ldyjocelyn

by the sounds of those screams I think it should have been the jeans.

OK, the big question: is there clack of this?

Clay, next tour -- bring your own lighting person too.

Hee. I guess Floridians watch a lot of TV!

Of course they do -- lots of old retirees.

*don't hit me*

Man the screams are LOUD!!! Almost too much for me to take....

I'm going to guess he took off the jacket. heh.

This is probably what Clay was dreaming of when he thought of doing this medley... a big singalong. Hee.

Yep. He just picked some themes that were a bit TOO obscure. Heh.

Yes, the entire crowd is getting into this section. Of course, by now, everyone knows this medley because we've all heard it more than a few times!

laughn -- see my post above yours! Heh.

Perfect Strangers now.

I think my eardrum got pierced from a scream there.

Into the medley now.

EEEEEEEEEE! He was singing the theme to "Greatest American Hero!!!!" Love that theme!

And now it's the theme to Bosom Buddies! (ie., Billy Joel's "My Life!")

This really is turning into audience participation.....

WW theme now. Great orchestra theme, I've gotta admit.

Man, for a small crowd, it is LOUD.

Talking to someone in the crowd who is it his 8th birthday. Sean's birthday is tomorrow.

But now it's about Jesse, and the list of gifts he wants.

I think I just heard scarlett trying to hand off the camera to solo -- and she said no!!! Heh.

RHW....and it sounds really great!

He IS talking to Scarlett!!!! Did she say a bad word?

And now he's talking to solo. This is gonna be good.

WISYS

See, I can't tell them apart over the cellcert!

The banter isn't clear at all. But the audience "I love you Clay" is. *sigh*

"Quiana is a shopaholic. Tell them about that shirt you bought in Atlanta."

But I can't hear Q!!!!

"Nice to be indoors with the AC."

Picking on someone in the front row with a camera. "Are you comfortable?"

Is he picking on Scarlett again?!?!?

What did solo say?

"She's got a whole Radio Shack there."

Who's doing IWKWLI tonight? I think it might be Q.

PICTURE FROM ATLANTA SHOW LAST NIGHT (with the ring):

This is when he was talking to the girl who chose Clay over a car.

jamar, I think the ring was back last night. It seems like I saw it in a picture, but I could be wrong...

I think the attendance for last night wasn't great because of the heat and the fact that it was a weeknight during school (I guess Atlanta started school already). I think the attendance for tonight isn't so good because this was sort of aa last minute booking..

[begin drama queen] OMG, HIS CAREER IS OVER!!!! HE'LL NEVER SING FOR US AGAIN!!! [/dq]

The sound quality for the singing portion on the CH cellcert is pretty darn good, not as clear as last night, but still good.

Yes, solo is the cellcerter; sunnydays is the DJ.

I love the screams when he finally appears....still gives me chills to think about that.

Preconcert report -- not very full venue. Can see that the last four rows of the orchestra is empty, balcony about a third full. Very "high school auditorium" feel to the venue.

Missed a lot of the preconcert stuff there, sorry....hubby just came home.

And the concert starts with HYCA.....

In about 20 minutes....

*ahem*

I put that in the header of the thread....

*ahem*

*sniff* The last of four shows in Florida....

....EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

:TourExcite:

Bottle - that picture......

I would love to lick those little beads of sweat off his face.......

CG -- knock yourself out. Personally, I see a guy, even a really hawt LOOKING guy (heh), with sweat all over....and I'm like "yuck!"

I think my reaction is more like "Hey Clay....I'll help you get that sweat off your body. Wanna shower together?"

Good luck on catching your flight tomorrow. I can always call you....if I'm up.

Just talked to the eHP girls in Florida--- and KAndre's plane has arrived. All is well.

YAY!!! Whew. Now all we have to do is get YOU there safely.

merrieee, are you part of the traveling eHP this weekend or not? If you're not....we'll drink together this weekend.

Just talked to the eHP girls in Florida--- and KAndre's plane has arrived. All is well.

And I'm upgrading. Of course I'm upgrading. I talked to Scarlett, for heaven's sake!!! If anyone is still looking for a Tampa ticket, I've got a Row K, Seat 8 now available.

How does everyone keep upgrading? I was on their site a couple of hours ago and the best they had available was row W! Does Scarlett have the magic touch or something?

Yes, I think Scarlett just simply KNOWS how and when to tackle the computer for better seats. Needless to say, I'm going to be talking to her in December for better Merrillville seats....

Here's a sweet picture from the Atlanta show, via atlantamm at the Clayboard:

keepingfaith -- wear your water wings!!!! Hope you make it out safely tomorrow!

PRNewsWire

Neil Sedaka Celebrates 50 Years in Show Business

Neil Sedaka Celebrates 50 Years in Show Business

Wednesday August 15, 1:29 pm ET

Bountiful Program Honoring Legend to be held at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall on October 26th, 2007.

Performances by Natalie Cole, Clay Aiken, Captain & Tenille, David Foster, Renee Olstead, Raul Midion, The Bad Plus and NEIL SEDAKA. More special performances to be announced.

