HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Clay Aiken will join a huge cast performing in a holiday benefit at New York City's Beacon Theatre Sunday night. Double clickable graphic by Fountaindawg with photo by Curtis Brown.
NIP Votes for Pepsi Partners
Fans Celebrate Holiday Concert
Clay Aiken returns to Broadway Sunday evening for a special performance in the Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays Concert at the Beacon Theatre.
Presented by Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund, the 8 p.m. benefit will help raise awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth homelessness. Tickets are priced $35 - $500. For more information, visit the Beacon Theatre website.
"When I first learned that up to 40 percent of all homeless youth in this country identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, I was shocked and saddened," said Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund.
"For far too long homeless youth have not received the attention, resources and funding necessary to bring an end to this epidemic. My hope is that through this inspiring evening of music and comedy we can raise awareness and much needed funds to help these young people."
In addition to Clay, the Beacon Theatre benefit concert will feature the talents of Lauper, Norah Jones, Lou Reed, Rosie O'Donnell, Carson Kressley, Amy Lee, Chely, Wright, Skylar Grey, Vanessa Carlton, Angelique Kidjo, Harvey Fierstein, Deluka, Debbie Harry, Alan Cumming, and Cassandra Wilson.
Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund is sponsoring the benefit concert. NIP Celebrates $50k Grant Win
After securing a $50k Pepsi Refresh grant last month, National Inclusion Project supporters are voting for December participants who supported the foundation in November's successful drive.
Links and text numbers for the supporting charities, along with several causes from North Carolina, are located on the ABC panels of the above widget and the vertical version situated in the Carolina sidebar. Both were created by Scarlett.
The VOTE panel contains two sample comments to post on the charity's Pepsi page following your daily ballot.
Below are double clickables of Fountaindawg's opening graphic. The second is a widescreen version.
National Inclusion Project - Inclusion is giving people their rightful opportunity to participate. The NIP works every day to ensure no child sits on the sidelines.
For Pepsi Refresh Challenge
Inclusion Project Sets $50K Goal
National Inclusion Project supporters stormed out of the gate the first of November and claimed the #2 position of this month's Pepsi Refresh campaign for a $50,000 grant for the charity.
The foundation, co-founded by singer Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel in July 2003, must finish in the top 10 to win a November grant.
Through a variety of programs, including the Let's All Play Camps, the National Inclusion Project seeks to ensure that no child sits on the sidelines. Read more about the NIP at the foundation's website.
Register for a daily voting reminder at the NIP website. If the Inclusion Project wins a November grant, your name will be in a raffle drawing for an Apple iPad2. The daily email is excellent for forwarding to friends, relatives, and associates who will help the charity attain its goal.
Vote 3 ways to expand inclusive programs for all children.
The rules have changed since friends of the foundation successfully secured a Pepsi grant in December 2010.
* The Inclusion Project must win in November as there is no rollover from month to month.
* Advocates can vote 3 ways: via a registered Pepsi account, Facebook, and a daily text of #109857 to Pepsi (73774).
* Supporters have 5 votes for each avenue everyday, but only one NIP vote per method. Distribute the other four votes to charities supporting the foundation. These are listed in the NIP Voting Widget in this blog's sidebar.
* After each Pepsi/Facebook vote for the foundation's partners and allies, click on the Back to the Idea Page tab (upper left corner) to leave a comment. Reciprocating charities will return votes to the NIP accordingly.
* Best of all, there are no Pepsi power codes in this month's competition.
On Nov. 30, there will be 10 winners in the $50k category, now the highest award possible. Longtime supporters know the early momentum must be maintained in order to secure the grant.
Widget Makes Voting a Snap
A tremendous tool for Project supporters is the voting widget created byScarlett with reciprocal info gathered by Royalle.
Jerry Aiken, executive director of the National Inclusion Project, not only approved the widget but also asked that supporters be reminded to vote all three ways. "We lose much-needed votes when people take the easiest route and text vote only."
Fresh off the press, the voting widget below links you directly to causes supporting the NIP. Create your own comment, but be sure to include the NIP Pepsi page address and text number. Here is a sample:
The National Inclusion Project just voted for you. Thank you for your return votes! http://www.refresheverything.com/includingchildren and Text 109857.
The widget will be available here and in the Carolina sidebar throughout November.
