NC-TN Concerts Shared Via Aiken Network

Clay Aiken finishes song at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheather.
Photo by Jonathan Stotts, enhanced by Sally

Via Global Aiken Network

Fans Share NC-TN Concerts

What a special "hometown" concert weekend the Clay Nation just experienced -- either firsthand by those present at the three venues or the thousands who participated vicariously via technologically beamed Internet reports, cellcerts, and pictorial, video, and audio clack around the globe.

Clay Aiken & Co. this weekend presented three concerts in North Carolina and Tennessee, close enough that many fans attended all three. Beginning Friday in Cary, the outskirts of Raleigh, Clay and his musicians also performed with symphony orchestras in Asheville and in Knoxville.

Articles, reviews, and photo galleries from the NC-TN concerts are still prevalent in the media. In addition, special connections with new CA fans headline posts throughout Clay Cyberspace.

'A Miracle in Cary'

Excerpts from Monday's Beavers on Idol article by Pamela Matthews are shared here. For the complete story, see Clay Aiken: A Miracle in Cary. The photo was taken by Pink Cocoa.

Something amazing happened last Friday night ... something intangible, ethereal, a thing of true beauty.

Hand in hand with his back-up singers, struggling a bit to choke back emotion, Clay's performance moved his audience inside the venue and out along Internet bandwidths. The essence of the lyric and the solidarity of the moment were carried into hearts across the nation and even into other countries, as fans listened on collective cellcerts, read immediate reports and later that evening watched video of the event.

As the last chord of the song was played and the rousing ovation began, Clay clasped his hands above the mic stand, closed his eyes and appeared to be in silent prayer.

Comments are being read and added here.

Wendy Lemus of the The Cary News Tuesday posted a review of Friday's concert entitled Image No Problem for Aiken. This is a paragraph from the "being cool" segment:

Really, Aiken could care less. And that's the point. He knows who he is, who his fans are, and most importantly, he can have a little laugh and not take himself too seriously.

WRAL's Cary Photo Gallery features pictures taken by Jonathan Stotts at Friday's concert. An example is this blog's lead photo.

Cary Slide Show

The Cary Slide Show begun in the previous entry has expanded to 34 photos by six photographers, including Toni7babe, PinkCocoa, Farouche, LynninNJ, Irishbookgal, and KSChristian4Clay.

Photo by Toni7babe links to Cary Slide Show

Asheville Paper Provides Photo Gallery

Fans can link to 24 photos of Clay Aiken at Biltmore Estate by clicking on the singer's image midway down the "Web Extra" page of the Citizen-Times online.

Jason Sandford's photos present a concert overview of the singers on stage, Asheville Symphony musicians, and fans from as far away as Vancouver, Washington, and New York. The CTRL key will temporarily bypass a pesky pop-up blockers.

Asheville Slide Show

In addition, the Asheville Slide Show begun in the previous entry now features 34 photos from Saturday night's Summer Tour Concert at Biltmore Estates.

Photographers represented are Fivegoldens, Heavens2, Irishbookgal, NCSUPack88, Invisible926, Scrpkym, and Shineinnc.

Photo by Fivegoldens links to Asheville Slide Show

Pickle Reviews Knoxville Concert

Singer Clay Aiken opened his Sunday night concert at the Tennessee Theatre by tackling a local legend, and he held his own admirably.

Betsy Pickle, reviewer for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, wrote that Clay and his talented backup singers are "first rate." The entertainer not only has a beautiful voice, but he is also funny, charming, and charismatic. In her opinion, what he needs is good, new material.

The entire review can be read here: With Personality and Charm, Aiken Holds His Own at Tennessee.

The writer's blog, The Pickle Dish, is also devoted to Clay's concert: Aiken for an Argument. In the comments, Ms. Pickle has received quite an education about a "mandated covers album," posts in agreement and disagreement with her opinions, as well as a lecture (or two) about her non-mentions of the beautiful originals "Lover All Alone" and "Measure of a Man" in the concert review.

Knoxville Slide Show

The photo below by Fivegoldens links to a slide show of Knoxville concert pictures taken by fans Sunday at the Tennessee Theatre. The show also features photos by Invisible926, Jtgranny, Luvbenmeg, DianaGreenEyes, and ClayIzzaQT.

Fivegoldens photo links to Knoxville Slide Show

Fans Treasure Special Connections

Below are stories that don't usually make media reviews and articles. However, these concert connections are gems Clay fans delight in sharing with each other. Special thanks to these fans for allowing me to include several such instances from the Asheville concert.

Dowoper: Clay is winning them over at each show. We had two guys behind us who whined from the moment they sat down, saying they were there for the orchestra, not for Clay. And they sure hoped people didn't stand up and block their view, etc, etc.

They were really were getting on my nerves, but by "The Way You Make Me Feel," they wee standing, clapping, singing along, and having a blast. I heard them laughing out loud big time during much of Clay's banter. They stood the rest of the show and cheered wildly at the end. Yep, one at a time, they fall.

Tdallasw: I was sitting next to two young women from Wilmington (opposite end of NC) who had never been to a Clay concert, weren't very familiar with his shows, and had no idea what to expect. Someone had given them the tickets, and they asked if I thought the show would be any good. I told them, "You have NOOOOO idea what you're in for. He is going to blow you away!"

