Wishing all a joyous Christmas! Recommended Playlist: 'Merry Christmas With Love' by Clay Aiken
Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here Merry Christmas if even just one May the joy of the season surround you Merry Christmas with love!
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: Clay Aiken sings MCWL during the 2005 Joyful Noise Concert in Denver. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
If "Merry Christmas With Love" is not filling your holiday airwaves, the solution is a click away with mp3 downloads at Amazon and other online outlets. Fan club members can link to Clay's musical holiday greeting here.
MCWL Playlist
Merry Christmas With Love Mary, Did You Know Hark the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful O, Holy Night Don't Save It All for Christmas Day Joy to the World Sleigh Ride Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Silent Night The Christmas Song Winter Wonderland What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
The clickable graphics below are by Fountaindawg, 1, 3; Cotton, 2; Lindylo, 4, and AmazingCA, 5. Photographers include Curtis Brown, 1, 3; zippy888, 4, and toni7babe, 5.
A special thank you to all who visit the Carolina blog throughout the year. I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your props for the talented visual artists featured here.
With visuals and music from Jacquie Lawson, I wish you and yours peace, love, and all the wonder of the holiday season in this Shining Star card! Note there's a puzzle option when your day winds down. *g*
Clay Aiken, Chaka Khan sing 'I Believe We Can.' View Phineas and Ferb song full screen at YouTube.
Video Chat on for Tonight
Fans Celebrate 'I Believe We Can'
One year ago (8/2/2010), recording artists Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan guest starred on the celebrated Phineas & Ferb episode Summer Belongs to You by singing the inspirational duet, "I Believe We Can."
My grandchildren, Kai and Lia, are really into Disney and other kiddie channels; so this blog was written as I looked up links for them. However, you are welcome to come along for the ride and celebrate the episode's one-year anniversary with the four videos below.
The one-hour Summer Belongs to You episode premiered on DisneyXD on Aug. 2, 2010, and was telecast four days later on the Disney Channel. The catchy duet was released on iTunes and other online outlets as part of a digital album of music from the Phineas & Ferb series.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 1. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 2. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 3. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 4. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Perpetually on summer vacation, Phineas & Ferb centers around two stepbrothers always embarking on some grand project. Their sister Candace angrily watches them, never able to get their mother to catch the duo in the act.
The two also have a platypus named Perry, a secret agent for an all-animal government organization that primarily takes on Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz, an evil scientist.
Wacky by adult standards, but it works!
Below are clickable screen caps from animated Clay's performance of "I believe We Can."
As if anyone in the Clay Nation needs a reminder, the singer will hold a live video chat with Official Fan Club members at 8:30 pm ET tonight.
The "bleachers" are already filling up. See you there!
Widget features slide show of screen caps from 'Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE!' by Scarlett.
Mailbag Spotlights Readers
Clay Nation Anticipates T&T Tour
Tried & True Tour mania has taken over Clay Aiken's slice of Cyberspace and is constantly inspired by the latest updates from Decca Records and the Official Fan Club site, as well as a myriad of T&T videos/visual art shared by fans. An atmosphere charged with excitement is evident at the singer's message boards, Facebook/Twitter networks, and fan blogs. All who frequent these sites know there's nothing like being present for the spontaneity, great vocals, and sheer entertainment of a "live" Clay Aiken performance.
Scarlett's opening slide show of screen caps from the PBS Special Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! not only graces this blog but is also decorating countless Facebook walls with abundant links on Twitter. Below is the first of two sets of clickable stills from the slide show:
According to Krule Music's Front Stage blog, Clay has something special planned for the 2/14 Valentine T&T Concert in Houston. Stories and YouTube promos abound. Here is one for the 2/12 Miami concert: Clay Aiken Comes to the Van Wezel.
The opening of a new Idol season always produces headlines centering around previous finalists and their subsequent careers. From Extra, see American Idols: Where Are They Now?.
According to USA Today, Clay is rooting for 16-ear-old Victoria Huggins from Lumberton, NC, in the 2011 edition of Idol. Don't miss Victoria's AI audition that sent her to Hollywood. (Yo-Yo, Dawg!)
T&T Tour Talk Hot Mailbag Topic
One of the best indications of the growing excitement are the comments fans leave in Carolina entries. It's been a while since I assembled a mailbag blog, and here is a sample of what readers have been writing back during January.
Headlining are the well-deserved celebrations for the National Inclusion Project's $50k Pepsi Refresh grant win in December, continued "thank you" voting during January for the charity's partners and alliances, lots of Tried & True Tour talk, as well as thoughtful remarks RE the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Marlyne: I loved SueRue's "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap" It is awesome! Awwwww the memories. Looking forward to the memories of 2011.
SueReu: WONDERFUL graphic by AmazingCA featuring the very expressive face of one Mr. Clay Aiken.
Hooray for the National Inclusion Project! Whether it's #1 or #10, it matters not to me - in the hands of National Inclusion Project $50K can do an amazing amount of good.
AmazingCA: Awesome video from SueRue! What a good way to end the year and see the 2010 Recap.