2012 Clay Aiken Calendars - Order by Nov. 22! Tried & True wall calendar cover is clickable.
2012 Calendar Deadline Approaches
The 2012 Clay Aiken Calendars are going back to the Gala as auction items. But before that, fans of the singer can order Tried & True wall or desk versions through the project's coordinator. Produced annually by Rosaratanawith photos by toni7babe,the 2012 calendar features images predominately from the 2011 Tried & True Tour and is again being published in desk and wall versions.
Hippoga, also part of the 2012 team, helped select the photos and coordinated the inclusion of 20 calendars in the silent auction for the Dec. 9-10 Champions Gala, annual event of the National Inclusion Project in Raleigh, NC.
Sample of monthly desk calendars. Double click to enlarge.
The calendars, printed on premium glossy card stock, can be ordered through Rosaratana between now and Nov. 22. Costs include $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall version (11" x 8.5").
To place calendar orders, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by Nov. 22. Checks are accepted, and she will email you the address. Process time between orders received to calendars printed and shipped is approximately 3-4 weeks.
As in the past six years, all proceeds after costs will be donated to the National Inclusion Project. Thought not an official NIP fundraiser, this project is sponsored annually by the Together for Inclusion Alpha Chapter of Aiken 4Clay.
The 2011 calendars generated a foundation donation of $965.62 through sales plus an additional $650 in Gala auctions.
Completed orders will be mailed by the first week of December.
Clickables by dancerdad.
Celebrity Apprentice Sneak Peeks
If you are following Clay Aiken message boards, tweets, or Facebook posts, you are no doubt aware that our guy is involved in another NIP fundraiser through Celebrity Apprentice.
The clickable photos above by dancerdad were taken during filming of a Celebrity Apprentice task for the show's 2012 telecast. Thursday's sale of New York City guidebooks by the men's team was well-documented by dancerdad and other Big Apple residents.
I Am NORM initiative seeks Pepsi grant for inclusion.
Secretariat-Style Finish I Am NORM Sets $50k Grant Goal
Entering the second half of September's Pepsi Refresh at #41, I Am NORM, youth initiative of the National Inclusion Project, is in position for a Secretariat-like finish in this month's campaign for a $50,000 grant.
Just as the legendary thoroughbred thrived on coming from behind, I Am NORM must follow suit. NORM doesn't have to be #1 to win, but the organization must finish in the top 10 charities of the $50k category for a grant.
To accomplish this, all supporters of inclusion -- fans of singer Clay Aiken, co-founder of the National Inclusion Project; followers of I Am NORM; persons and organizations who have benefited from programs, Let's ALL Play Camps, and funding from the Inclusion Project -- need to mount a no-holds-barred effort.
1. Engage the aid of friends, family, and associates in collecting as many Pepsi/Diet Pepsi power codes as you can locate in your area.
The 10-character codes from the yellow caps or canned carton tops immediately convert single votes from 5 - 100 points. The more power votes the quicker this campaign becomes a horse race with I Am NORM closing in on Sept. 30 celebration.
2. Vote for I Am NORM three ways in the Pepsi Refresh, and encourage others to do the same.
(a) At the Pepsi site (b) Via Facebook (c) By texting 109076 to 73774 (PEPSI) daily.
The above link takes you to NORM's Pepsi page, but you can also use the widget at the top of the Carolina sidebar. Other charities on the widget are partners who are casting reciprocal votes with NORM. Be sure to leave a comment so the groups know to return a vote for I Am NORM. A sample comment is on the "How To Vote" panel.
In a statement during Labor Day Weekend, Jerry Aiken, executive director of the National Inclusion Project, urged inclusion supporters to participate in this campaign:
WE are I AM Norm. This is a program within National Inclusion. We work in conjunction with other funders and are focusing on youth movement to build awareness about inclusion. National Inclusion receives the funds and manages the program.
Power Codes Prove Pepsi X-Factor
No matter how you slice it, the key to being in the winner's circle of the Pepsi competition lies with power codes. Here are a few suggestions for gathering the magical caps.
1. Contact all your Pepsi-drinking friends for assistance in obtaining these codes.
2. Befriend your cleaning lady and ask her to keep watch for the power code caps with other clients. Do the same with cafeteria workers at work/school.
3. A friend or contact working at a bottle recycling plant might agree to gather the yellow caps for you.
4. If your school, daycare, or sports team is having an event, offer to provide drinks. Solicit assistance from other fans to help record the power codes.