Suffice it to say, by intermission they were gonners. They couldn't wait to go out and buy ATDW, and they hope to see him again as soon as possible. I love seeing a true "Clayversion" in progress. It made my night.

Libbyc: Clay was definitely smokin' in the Smokies! As diverse a crowd as I've seen. The couple sitting next to us were there for their 34th wedding anniversary. When we asked the gentleman whose idea it was to attend the concert, he said he was the Clay fan and wanted to come.

The man directly behind us said he had never heard anyone sing "Mary Did You Know" as well as Clay and proceeded to sing every Clay song during the concert.

'Welcome to the Club, Honey'

Raleighlady: A woman on our row was a Rod Stewart fan, and this was the first Clay concert she had ever attended. We looked over at her at the end of the concert and saw that she was bawling her eyes out. Just bawling, wiping her eyes with tissue. She literally could.not.stop.crying.

She said it was just wonderful. She followed us all the way out of the venue, still crying. I put my arm around her shoulders and said, "Welcome to the club, honey."

Sunday13: The best concert of the four I've seen this tour. Sitting next to me was a young boy about eight years old who came with his mom. He knew the lyrics to all of Clay's songs and was singing them out loud.

As we were heading out after the concert, a group of teenagers asked one of the security guards, "Is Clay coming out for the touching?" I thought that was hilarious.

Cindydoe: My husband went with me to Asheville, his first Clay pop concert. He saw him at Christmas two years ago.

"Why doesn't anybody know about this?" he said to me. I asked what he meant. He said he had never witnessed anything like this, so many people from all over, the magic of the shows, the special bond we all have with each other and with Clay. By "anybody," he meant the media. I told him that they preferred to make a joke about it. He couldn't believe it and thought the CA concert experience was very special.

This clickable graphic by Amazing_CA features photos taken by Betsy at the Asheville concert:

A personal thank you to Margaret5828 who gave me a cellcert from all three NC-TN concerts. It wasn't her fault that I accidentally struck a key during Act 1 of the Asheville show and was soon hearing the operator's recording: "If you'd like to make a call, please hang up and try again ... "All were special gifts, and two out three were heaven.

Remaining Tour Schedule

Aug. 15 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
Aug. 16 - Fort Meyers, FL - Barbara B. Mann Center
Aug. 17 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Aug. 18 - West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Aug. 19 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Biltmore Estates, Tennessee Theatre, Beavers on Idol, Asheville Citizen-Times, Knoxville News Sentinel, WRAL, Jonathan Stotts, Jason Sandford, Betsy Pickle, Official Fan Club, Claymates, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken's Carolina Concerts a Family Reunion

Clay Aiken performs at The Greek -- Graphic by Amazing_CA, photos by Invisible926

An Aiken Family Reunion

Fans Convene for NC, TN Shows

The "family reunion" atmosphere surrounding any Clay Aiken concert is multiplied ten-fold when the singer returns to his hometown of Raleigh. The non-stop party in nearby Cary began in earnest Thursday and continued through a "morning after" breakfast Saturday with most concert-goers hopping into their vehicles and heading to Asheville for Act 2 of Clay's North Carolina homecoming.

For a taste of the "Mecca" happenings, take a look at the Cary schedule of events printed at the awAikening site.

The Summer Symphony Tour's southern leg this weekend includes consecutive concerts Friday - Sunday in Cary (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8:30 p.m.), Asheville (Biltmore Estates, 8 p.m.); and Knoxville (Tennessee Theater, 8 p.m.).

Cary Slide Show

Claystruck's graphic, photos by Toni7babe, links to a slide show of Cary pictures from the "Clampton Inn" banner through Friday night's concert. Photographers represented include Toni, PinkCocoa, Farouche, LynninNJ, and Irishbookgal.

Graphic links to Cary Slide Show

Asheville Slide Show

The photo by Fivegoldens links to a slide show of Asheville pictures from Saturday night's Summer Tour concert at the Biltmore Estates. With a choice of either original or gallery view, the show includes these photographers: Fivegoldens, Heavens2, Irishbookgal, NCSUPack88, Scrpkym, and Invisible926.

Photo links to Asheville Slide Show

Concerts Promoted by Media

Clay's return to his southern roots has been a popular media topic this week. Below are four articles with highlighted paragraphs and a link to read more:

Fayetteville Observer: 'Idol' Star Comes Home To Sing

Aiken has put together no less than seven tours since his elimination from the show in 2003, as well as three albums — “Measure of a Man” (2003), “Merry Christmas With Love” (2004), and “A Thousand Different Ways” (2006). With sales of 4.6 million in the United States, he is considered the most successful second-place finisher in “American Idol” history.

Aiken was only the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 on the Billboard charts and sell more than 200,000 copies in the first week. “A Thousand Different Ways” debuted at No. 2.

Asheville Citizen-Times: Aiken Hits Asheville

With Aiken backed by members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, it sounds like the makings for a night of smooth music. And while Aiken may not rock as hard as the B-52’s — who had a huge Biltmore crowd in a frenzy last weekend — he’s got a wildly loyal audience and Aiken can work a crowd.