Sandy: A big congratulations to The National Inclusion Project for their first place finish in the Pepsi Challenge! A job well done by everyone involved!
What a fantastic job Sue did in making the "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap." Loved the Jacquie Lawson "Auld Lang Syne" card.
MissSally: The Inclusion Project's thrilling first place finish is a fantastic way to start this new year. Kudos to all of the voters, and the worker bees; Royalle, Scarlett and you, Caro. As your friend I know about the countless, hours, days weeks and even months the three of you devoted to this project.
ACA's 2011 graphic is gorgeous! I'm so happy that she continues to delight us with her unique creativity. SueRue's "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap" is pure joy to watch. Clay Nation is blessed to have so many talented artists.
Katy: Looking forward to a wonderful 2011 for Clay Aiken and his fans. Loved the 2010 Recap.
Puteri: Thank you for all your blogs which help keeping me updated on all about Clay. Sue please keep feeding us with your clacks... that's the only way I can relieve my thirst of Clay performance. Hugs from Indonesia ...for all Clay fans & for a wonderful 2011 to come! 1/5/11: Clay, Fans Applaud Pepsi Win, Broadway Event
Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Invisible926.
ImGranny: I love that you have the Widget on the side to make it easier for those that want to continue voting for our alliances and partners that helped us win. Hopefully some of them will win this month. I will be voting every day!
I'm excited about Clay performing on Broadway Feb. 7 and can't wait to see what he is going to sing. It won't be long now till the Tried & True Tour starts! Fun times ahead!
Marlyne: Yeah, we did it!!! It is now time for us to help others. Thank You for the wiglet, you make it so easy for us.
Sandy: Looks like 2011 is getting off to a good start! First the NIP getting the $50,000 and now Clay performing at the Great White Way again. Should be interesting to hear what he is going to sing! Hope we get Clack!
anaturegirl: Thanks for having the Widget on your site. Makes it easier to vote for all those who helped get NIP to Number 1 in December. MissSally: The "Thank You" widget speaks volumes about the kind and considerate nature of Clay's many dedicated fans. I think it will forever be remembered by the helpful groups who participated in December's amazing win. Thank You for "Playing it Forward."
Donna in WI: Hope the concerts go well and Clay enjoys singing to everyone soon! Loved your blog and the videos get me in trouble; but, hey, love them!!
Lois: I just got done watching some of the old tapes I had on clay when he was first on Idol, and now I come here to see some more of the early clay. How wonderful. It was hard to pull myself away from u-tube, and all the old videos.
Marlyne: I just love watching those old Clay videos from the American Idol days. Now I have to get some of my old DVD's out and curl up this evening and watch them. I can't believe T & T Tour is about to begin! Finally!!!
ImGranny: It won't be long now till Clay Aiken is on tour to entertain and delight us as only he can. I can't wait!!!!
lovinclay: I can't get enough of the Video of Prince William and Kate. SAU has always been one of my favorite songs from OMWH and it just seems to fit this montage so well. I also loved the montage from DWTS . UM goes so well with it. LovesClaysVoice: Caro, there is so much fun stuff in this blog! Thanks for including my montages! I love the graphics and have one of them as my background already! 1/16/11: America Marks King with Service Day
The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
MissSally: Our First Lady Michelle Obama, the direct descendant of slaves, now lives in a house that was built by slaves. This morning I downloaded the e-book version of "How Michelle Obama Leads", and look forward to reading it. Dr King's "Dream" lives on, and our nation will forever be enriched.
Sandy: I was watching Piers Morgan interview Oprah last night and when Piers reminded her that the most powerful woman and the most powerful man in the USA today are both black, Oprah was close to tears!
She holds Dr. Martin Luther King with the highest reverence, knowing that in all probability, if it were not for him, she most likely would not be where she is today.
Reneti46: Enjoyed the look back. Loved the 'Grace of God' montage!
Newspaper: Truly inspiring and very thought provoking. Strange, there are people still who can't understand this great man's concept of what life is all about.
Hope you enjoyed reading the thoughts of the Carolina's readers, some of whom post at the OFC.
Below is a short preview of the Tried & True Winter Tour concerts slated for Feb. 10 - March 11. The itinerary is posted in the Jan. 11 blog, as well as at Decca Records.
CHARLOTTE CONCERT - Clay previews the Tried & True Tour for his Feb. 23 home state concert at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC.
According to the sidebar's Tried & True Tour countdown widget, the Miami opener is under three weeks away. Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!
Wishing all a joyous Christmas! Recommended Playlist: 'Merry Christmas With Love' by Clay Aiken
Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here Merry Christmas if even just one May the joy of the season surround you Merry Christmas with love!
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: Clay Aiken sings MCWL during the 2005 Joyful Noise Concert in Denver. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube, and download with this Sendspace file.
If "Merry Christmas With Love" is not filling your holiday airwaves, the solution is a click away with mp3 downloads at Amazon or other online outlets. Fan club members can link to Clay's musical holiday greeting here.
