Couch Tomato

I wrote something of a recap in the thread. I had a wonderful time last night. I love Clay as much as ever and it's that voice that gets me every time.

I started my recap last night then fell asleep at the computer HA.

Anyway, for everyone I hung around last night -- Treenuts, Merrieee, Solo, Perusing One, Artquest, Permaswooned, Ficus, Cloopy, my lurker friend and her family - thank you! You all made it even more special. Tree, so happy we got to meet last year for the Reno trip. See you soon!!

And Bottle..you MUST be nuts. I'm just dragging myself up. I told Treenuts to call me when she got home and then we talked fora long time -- about Clay and other stuff. And now I go to work. It's my LAST official day. YAY.

I had a wonderful wonderful time last night. It felt really nostalgic for some reason. Maybe because it was in my backyard and I got to see some of my Bay Area peepsd and Southern Cal also.

So we had Dinner at the passion cafe. It was hit and miss with regards to service. Part of it was my fault because I downgraded our reservation because I just hadn't had much feedback. The place is small and I didn't want to hold up tables. But we ended up with a nice group of 12. But they had an even bigger party coming and I felt they pretty much spent way too much time preparing for a party that was 2 hours away. But, you know the company made up for it. And I liked my food.

So my lurker friend and her family came. Treenuts was VERY brave and drove to Oakland, parked at the West Oakland bart station and I met her there and we rode the train in together. Shortly after we arrived Solo, Merrieeee and Perusing One arrived and I was thrilled that Permaswooned and Artquest also joined us for dinner. Service was very French (meaning sllllllllllllllllllllllow) and I think I confused him by giving him cash and then my debit card for the balance...took him about a week to run the card. And for some reason they totally forgot to charge Treenuts and I for our combined 5 yummy drinks LOL. There was a lot of laughter.

The venue was close by. Something new happened for me. I got upgraded while in the venue. So had a very nice view of Clay from about row 8. Thanks Solo and Perusing One. I had a very enthusiastic guy sitting next to me. He yelled and sang throughout. I didn't mind because he really really love Clay and I could just feel it. He kept thanking Clay for the Best Buddies tickets as well. I was happy for him when Clay picked his "hip hop" genre for that part of the show.

I loved the show. I just basked in his voice. My how I have missed it. It's really the only thing that matters. He was funny and charming as always which always makes for a great show but I just loved listening to him.

It will be no surprise that Suspicious Minds was my favorite song in the show. I think that song is in my top 5 of clay songs ever.

I also loved Something About Us (aahhhh Fexlix wedding song - it was SO great to see him and Quiana (who rocked the house) and Ben) I also liked the new band members. The young guy was really good...and a cutie pie. --- back to favorites -- Build Me uP Buttercup (he tore that one up -- and it took me WAY back), Breaking Up is Hard to do, Crying and Unchained Melody. I want to have all those songs babies. But of course I want to have a lifelong affair with. ha ha. The Whose Sorry bit was funny, his tender chat with a 4 year old, and teasing of the audience as always made me giggle.

We went out to Lori's Diner after and.. let's see..me, treenuts, solo, perusingone, merrieeee, artquest, permaswooned, cloopy, and ficus. I think that was everyone. More laughter jealousy that they got eat decadent ice cream desserts.

It was a very good night. I seemed to hug so many people I haven't seen in a long time. Artquest for some reason looks younger and more fashionable than when I met her 8 years ago! How does she do that. Perma holds a special place in my heart because she was the first clay fan I met way way way back. And in case you don't read elsewhere... out of the group of us walking to get something to eat after -- it was Perma that was singled out on the street to buy some weed. How the hell does she have street cred and I don't. heee. I got to hug Spot and it's funny how I haven't posted with some people for so long that I can't remember their screen name ha but i remember their real name from all the parties she held at her house. So Kim, it was a JOY to see you again.

Oh I know what was funny and weird. I didn't recognize Jerome. How does that happen. I was like who's that big black man on stage that is not Clay heee. Maybe it was the spotlight. Oh and finally.. every time I looked at Felix I giggled remember that Vermont was a great little city. That has to be one of my favorite memories ever. For those who have never seen that..go watch. HILARIOUS all these years later.

I totally look forward to his next thing whatever it may be!

Bottle your desk is too damn clean!

Hmmm what shall I do today?

So next Saturday is the San Francisco show. Last night my friend and I went to check out a restaurant she found online. And we both loved it. It's a charming French Bistro called appropriately for Clay pre-party PASSION CAFE. We met the owners and they were very nice folk. Oh and the music is all in french and the big screens play french movies ha.

The address:

28 Sixth Street, San Francisco, California

Website http://passioncafesf.wordpress.com/

Time 5PM I'll get there at 4:30ish.

If someone can figure out that stupid menu please share.

Anyway, the cafe is located 500 feet from the Warfield. That neighborhood is *on the edge* but it's ok during daylight and we'll be a group when it's dark. And it's less than a block away. They have happy hour between 4 and 6 even on Saturday so reasonably priced appetizers and $5 cocktails. I had a yummy margarita. For appetizers we tried the sweet potato fries and the calamari frit. Both good. For dinners we tried burger and fries, beef bourguignon, and the open faced vegetable sandwich. Everything was good but the cheese on the grilled sandwich was a bit burned. I suspect that wasn't a regular event..well I hope not. Anyway if it's warm enough they also have a roof patio.

I'll post this also in the proper thread. I told him I'd give him a count by Wednesday. So please let me know. I know there are other pre-parties but I hope to see ya'll. Location Location Location. heeee

So next Saturday is the San Francisco show. Last night my friend and I went to check out a restaurant she found online. And we both loved it. It's a charming French Bistro called appropriately for Clay pre-party PASSION CAFE. We met the owners and they were very nice folk. Oh and the music is all in french and the big screens play french movies ha.

The address:

28 Sixth Street, San Francisco, California

Website http://passioncafesf.wordpress.com/

Time 5PM I'll get there at 4:30ish.

If someone can figure out that stupid menu please share.

Anyway, the cafe is located 500 feet from the Warfield. That neighborhood is *on the edge* but it's ok during daylight and we'll be a group when it's dark. And it's less than a block away. They have happy hour between 4 and 6 even on Saturday so reasonably priced appetizers and $5 cocktails. I had a yummy margarita. For appetizers we tried the sweet potato fries and the calamari frit. Both good. For dinners we tried burger and fries, beef bourguignon, and the open faced vegetable sandwich. Everything was good but the cheese on the grilled sandwich was a bit burned. I suspect that wasn't a regular event..well I hope not. Anyway if it's warm enough they also have a roof patio.

I'll post this also in the proper thread. I told him I'd give him a count by Wednesday. So please let me know. I know there are other pre-parties but I hope to see ya'll. Location Location Location. heeee

cindi, ya gotta remember.....some of us are packing for our trip to see Clay tomorrow and are just now getting back to the board. Having siad that....niiiiiiiiiiiiice pictures....

I get to see Clay tomorrow night! Will I even be able to sleep tonight?

No! ha ha.

For people coming to San Francisco I have made a reservation for the pre-show dinner. I will give details tomorrow night after I go eat there and make sure the food is good! I honestly have no idea how many are coming but I've reserved for 15. If you can RSVP in the thread I can get the real number by Wednesday of next week.

Hi Guys..I'm working on a place. I have two in mind but my lurker friend and I will go Friday after work and check them both out. I'm not getting a feel for the numbers.

I'm seeing Merrieeee, Solo, Perusing One, treenuts, Me, My lurker friend and her husband, Lotus and possibly Lotus. I'll start off with a group of 15 and adjust accordingly.

More details to come by the weekend.

And Treenuts looks like we're both being dumped by our moms. Mine is going to Oceanside.

Got my tickets! Finally. I thought I was going to have to storm the castle.

I quit my second job! YAY for me. I'll be broker but happier and less worn out!

Great pictures!

Wow Lucky. I'm having fun flashbacks reading your recaps!! Thanks so much for sharing with us. And seems like some wonderful bonding time with your daughter.

Lucky Awesome review! Fifth row is just about perfect. I've had first row once and I'm thrilled that I did. It was a totally different type of experience. Well March is almost here and I can't wait. My mom will miss the show though. She's going to visit her other child in Oceanside on the 9th. I guess I'll have an extra ticket if anyone needs one. Have no idea where they are. Still waiting for them.

Bottle! LOL. You're so funny. I'm sure whatever I've heard about you and Clay is a big fat lie heee.

KAndre - take it easy girl.

Lucky, you still know how to write a great recap! And fast too.

By the time I get home from work most nights it's 10 or 11 pm on the east coast and everything is over. I'll be quite the virgin when my concert rolls around considering my lackofsounditis, if I may steal that from a certain red head.

If you're coming to SF..can you post in the sf thread. I want to get a count. I've found a few places to investigate. If you know of someone coming that may not see this please account for them please.

Wow...so much excitement in the room. I'm loving all the recaps and pictures and meet and greet stories. Very excited about the possibility of something in NYC. I never need a reason to go but darn I would love to go back and see him on stage.

March 12th is getting closer. I promise to do some scouting for a party and have a place set up by the end of the month. I may have to go exploring. I'm not really a SF person so will have to ask around and maybe go investigate it. Treenuts! whoo hooo almost here. You wanna have a field trip?

Does anyone have their tickets yet? I'm getting CONCERNED!

Great pics Cindilu!

And Lucky! I think it's hilarious that we all probably remember everything he ever did more than he does. I bet back them it looked HUGE.

Quick comments for tonight's concert:

Clay was in absolute gorgeous voice.

He is amazingly funny.

The eHP rules (or as 00lsee would put it, "Aaaaargh!")

Apparently if you leave your car in the Macy's Garage after a certain period of time, they lock your car up. And the eHP has to drive you home, which is probably a good thing after 3 bellinis and something called a XXX rated pink martini.

C'est la vie!

bwah ha ha. I think fun may have been had by all.

Eeeeeeeeee I'm going to see clay in california!!!

yay that's cool! See you soon

Nice interview. Loving all the clack. Trying not to sit here hitting refresh all day. Still only know my seats for one out of three concerts. Thankfully, the ones I know about are pretty good (5th row) so I'll be ok if the other two aren't. Still wracking my brains about a question to ask Clay. Still trying to figure out what to have autographed. What a tough life I lead....

HA HA

I can't wait to read your recap. I love your excitement. That icon is perfect for you.

Wow there are so many great interviews. This show sounds terrific. Can't wait to see it. There seems to be lots of banter which I always love. And the song list is great. I can't believe I have the last concert by default LOL.

Thanks for the reports!

Here's a little OT tidbit.... I've been trying to get through the TV shows I have backed up on Hulu and I decided I'd watch through an episode of Lie To Me. Well, in the beginning credits I saw Merle Dandrige's name! She ended up playing a pushy DA with an agenda. She was only in maybe 2 or 3 short scenes but it's nice to see one of Clay's old cast mates show up on the small screen.

I know Chris Sieber was just on The Good Wife last night too but that's not a show I watch.

Oooh I watch The Good Wife faithfully but don't know what part he played. I'll have to look at the credits.

Tree! Hey! Glad to know someone had the good sense to hire you. Hope you are well!

My show is the last one I think. Looking forward to the reports tomorrow.

Yes Clay's voice is very unique. There are not many people you can hear just a few bars and know it's them.

Glad things went well. Something else to add to my list when I get a new computer.

Happy holiday ha ha. I don't have a rooting interest in the super bowl this year. Just rooting for my SQUARES in the pool LOL. weeeeeeee.

looking forward to the start of the tour. I'm really curious about what he's going to pull together.

Congrats to all the meet and greet winners!

Off topic but wanted to say I've seen more of AI this year than I have in the past 5 because I'm usually at the hospital when it comes on. At home my mom usually goes into her room to watch it. But I have to say that I think it was Simon I couldn't stand (my mom's favorite) because the show no longer bothers me AT ALL. Don't mind the new judges Maybe the show will be put back on the singers where it belongs anyway. I thought Casey was great last night but have only seen a few people that I thought were actually good, let alone great. I do know I'm so over the bad auditions - never my favorite part anyway. But it doesn't seem as mean spirited as before.

Ok good to know nobody else has received tickets. KQED is one of my charities anyway so was happy to donate. Clay being on killed two birds with one stone for me. But they will paper you to death with requests for more money.

So I take it there is nothing official about Clay's status so that means that void will be filled with a bunch of other stuff. Not all of it bad I'm sure. Some of it interesting. But I wonder if anything is new. I doubt it.

Love the snow pictures. Thanks for sharing.

My mom's being released on Friday. Glad she's coming home. I'll be able to get some sleep!

Has anyone in the bay area that pledged for concert tickets at KQED gotten them. I'm just afraid suddenly that I threw away my tickets. They send so much pledge mail that I started throwing things away without opening..totally forgetting about the tickets. Hopefully they haven't been sent out yet. Can't wait for the concert. I feel so virginal LOL.

Thanks for the update on the Clay and Decca thing. Nothing really surprises me with the music business. My cousin lost her job with Universal after 20 years on the job. She's not even really looking to stay in the music business at this point.

Bottle, my mom is doing well. They are just keeping her until they feel certain she can go back to normal mobility without falling. So she's just having occupational and physical therapy daily. After that, it's bingo, puzzles, tv, chatting, and free food. LOL. We go by every evening after work for a few hours.

Thanks LadyJ for all your work on the time lines.

Fear, be careful!