#58: The man is made of awesome!

[bottlecap]

That's okay, ldyj. I just mentally played More Than a Feeling in my head while you were droning on about that so-called song.

[jmh123]

Eeeep - I was on the phone. The cellcert has started--talk about tonight's concert here.

[Couch Tomato]

Home sweet home. We still are hoping and praying KF made her flight. She hasn't called yet and our call went straight to voice mail so we hope so.

First of all I want to say how much i enjoyed being back in the presence of on stage Clay. It's my favorite Clay. He is just so in his element on stage and I've missed being a part of that. I haven't seen him live since the David Foster thing. I enjoyed him and Ruben. What hit me somewhere mid show is what professionals they both were. They have both matured, especially in voice. They've always made a great team. I've thought that since 2003 when they hit the interview circuit.

I like how they weaved Clay's "dancing" throughout the show and also that he has golden lungs. What's so great is seeing how much the boy can really move these days. I also loved the "competition" aspect of it. There was such a playful vibe. I also love the trust, respect and comraderie that each brought to it. I love that Clay doesn't mind being the goofball. I really love the confidence of both.

The singing was sublime. When all four sang together I remember this one reviewer's comments about Clay, Jacob, Angie and Quiana - the wonderful wall of sound. I felt that wall of sound many times during the show - just really powerful moments. 4 people that can sing! just wow.

With one show I didn't get a feel for Casey? Is that her name. She can sing though. I'll get to know her if she continues to sing with Clay.

Quiana - I've missed her too! She has such a warm, vivacious spirit. I can see why Clay and she are friends. Who wouldn't love her.

The show... I love the show. Love the concept. It was familiar to both Jukebox and American Idol. Since I'm the oldies queen I totally loved the show. I'm also an R&B girl and So Ruben sang favorite song after favorite song after favorite song. I thought his voice was rich and wonderful. I think Marvin Gaye is extra special and unique so that's the one area I wasn't feelin'. Very few people can do Marvin Gaye to me. Cindy Lauper's What's Going On is a rare exception where I like that version almost as much as the original. But all in all he was fabulous I thought he was warm and personable and funny. Reverend Rube was hilarious. The stool bit... all the interaction was just great.

Clay OMG - well he started off with Suspicious Minds...can't get any better than that. I thought he looked FABULOUS from head to toe. I thought he sounded great. I thought he was funny. I thought he was sharp in how he responded to that drunk woman. I've always admired that funny sarcastic quick man. I loved the comedy bits. I've always enjoyed his delivery. But of course it's the singing that drew me to Clay originally and the reason I'm still here. He thrilled me with Suspicious Minds. He teased me with Crying. He makes me smile with When I see you smile. He made me laugh with Footloose. I loved Footloose with the whole group. Loved the whole soul power thing and his dancing. HILARIOUS. I loved the hammer pants. OMG, the boy had swagger. I love those golden lungs of his!!

Clay and Rube together - I love how they spliced together FWW and TITN. I love their chemistry and love. I loved when Clay said why do I always have to sing the girl parts.

All in all it was a fabulous evening. My mom totally loved the show. She rooted for Rube on American Idol but she's also a big Clay fan. She thought it was over way too fast.

The other big part of the weekend was hanging out with LdyJ and KeepingFaith, Liney and meeting Treenuts for the first time. Tree it was a total joy to meet you and hopefully we can get together soon since we're "neighbors." My mom said to me -- she's really pretty! Yes you are. Thanks for sharing breakfast with us this morning.

For the people that I didn't get a chance to sit down with it we will make it up next time. SF is a city I know a bit better than Reno and we will party hardy when Clay comes here. Wandacleo am so sorry I missed you and Claylove I think there was only a wave across a crowded lobby.

It was good to see others like Permaswooned, Spot, Nell, and California ClayFan at after party and to all the usual suspects I saw walking the venue and hotel halls. It was great to see you all.

Finally I want to say that I've been a bit disconnected lately. Not from Clay - he's always with me cuz his music is always with me. I'll be a fan FOREVER. It's just been life in general. It only really hit me this weekend when talking to treenuts that probably one of the things that hurts is that I can no longer read the boards during the day at work. I used to be able to do that ..at least read during the day and respond at night. But now I'm completely shut off until I get hone from work and sometimes that could be as late as 7:30. And then after relaxing, cooking, preparing from the next day and working job #2 and then I'm too tired to read and post. This weekend served to refresh me and totally get me back into the fun of it all.