Mountain Xpress: Forming Clay Into Rock

The entertainer’s most unique quality, ironically, may be his bid for across-the-board acceptability. Sneer if you must, but when the Top-40 charts are clogged with angsty Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee numbers, a reprise of the feel-good Laverne & Shirley theme song kind of hits the spot.

Uniquely Knoxville: Clay Aiken Performing with a Full Orchestra

No slave to fickle trends or fashion fads, Clay Aiken has once again listened to his heart and has come up with an album that extols the value of love in all of its myriad forms.

The singer’s third CD, "A Thousand Different Ways," offers fans 10 cover versions of love songs spanning the last three decades, as well as four brand-new songs that are destined to become Aiken classics in their own right. Aiken performs with a full symphony orchestra at the Tennessee Theatre.

Comments Worth the Read

As always, the comments are worth checking, too. This is one of several recorded at the Mountain Xpress site:

We knew since AI of his terrific voice, but were astounded by the talent this man actually possesses. He’s become a multi-faceted entertainer with quick wit and great comedic ability.

And the way he warmly connects and interacts with an audience is impressive, to say the least. However, there is one downfall to attending his concert -- knowing the wonderful evening has concluded and there won’t be another concert for you to attend until his next tour.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable interlude features photos and a graphic from the California 4-fer, including Jtgranny, 1; PermaSwooned, 2; Amazing_CA, photos by Jtgranny, 3; Toni7babe, 4 and 5.

Though all eyes are on North Carolina and Tennessee this weekend, reports of "Clayversions" and Not.Just.Us stories fill California recaps still making the rounds in Clay Cyberspace. Here are a few examples.

Fans Meet Many Newbies

Lovethatguy: At Pala, Gareem and I met two girls who had won tickets to the show from the local radio station -- one of those "we loved him on AI but had no idea what he has done since."

One of them noticed my CV badge; so, of course, we launched into the whole explanation of CV, the Internet, Clay Nation, etc. By the time we said goodbye, Gareem had her e-mail address like a good little Claymate. And they were very pumped up by all we told them. I am positive they had a great time.

A newbie couple sat next to us at Pala, too. They loved the concert! After hearing that Clay was playing at The Greek and Indio next, they said they were going to get tickets to those, too.

At Indio, a newbie couple told Gareem said they came because they saw the billboard while vacationing in Palm Springs. They loved the concert!

A very tall, thirtyish man sat right in front of me at Indio. He brought a lovely older lady with a walker, and it was obvious he was there only for her. By the end of the concert, he was really into it -- loved the Classics Medley for which he stood and danced.

Pitch-Perfect Voice with Wide Range

Ymarie: In San Diego I sat in front of a middle-aged man there by himself. At intermission he told me he had a master's degree in voice and listened to singers with a very critical ear.

He said Clay has improved so much over the last four years and that he has one of the most pitch-perfect voices he's ever heard. Clay is a natural baritone with a fabulous falsetto range, he said, and it takes a lot of testosterone to sing in the upper head range. It's harder on the voice, but everybody wants to hear those high notes.

He took some grief from his daughter about attending a Clay Aiken concert, but it didn't bother him at all. He likes Clay, and also Michael Buble. He was impressed with Clay's charitable works and his down-to-earth personality.

'Best Show Ever' at Pala

PermaSwooned: The line to get to the Pala concert area, even with three doors open, stretched all the way across the lobby, restaurant, shop areas, and almost the whole width of the casino.

There was a guy behind me that kept shaking his head in disbelief. He said he was from the area and had attended every single show they had ever had at Pala. He kept saying he had never seen anything even close to that kind of crowd before. He said his "casino host" had told him that they had to pull in extra staff to handle the size of the crowd, and a lot of the various guest services areas were completely overwhelmed.

I saw this same guy after the concert. He just LOVED it! Previously, he really didn't have much of an idea who Clay was, but he raved about what an all-around entertainer he is -- great voice, hilarious banter, terrific interaction with Quiana, Angela, and the audience.

He said it was by far the best show he had ever seen there, and he was going to make sure the casino management knows how great it was and to make sure Clay comes back.

Japanese Fans Meet Faye Parker
Photo by NCSUPack88

MIL Provides Fitting Postscipt

In the Aug. 4 entry, I quoted Spotlightlover's moving description of meeting the Japanese Clay fans in San Diego. These women not only attended the four California concerts, but several are experiencing this weekend's family reunion in Cary.

For me, meeting these women was the most magical moment of the night. No, not because they knew who I was, but because across the vast Pacific Ocean, culture differences, and a language barrier, we have all become a part of this awesome phenomenon. I had shared something with them, not even knowing it; and that made us comrades from half a world away.

I think now, for me, that’s what this is really all about. It’s no longer just about a skinny kid from North Carolina with an incredible voice who got the chance of a lifetime. It’s how his effect on us has brought us together into a big family, and every concert is like a family reunion.

This week I read several paragraphs of the earlier blog to my mother-in-law in Odessa, TX. Her one-sentence response struck me as the perfect postscript: The Clay Nation is doing things that poor old missionaries can't get done.

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Knoxville Not Meant To Be

My friend Sally's overnight flight from LA to Atlanta was delayed 12 hours. After running around LA with her family for 10 days, including a 65-70 mph 20-mile ride on the back of her son's Harley (wish we had a picture of that!) and an evening whooping it up with Clay fans at The Greek, Sally arrived home Thursday morning totally wiped out.

We won't be traveling to Knoxville. With the heat the way it is, my doctor is relieved I am not making the trip. We are both very disappointed, but that's the way it is. Hopefully, the tickets will be waiting at the Knoxville Hilton desk for Margaret5828, our benefactor, so she can give them to people sitting farther back or in need of seats.

We will enjoy the concert via clack, which has been totally awesome this tour, and perhaps get in line for a set of concert DVD's. For all those Clay fans we were planning to meet, there will be a next time. Y'all have a blast this weekend!

The Short Version

The entry that was to appear as Friday's edition in my three-day blogging cycle would have been a simple graphic followed by the usual "wonderful weekend" salutation -- by far the shortest at this corner in modern times!

Before the Knoxville plans changed, Cindilu2 reworked her July calendar for my "Blog on Vacation" post. It's just too cool not to run, so here is what almost was ...

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, awAikening, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Biltmore Estates, Tennessee Theatre, Fayetteville Observer, Asheville Citizen-Times, Mountain Xpress, Uniquely Knoxville, Official Fan Club, Claymates, Clay Nation

New Fans Join Clay Train in California

Clay performs at The Greek -- Amazing_CA graphic/Toni7babe photo

Aiken Tour Homeward Bound

CA Concerts Capture New Fans

One of the most exciting aspects of Clay Aiken's Summer Symphony Tour has been the growing number of attendees totally surprised by the quick wit that accompanies the famous pipes, resulting in an unexpected, very entertaining evening and a host of new fans.

These "Clayversion" experiences from the four California concerts -- San Diego, Pala, Los Angeles, and Indio -- were relayed via recaps shared on message boards following the shows.

SmartyPantsSuz: Sitting behind us at the Greek was an older couple (late 60's - early 70's) who had never seen a CA concert, though they knew of him. She was a teacher and was aware of his foundation. Their first interaction with fans was at Louise's when they saw the large group on the patio and asked about them. They talked with some fans and were impressed that folks came from all over and had formed deep friendships because of their appreciation of Clay.

They absolutely LOVED the show! The woman was grinning from ear-to-ear during the Classics Medley and let out a whoop when Clay started in on "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy." The husband said Clay is very entertaining. I got their address and will be sending them some DVD's. They were beyond excited to be getting something from the Greek.

Suziebird7: A young African-American serviceman in front of me at The Greek was loving the show. At intermission he said (paraphrased), "It's like a symphony show and a stand-up comic and a REALLY GOOD concert all together."

Toni7babe apologetically posted this dark photo at Clayversity Monday night and was promptly greeted with much appreciation, as the Greek concert's demographics are quite evident in the shot.

Once enlarged, the photo shows Mama Faye Parker on the left plus a large contingent of men in the audience with Clay seeking lyrical assistance for "The Way You Make Me Feel."

Clickable by Toni7babe

Men Appreciate Clay's Humor

SmartyPantsSuz: At Indio, we had four guys sitting in front of us. One had followed Clay during AI and mentioned that he thought Clay was very talented. During intermission, they said they were enjoying the show, and afterwards, they all said the show was great.

I specifically asked about the Classics Medley. Their eyes lit up and said that was the best of all. One guy said that Clay should sing more songs like those. I told him that was part of the point of that medley, to show that he CAN sing songs like that. They shook my hand and told me it was great to meet a real fan.

While we were gathering some of the set lists and TWYMMF lyrics off the stage, a gentleman came over with more copies. Turns out he was the leader of the "band" (his word). We asked what it was like to work with Clay, and he said Clay is very nice and that he was quite impressed with him. We complimented him on his orchestra, and he said he hoped Clay would come back to perform again.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Scenes from the California 4-fer are combined with graphic designs from previous concerts in this clickable interlude, including Toni7babe, Greek photo, 1; Amazing_CA, photo by PinkCocoa, 2; Jtgranny, Greek photo, 3; Ambassador of Love, photo by PinkCocoa, 4; and Toni7babe, San Diego photo, 5.

Japanese Fans Clayvert Bus Driver

This story is too good not to share. A former journalist, I always identify Clay Land sources with screen names. In this report, there is no such ID.

At Clayversity, we have been kept abreast of the adventures of the Japanese fans via email reports from their translator to Momof3boys. Apparently in Pala, the group of Japanese women experienced their own "Clayversion." The source we will call Friend of Momo; here is part of what transpired:

I had prepared some clack to watch for the bus rides. The first DVD was JBT 50's & 60's. The driver was singing along and tapping his fingers to the beat, etc. After a while, he said, "Who WAS that? I must have a copy of that!!" We all laughed.

Since we had so many extra tickets, we gave him one. The man had his camera AND video. Imagine that a bus driver took clack. He told us after the concert that he was (and I am quoting him now) "I was so blown away! I had NO idea about Clay! He is an entertainer, a comedian and THAT voice!"

Obviously, the driver is someone who knows and understands music. He told us that he was serious about buying Clay's CDs. He was very disappointed that he could not buy the CD's during intermission.

Photo links to 'Clay Aiken, Funny at Pala, Part 1'
Videos by Jojoct, Spotlightlover; photo by Jtgranny

Flat Clay a Hit at Pala

Anyone who has viewed clack from the Pala concert knows about Flat Clay, a life-size cardboard version of the singer with a four-year itinerary that has included countless concert pre-parties.

In the YouTube montage, prepared by GoodBabyBrush with videos by Jojoct and Spotlightlover, Angela points out FC watching the concert from a hotel window. After joking about his cardboard look-alike, Clay and his backup singers hammed up a serenade to his alter ego during "When I See You Smile."

Artquest, keeper of FC, explained in her recap that cardboard Clay is always along for the ride. As she told Clay when quizzed during the concert, they just fold him in half and hit the road.

Due to back problems, Artquest's husband returned to their room during intermission. "The next thing we knew, Flat Clay was dancing in the window. The audience howled, and he danced again throughout TWYMMF."

Saltwaterdog: At Pala, two couples directly in front of my husband and me were newbies. One couple had seen an AI 2 show, but this was their first Clay Aiken concert. They all were interested and enjoying themselves early on in the show, but when Clay spotted the “Flat Clay” cardboard cutout in an upper hotel window, they were hooked.

During “When I See You Smile” Clay sang to the image as if it were his true love. Quiana and Angela joined in with gestures to support him. At that point, the folks in front of us joined in the fun as if they were longtime Claymates. They laughed at Clay’s jokes and snuggled during the sweet songs. One of the men even kept a close eye out on “Flat Clay” all evening.

'Thumbs Up' at the Venues

Message boards had heard there might be music industry representatives at the concerts, and security guards are always popular gages for a show's success. Employees at most venues have reported they have never seen anything like the fan bus lines that follow most Clay Aiken shows.

Hatsumi included this exchange in her Greek recap: Two industry types were sitting behind us with their girlfriends. One couple had gone backstage right before the concert to meet Clay, and his girlfriend kept remarking how genuinely nice he is.

After some banter, Industry Type #1 said to Industry Type #2, "Isn't it amazing what's in this guy's head?" At the end of the show, Industry Type #2 said that he needs a big album so he can take his act to Las Vegas along with Quiana and Angela. It was so nice to hear their respect for Clay as a performer.

Rcknrllmom: My daughter overheard a comment from one of the security men who worked the Indio concert. The Japanese women asked him what he thought about the show, and he answered with one word -- "KILLER!!!

Clickable scene at The Greek by TLC

Excellent Reviews Cap California Shows

Not-to-be-missed media reports from the "CA 4-fer" include Dave Chung's Billboard Mobile Beat Review and a review of the Fantasy Springs Concert (Indio) in the Desert Local News by Leslie Andrews.

Dave Chung's very long and very complimentary review is well worth the read. This is a capsule from the last paragraph:

In what was probably the most relaxing concert I’ve ever attended with the most respectful crowd I’ve ever been a part of (I am positive not a single expletive was spoken all night), Clay Aiken put on a great show vocally and in terms of entertainment for the audience in attendance.

Not only is Aiken a powerful vocalist who has developed his own identity and following that has gone well past him being a “guy from American Idol,” but he puts on a hilarious show that is filled with more laughs that you’d ever expect from a ballad-filled evening.

After describing the "knock-out show" attended by fans from all over the world, Desert Local News even included a paragraph about Clay's humanitarian work:

In September 2006 Aiken was appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He also is an ambassador of the Ronald McDonald House and is also a dedicated advocate for education and for children's causes.

Concert pictures are posted with both reviews. Here is the link for the Indio pix. Fans can add to -- and read -- comments at both sites.

Southern Leg Begins in Carolina

Friday the summer tour heads homeward for Clay & Co., opening the southern segment in Cary, followed by consecutive concerts in Asheville and Knoxville (TN).

Symphony Tour Schedule

Aug. 10 - Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheater
Aug. 11 - Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estates
Aug. 12 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theater
Aug. 15 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
Aug. 16 - Fort Meyers, FL - Barbara B. Mann Center
Aug. 17 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Aug. 18 - West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Aug. 19 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live

Knoxville Not Meant To Be

My friend Sally's overnight flight from LA to Atlanta was delayed 12 hours. After running around LA with her family for 10 days -- including a 20-mile, 65-70 mph ride on the back of her son's Harley, not to mention whooping it up with Clay fans at The Greek -- Sally arrived home totally wiped out. We won't be traveling to Knoxville. With the heat the way it is, my doctor is relieved I am not making the trip.

We are both disappointed, but that's the way it is. Hopefully, the tickets will be waiting for Margaret5828, our benefactor, when she arrives at the Hilton-Knoxville Sunday so she can give them to people sitting farther back or in need of seats. We will enjoy the concert via clack, which has been totally awesome this tour, and perhaps get in line for a set of concert DVD's.

For all those Clay fans we were planning to meet, there will be a next time. Y'all have a blast this weekend! converting her "To Do" list to "Done" or she will miss Sunday's show at the Tennessee Theatre.

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's lead graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Embarcadero Marina Park South, Palomar Starlight Theatre, The Greek Theatre, Fantasy Springs Casino, Flat Clay, Dave Chung, Billboard Mobile Beat Review, Desert Local News, Leslie Andrews, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken's West Coast Concerts Special

Visual Symmetry of Clay -- Graphic by Amazing_CA, Photo by Pink Cocoa

On Tour with Clay Aiken

West Yields Special Moments

Like most fans, I am vicariously experiencing the "California 4-fer" of Clay Aiken's Summer Tour through the impressions of those attending the San Diego, Pala, Los Angeles, and Indio concerts.

A cellstream connection can either transport a listener to the concert venue or send one off to watch some of the remarkable clack our videographers have captured and shared.

In recap after recap, fans have relayed their impressions from this weekend's adventure on the West Coast. Below are stories that won't make print media reviews but no doubt will hold special meaning for the CA fandom.

Pala Cellist Becomes Claymate

Luvmysalsie, a new member at Clayversity attending just her second CA concert ever, posted her recap very early Saturday morning. This is part of her discussion with a cellist following Friday night's performance at the Palomar Starlight Theatre:

You know that look Clay fans have after seeing him live -- bright eyed, animated, joy written all over our faces. That is the look the cellist had, plus she was talking a mile a minute, just like we fans do.

She said that Clay really has the "chops," meaning his voice is incredible; but what really makes him special is the magical interaction with the audience. He had us eating right out of his hand, and that is what makes him a great entertainer.

Anyone can sing, but not everyone can have that relationship with an audience. She said it felt great to hear the applause because most of the time, they don't even know if their audiences are awake. The orchestra really seemed to enjoy Clay, as they were laughing right along with all his jokes; and he was in rare form tonight.

I asked the cellist if she was a Clayvert? Of course, she didn't know what this meant. I explained to her after seeing Clay in person that most people fall in love with him.

She said, "Oh yes! I'm going to go out and buy his CD's and bring my children to his concerts." Her children had asked her to get Clay's autograph, but he was surrounded by people backstage and she couldn't get close enough.

According to my friend Sally, who attended Saturday's concert at The Greek, the Pala cellist followed through. She purchased tickets and went to her first concert as a Claymate!

Link to an ever-expanding California 4-fer Slide Show by clicking on the picture below. Photographers represented are Invisible926, Toni7babe, Lindylo, FiveGoldens, Riversend22, Mad4Clay, and SmartyPantsSuz.

Link to CA 4-fer Slide Show -- Phoby by Invisible926

Japanese Fans Meet Another 'Star'

During Thursday's San Diego banter, Clay welcomed contingents of international fans from Japan and New Zealand. Seated near the back, the Japanese fans were dressed in yukatas or summer kimonos.

According to Clayrin, a new OFC blogger from Japan, the group is not only attending the Aug. 2 - 4 concerts in California, but also those in Clay's home state of North Carolina, Cary and Asheville. Their story is being chronicled on The New Clay Aiken, a Japanese fan club site.

As fans who connect from afar, the Japanese group have become well acquainted with downloads at Clack Unlimited. Thursday night they also met a videographer special to Claymates everywhere. In a post at the Clack House, Spotlightlover described her chance meeting with these fans.

Clicakble by mel ladi

Comrades From Half a World Away

As we were preparing to leave the venue, I noticed that 20 or so Japanese ladies had gathered at the front of the stage in their kimonos. They had taken the set lists from the stage and were "oohing" and "aahing" over them. I took a little footage of them and then asked if anyone spoke English. A couple of tentative nods; then the woman who was serving as translator introduced herself.

I told her I had a big souvenir of the entire concert, and there were a few gasps. We exchanged cards and I said I would be in touch. Then I talked a little more with a few of the women who spoke English. I asked if they were on the Internet. One of them replied, “Clack Unlimited?” So I told them my board name. And the eyes of these wonderful women from a far country widened with recognition because they knew who I was.

For me, meeting these women was the most magical moment of the night. No, not because they knew who I was, but because across the vast Pacific Ocean, culture differences, and a language barrier, we have all become a part of this awesome phenomenon. I had shared something with them, not even knowing it; and that made us comrades from half a world away.

I think now, for me, that’s what this is really all about. It’s no longer just about a skinny kid from North Carolina with an incredible voice who got the chance of a lifetime. It’s how his effect on us has brought us together into a big family, and every concert is like a family reunion.

If you haven't seen or heard Spot's renderings of the San Diego "I Want To Know What Love Is" performance, video and audio downloads should be at the top of your list. Here are Sendspace links for both:

Small Video: IWTKWLI
mp3: IWTKWLI

When you visit Clack Unlimited, be sure to check out the Pala performances, too.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Eleven visual artsts are represented in these clickable Summer Tour graphics, including Claysmelody, photo by Gerwhisp, #1; Amazing_CA, photo by Toni7babe, #2; Claystruck, photos by LynninNJ, Fivegoldens, Laura2, and Katt45, #3; Katt45, photo by PinkCocoa, #4; and Amazing_CA, photos by Snix.

Headline News in a Nutshell

This corner has been so wrapped up in show recaps and vehicle tune-ups that some excellent news links were temporarily shelved. In case you have also been into clack and cars, here in a nutshell are several tour interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, and happenings with The Bubel Aiken Foundation.

Aiken Keeps His Options Open

As prelude to Sunday's performance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indo, CA, Judith Salkin of My Desert, Palm Springs, CA, interviewed Clay via email, providing a superb read in which the singer discusses his reason for performing with local symphony orchestras, his willingness to judge Idol, and what's next in his career.

Readers can register and leave comments, too.

Clay Aiken on Love Songs, Hair Dye, and Lenox

Previewing the Aug. 15 Atlanta concert, David Graves of The Constitution Saturday posted his article covering, in addition to love songs and hair color, the unusual tour medleys and a sentimental reminiscence of the Clay's successful AI audition in Georgia.

Clay Aiken is a riot. There's something genuinely comedic about the singer, care-free and, well, likable.

"I always have to get back to the corner on Spring Street where I spent the night for my ["American Idol"] auditions at Merchandise Mart. So I'll try to get back over there."

The Nashua Telegraph: Symphony and 'Idol' Make Unlikely Team

Clay & Company, as well as his fans, gave the Nashua Symphony musicians lots of props for their professionalism under difficult circumstances when they practically sight-read the Meadowbrook performance on a hot, bug-infested stage following a delayed, abbreviated rehearsal due to the late arrival of music scores.

A fun read and a great look behind the scenes of this summer concert!

Fans Protective of Star

In a related story by a Nashua newspaper photographer, Clay's fans informed the journalist in no uncertain terms to turn off her camera's flash before she hurt the performer's eyes. She claims to be a CA fan, but somehow she missed flash memo while "reading" the boards.

Clay Aiken To Expand Camps

Clay's goal to raise $1 million in less than a year will expand the Bubel/Aiken Foundation's "Let All Play" initiative to 100 camps inclusive to children with special needs in 2008.

Jerry Aiken, executive director of TBAF and Clay's uncle, spoke with UPI's Caregiving about the project's progress. This is the writer's summation paragraph:

In an era when many men in their 20s are only passionate about video games or have nothing else on their minds than perfecting their backhand, Clay Aiken talking about inclusion of those with special needs is enormously attractive to women of all ages, so I can understand why his fans are so devoted and why the foundation has such ambitious plans.

You can read and leave comments at the story link.

Blogger Takes Readers Backstage in Syracuse

Madaelynn, an OFC blogger related to the Syracuse Symphony oboist, not only presents some special backstage impressions of an orchestra musician who accompanied Clay on July 18, but she also was the recipient of an unexpected autograph from her favorite singer.

"The audience really liked him, and they screamed a lot. As you can well imagine, our regular audiences don’t do much screaming.

Clay’s group was quite adamant about not having people backstage, so I asked our stage manager to ask about an autograph. He spoke with Angela, and she arranged it."

If you are a member of the OFC, here is the link to Maddy's blog: Clay Grants a Favor.

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA 's opening graphic:

Almost time to start packing for Knoxville -- or at least making some TO DO lists. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Embarcadero Marina Park South, Palomar Starlight Theatre, The Greek Theatre, Fantasy Springs Casino, The New Clay Aiken, Clack Unlimited, My Desert, The Atlanta Constitution, The Nashua Symphony, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, cellcert, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Tour Rolls Toward California

Clay Aiken performs in Newark -- Photo by Toni7babe

CA in CA Week

Tour Bus Rolls Toward Pacific

"CA in CA Week" blasts off Thursday as Clay Aiken & Co. launch the California leg of his Summer Tour 2007. Not only residents of the Golden State, but also fans from throughout the US and many foreign countries are wending their way toward southern California.

Pre-party planning is at an all-time high along Clay Cyberspace in preparation for these concerts. Mapquest has probably registered considerable traffic as many fans blueprint driving directions for the "California 4-fer."

Below are pictures of the concert venues, show schedules, and links when available:

Embarcadero Marina Park South
7:30 p.m. PDT, 8-2-07
San Diego, CA.
San Diego Pops Orchestra

Palomar Starlight Theatre
7:30 p.m. PDT 8-3-07
Pala, CA

The Greek Theatre
8 p.m. PDT, 8-4-07
Los Angeles, CA

Fantasy Springs Casino
8-5-07
Indio, CA

Aiken, Bennett, Goo Goos, Lonely Boys Aid GFRF

In June, Nederlander Concerts created a series of concerts and special offers at The Greek Theatre benefiting the Griffith Park Recovery Fund (GPRF), which supports the reforestation efforts needed after more than 800 acres were scorched in the May fires in California.

Multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken has donated autographed merchandise which will be available during a silent auction prior to his performance.

Items range from a limited-edition poster to an autographed book, t-shirt, CDs, and much more and will be available for bids in The Greek Theatre plaza beginning at 7 p.m. In addition, the winner of this exclusive package will receive hospitatily passes to The Greek Theatre's VIP Deck after the show.

For more information, see Vinyl Word.

Knoxville Tune-Ups Completed

At the end of June, BOD and HEART were hip to share their successful experiences from a cath lab procedure: Bod, Heart Submit Final Report.

Following the doctor's "thumbs up" appraisal, plans began in earnest to attend Clay Aiken's Knoxville, TN, concert. At the top of the TO DO list was a similar tune-up for the resident vehicle, an Olds station wagon (WAG), which in her hey day hauled cellos, basses, and orchestra kids all over the Carolinas and Tennessee.

BOD and HEART have been patiently waiting to compare tune-up notes with WAG ...

HEART: All right, WAG, give us the scoop. How did your procedure go?

WAG: First of all, I haven't had to wake up that early since leaving the school system. Did y'all know I had to be at Automotive Connections by 8:45 a.m.?

BOD: Girl, who do you think drove you to the shop?

WAG: I must say it was kind of neat having a bunch of guys checking out my parts all day long.

HEART: So what went down? Were you hooked up to a monitor in a freezing lab the way we were? Did you watch picture shows of your insides?

WAG: Just that little bit of Clay Aiken music during the drive to the shop put me in a fog, but I'll see if I can remember what those guys did to me. I can tell you right now this place was definitely not cold!

BOD: You have our undivided attention.

WAG Recounts Check-Up

WAG: It's been a while since I've had what you guys call a physical, but I've sure had one now. Those boys know me inside and out -- tune-up, belts checked/replaced, new filters, new front brake pads, new front tires, oil change, fluid levels checked. Remember, I was in a semi-Aiken Fog, so I may not remember everything.

HEART: What about the state inspection?

WAG: Oh, yeah, I've been quality checked with an A-1 rating.

BOD: Sounds a little like our latest stent check-up.WAG: There is one thing though. You probably shouldn't tell FLUTIE this, but one of my hoses had twisted on its side and was only being held in place by tension. The minute that cute Chris touched it, the hose disintegrated. Do you realize this could have happened anytime?

HEART: Lawd Jesus, be still, me!!! We could have completely missed that gig Saturday or -- heaven forbid -- the Newark cellcert!

BOD: Don't worry, we won't breathe a word to FLUTIE, who would probably flutter off into a corner. We'd like her to be agreeable to future gigs.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: The graphics and photos of these visual artists recall manyl of the first 11 concerts. Featured are Amazing_CA, photo by Huskerfalcon, 1; Ambassador of Love, photos by HeatherW, 2; Claystruck, photos by LynninNJ, 3; Ambassador of Love, photos by LynninNJ, 4; and Amazing_CA, photos by Toni7babe, 5.

Monday a Busy Day All Around

WAG: So did you guys sit in the waiting room while I was in the car clinic?

BOD: LOL, heck no, we started down Caro's TO DO list -- delivered the gig books to the drop-off, then hit the stores for shoes, clothes, music, you name it.

HEART: Don't forget, we stopped by AAA to pick up maps and a Knoxville tour guide.

WAG: That doesn't sound like much.

BOD: Girlfriend, you have obviously never been shopping with Caro's sister. You had it easy lying around all day with guys waiting on you hand and foot.

HEART: We must have spent 2-3 hours in shoe stores. If that girl ever needs to augment her flute teaching and performances, she could flat sell shoes.

BOD: Your procedure took so long that we ate lunch -- heart-healthy chicken on a stick and Lebanese salad.

'Plus' Upgrade Smart Move

WAG: Do y'all remember that time we drove to Nashville and needed AAA in the worst way?

HEART: I think that was the first time Caro had a car break down on the highway. She was approaching Cookeville, planning to stop for gas, when you, dear WAG, stopped just two miles from the exit.

BOD: Thank goodness, her BIL had convinced her to upgrade her AAA membership from "Basic" to "Plus"!

WAG: The tow truck arrived; Caro and I were hauled almost 100 miles, the max for "plus," to a service station on the western side of Nashville.

HEART: Next morning the mechanic called and told her the only problem was she was out of gas.

WAG: She had tried to tell them, but they were bound and determined to tow us to Nashville.

Unending Road Sagas

BOD: Caro and road trips are something else. Do you remember that year she and Suggs took students to the Southeastern Honors Orchestra Festival in Knoxville?

HEART: Yep, after stopping for dinner, Suggs and the kids in the van headed east towards Greensboro. Without blinking an eye, WAG, you took I-40 West.

WAG: Habit -- Nashville was home for 17 years, and Caro didn't even realize she was going in the wrong way for a good 20 miles. It's not easy to turn around on an interstate.

HEART: With Caro behind the wheel, life is always interesting. This trip is bound to add to her road legacy.

BOD: This summer we've had two major tune-ups -- yours literally in the nick of time, WAG, and ours just prior to the new fiscal year.

HEART: After our excursions Monday, we can guarantee the Knoxville TO DO list is looking good.

WAG: Knoxville, here we come -- SOON!!!

Cindilu2 Creates August Choices

To assist Clay fans -- including this blog's current ghost writers -- keep up with the new month, Cindilu2 has created two August calendars from summer tour photos. Special thnx to the talented graphic artist and the photographers represented, NoFancyclothes, 1, and Scrpkym, 2.

Below is a clickable of Toni7babe's opening photo:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego Pops Orchestra, Palomar Starlight Theatre, The Greek Theatre, Fantasy Springs Casino, Automotive Connections, AAA, calendar, cellcert, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation