NFL Sports, Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures.
“When I was selected for the AIR residency, I was at the point in my career when I wanted to sharpen my skills in dealing with interactive projects and networking to become better known. I have a studio in my home in Northwest Washington where I write, study and produce. My mentors at Strathmore have given me guidance in all areas, from a business standpoint and creating stage presence to expanding my exposure. Connaitre Miller, a professor of jazz on the Howard University faculty, is one of several AIR mentors who have inspired me.”
| Onstage |
| Jay Hayden |
| Where: The Mansion at Strathmore |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday |
| Info: $12; 301-381-5100; strathmore.org |
He discovered the Strathmore’s AIR program to be the perfect artist boot camp, a place where he received insight into every aspect of performing and learned how to proceed in each area.
Since childhood, he has been focused on a career in music. He began playing and composing in Prince George’s County churches. While attending Woodlawn Middle School, he learned of a piano in the music center.
When Hayden sits down to compose today, he develops a song from a melody that grows from an emotion or a real-life experience. He credits this creativity to a mission to know himself and become a pioneer in everything he does.
“I want the Strathmore audience to understand the real Jay Hayden,” he said. “Success in music is all about personal connections and leaving them with something to remember. The Strathmore AIR program has helped me grow as a musician, a composer, an actor, a producer and artist on all levels. My song ‘Believe’ expresses my philosophy.”