MCWL Playlist
Merry Christmas With Love Mary, Did You Know Hark the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful O, Holy Night Don't Save It All for Christmas Day Joy to the World Sleigh Ride Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Silent Night The Christmas Song Winter Wonderland What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
The clickable graphics below are by AmazingCA, 1, 2, 5; Cotton, 3; and Lindylo, 4. Photographers include PermaSwooned, 2; zippy888, 4, and toni7babe, 5.
A special thank you to all who visit the Carolina blog throughout the year. I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your props for the talented visual artists featured here.
With visuals and music from Jacquie Lawson, I wish you and yours peace, love, and all the wonder of theHoliday Season!
Clay Aiken performs in Tried & True ~ LIVE PBS Special. Graphic by Fountaindawg with photos by Jim R. Bounds.
For Clay Aiken Winter Tour
Fans Dance T&T Ticket Tango
With a surprisingly low stress level and kudos for the Clay Aiken team, a two-day pre-sale for 12 Tried & True Winter Tour venues kicked off at the singer's official fan club site Wednesday morning.
Preceding general admission sales, fan club tickets went "live" at 10 a.m. PDT Wednesday and will continue until 5 p.m. PDT Friday. Members of the Official Fan Club can access the sale on the Events page.
Pre-sales are underway for these concert sites: Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Knoxville, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore, Greenville, Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, Minneapolis, and Memphis. Presales for other cities will be listed in the coming weeks.
The 2011 February-March concerts will mark Clay's first tour supporting the Tried & True album and Tried & True ~ LIVE DVD released this summer by Decca Records.
Clay during interview by Pierre Kimsey at WKNO Memphis.
A Conversation with Clay Aiken
In conjunction with the Memphis telecasts of the Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS special, WKNO producer Pierre Kimsey spoke with the singer in what many longtime fans have dubbed "the best interview ever." You can download "A Conversation with Clay Aiken" at Clack Unlimited or stream it at Ideal Idol.
The interview aired in Memphis on Aug. 5; and, hopefully, WKNO will make the "conversation" available on the station's website, as well as schedule more telecasts. Personally, I think the "conversation" would sell a lot of tickets for the March Tried & True concert in Memphis.
The Nouth Carolina native was beginning a career as an educator working with special-needs children when he took an opportunity to audition for the TV show American Idol, then in its second season.
His life was transformed as a finalist, and he has emerged as one of the most successful singers to have been launched by the show.
Aiken has used his celebrity on behalf of the international charity UNICEF and has traveled to Somalia, Afghanistan and other countries where children have been impacted by war.
In this half-hour conversation, Aiken talks with Kimsey about performing, sudden fame, family, UNICEF and more.
To comment on this excellent, well-researched interview by Kimsey and the Memphis PBS station, use the "Contact Us" link at the WKNO website.
CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE ~ LIVE! Promo View full screen at YouTube.
'T&T LIVE' Headlines Pledge Drives
The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS special, which kicked off in 30 markets coast to coast July 31-Aug 1, continues as a headliner for pledge drives throughout the country.
Dates and locations for PBS special telecasts are available on message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace. Check your local PBS station website or see theCANN PBS Database for an air date/location near you. The program will shown in some areas later this year.
In most cases, the telecast coincides with the fall pledge drives of public television. Supporters are able to donate to their local station for a variety of thank-you gift packages: the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, as well as premium Tried & True Tour tickets and M&G passes in areas where a February-March 2011 concert is scheduled.
2011 Tried & True Tour Sites
Miami, FL - Feb 10, The Adrienne Arsht Center Orlando, FL - Feb 11, The Hard Rock Cafe Sarasota, FL - Feb. 12, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Houston, TX - Feb. 14, Jones Hall Atlanta, GA - Feb 16, The Cobb Energy Centre Knoxville, TN - Feb. 17, Tennessee Theater Pittsburgh, PA - Feb 18, Carnegie Library Music Hall (Homestead) Cleveland, OH - Feb 19, Playhouse Square Baltimore, MD - Feb 22, Kraushaar Auditorium (Goucher College) Charlotte, NC - Feb 23, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Greenville, SC - Feb 24, The Peace Center Westbury, NY - Feb 26, Theater at Westbury Glenside, PA - Feb 27, Keswick Theater Cincinnati, OH - Mar 01, Taft Theatre Fort Wayne, IN - Mar 02, Embassy Centre Waukegan, IL - Mar 04, Genesee Theater Minneapolis, MN - Mar 05, State Theatre Memphis, TN - Mar 07, Minglewood Hall Grand Prairie, TX - Mar 08, Verizon GP Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center
Other possible concert sites mentioned include Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Ann Arbour, MI;St. Louis, MO; Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; and San Diego, CA. Check back for updates.
Below are clickables of graphics featuring the Tried & True CD (AmazingCA, 1; SueReu, 2); Tried & True DVD (Fountaindawg, 3); and Tried & True ~ LIVE (Foutaindawg, 4, 5):
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!
Caro
Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro
This blog is about my passions: family, friends, music, teaching, journalism, Carolina basketball, and Clay Aiken. Since 2007, visitors have dropped by from 170 countries, the most recent being Cuba, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Nicaragua, and Aruba. Hope to see y'all again soon! - Caro
Posts