5. Ask acquaintances to report the availability/sales of Pepsi products with yellow power caps in your area.
6. Accept donations from supporters who live in (a) other countries or (b) areas where yellow caps are depleted and purchase the Pepsi products for them.
7. Hold an online Power Vote Party in a message board thread, Facebook Chat, OFC Chat, etc. Serve "refreshments" and provide entertainment/clack while participants vote the codes. Post party totals on Facebook and in NORM threads.
8. Host a challenge for "the most interesting picture of clack" (t-shirts, pins, anything) with a backdrop of Pepsi power caps.
9. Host an all-night online clack party that requires Pepsi so participants can stay awake watching.
10. Make this list grow with your suggestions in the comments below.
POWER OF YOUTH - The bold beginning for I Am NORM, a youth-led movement of inclusion throughout the US. View more videos at theI Am NORM YouTube Channel.
NORM Promotes Inclusion of Youth
Designed to promote the acceptance, respect, and full inclusion of all youth, I Am NORM was formed on a wintry January 2010 weekend in Washington, DC, by 20 young people with and without disabilities from diverse backgrounds and places throughout the United States.
These paragraphs from NORM's website outline the bold mission of these young people:
We are united in our commitment to a world where people of various abilities have equal opportunities. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that discrimination breaks us down.
We know that hatred is a learned behavior and that we can all strive to rise above fear and prejudice. We understand firsthand what we gain when everyone is included in our schools and our communities and how much we lose when anyone is left out.
The organization's work is driven by a Youth Inclusion Task Force and supported by a coalition of youth-serving partner organizations.
If successful in the Pepsi drive, the charity will utilize the $50k grant for hosting the 2012 Youth Summit, presenting the I Am NORM program at other youth conferences, and advertising the cause to the youth demographic. Read more about the cause at the I Am NORM Pepsi Page and at the I am NORM Share It website.
There is much more information about 1973 Triple Crown winner here. View the movie Secretariaton Starz and Neflix. Be sure Pepsi products are served for refreshments.
Have an awesome rest of the week, Clay Nation. Let's win this horse race!
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!
TRIED & TRUE PREVIEW: Singer Clay Aiken previewed the 2011 Winter Tour at a benefit concert in Chicago in October. The graphic design by AmazingCA with photo by PermaSwooned is double-clickable.
Kick-Off for Tried & True Tour
Fans Request UM on A/C Radio
With the 22-city Tried & True Tour slated to open in Miami, FL, on Feb. 10, Clay Aiken fans are lining up requests for "Unchained Melody," popular track on the T&T CD, at Adult Contemporary radio stations throughout the country.
Already a favorite from the singer's 2003 run on American Idol, "Unchained Melody" was arranged especially for Clay by Ben Cohen and has become his signature song on the Decca June 2010 Tried & True release.
Unchained Melody Double Clickable
Fan club members report that two Internet stations -- EZ Does It Net Radio and Soft 'n Easy Net Radio -- have already been receptive. Wednesday the first played "Unchained Melody" upon MagicalMusic's request. The second played "On My Way Here."
UM, which fits the AC format like a glove, was performed by Clay during CD promotional appearances in June. Below is video from The View.
Clay Aiken Performs UM on 'The View.' View video full screen at YouTube.
To find an AC station near you, searchRadio Locator by city/state/zip, call letters, and/or format. The Triad's station, WMAG-FM, just now changing over from its holiday format, provides an easy link for streaming live from its website.
Unless WMAG reads the Carolina blog, the station is in for a sweet surprise this week. To the delight of the Winston-Greensboro Wrapping for Inclusion team, this radio station frequently programmed Clay's "O Holy Night" during their sessions.
As a special "thank you"from WFI wrappers georgiesmybaby, FearofH2O, and Scarlett, a tin of Christie's Cookies with the National Inclusion Project logo will be delivered to 99.5 WMAG Radio Thursday. The NIP charity was co-founded by Clay and Diane Bubel in July 2003.
Logical next step for Clay Aiken fans in the Triad is to start requesting the singer's signature version of "Unchained Melody."
Who knows - the cookie angle just might work in other parts of the country, too!
Pepsi Countdown: 3 More Days!
After a grueling four-month campaign, the National Inclusion Project is sitting atop its category and appears to be on the verge of claiming a Pepsi Refresh $50,000 grant!
Daily voting routines have not slowed one iota, as supporters seek to help the alliances and partners whose reciprocal votes have boosted the Inclusion Project to its Top 10 standing.
