Ruben and Clay open Timeless Tour show in Lancaster, PA. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard & Co.
Shows Generate Ticket Sales
The word is out -- the Timeless Tour show of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard is a two-hour song and comedy fest not to be missed.
In addition to promotional stories by local media, positive reviews spread by excited concert goers has last-minute ticket buyers hitting box offices right up until show times.
The Portsmouth Sinfonia, musicians playing instruments completely unfamiliar to them, produce the hilarious rendition of "Also sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss in the Timeless Tour opener. Check them out at YouTube.
All instrumental music majors are required to take classes in the various orchestral families. A woodwind specialist, I sounded just like the Portsmouth trumpeters in brass class. However, I could wail on French Horn and trombone in my college days. *g*
Review: 'Good Music, Talent Timeless'
Anne Marie Coar's review of the Timeless Tour performance at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA, is spot on. Here are excerpts of her article at Suite 101:
The approximately two-hour long Timeless Tour was as much about entertainment and the rapport between two former American Idol "rivals," Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, as it was about the music, which spanned the past 60 years.
Before the show began, a sinister-voiced announcer dramatically and humorously retold the moments leading up to the final 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
American Idol winner Studdard then took the stage and began singing his coronation song and first single, "Flying Without Wings." Midway through, Aiken appeared from the wings and launched into "This is the Night."
The pair, amid microphone grabs and playful shoves, switched back and forth between the two songs, amid cheers from the packed audience at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s American Music Theatre. [snip]
Aiken and Studdard returned to the stage for an encore performance of "Time of My Life." As the pair’s powerful vocals filled the theatre for one last time that night, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard proved good music is not the only thing that is timeless. Talent is too.
The tour's final five shows begin with tonight's 8 p.m. performance at the Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton Beach, NH. Other concerts include:
Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein, 8 pm Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino, 8 pm Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino, 7:30 pm Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage, 8 pm
Clay's 'Still the One' solo spotlights swinging band in Lancaster. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Verona Promotes Timeless Show
Promo for Thursday's 8 p.m. Verona concert -- Variety Show at Turning Point -- features a phone interview with Clay before the show in Snoqualmie, WA. Below are excerpts from the story at Syracuse.com:
The last time Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard most famously shared a stage together, the big guy with the soulful voice won the season two “American Idol” title and the thin man with the pop chops was named runner-up.
Aiken and Studdard have remained good friends since that night in 2003 when Studdard narrowly earned more votes than Aiken out of the 24 million cast by viewers of the Fox TV show.
Many times when they talked, Aiken says during a phone interview before a show in Snoqualmie, Wash., they spoke of a common desire to go out on tour together.
The clickable collection below capture moments from the Lancaster, PA, and Windsor, Ontario, shows. Visual artists represented include Irishbookgal, 1, 2, 4; Fountaindawg graphic with photos by nickiwicki, 3; and amazedinnj, 5.
Hammond Venue Anticipates Tour
In Idols bring Timeless tunes to fans, the advance story for Northwest Indiana, Ruben's interview gets the word out about Friday's 7:30 p.m. concert at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino:
It's fitting that Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard share a concert stage.
After all, they were the last two battling it out during 2003's "American Idol" finale. Studdard took top honors, and Aiken ranked second. [snip]
These days, Aiken and Studdard aren't competing for praise and votes. They've united on stage for their Timeless summer tour. Their show touches down Friday at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino.
"We're having a great time doing the show," said Ruben Studdard, during a recent telephone interview. "It's not often you get the chance to go on the road with someone who is your friend."
The singers will be performing standards as well as renditions of classic pop hits made famous through the decades. [snip]
Feedback on the show has been positive.
"The audiences are having a great time. The fans are loving it," he added.
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
While both are Southerners, the singers agreed that their musical tastes reflected different traditions.
"I don't know that we overlap too much at all," Aiken said. "That's kind of what made this show fun."
"My taste is more caviar," Studdard added. To which Aiken responded, "And mine is barbecue."
In a three-way telephone interview, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and reporter Bruce Steele of the Asheville Citizen Times discussed the Timeless Tour's opening concert slated for Friday at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
The conversation was jovial and filled with gems from two entertainers whose longtime friendship has weathered national competition, constant comparisons, and the strength of time.
"We both love '70s variety shows," Aiken said in a brief three-way telephone call on Tuesday. "We're an entity this summer: Ruben and Clay."
"I notice you put my name first," Studdard said with a laugh.
Friday is the kickoff for a three-week, 17-show coast-to-coast road trip that reunites the two top finishers from the second season of “American Idol.” In case you've forgotten, Ruben won, but Clay sold more records.