I was completely out of the loop and now am completely caught up on all things fandom and Clay and probably only know the half of it. Don't know fact from fiction but I'm not one to get into Clay's personal life or anyone's for that matter since there's no way for anyone to know what's going on in somebody else's house. But I wish him happiness which is all I've ever done. I hope he finds the one cuz that's a damn hard thing to do!!

And tomorrow TRIED AND TRUE! I got my reminder tonight!! Can't wait to see it. Hopefully they will announce the SF shows. I may even have some money to buy some goodies thanks to my winnings! YAY.

I have to say I'm THRILLED to know there are shows upcoming since I can only do one of these. And I know how Clay changes things up so it's always fun to see multiples. But knowing I have ALL Clay shows to look forward to to support that fabulous Tried and True album makes up for it. I love this album so much and I can't WAIT.

[claylove]

I am back home too but soooooooooooooo.... tired. Can't believe I have to work tomorrow.

That show was so awesome. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard! I will try and post some more thoughts later this week after I get some much needed SLEEP! But, I did want to extend my apologies to those who attended the FCA post-concert gathering because I had to cancel last minute. This was my Mom's first concert since the I-Tour but last year she broke her back and still has a lot of back pain. She did really well for the show but ended up really needing to lie down. I took her back to the hotel room and she said I could go meet y'all but I just did not feel right leaving her by herself in the hotel room so I decided to stay with her instead. I think it meant a lot to her.

She and my other roomies ended up falling asleep on me and I found myself chatting with one of my best friends who lives in NC and somehow I bought a ticket to the Charlotte show in February!! How the heck did that happen?!?!?! *g*

BTW... in case you haven't seen the SF show of T&T will be either Sat. Mar 12 or Sun. Mar. 13. Pledge tix are $250 for a ticket plus CD & DVD and no M&G. I think I am gonna wait for the OFC presale/public sale on this one.

[keepingfaith]

I did make that flight - last person on after re-opening the doors for me, and checking my luggage from the jetway. The plane taxied off about two minutes after I took my seat, and five minutes later we were in the air. Five minutes after that I was asleep and did three full hours, which was good since I got about 1/2 hour last night. It was the shortest four-hour flight I've ever taken.

Loved meeting treenuts, liney, wandacleo, and of course, the inimitable Mama Couchie! Had a fabulous day in San Francisco with Couchie and Lady J that I'll never forget.

Couchie, I better not hear that you ate that left-over pizza for dinner tonight. Just curious, were any keys misplaced after I left the scene?

Liney and I confirmed our past-life connection with an order of Vietnamese Egg Rolls. Sometimes it's the smallest things!

Shared the concert with a newbie convert on one side, who sang every song throughout the show and LOVED Clay, -- and the other side was Mr.and Mrs. PermaSwooned, both of whom are absolutely the best company. Enjoyed political conversation at the table with Liney, Spotlightlover, and "Nell" and we were getting close to the answers, but got a bit too tipsy to recall just how we plan to save the world. I'm sorry Claylove couldn't make the dinner last night because I really wanted to say more than Hi! Next time, deal?

As to Sterlings ... the food was marvelous and the waiters were insanely good. The Lump Crap Cocktail and French Onion Soup was a memorable event. As to the Avocado and Crap Salad I had at dinner with with LadyJ and Couch Tomahto the night before, let me sum up my dining experiences to say that "Crab" and "Clam Chowder" were falling from my lips quite frequently on this trip (not to forget the Vietnamese Egg Rolls)!

One of my favorite lines of the show is regarding Drunk Lady, or as Clay said, "She's ducking frunk" and the lady said, "My kids are here" and Clay said "Exxxx-cellent" the funniest, snarkiest 'excellent' I've ever heard. And then, "I'm sure they're looking forward to years of therapy after this" and "Anybody have a extra liver?"

And I loved Clay continuing to address Ruben as "Uncle Ruben" -- as in, "Tell me about the '70's, Uncle Ruben!"

These guys are not Sonny & Cher, not Donnie & Marie, not the Carol Burnett Show, not the Rat Pack ... this show more resembles the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, with "Mom always liked you best" -- Ruben as Little Dickie Smothers and Clay as Tommy. It's a no-brainer. So where are the producers?

