Clay Aiken Fans Recount Tour Blessings on St. Pat's Day

Clay Aiken sings 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.'
View montage by molino79 full screen at YouTube.
Download video with this Sendspace file.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

CA Fans Rewind Tried & True Tour

The curtain closed on Clay Aiken's 21-city Tried & True Tour five days ago, and fans have begun the inevitable ritual of posting favorite recollections in what has become a tradition following memorable performances and extended runs.

In addition to wishing all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day, this March 17 blog features a special tour rewind by ymarie. Appropriately, the opening montage by molino79 spotlights the tour through video/photos by farouche as Clay sings "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."

Whether you attended a T&T concert or experienced the show via cell stream and clack on YouTube, ymarie's essay will no doubt resonate with all fans of Clay Aiken:

Where do I begin?

From the first soft strains of these words wafting through the darkened theater in Miami, to the final lone microphone sitting on the empty chair in San Francisco, this tour has been one amazing experience after another.

The passionately powerful vocals of "Love Story" and "Unchained Melody" with the clenched fists, and strong arm movements that encompass the audience and draws everyone in; the playful and campy “Mack the Knife” with its finger snaps and jazzy moves, and the note that goes on forever; the laugh-out-loud hysterics of the “Who’s Sorry Now” variety of genres, proving the man can sing anything; and the soft melodies of "It’s Impossible," "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," or "Misty"; the gentle caresses of the mic stand and wistful looks, or the closed eyes when he goes into that other-world to sing these songs.

No one will ever convince me he’s thinking about dinner when he sings.

Looking back at some of the recaps there have been a lot of descriptive words used: charming, funny, powerful, personal, familiar, gracious, perfect, fabulous, vocally stunning, adorable, awesome, passionate, playful, spontaneous, witty, emotional, sentimental.

We all have this sense of wonder at how this simple yet complex man can have and keep such a hold on us for eight years and counting. He doesn’t need pyrotechnics, dancers, or a loud rock band. He can just stand there in a sweater and jeans, sing his songs, and make us go from laughter to tears in an instant.

We can cringe one minute at a picture of a goofy hairdo and be speechless the next by cheekbones, lips, and eyelashes.

Something seemed different this time. Maybe it was the intimacy of the venues. Maybe he feels more comfortable around us now. Whatever the reason, it was a very welcome feeling.

So many got to meet him and whether it lasted 30 seconds or a couple minutes, whether it was the first time or the fifth time (‘cause we all know once is not enough), everyone seems to have come away in that fog that only he can create. He gives you his undivided attention, and for that brief moment you two are the only ones in the room.

If you were lucky enough to attend in person, were following along on a cellcert and reading "red" reports, or just catching up via YouTubes later, he managed to make us all feel special and loved.

So, while there is a tinge of sadness at the end of a tour, I am cautiously optimistic. He said he wasn’t quitting. He has "irons in the fire."

Clay, take all the time you need. Rest, relax, and regroup. Bask in the glow of a job well done. You don’t know me, but you showed me that you love me. In my life, I love you more.

The three photos by farouche are from the Glenside (PA), Towson (MD), and Minneapolis (MN) Tried & True concerts. All are expandable.

UNICEF Seeks Aid for Japan

Not everyone in the world can celebrate the joys of March 17. Thoughts, prayers, and assistance continue for the families impacted by the epic disaster caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

To support UNICEF in disaster relief for the children of Japan, visit the organization's website. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill by texting JAPAN to 864233.

For more information and avenues of assistance, see the article at the UNICEF link.

ALL THINGS GREEN -- Clay Aiken graphic by Amazing_CA.

March Honors Irish Traditions

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

This blog commemorates March 17 with a splash of "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, Clay's celebrated role in the Broadway hit musical.

St. Patrick's Day, the most well-known March observance, honors the patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 400's A.D. March 17 is truly a day for celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions, and customs.

Around the globe, St. Patrick's Day festivities are generally themed around all things green and Irish. The secular version of the holiday is marked by wearing green or orange, eating Irish and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.

Irish colonists brought St. Patrick's Day to North America. The event was first commemorated in the 13 colonies in Boston, MA, in 1737.

Below is Sally's graphic of an Irish blessing, one of many you will no doubt read today!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation! Blessings on St. Patrick's Day!


St. Pat's signature by Linda