Not that any of that matters now, seven years later. Times have changed, the guys have changed, and the songs they'll be singing have changed.
"We are going to be singing timeless material that we grew up listening to, that our mothers listened to around the house," Studdard said. "Everyone's going to have a good time."
Timeless Tour graphic of Clay and Ruben by Fountaindawg.
"It was not our goal at all to do a show where one person sang and then the other person sang,” Aiken said, perhaps unconsciously referring to the format of the annual “Idols Live” tour that trots out each season's "American Idol" top finishers.
"We're doing the whole show together," Aiken said.
The tour is a product of the two friends — they've been close ever since the show — finally being at the helm of their own careers. It's a nice change after some post-“Idol” years of dictated management, when "decisions were made in a vacuum — a vacuum that you're not even in," Aiken said.
One recent decision: Do more live shows. “I think Ruben and I both, while we like recording, are really live performers at heart,” Aiken said.
The material will be wide-ranging, drawing from both men's catalogs — including Aiken's new CD of pop standards, "Tried and True" — and adding fresh classics. "It's a variety show," Aiken said. "It's the spice of life."
The Timeless Duo: Clay and Ruben
Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun
According to Kim Matthews, DJ with Asheville's Star 104.3, talking with Clay and Ruben is "double the pleasure and double the fun! They are hilarious and two of the nicest celebs I've had the privilege to interview."
Listen to their very funny chat here.You can download the interview with this Sendspace file.
Promotion is already underway for Sunday's 3 p.m.concert in Melbourne, FL. Check out the playful but informative banter between the two in this Metromix interview.
Clickable by Fountaindawg
Clay's interview with Cat Greenleaf-- in which he explains the meaning of "clack" and discusses his new Tried & True CD, his fans, the National Inclusion Project, etc. -- is now available on the Talk Stoop website. Here are Sendspace downloads for the interview and the teaser that ran earlier.
Cickable cap by Invisible926
Entertainment Tonight will feature an entire Timeless Tour segment Friday. The clickable screen cap above is from Thursday's promo, which you can download with this Sendspace file. Watch the hilarious Clay-Ruben interview at the etonline website, and download the video here.
For a complete listing of Timeless Tour concert dates with links, see the previous Carolina entry.
Decca T&T Promo Takes Jukebox Spin
Last weekend, Siol, OFC member from Wisconsin, discovered yet another way Decca Records is promoting Clay's Tried & True CD when she and her husband joined their sons at a sports bar following a game at a local park.
With permission, parts of her latest blog, "An Amazing Jukebox," are quoted below:
I remember the way jukeboxes used to be, but my, how they have changed, and for the better. Now I know they have an amazing new high tech jukebox called a "Playola" or something close to that.
Some of the ball players decided to play some older country western music, which you can do by just putting in the artist's name and choosing any song you want.
They all know how crazy I am for Clay, so they put in his name, called me over, and said I could play a few of his songs. I was amazed to see that TNT was listed. Of course, I played my two favorites, "UM" and "Crying."
I can't wait to go back, and I will certainly play Clay again. You never know when someone else might notice.
Grandchildren Experience Hawaii
Following a 12-hour flight that took them to Denver, Los Angeles, and finally Honolulu, grandchildren Kai and Lia are in Hawaii with their mother for a six-week visit with friends.
For both little ones, this marks their first time seeing the ocean. From his window seat, Kai marveled at the various cloud formations and the huge span of water as the plane flew toward Hawaii Tuesday. His younger sister was a bit less excited about flying.
The family's fondness for pineapple and other fruit will no doubt be expanded with the many tropical varieties available in the islands.
The night before departure both children were so excited they could not sleep, so Poppy took them driving in the desert on a sunset patrol. With the car windows rolled down, they were fast asleep in no time.
Meanwhile, their mother is today running on fumes, as she packed most of the night. She said her best purchase prior to leaving was as "sit and stand" stroller on which she could load both kids and all carry-on items to whip through the various airports for connecting flights.
A photo diary is promised, but a visit to the market tops the morning agenda. Stay tuned!
Below is a clickable of the wide screen Timeless Tour graphic by Fountaindawg:
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.
Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro
CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! 30 Second Promo View and comment on YouTube
'Tried & True' Classics
CD Showcases Clay Aiken's Vox
Clay Aiken has never sounded more at home than he does singing the lushly arranged classics on his fifth studio album Tried and True -- the international pop phenomenon's first album for Decca Records.
Showcasing Aiken's powerful voice and considerable interpretive gifts, the new CD is comprised of songs from the '50s and '60s that Aiken grew up listening to as a child. The platinum-selling artist and idol to many has arguably never sounded better.