Thank GOD I'm seeing this show again in Biloxi. It's the best Clay Aiken concert I've ever seen. He was hilarious. He was gorgeous. His body was scrumptious, his jeans were the best ever, it was semi-flash back to Idol with the two amateurs now seasoned pros at the top of their game. Ruben was amazing. I loved every moment of Superstar and Everthing I Do, and melted at Bringing It On Home. Quiana was beautiful and sang my favorite song that I've ever heard her sing. She outdoes Chaka Khan. Casey fits rights in and never misses a note or a step and Clay plays off of her so well. This show flows and is a polished production; the split-up Clack can't do it justice. That's just jacked up. This show begs for a DVD that doesn't chop up the parts but is non-stop like the entire show. It is brilliantly written and put together. I have no complaints about any songs, any medleys, who sings what, who says what, just nothing because it's a masterfully compiled show. It has a theme and a sub-plot. It's the best thing I've seen Clay do. It's the best he's ever looked. I'm in love all over again. And the dancing has ceased to be choreographed moves. It's inate now. He feels it. He did the best "jerk" on the stage. He's got RHYTHM!!! And his moves are fluid and sexy. Whatever has taught him to move like this is something I hope he continues to get much practice with. And I don't think it's coming from dance class. Right, treenuts?

YAY for Houston!!! Hint: HOUSTON does not have a problem!!!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!

And Clay People are the Best People in the World!

[keepingfaith]

Double posts SUCK!!!

Treenuts is a doll. Did I mentions that? And the BEST of drivers. I didn't have to grab the Jesus Strap even once! LadyJ is a natural born navigator. I'd put her up against anyone.

Couchie is the connoisseur of carbs and cantaloupe. I need three weeks with you, woman! Tell Miss Charlene I'll miss her. And Couchie, I hope Randolph isn't moving you out in a week or two. That man's moving fast! The casino money may be an auger of something developing here. Ya think?

Liney, I love you, but admit to being jealous that you're in the LA audience tonight. Hope it's as wonderful as last night!

Night all. I'm beat!

[bottlecap]

A couple of LA pics from ClayGalaxy at CV:

[merrieeee]

Thank GOD I'm seeing this show again in Biloxi. It's the best Clay Aiken concert I've ever seen. He was hilarious. He was gorgeous. His body was scrumptious, his jeans were the best ever, it was semi-flash back to Idol with the two amateurs now seasoned pros at the top of their game. Ruben was amazing. I loved every moment of Superstar and Everthing I Do, and melted at Bringing It On Home. Quiana was beautiful and sang my favorite song that I've ever heard her sing. She outdoes Chaka Khan. Casey fits rights in and never misses a note or a step and Clay plays off of her so well. This show flows and is a polished production; the split-up Clack can't do it justice. That's just jacked up. This show begs for a DVD that doesn't chop up the parts but is non-stop like the entire show. It is brilliantly written and put together. I have no complaints about any songs, any medleys, who sings what, who says what, just nothing because it's a masterfully compiled show. It has a theme and a sub-plot. It's the best thing I've seen Clay do. It's the best he's ever looked. I'm in love all over again. And the dancing has ceased to be choreographed moves. It's inate now. He feels it. He did the best "jerk" on the stage. He's got RHYTHM!!! And his moves are fluid and sexy. Whatever has taught him to move like this is something I hope he continues to get much practice with. And I don't think it's coming from dance class. Right, treenuts?

YAY for Houston!!! Hint: HOUSTON does not have a problem!!!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!

And Clay People are the Best People in the World!

So did you like it?

[luckiest1]

Ha ha wonder what that face is all about? Love, love, love all the recaps....couchie, so glad you had a great concert. Your recap was a joy to read.

Last night I watched Tried and True, aired on the Seattle PBS station. OMG!!! It's been a long haul since March in Raleigh, waiting for this night. And I was not disappointed! I finally got to see his facial expressions! I only wish they didn't cut so much of the show out....does anyone know if there is more banter on the DVD than they showed on TV? I, of course, called and pledged $75 so that they will send me one, but I will probably also order one from Amazon to keep in the shrink wrap. I hear that the US version has a cute picture under the DVD and the Canadian one doesn't.

So, with all the PBS airings last night, did they announce any more concerts? Still hoping something shows up in this neck of the woods, even though I've made up my mind that I need another Carolina trip (NC/SC baybee!) in February.

Happy Civic Holiday Monday to the Canadians who are off work like me today. I don't remember the last 4 day weekend I had, but this is the bomb. I could do this every week. I even cleaned the bathroom yesterday, I had so much time on my hands! And went to the beach with the dogs and a couple of kids. What will I do today?

ETA for cindilu2, who was missing WKOFAI last night, saw this at the CH:

On the DVD WKOFAI is substituted for IML -- so it is not in the broadcast. My bad.

[luckiest1]

As per CH, Jaymes was in attendance at last night's concert.

<-----------------------like my new avi??

[FearofH2O]

Yahoo for luckiest and claylove coming to NC. Anyone else?