The second Holiday Vote Blast is slated Thursday as eight children's charities seek to produce 100,000 Pepsi votes for their causes. See Vote for Kids for links to the NIP and the group's nine alliances.
You can also vote three ways by linking to the two widgets in this blog's sidebar or at their home base:NIP Voting Links and More NIP Voting Links. Created by Scarlett, the widgets contain the Internet/mobile ballot links/addresses for the foundation's alliances and partners formed throughout the four-month campaign.
Fans Target Ella's Hope, CDLK5
Two charities NIP supporters are especially targeting these final few days have been partners with the NIP for four-month Pepsi campaign: Ella's Hope, an alliance dedicated to early intervention of autism hovering around the final moneyed rung, and the CDLK5 Foundation seeking a cure for a rare neurological disease.
Sharon G (12/30) for CDLK5:Arianna's family of 10 have voted all 3 ways for you. Please help us to the top 10. 1 computer + 10voters + 3 ways = 1 comment and 30 votes. Ari and I sat outside of Kohl's today for 4 hours passing out fliers for votes for the 10 groups we are voting for. Hope it helped!
Arianna is a young girl with no voice. A $50k grant for CDLK5 would provide the operation she needs. I am voting for both of these groups with each ID from now now until midnight Friday.
Calendar Deadline Set for Jan. 15
An order deadline of Jan. 15 has been set by Rosaratana, who annually produces a Clay Aiken calendar as a fundraiser for the Inclusion Project.
The 2011 wall and desk calendars, which feature photos by toni7babe from the summer's popular Timeless Tour, have been well-received by CA fans.
All proceeds after costs will be donated to the foundation in February. Cost of the calendars, which are printed on premium glossy card stock are $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall model (11" x 8.5").
To place an order, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by Jan. 15. Checks are accepted, and she will email you her address. For additional information and photos, see the Nov. 2 Carolina entry: Clay Aiken Fans Go to Bat for Inclusion Project.
Christmas Day with Kai and Lia
The snow-covered sculptures lining my side street are actually sleeping dump trucks awaiting resumption of the utility work that has besieged our neighborhood for weeks. My three-year-old grandson Kai, who is very much into trucks, would appreciate the scene.
In his home, Kai has discovered that hardwood floors are very conducive for the emergency runs he and his new Christmas fire engine make. His sister Lia is content to imitate her mother's ways with a brand new doll.
The new toys stayed home when the family visited friends for Christmas Day. Clickables of their holiday activities are shown below. Grandmother's gift will arrive in the Spring when the family drives to Carolina for an extended visit.
Before leaving, Lia got in a little piano, voice, and "vamp" practice. Her music-teaching grandmother is most impressed with the hand-over-hand technique.
Kai and Lia enjoyed playing games before gathering at the beautiful Christmas table prepared by their hostess.
Holidays can be so tiring, but grandson Kai has learned to kick back and relax, above board and below, with/without shoes and socks.
Count on postscript pictures of the fire engine and doll baby. Meanwhile, have an awesome transition from 2010 to 2011! Happy New Year, Clay Nation!
CHICAGO CONCERT 22 days and counting! - Graphic by AmazingCA.
Oct. 14 Tried & True Concert
Widget Counts Down to Chicago
"Clay Aiken in Concert," an exclusive one-night only performance in Chicago's intimate Park West Theatre, is just 22 days away!
Sponsored by WTTW, the Oct. 14 concert will feature the singer's chart-topping hits, as well as songs from his new album, Tried & True. Single tickets can still be purchased here.
Count down the days/minutes/hours/seconds until this concert by keeping tabs on the sidebar widget created by Scarlett with Cotton's photo from the Foxwoods Timeless Tour Concert. Below is a double clickable of the widget art:
Photo by Cotton
Wednesday afternoon Pink Armchair posted information for Chicago concert goers on several message boards:
Park West is "first come-first served" general admission. And that’s still true for the seats in front on the level closest to the stage. That level, which has tables and chairs, is a flat dance floor about 30 feet deep.
Further back from the area down front, there are rows of booths on progressively elevated tiers, some seating 2-3, others seating 4-6. In the last row of booths, you are no more than 60 feet from the stage. Besides a great view of the stage, the acoustics are incredible, too.
By special arrangement with Park West for this show, ticket holders can call and reserve a booth, for as long as they last. If you aren’t particular about being right down front and don't feel like standing in line, give the venue a call (773-929-1322) between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT.