For Aiken, Tried and True (so named because he feels the songs have stood the test of time) was about getting back to himself after a career performing more pop-oriented material.
The Clay Nation, which has earned "tried and true" stripes right along with the singer and the music selected for his June 1 album, has rarely seen a better description of THE VOX than the opening paragraphs from the Decca Records press release about the T&T CD.
My brother, who has teased me -- at times unmercifully -- about my seven-year passionate support for the singer, his voice, and his causes, visited last weekend. Casually, I played the YouTube video promoting the August PBS Special and asked what he thought. His honest and atypical response was, "I don't know who that is, but it is fantastic!"
He was pleasantly surprised when I told him that was Clay singing. (EUREKA!!!)
PBS Special graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds
Clay Born To Sing 'Big Band'
A former bass student from my Nashville teaching days not only wrote a very special comment in the Carolina's Mother's Day entry but also called his "other mom" to wish her a blessed day. We talked about Clay, and my "brilliant" student stated, "Big band and Broadway are what Clay Aiken was born to sing."
With Tried & True pre-sale orders, track previews, and the actual June 1 CD drop clocking in at 15 days to go, I was curious to see what fans, their friends, relatives, and associates are saying about the album, the August special, this summer's 17-city Timeless Tour by Clay and Ruben Studdard.
CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! PBS Special Promo View and comment at YouTube
Fans Anticipate Summer of Clay
Graphic designs about the CD, special, and tour provide dividers between fan posts and the reactions shared by the Not.Just.Us contingent. Among the many sites quoted are Clay's Decca page, the YouTube promo, various message boards, Facebook, and the Clayonline Still Spreading the Word! thread in the "Clay the Man" Forum:
caraleigh3: I am 20 yrs old, I was at that concert, and you will NOT be disappointed with Clay's new direction in music! He has brought a breath of fresh air to these older songs. I like some older stuff, and even I'm not familiar with a few songs on the album; so to me, it is new music!
cognitogrrl: The Vox is BACK, and I'm so happy - not only to get this show on PBS, but the Decca album in June plus I'm going to see Clay and Ruben in August! I'm getting back that golden voice I've loved since 2003, belting out gorgeous songs. Here you come again, Clay, and here I gooooooo!
lurkerchic: I really like this sound, this kind of music when it's done like this! It's kind of jazzy and cool. What a great performer!
CanadianFan61: Clay was born to sing and entertain, and nobody sings better than he does.
Invisible926: There is nothing like Clay Aiken live! I'm so happy that International Media and PBS will make it possible for more people to experience the magic that Clay's fans have enjoyed for 7 years.
sutter4clay: I am blown away after listening to both full length songs, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Misty." This album is exceptional in quality, and Clays voice never sounded more incredible.
Graphic by AmazingCA
unaserenata: If International Media captured half the magic that was present on the night of the taping, the special will be spectacular! Judging from this clip, it looks like they did. With Tried and True, Clay has made me love songs I didn't even like before!
remy5230: Stunning! Clay at his finest, singing songs he loves with style, flair and vocals to die for!
joanie: Saturday I was shopping at TJ Maxx with a friend. She picked up something with Elvis on it, and I said, "Elvis has left the building to Clay." I was a huge Elvis fan, never got to see him in concert, though I wish I had. As far as The Voice, Clay's voice moves me more than Elvis' ever did.
itsmeeee: I dont even know how to describe them, but if you haven't heard Clay since American Idol, or ever, go and listen to these song samples on iTunes. Every song takes my breath away, each in a different way.
The tone in Clay's voice, his phrasing, and his vocal interpretation of these classics is quite beautiful. The lyrics envelope you when Clay sings them. This album cannot come soon enough, but I'm so grateful for the samples at least.
"Crying" is stunning! Roy Orbison would be proud of Clay and Linda Eder's interpretation. I think that one will get played first, but I love them all!
madyjax: Good job, Decca. The care you take with your artists inspires public confidence. Your excellent reputation is well deserved. We've waited forever for this!
Graphic by Fountaindawg
Trio Describes Special UM Moment
Some of the most interesting quotes are from fans who attended the March taping of the PBS Special. Among the vivid descriptions of the performance are these three about Clay's version of "Unchained Melody":
luckiest1: I call it the airplane moment ... when he goes low then goes up and up and up in UM. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like nothing he ever did before. I can't wait for everyone to hear it!
cindilu2: And I call it the Supernova Moment. He goes from zero to "holy-#%&#-what-was-that???" in about five seconds. Awesome!
lilyshine: I just call it orgasmic.
Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds
NJU Crowd Marks Calendar, Too
CA fans are reporting positive response as they spread the word about the upcoming CD and PBS Special. Many have emailed links for "Tried & True" track previews and the August promo video to friends, relatives, and acquaintances in their address book.
Here are just a few. If you share NJU experiences in the comments, I will add them to the collection:
cincy: I played "Misty" for the ladies in the office and while it was playing our mailman came in with the day's mail. He wanted to know who was singing (said he really liked it!!). When I told him, he said he and his wife had seen Clay in "Spamalot" but didn't know he was "that great of a singer."
goldarngirl: I shared the YouTube video on Facebookl. An elementary school teacher of my son's is a friend of mine there, and he has commented twice on Clay links. The last comment asking the date of the special prompted me to invite him to the concert in Windsor. This is his comment about the promo and concert:
Wow, this guy can shift musical gears like a well-oiled Porsche! Have you ordered your tickets yet and would you let me know?
kathyd52: I had my neighbor listen to the preview songs on Facebook, and she said, "That's the kind of songs I've been waiting to hear him sing." Her preferred music is 1950's- 60's Motown. She has always liked Clay's music, but this is the first time she has sounded excited over the songs.
jessie44: I've talked the CD up at my chiropractor's office and gave the receptionist a heads up about the selections on Clay's My Space. She said she got chills just thinking about "Misty," which is becoming one of my favorites. That band and the brass solo on "Misty" are magnificent!
carolcooke: When I had my hair cut, I told three stylists I was going to see Clay in August. All of them said they loved his voice and admired him for his charitable acts and his kindness. They haven't seen him on television for a while and look forward to his promo appearances. They asked me to keep them informed!
janemartin53(from the comments): Had a pharmaceutical vendor came to my office today. While we were discussing medications, he asked who was playing on my CD. "It's so relaxing, who is it?" When I told him it was Clay Aiken, he was really surprised. I told him Clay's new CD will be out in June and the music is like WOW. As he left, he thanked me for the information.
Timeless Tour graphic by Fountaindawg
Marlyne: My friend was very surprised and excited to hear that Clay and Ruben will tour together this summer. She feels theirs was the last season of American Idol with "really good and true talent" and is planning to attend a concert.
SueReu: I sent the PBS promo link to my mom so she could see the back of my head from way far away at the end of "Build Me up Buttercup." She listened to the whole thing, told me it was FANTASTIC music, and gave it a thumbs up!!!
claygalsal: I ran into my best childhood friend and her husband in the parking lot of Memorial Auditorium after the show. After jumping up and down for a few minutes and hugging each other, I asked her if she is a Clay fan and she said, "I am now!"
She also said that she would buy several of his CD's for herself and other people. I emailed her recently to let her know about when the public sale was starting for "Bringing Broadway Home". She and her hubby bought tickets! THEY ARE HOOKED!!!
brensmemaw: In March, I received a call from a friend from my high school days that I haven't seen or talked to in probably 30 years. She had just talked to a mutual friend who she told her that I had just come back from Raleigh where I had seen Clay Aiken. Joyce got all excited and said that she loves Clay!
She called me immediately to ask me all about Clay and what is happening with him. Needless to say, I filled her in and will keep her informed about the PBS Special and concerts near her via phone since she doesn't have a computer. It was so nice to catch up with each other after all these years and I owe it all to Clay!!
Claymatron: I was sitting beside a couple from Texas who had never seen Clay in concert but they'd driven 1600 miles for the show because they had found his music on YouTube. They remembered him from AI, but then lost track until a year or so ago when the woman (in her 40's) was hospitalized with a very serious medical problem and nearly died.
When she returned to her hospital room after one of her many surgeries, she looked over at her husband, who was fast asleep from exhaustion in the chair beside the bed, and said she felt overwhelmed with love for him.
She picked up her laptop and checked YouTube for Celine Dion's version of "Because You Loved Me," which was "their song" and found Clay's instead.
Her husband woke up, and the two of them sobbed in each other's arms over his beautiful rendition. They were both hooked and searched YouTube for every song he ever sang. They also checked the Internet to find out when he'd next be in concert and found the announcement for the PBS taping.
They loved the show and held hands all the way through it. It was truly a special time for them, and I know we have another couple of devoted fans.
Clay Aiken 'Tried & True' cover by Vincent Soyez
Sites Preview T&T Tracks, Special
Among the sites with "Tried & True" track previews are:
Barnes & Noble - Also see the album credits tab for a list of musicians and production technicians on the CD. LOL, I would have killed to play the flute/alto sax book for this show.
Decca Records(NEW!) - Watch video of Clay talking about the making of "Tried & True."
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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