Thanks for the great recaps. Sounds like the FCA get together was a big success. I hope we see you around some more couchie.

Have a wonderful day and see you all later this afternoon.

[cindilu2]

As per CH, Jaymes was in attendance at last night's concert.

<-----------------------like my new avi??

Rawr!!

*kicks whoever thought leaving What Kind Of Fool Am I off the broadcast was a good idea!! It's 3 1/2 minutes people. Make it work!*

[aikim]

Also per tweets...not only Jaymes, but Faye and Granny were also there...thinking they are in LA to celebrate Parker's Birthday.

Also...Kelly Clarkson was there and tweeted how much she loved the show.

73 Days until The Concert in Chicago!

Happy Birthday to all celebrating!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[bottlecap]

Adding my own personal countdown:

0 days until Clay is on my local PBS station!

4 days until I see Clay in all his deliciousness in Windsor. EEEEEEEE!

[luckiest1]

EEEEEEEEEE for 4 days until Windsor!!!!

From heartracerclay at CH:

HEADS UP fans going to Charlotte TNT in February. Just spoke to customer service - over 200 pledges so far, and more showings happening in Charlotte. What with online requests and phone requests, they were only supposed to sell 30 M&G/tix, but couldn't shut down the online in time and ended up selling 50. She also assured me that Clay will be ecstatic and they will work something out. Also, tickets requested at the same time WILL be assigned adjoining seats. I asked her about Greenville, SC and she couldn't find anything about a PBS station there or how to get tickets to the Peace Center. The seats WILL be in the premium section of the orchestra. Info on seating will be emailed a month beforehand. She said he was so nice and down to earth. Didn't think to have a picture taken with him or get his autograph. Silly girl. Didn't know when the tickets would be on sale to the public.

I am so so glad to read this. I really was expecting a phone call to tell me that they'd made a mistake and my M&G was not going to be allowed, because I phoned in around 9 pm and the first showing started at 4:30 pm! So glad they are going to work something out. EEEEEEEEEE! And I think there is a South Carolina PBS showing late in August scheduled, so maybe we'll find out about the Greenville tickets then.

Also per tweets...not only Jaymes, but Faye and Granny were also there...thinking they are in LA to celebrate Parker's Birthday.

Just out of interest, who's tweets were these? I am following Clay, Quiana and Ruben....oh maybe you mean fan tweets? Hee, I still am with Clay that Twitter is the devil but what's a girl to do? All this new technology....

[JennaZ]

I thought I was over him.

It’s been a long time since I posted. I’ve drifted away, not because of any ill feelings toward him or the fandom, but because, as clack seemed to trickle to a stop, the craving to check boards daily began to subside. Real life became much more pressing, more absorbing, and before I knew it, I would look up and realize that I hadn’t even thought about Clay in months.

I was always still interested. I downloaded “Tried and True” from iTunes. But I didn’t chase down special editions, I didn’t go to any CD release parties, and I didn’t read any reviews or articles. If I happened to catch him on TV, I watched, but if not, I didn’t hunt for downloads. When I heard he had a concert in LA, the city I live in, initially, I had not even planned to go. I thought it was better to save the money, as the urge to see him no longer seemed particularly strong. However, when a friend of mine, a Ruben fan, asked me to go with her, I thought, maybe I should, for her sake.

We didn’t even try for the best seats, happy to sit further back in the balcony. I went into this concert without having listened to previous cellcerts or having watched any clack. I’d briefly skimmed the board to get a vague sense of what to expect in terms of theme, but I didn’t really focus on recap details. So what did I think of the show?

I was enthralled. Sure, it didn’t have the staging of some of the earlier tours. Yes, the audience wasn’t as vast as it had been at some of the arena shows. True, many of the songs were those I had heard before, but honestly, I think that’s why I loved it.

This show reminded me why I was a fan in the first place. When he sang, “This is the Night,” I recalled with fondness, not just his Idol appearance but those early Idol tours. “Still the One” reminded me of those early pre-Idol tracks I had downloaded when I was hungry for anything he sang. Many of the songs, of course, were reminiscent of the Jukebox Tour, and they all brought back to me the power of his voice.

And then, there was the banter. I was delighted and impressed by the interaction between the two of them. They were funny and charming, and you could tell that everyone on stage enjoyed and appreciated each other. I’ve always believed in the Clay/Ruben friendship, and I’m happy they’re doing this tour together.

When I left the theater, I thought about all the things I’d always loved about him. It made me want to hear his songs again. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as obsessed as I once was, but after this concert, I know I’ll always be a fan.

[FearofH2O]

back JennaZ. I seem to remember some very interesting posts from you. I hope you'll share some of your thoughts with us here.

Of course most of the others here have really good posts too, well except for me.

[liney23]

back JennaZ. I seem to remember some very interesting posts from you. I hope you'll share some of your thoughts with us here.

Of course most of the others here have really good posts too, well except for me.

JennaZ... Ditto to the above!!!

Fear... I figure you and I are the audience for the folks who post so throughly. We're always appreciative and that's important, too!

Man, I take one day off and I am flat out inundated with work today and may be putting in much overtime to get caught up (and I don't get paid for overtime, dang it)

tree... you told those people we only wanted appetizers and drinks??? Did the rest of us know that??? LOL I have no idea how the final bill came out, but I hope they made some good money off of us, cause everything was the best of the best.

I have a conference call in 3 minutes, so must go. Not sure when a more detailed recap will happen. I'm still so high from seeing everyone and then capping it off with seeing Clay, et al. Kewl

[ldyjocelyn]

JENNA! So great to see you, and glad you had a great time at the show in LA!

My flights made it home in good time, but I'm not cut out for red-eye travel. I can't sleep in anything other than a flat surface, so trying to sleep was almost impossible. But I'll tell you what...naps are good.

I'm still in awe of my show. The man's calling is as an entertainer, and I could feel his thumbprint over every portion of this show. I just can't get over how much fun it was, and how good it was.

Oh, but in the "priorities" department -- my DVD was waiting for me when I got home this afternoon. It's been watched and drooled over and...oh my. It's stunning. And then, I'll watch PBS on Wednesday night!

[Carolina Clay]

I have a new air-conditioner! All morning while the guys were taking out the ancient version (for which no parts are made anymore) and installing the new unit, I was putting together a new Carolina On My Mind blog. Here's the gist:

Though seven shows, audiences are loving the musical, fun-filled Timeless Tour of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. The new Carolina blog features videos, graphics, and recaps, as well as segments about today's Phineas & Ferb debut, the PBS Special, 2011 Tried & True Tour dates, and a plea for funds by Clack Unlimited.

Thank you for your comments and visits, FB posts, tweets, etc. My tweet can be found under "All Friends." If someone retweets me, it will go into the "Clay Aiken" column. Why my tweets are banned from Clay's column I don't know. Many thnx for the assistance!

There are now 13 Feb-Mar 2011 Tried & True concert dates, the newest being Cincinnati. This list will be updated in the blog entry.

Has anyone ever heard of the website UberVU? I noticed a link in the live feed for UberVU. This one takes you to the 7/27 Carolina blog and includes the comments, too. Here's a link to the main page at UberVU.

Enjoyed hearing from you again and reading your wonderful recap, Jenna!

Tomorrow the crew returns to install a new heater. For this, I will be teaching music lessons the rest of my life. I also must pick at least one brain about the digital thermostat, which is quite different from the relic that departed this morning.

Love all the excitement, recaps, etc., going on in the CA fandom! Have an awesome week, all!

Caro

[FearofH2O]

So now I'm gonna watch Disney! Help me! It's on.

[luckiest1]

For anyone considering going to the Orlando concert, this is from kimiye at CH:

First Orlando showing on WMFE-HD features the Chicago hosts and phone bank. I've spotted artquest and Scarlett so far. They are offering the CD and DVD packages, but give a phone number to call for tickets (which I bought online Saturday).

[FearofH2O]

Don't miss Phinias & Ferb, well at least the first 15 minutes or so.

[bottlecap]

I am watching the Marvin Hamlish '70s music special on PBS while I wait for Clay's show to come on. Some guy just sang a countrified honky-tonk version of Misty. Eeeks! I could tell it was a Clay song, but I had to listen to it for a long time before I could make the connection.

And now Peaches and Herb are singing. Another Clay connection. LOL!

[ldyjocelyn]

Totally forgot about Phineas and Ferb tonight! Sigh. Oh well...I'm gonna download the song from iTunes tomorrow.

Hey, we're getting close to a new thread, and we've only got two suggestions for a thread title. Any one got anything?

I mentioned that I watched the DVD earlier today. Two things about it: 1) When Ruben came on stage, I love the two shots of Clay watching his friend sing from behind the scenes. His face just shows his love for old Rube. 2) I have to admit it...at the end of the DVD, I shed a tear of happiness. I'm so proud of Clay and his work. He's come so far in these 7 years since we've known him. He's grown and changed, and so have we as his fans. I totally believe that he's happy with his life and his career, and I've been blessed to know him.