For those who choose to stand in line, there will be no stampeding for seats. It's not allowed. Ushers will seat concert goers an individual or group at a time.
Official Fan Club pre-sales, currently underway for 19 or the 22 Tried & True Winter Tour concerts, will end at 10 a.m. PT Thursday. OFC members should see Appearances at the fan club site.
Tried & True Winter Tour
Oct 14 Chicago, IL - Park West Feb 10 Miami, FL - Arsht Center Feb 11 Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live Feb 12 Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb 14 Houston, TX Jones Hall* Feb 16 Atlanta, GA - Cobb Center for the Arts* Feb 17 Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre Feb 19 Cleveland, OH - Playhouse Square Feb 20 Waterbury, CT - Palace Theater Feb 22 Baltimore, MD - Kraushaar Aud at Goucher College Feb 23 Charlotte, NC - Blumenthal Center for the Arts Feb 24 Greenville, SC - Peace Center for the Arts Feb 26 Westbury, NY - Theater at Westbury Feb 27 Glenside, PA - Keswick Theater Mar 01 Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theater Mar 02 Fort Wayne, IN - Embassy Centre Mar 04 Waukegan, IL - Genesee Theater Mar 05 Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre Mar 07 Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall Mar 08 Grand Prarie, TX - Verizon GP Mar 10 Mesa, AZ - Mesa Arts Center* Mar 12 San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom
It's Only Make Believe- Tribute to DWTS Winners Montage by SueReu with vocals by Clay Aiken View full screen at YouTube.
DWTS + Clay = Delightful Montages
This week marked the beginning of a new season of ABC's popular Dancing With the Stars, and it's just a matter of time before new montages pairing the song stylings of Clay Aiken with favorite clips from the show emerge.
In the above montage, SueReuseamlesslymerged 10 seasons of DWTS winners with "It's Only Make Believe" from the Tried & True CD, Clay's June release by Decca Records.
Winners of the 10 seasons include Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo, 1; Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke, 2; Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke, 3; Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough, 4; Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough, 5; Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas, 6; Brooke Burke and Derek Hough, 7; Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas; 8; Sonny Osmond and Kym Johnson, 9; Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough, 10.
Sacrificial Love - DWTS 9 contestants dance Viennese waltz. Montage by LovesClaysVoice with vocals by Clay Aiken View full screen at YouTube.
Montages Span Recording Career
DWTS montages with CA accompaniments span the singer's recording career from the 2003 Measure of a Man album to A Thousand Different Ways (2006), On My Way Here (2008), the 2008 single "Just You," and Tried & True (2010).
This list represents a sampling of the countless DWTS montages at YouTube. You are welcome to suggest others in the comments:
Everything I Have - Season 10 contestants dancing the Viennese Waltz, Clay Aiken vocals featuring William Joseph, piano, montage by LCV. (ATDW)
Something About Us - Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough: The Reunion by sallyboo8892 (OMWH)
Touch - Apolo and Julianne from DWTS by Aspiegirl (MOAM)
Sacrificial Love - DWTS Season 6 Viennese Waltz by musicg57 (OMWH)
Just You - DWTS Season 8, Final 5, montage by LCV (single)
X2: Thousand Different Ways / Measure of a Man will be released by Amazon and CD Universe on Sept. 28.
'Invisible' Song of the Day
"Invisible," lead single of Clay's first CD, Measure of a Man, was the Legacy Song of the Day for Tuesday, Sept. 21.
Clay Aiken first rose to prominence in the second season of American Idol and has since appeared on Broadway, co-authored a book, produced his own Christmas Special, and released a number of albums that have captivated millions.
How time has flown by. It seemed just like yesterday that Clay was wow-ing Simon and crew over at A.I., now he is a household name who tours the globe promoting his pop hits.
Enjoy Invisible at the Legacy site, one of nine 14 tracks from The Very Best of Clay Aiken on the player. Others include "The Way," "On My Way Here," "This Is the Night," "Here You Come Again," "Measure of a Man," "The Real Me," "Something About Us," and "Mary, Did You Know."
NIP Needs More Votes NOW!
The National Inclusion Project seems to be stuck on #20 in September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge and needs to make a move to the top 10 to secure the $50,000 grant.
Below are clickables of AmazingCA's latest graphics, the opening Tried & True concert art and one with Timeless Tour photos by kareneh:
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!
Caro
Thank you for your comments and props for contributing artists in the Carolina blog. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom, 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
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