Proceeds to benefit Elton John's AIDS Foundation

NEW YORK, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary singer songwriter Neil Sedaka will be honored at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center in New York on Friday, October 26th in celebration of his 50 years in show business. At press time, performances scheduled are Natalie Cole, Clay Aiken, Captain & Tennille, who reached #1 on the Billboard charts with Sedaka's "Love Will Keep Us Together," Raul Midion, Renee Olstead and The Bad Plus. More special performances to be announced. Grammy winning producer David Foster will also be performing. Foster played piano for Sedaka back when Sedaka & Elton John had their smash duet "Bad Blood" back in 1975. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Elton John's AIDS Foundation. Producer of the event is Michael Dorf.

Recently Sedaka returned to the Billboard top 20 album chart for the first time in 30 years with the compilation of his greatest hits titled, "Sedaka, The Definitive Collection." Brooklyn-native Sedaka began his prolific career as one of the original creators of the "Brill Building" sound in the late 1950s and early 1960s when he and songwriting partner Howard Greenfield signed with Don Kirshner and Al Nevins at Aldon Music. Sedaka was catapulted into stardom after Connie Francis recorded his "Stupid Cupid." She then sang the theme song Sedaka and Greenfield had written for the 1960 MGM spring break classic, Where the Boys Are, which would be her biggest hit. As a result of these hits, Sedaka signed a contract with RCA as a writer and performer of his own material. He soon recorded chart toppers "The Diary," "Oh! Carol," "Stairway to Heaven," "Calendar Girl," "Little Devil," "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Next Door To An Angel," and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do".

In the late 1960s, Sedaka had tremendous success writing for artists such as Tom Jones, The Monkees and The Fifth Dimension ("Workin' On A Groovy Thing", "Puppet Man") and Karen Carpenter's marvelous version of "Solitaire." In the early 1970s, Elton John signed Sedaka to his label, Rocket Records. The result was two tremendous albums (SEDAKA'S BACK in 1974 and THE HUNGRY YEARS in 1975) that produced two of his hugest worldwide hits - "Bad Blood" and "Laughter In The Rain", both of which went to #1 on the music charts. Rolling Stone Magazine hailed Sedaka as "the new phenomenon."

"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" was re-released as a ballad in 1975, and made music history when it reached #1 on the charts, becoming the first song recorded two different ways by the same artist to reach #1. During this time, the Captain and Tennille had a worldwide #1 hit with their version of Neil's "Love Will Keep Us Together". The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, has had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In June, 2004, he received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Popular Music / Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization's 35th annual induction and awards ceremony in New York. Named for the former President of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, this award is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements in furthering the successes of songwriters.

Sedaka recently appeared on FOX's hit TV show "American Idol", as a guest judge. Clay Aiken performed and released a cover of Neil's classic "Solitaire," which reached #4 on the Hot 100 Singles chart, and was one of the Top Selling Singles of 2004. Most recently, Neil concluded a 10 city tour of the United Kingdom, where he filmed a live concert for PBS that resulted in the DVD "Neil Sedaka The Show Goes On - Live At The Royal Albert Hall". During this historical evening, Neil was presented with The Guinness Award for his song "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo", as the best selling single of the 21st century in the UK, a song that was originally performed by Tony Christie over thirty-five years ago. Neil Sedaka continues to tour regularly and sell out concert halls all over the world.

Tickets are on sale now for this once in a lifetime event and can be purchased through www.sedaka50.com.

www.neilsedaka.com

Neil Sedaka proudly supports the Elton John AIDS Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.ejaf.org/

PRNewsWire

Multi-platinum Recording Artist Clay Aiken Slated for Celebrity Edition of Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum recording artist

Clay Aiken will be testing his mental mettle against a group of brainy

fifth graders. Mr. Aiken, co-founder of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF),

is slated to appear on the upcoming celebrity version of Fox's hit game

show, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

Aiken will be playing to raise money for TBAF which will receive a

minimum $25,000 for Clay's appearance. But Aiken plans on earning much more

for his foundation. The Foundation earns money for each question Clay

answers correctly. Should he correctly answer all 11 questions, the

Foundation will earn one million dollars.

"We're excited about Clay's appearance on the show to fundraise for the

Foundation. Fox has given us a great opportunity to move closer to our goal

of 100 Let's ALL Play camps in 2008. Clay's appearance will also gain

exposure for our goals of full inclusion. Of course we're hoping to win the

million, but Clay's being part of their hit show will be great for the

Foundation either way," said Jerry Aiken, executive director, TBAF.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's Let's ALL Play initiative brings an

inclusive recreational and learning experience to all children by giving

children with developmental disabilities the same summer camp experience.

Children of all abilities come together to participate in recreational

activities including swimming, baseball, archery, arts and crafts, physical

fitness, and community service. Let's ALL Play encourages children's

organizations nationwide to move toward full inclusion by offering as a

resource a tested, successful, comprehensive model supported through

specialized training.

Let's ALL Play has become a viable option for YMCAs and other

children's organizations nationwide which seek the ideal of becoming fully

inclusive. The goal is to implement inclusive recreational programs

nationwide to reach thousands of children with 100 camps by 2008.

Hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

airs on Fox's Thursday night lineup. Aiken will be taping his appearance

August 28th with the Celebrity Edition airing to be announced later. The

season's premiere is slated for September 6, 8pm Eastern and 9pm Central.

About The Bubel/Aiken Foundation: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation serves to

bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the

world around them. The Foundation supports communities with inclusive

programs and works to create awareness about the possibilities that

inclusion can bring. For more information visit the Foundation on line at

http://www.bubelaiken.org.

SOURCE The Bubel/Aiken Foundation

I really have nothing to contribute to the conversation....y'all are pretty much saying the same things I've thought for a while now regarding his school years, and also his teaching.

Just wanted to post because I CAN -- another day of the internet being up and down at my workplace. It's been driving me batty!

I wanna go home -- and watch all the clack from cha cha trusty...

I almost forgot -- keepingfaith, if I could 1) convince my hubby that Florida is really quite pleasant this time of the year; 2) postpone school starting for another week; and 3) justify being in Florida after visiting my sister there earlier in the year, I would SOOOOOOOOOO be there. Alas, the main problem is really the school thing. It's incredibly hard to ask for time off at this time of the year without a political mess.

Anyway, I hope you have a safe flight (with very little turbulence) and a fantastic time seeing boyfriend!

The best one, IMO:

That is one fantastic picture. What a great captured moment.

I really want to enjoy these last shows completely but already I'm v. sad that the summer's coming to an end. So much joy, and yet never quite enough.

That really sums it up for me too. It's never enough with Clay Aiken.

Regarding the Google alerts -- I still get the news once a day, and I can usually tell if the article is going to be complimentary or not just through a quick sentence or two. The thing is, the ones that I can tell AREN'T -- I just let them roll off my back. OK, I might get upset for about 30 seconds...but then I delete the alert and it's "out of sight, out of mind." I also feel that I should keep getting the alerts, because there's just as much good stuff out there that might be missed. It's a balancing act.

CG and family -- you will be in my prayers.

OK, I actually need to get to work today. Heh.

*crosses fingers for some clack and pictures from last night*

AAAAAAGH! Phone call from a good friend right at the beginning of the second act. Therefore, I've missed practically everything.

But this LAA sounds sublime.

Ah, I'll download the classics tomorrow....I hope. Is there any of the famous clack gatherers there this evening?

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{CG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I hope you have a wonderful time this weekend....and just know that you'll be with friends. If you need to cry for a while, I'm sure they will be there for you. And those of us not going to Florida -- we'll be with you in spirit. If you need anything, just holler. And I mean that.

wow, ATD sounds awesome tonight... cellcerter said there would be audio..I think I want this one...

I was thinking the same thing. He's been singing the shiznit out of that song lately, and tonight was fantastic!

And we're back!!!! ATD up now

I love the changeups he's been doing with this one lately....

CG, how is dad? And YSRN, how are you feeling?

M & G Report

Someone asked if he and Jimmy K friends. Said they are. Became friends during that appearance with the mock fight. Enjoy each others company and humor. Celebrities have contacted JK to do a similar type skit like Clay's, and Jimmy has turned them all down. Likewise, Conan contacted Clay wanting to a reconcilatory skit like the JK one, but Clay turned him down too. They are very loyal to each other.

That's very cool that JK and he have really got a friendship going. They really do seem to be the "Odd Couple" in so many ways.

And as far as Conan -- heh. Serves him right.

Doesn't do any kind of warm up routine before concert. Usually consists of having a grilled cheese sandwich.

Clay....that's not good. Warming up is important. And grilled cheese?!?!?! *sigh*

Was handed one of those autograph doll which was covered in autographs. He couldn't find a spot to sign. He said.."well the crack is available....and ended up signing his name on butt.

This really cracks me up!

Let me guess... "RCA wants him to do another covers album."

Why don't people focus on the statement that two of the songs Clay wants have already been approved? Apparently, there is a report clarifying that RCA offered him a covers album if he wanted to get something out quickly, but he said no. This doesn't seem like an "ultimatum," just an option he chose not to take. A covers album would be much easier to put together than an album of originals. Nothing "mandated" there.

Sounds very positive to me, and Clay seems happy about the situation, so what's all the angst about?

*major eye roll*

I'm totally happy that he has gotten two songs approved so far. It also sounds like he is reflecting on his options...and we should celebrate that he HAS options. (Not that I don't think he didn't last time either....but I digress....)

I wouldn't have any album angst even if he said they shackled him to the basement [tm Eeyore sorta] and forced him to sing for his suppah. Didn't have any last time. Never will. Just who I am. He'll be fine. I'll either like it or not. His house will still be bigger than mine.

You are me. I just can't worry about any of this. And I wish I had his house.

I am so proud of Clay and how he handled the last album and this one. I can see him wanting to get anything out rather than waiting last time because of the fear that fame is fleeting. But now he'll wait and get out what he wants. And RCA will wait, I'm happy they have approved two of his songs. Yes! This is sounding great. Better the devil you know... I really think that applies here. I just don't feel and never have that this is a totally atagonistic relationship. It's just business. Anyway, good news.

Thank you!!!! :F_05BL17blowkiss: