Aiken's Symphony Show Sizzles in 'Texahoma'

TEXAHOMANS APPLAUD SHOW -- Clay Aiken performing with the Houston Symphony Friday during the first leg of his Summer Tour 2007. Photo by Marhaven.

Fond Memories of 'Texahoma'

Aiken's Symphony Show Sizzles

While the Clay Aiken Summer Tour 2007 is on hiatus through Tuesday, the Texahoma Three-fer is alive and well in riveting replay of video, audio, and photo Clack. As you might expect, the Aiken Fog has escalated to near epidemic levels throughout the Clay Nation.

Even LAP and LACIE, ghostwriters of the previous entry while yours truly was similarly affected, have succumbed to non-stop concert replays. They were coherent long enough to send "thank you's" for all your kind comments.

Nothing like an inadvertently wandering foot, referenced as Toegate or Footgate, to make headline news with every imaginable media outlet. According to the interactive graph at Topix, there were more searches for Clay Aiken this past weekend than the Handgate raucous with Kelly Ripa last November.

Between his hands and feet, Clay is a very well-researched celebrity. On the plus side, fans have noted that ticket sales for future concert venues have taken a noticeable spike.

Media 'Inadvertently' Prints Wrong Photo

Besides Clay's inevitable snark about the airline incident during Saturday night's Tulsa Concert, mass media's frenzy to sensationalize the episode yielded a little comic relief when news sites "inadvertently" ran a 2003 photo of the singer with two totally different stories.

Both have been corrected, but below are clickables of the websites with Clay's photo accompanying these very odd headlines: "US Congress returns, ready to battle Bush over CIA leak case, executive privilege" and "Bush's ex-aide refuses to answer questions about attorney firings." Sloppy journalism strikes again!

'Inadvertent Photos' - Clickable

Houston Writer Shares Unpublished Excerpts

Clay fan Stripedshirts thanked writer Joey Guerra for the candid interview he compiled for the Houston Chronicle last week.In her email, she also wondered if there were more to the interview than had appeared in the paper; and the reporter graciously sent her four excerpts to share with other fans. Here are the gems that did not make the Chronicle article:

On today's music: If it doesn't have a melody or a hook, I really can't get into it. If it's just people screaming, I get confused. It reminds me of my childhood too much.''

The first preset on my radio is the top 40 station, and I try my best to listen to it. But I find myself switching away and going to the AC station or the country station or the Christian station. There are so few real songs on top 40 anymore. And so few real singers. I'd love to try to find a middle ground between songs that are great, hopefully good singing and production that's current.

I think nowadays radio doesn't care how good someone sings. They just care whether or not people can fake having sex while standing up dancing to it. That's all they want.

On being roommates with Kimberley Locke: She and I became really good friends. I think she was probably a better roommate than I was. I was lazy and kind of messy. She's very meticulous and likes to get her stuff done on time.

She would wake up at 6:30 in the morning. By the time she was back from the gym, I was just rolling out of bed, sitting in my pajamas watching TV. She would say, 'Clean up this kitchen! Leaving dirty dishes in the sink.

On 'Idol The Musical': I just heard about it not too long ago. I don't know what to think about it. I think it's kind of flattering, a little bit. Someone put some money into it. They think people are going to show up. I kind of want to see it. That way if they do make fun of me, they'll have to deal with me sitting right there. And then I will boo them loudly.

On his Broadway aspirations: When you grow up in North Carolina, you don't really think about being a pop singer. Maybe you might be a country singer. But when you sing in school, the thing that you do is theater.

I never really had any aspirations to do Broadway. But I'd never really seen a real Broadway play until after I got off Idol. When I watch them, I'm like, "Wow, people think I can do this?" I've seen 'Wicked,' and I'm like, 'Whoa!'''

About his conversation with Clay, the reporter added, "He was warm, funny, and sincere. This recent interview was particularly entertaining. I often laughed out loud, as did he."

Love Songs, VH1 Reality Voting

Residing in the the CA fandom are totally unblemished concert virgins, semi-virgins who have allowed themselves to view small doses of Clack, and those of us who partake of all varieties coming down the pike. Wherever you fall in the spectrum, there are two places -- besides Lycos and GoodSearch -- that fans can cast votes for our singer.

Clay's surprise appearance on the AI 5 Finale is in the running for VH1' "Number 1 Reality TV Moment." The results will be broadcast on VH1's 40 Greatest Reality Moments 2 beginning Aug. 10. Vote for American Idol "And the Winner Is ... " as often as possible.

Once daily fans can vote for "A Thousand Days" at Favorite Love Songs Not on the Radio. Currently, Clay's "ATD" is trailing Barry Manilow's "When I Fall in Love."

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Six photographers and graphic artists are featured in this first clickable interlude. They include Farouche, Houston, 1; Amazing_CA, photos by Huskerfalcon, Frisco, 2; xxx4clay, Houston, 3; Claystruck, photo by xxx4clay, Houston, 4; and Invisibleson, Houston, 5.

Fans Share Not.Just.Us Stories

Clay Aiken fans are among the best at taking the pulse of concert audiences and reporting back to the many message boards devoted to the singer. These are some of the many stories from the past week:

KAndre: The Frisco venue frankly was totally typical of a Texas Fourth of July. I was impressed by the number of what seemed to be eight-year-old girls whose only reason to be there was Clay. A couple were there with their father, who was clearly a serious soccer fan; and it was also clear that the girls prior to this had had no interest in attending a game.

The older one explained to her Dad that there was some sort of law that they MUST go on the field - FIRST. He would have to RUN, and he would have to hold her up all night so she could SEE. This was the most important thing in the WORLD. Dad was teasing her and us.

These girls had to have been no more than three or four when Clay was on American Idol, but he still managed to acquire them as fans.

Marhaven: During the Houston intermission, a couple of gals were chatting in line. It was obvious this was their first Clay concert, and they had come on a whim. One of them glanced back at me and asked if this was my first concert and I said "No, actually it is my 31st."

They proceeded to gush about how great Clay was and how much they were enjoying the concert. They were youngish, late 20's-early 30's, and I am sure they left there as Clay fans.

Another lady, upon hearing about my 31 concerts (I usually don't admit this to random strangers) wanted to know if I was the lady on GMA with the Claymobile. Wrong show, but at least she had seen it!

Huuugs: A lot of people around us at the Houston concert were only there for the symphony. The woman next to me, along with her friend, didn't know who Clay Aiken was. She teared up when he sang "Measure Of A Man" and again on "Lover All Alone."

She loved hearing about his foundation, as she is a teacher for children with learning disabilities herself. She said she was going to look for his CDs on Saturday. I hope she can find them!

The man behind me laughed so hard and just kept saying "Wow!" He was won over. As we went out the door, another man was heard saying, "Why haven't I heard of this guy? He can sing anything. What a voice!" He just kept on and on! It was a great feeling!

dksfriend: I met a 20-something fan from Mexico at the Houston pre-party who posts under the name Nallelyp at the Clayboard. Nallely had taken a 12-hour bus trip from Monterrey, Mexico, to see Clay in concert for the very first time.

Idol wasn't shown in Mexico, but a friend of hers was living in Georgia during AI5. The friend saw Clay during his brief AI5 appearance and fell in love. They went online to find out more about who this guy was, and the rest was history!

Nallely showed me some hilarious pictures of her three fellow Clay fan friends in Mexico. They threw a party on his birthday last year, complete with macaroni and cheese and hot pineapple salad. They played a somewhat "adult" version of "pin the tail on Clay"; and they threw darts with a board covered with pictures of Simon Cowell, Perez Hilton, and Kelly Ripa. They sure learned all the important stuff about Clay quickly, didn't they?

Nallely was so excited to see Clay in concert for the first time. At intermission we were able to bring her down to join us in the 5th row center since there was an empty seat next to us. Watching her being mesmerized and enthralled by Clay was a wonderful experience, and it made the concert extra special for me.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: These clickables are among the many pictures taken by the CA fandom's photographers at the first three concerts. Included are photos by Farouche, Houston, 1; KCChristian4Clay, Frisco, 2; Fivegoldens, Houston, 3; Jtgranny, Tulsa, 4; and dc4clay, Houston, 5.

Summer Clay Receives Thumbs-Up

As you will see, the experiences below encompass concert reactions in a variety of venues.

PKMiller emailed Johnny Buschardt to thank him for booking Clay at the Historic Brady Theater. At his request, she has shared his reply with CA Cyberspace:

It was a great show. It didn’t sell out; but like I told Clay on the phone yesterday, every person there had the time of their lives. Normally it isn’t that hot in the Brady, but I think the combination of a hot summer stretch and 2000 screaming, ecstatic women may have raised the temperature a bit.

I can honestly say that, in the hundreds on concerts I’ve done, I have never seen so many fans wait (and wait so patiently) for a quick handshake after a show. That was a pretty cool sight to see. I am sure we will bring Clay back in the future.

Raleighlady: Just before lunch Wednesday, Diane Ramsey, the midday DJ at MIX 101.5 WRAL, announced in a sweet honey voice: "He can put his size 13 foot on my armrest anytime he wants. Here's Clay Aiken with "Invisible."

PKMiller: I talked with a female DJ from KBEZ today. She said she, another DJ, and her husband went to the Brady to see Clay. I asked if she enjoyed it, and she said she loved it! She especially liked the "Classics."

She added that Clay is totally underestimated and under-appreciated and she would see what she could do to get him played on the radio. Not one radio station in Tulsa plays Clay, but perhaps we can win them over one DJ at a time. She was absolutely gushing.

Champion: My 18-year-old son saw all the pictures from Texas/Oklahoma concerts and said, "That's how I want my hair cut!" It's been really long for awhile, so we printed off a few Clay pix and headed to my hairdresser.

He really thinks it is the perfect summer do -- short enough not to be too hot but long enough to be styling. That Aiken guy is a trend setter!

Below is a clickable wallpaper of Marhaven's handsome opening photograph:

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Summer of Love, Soft Rock and a Hard Place, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Historic Brady Theater, Houston Chronicle, Favorite Love Songs, VH1 Greatest Reality Moments 2, Airplane Incident, Clack, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

'Aiken Fog' Captivates with Clack Overload

TULSA VIDEO -- Spotlightlover's video preserves the opening banter of Clay Aiken's Summer Tour Concert in Tulsa, during which he covers many topics, one of them his interpretation of the "airplane attack."

Caro on Clack Overload

'Aiken Fog' Captivates Fans

Waiting patiently for this corner's show to get on the road, LAP (Laptop) and LACIE (Lacie External Hard Drive) finally held a meeting late Sunday afternoon, the minutes of which are shared here ...

LAP: Look, we know the routine -- new blog every three days no matter what. You can almost set your clock by our schedule. We know Monday is the day, the Summer Tour and Tulsa Toegate the topics; but we are beginning to think the Aiken Fog has incapacitated Caro, along with the rest of the CA fandom.

LACIE: Yeah, the Clack has been flowing steadily since Wednesday. I bet the new files have gobbled up five gigs of my memory, and that's just the first three concerts. Of course, she has duplicates and triplicates of some songs, like Lover All Alone from every single concert!

LAP: Heck, she's barely turned either one of us off. I think we could even sing those songs without word sheets, Clay Aiken!

LACIE: So we've been thinking -- she's taken decent notes, jotted down some links, and saved a ton of pictures along with all the video/audio Clack.

LAP: In other words, we're going to try to keep this blog on schedule since the Fog has knocked Caro our of commission. Bear with us while we get organized.

LACIE: To begin with, you have to wonder what criteria the media is using to determine "real news." Wasn't the focus of global warming with a 24-hour, seven-continent "Live Earth" concert bringing together more than 100 musical acts and reaching more than two billion people a big enough story?

LAP: So Clay Aiken falls asleep on a flight to Tulsa, his foot inadvertently touches the armrest of the female passenger in front of him, and World War 3 breaks out. The woman got up out of her seat and began hitting the sleeping singer in the chest. As he did in his latest blog, Clay talked about the airline drama and what he considers "real news" in this story at Etonline.

LACIE: And, of course, he's a topic on ET and The Insider, as well as a whole slew of other entertainment/news/talk shows.

LAP: Many AP reports have picked up much of the Etonline article. An example is USA Today: Clay Aiken Promises to Keep His Foot To Himself. Great picture from the Frisco concert, btw.

Bloggers, Media Report Airline Incident

LACIE: Fans on the same plane were eye-witnesses to the assault and are quoted in reports at Clay's Daily Double. Not to mention, they were officially interviewed by the FBI!

Other excellent blogs with the scoop include the ConCLAYve: "Leaving on a Jet Plane"; There Was a Man: "The King of Controversy and the Unfriendly Skies"; and Something That Really Happened: "Clay Aiken Assaulted on Airline."

LAP: When we went to press, 300 news sites featured the story under a variety of heads. We will link one because, you know, HTML codes can be a pain; and these say much the same thing. Very interesting that by 9 p.m. Sunday, the word "apparently" had finally edged its way into the story and headlines: Clay Aiken Apparently Involved in Airplane Spat, this from CNN.

LACIE: Some of the earlier headlines included Clay Aiken Involved in Airplane 'Disturbance' ... Aiken Involved in Air Rage Row (This editor loves a little alliteration!) ... Clay Aiken Part of Mile High Altercation.

LAP: Of course, the minute the story hit the wires, we knew the King of Controversy would include it in his Tulsa show Saturday night. The fact that he did, as you can see in the video above, garnered this sentence in many news stories: "Concertgoers said Aiken joked onstage about being beaten up by a girl earlier in the day."

LACIE: That's not all; television covered the story Sunday night. Singer Man can't take a breath without being big news.LAP: I just cruised through the Summer Tour photo folders filling my coffers -- we like alliteration, too! -- so here comes a sampling from the Tulsa Concert.

LAP: Of course, the minute the story hit the wires, we knew the King of Controversy would include it in his Tulsa show Saturday night. The fact that he did, as you can see in the video above, garnered this sentence in many news stories: "Concertgoers said Aiken joked onstage about being beaten up by a girl earlier in the day."

LACIE: Radio, TV, and print media have outdone themselves covering this minor story. Singer Man can't take a breath without being big news!

LAP: I just cruised through the Summer Tour photo folders filling my coffers -- we like alliteration, too! -- so here comes a sampling from the Tulsa Concert.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: These clickables are among the many pictures taken by Clack goddess photographers at the Tulsa Concert. Thank you to dc4clay, 1, 3, 5; and Jtgranny, 2 and 4.

Multiple Tabs Aid Clack Gathering

LACIE: We just checked, and the Fog is still camping out here with the first three concerts on constant replay. I should know; the files are stored in my vault.

LAP: Only CA fans would believe how many tabs the ole girl has open for message boards, photo albums, and other web sites. A great example is Clayversity. Not only is the main thread available at all times, but she can -- and frequently does -- switch to the Paint Shop Pro Forum, the Tulsa tour thread, the "Clack Alert" thread, and her PM inbox. No way is she going to miss a stitch of new Clack!

LACIE: Before the concert videos began rolling in, she had assembled some really special experiences from Houston and Tulsa concertgoers, which we will pass along.

Fans Impress Restaurateur, Usher

Texwriter: During the Houston pre-party, my husband got acquainted with the manager of the restaurant. This guy was very impressed with the fans and the fact that there were two parties going on for Clay Aiken. Evidently that doesn't happen for other artists who perform in Houston.

He also had good things to say about Clay, even remembered him riding in on the horse on Jimmy Kimmel Live and told DH that when Clay comes back to Houston, he would throw a special "cast party" for the fans. I don't know what that involves, but it sounds way cool.

As we were exiting the auditorium, the sweetest little lady usher stood in the doorway and told us she hoped we'd enjoyed the show. I stopped and asked her how she enjoyed it. She just gushed about how wonderful Clay was and said she hadn't even known who he was before, but thought he was sensational and hopes he comes back again "real soon."

Bamintx: In Houston, my sister was seated next to a symphony regular. Before the concert started, she told my sister, "This sure is a different crowd than we’re used to here." The woman had never seen Clay before. Well, she loved him ("What a great entertainer!"), really got into "the classics,” TV medley, etc., and thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Houston Musicians Enjoy Show

Sunnydays: The Houston orchestra seemed much more stoic than Tulsa, but I had to walk back into Jones Hall after the show and passed by one of the members saying, "That was so much fun. It was really funny!" I wanted to stop and talk to him, but was in a big hurry. Unfortunately, he was gone when I came back through.

I flew out of Tulsa International Sunday morning, and it didn't hit me until I was going through security that this was "the airport." After pushing my carry-on through, there was a delay because of my laptop, which I had to power up. My iPhoto was open with all the pictures from this week, and immediately the security guy said, "That's him!" A woman came rushing over and said she wanted to look at my pictures. She also recognized Clay as "that guy."

On the shuttle, the driver told passengers how crowded the vans were (two were needed at 5 a.m.) and how busy the hotel was this weekend. He added, "And we had a celebrity in our midst, but he left already. Good guy though."

Security: 'Are They Controllable?'

JaMar: At the Tulsa concert, a fan interrupted Clay's banter, saying she had brought a water bottle that he gave her three years ago so he could autograph it. Quiana jumped into the discussion to make sure the woman is not still drinking from said container because that's not safe.

For the handshake afterwards, we were among the first 25 people in the parking lot; and Jerome was a hoot. When he came out and said he was gonna try to work something out, the local security guy asked, "ARE THEY CONTROLABLE?" Jerome replied, "Oh yeah; just watch" and then proceeded to tell us to move, where, and how (holding hands in line) -- which we did.

A couple of little kids were in front of me, and they got a hand touch from Clay and were all excited. Of course, we were, too. He looked another shade of incredible going down that line.

LACIE: Below are clickables of the photos by Jtgranny and Invisibleson that are providing video links in this blog at the OFC. We think we've about got her blogging routine down, LOL!

Tulsa Toegate Continues

LAP: Reckon that catches us up for another three days. Tulsa Toegate still seems to be on the media's radar. A Google search Tuesday morning yielded 487 stories.

LACIE: For the most part, the comments at the Drudge Report and the Huffington Post question the newsworthiness of this piece; and I think that's really good for Clay.

LAP: HEEEEE, I read at the Clayboard that Singer Man is spending his 10-day break walking to Philly, the next venue. It's safer.

LACIE: You know, I think the entire Clay Nation is downloading and watching Clack. We probably could have waited another day on this blog.

LAP: Sheesh, we might as well join 'em. From the Houston Concert, this is Clay singing "Lover All Alone," for which he wrote the lyrics. We really like the way he performs the song in profile so that the cello soloist shares the spotlight.

'Lover All Alone' from Houston Concert -- Video by Spotlightlover

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Summer of Love, Soft Rock and a Hard Place, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Brady Theater, Lover All Alone, Airplane Incident, Clack, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Tour Opener Fireworks for Fans

CURTAIN RISES IN TEXAS -- Link to a slide show of images from Frisco and Houston, opening concerts of Clay Aiken's Summer Tour, by clicking on HeatherW's photo above. The slide show features graphics by Amazing_CA, ABeautifulMind, and Claystruck, as well as photographs by dc4clay, Farouche, HeatherW, Invisibleson926, KSChristian4Clay, Karen Eh, LauraQ, Scrpkym, Toni7babe, and Tony Gutierrez (AP).

Fans Applaud Tour Opening

Aiken Concert Sparks Fireworks

Following nine straight days of rain, the storm clouds parted and Frisco, TX, successfully celebrated the Fourth of July on a clear night and in grand style with a soccer match, an outdoor concert by Clay Aiken, and, by all accounts, a stupendous fireworks finale.

While the pyrotechnic plumes that painted the sky may have been the highlight of the evening for locals, just being present for the opening curtain of Clay's Summer Tour 2007 was the pinnacle for CA fans.

By virtue of the venue and the occasion, the concert was an abbreviated version. However, the singer with the golden voice provided such a mixture of styles and songs that no one should have felt left out.

Favorites from his album A Thousand Different Ways, a medley of TV theme songs, and a snarky take on "classics" no one would ever associate with this balladeer made for an interesting evening.

Frisco Rehearsal - Clickable

For an interesting account of the Frisco rehearsal, read freelance flautist Jennifer's blog: Are You Achin' for Clay Aiken? She shot the rehearsal photo above.

A former symphony musician, I immediately looked up Jennifer's blog and left her a message because she gave us an amazing behind-the-scenes view of the Frisco rehearsal. I hope other Clay fans will do the same. This is part of the flautist's reply:

Thanks for the link and the kind words. The CA concert was the first time I've ever played for a big name performer and I was super psyched to do it. Playing after a soccer game was definitely interesting and I'm glad the weather held out.

Recaps abound in blogs and message board posts, and the long drought for concert Clack ended with many fan contributions of new audio, videos, and photographs. Downloads are available at Clack Unlimited.

A Cellcert Over the Boston Pops?

I have a musician friend, classically trained like me, who has never understood my devotion and admiration for our special singer. It's her loss that she won't consider listening to Clay's amazing pipes just because he sings pop music.

The lady in question knows very little about computers and doesn't want to. However, she does appreciate that my laptop and I can quickly locate information for her on almost any given topic. I knew she couldn't begin to fathom a cellcert, so I hadn't intended to mention my July 4 agenda.

In a phone call Wednesday, Musican Friend said she planned to watch the Boston Pops patriotic extravaganza and wondered which program I would be viewing. I laughed and told her I would be "attending" Clay Aiken's opening concert in Frisco, TX, via my computer.

I know she thinks I am nuts, and I am sure she hung up the phone shaking her head. Thank goodness, I am such a lost cause!

Jones Hall in Houston, TX

Brady Theater in Tulsa, OK

Houston, Tulsa Next on Tour Trail

Clay & Co. will complete the tour's southwest leg with concerts at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. CDT Friday and in Tulsa's Brady Theater at 8 p.m. CDT Saturday.

The classically elegant Jones Hall dominates an entire city block and has played host to countess stage and musical performances since its opening in 1966. Built from 1912 to 1914, historic Brady Theater is a former vaudeville house, hosting a roll call of big names in entertainment history.

Like all CA fans listening to streams, reading recaps, and watching next-day Clack, I look forward to the acoustics of this weekend's theaters. I imagine Clay & Co. are tweaking the show as they go along. That's just the way it's done.

The two-part Houston Press podcast interview with Clay is now online. Sheila Hancock's winning drawing of Clay is also posted at this site.

'Houston Chronicle' Interview

Singer So Square He's Hip

Writer Joey Guerra posted his interview with Clay in the Preview section of the Houston Chronicle Thursday: Clay Aiken Embraces His Inner Dork. The complete article can be read at the above link, and the interview begins like this:

Clay Aiken — despite the stylishly shaggy 'do — still isn't hip. "I'm never going to be, and I'm fine with that. We all must embrace our inner dork," he says with a laugh.

Aiken has still managed a successful post-American Idol career as the soundtrack of choice for enthusiastic grandmothers. He performs Friday with the Houston Symphony, and he doesn't expect to see a lot of people his age in the crowd.

"People always come up to me and say, 'My grandmother's your biggest fan,' " Aiken, 28, says. "There's a misconception among these ladies that I'm cool and hip and now. And they think that by liking me, it makes them cool and hip and now.

"But shhh. We aren't going to tell them that I'm not cool and hip at all."

Bringing the 'Sexy Back'

Questions covered lots of ground -- "the enduring Claymania," Top 40 radio, his latest album, new material, the first record Clay ever purchased, the one in his collection that would surprise people, his sense of humor, a possible talk show, etc.

Asked if he would ever be bringing the Sexy Back, Clay explained he would be doing just that in a medley of songs people wouldn't expect to hear with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. "I know it's not going to be cool. I have no problem making fun of myself."

'Tulsa World' Interview

Aiken Still the One with Fans

An excellent article by Matt Elliott -- Ideal 'Idol': for his fans, platinum-selling Clay Aiken is still the one -- appears in Friday's Tulsa World. These are the opening graphs:

A message to the ladies from Clay Aiken: He's glad you've stopped pelting him with you undies.

"They've calmed down on those," Aiken said in a phone interview from his North Carolina home. "I think they threw so many the first time, they ran out. During the 'Idol' tour when we came through Oklahoma City, they were throwing undies all the time."

In addition to discussing the show's content, Clay talked about his career, albums past and present, and his fans. The Tulsa Claymates even have their own sidebar story.

Women of All Ages Appeal

But when asked to compare the qualities of older and younger women, Aiken laughed in that distinctive Carolina accent, and answered with characteristic Southern charm.

"I think that there are definitely benefits to either one," he said, wisely. "Younger ladies have things to offer that older ladies can't and definitely vice versa. So, I'm gonna stay well behaved and not get myself in trouble by answering that too specifically."

Touche for Clay! At every turn, he embraces who he is and doesn't miss a chance to provide his audiences entertaining glimpses of the snarky, fun-loving sense of humor that accompanies his amazing singing voice.

The Clay Aiken Fan Club runs -- or walks briskly -- through a multi-generational gamut. I am very glad to be included on that roster. Oh, my achy breaky heart - - Aug. 12 is such a long way away!

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Summer of Love, Soft Rock and a Hard Place, Frisco Freedom Fest, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Brady Theater, Houston Chronicle, Tulsa World, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Await Tour Opener with Clack

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2007 -- -- Today the United States commemorates its 231st birthday. In addition, the Clay Nation celebrates the opening concert of the Summer Symphony Tour. Graphic by Ambassador of Love.

Past Clack on Parade

Aiken Fans Await Tour Opener

If you're not tearing down a Texas highway to Clay Aiken's opening night concert at Frisco Freedom Fest or throwing clothes into a suitcase for the Houston-Tulsa leg of the Summer Symphony Tour, then perhaps you are twiddling your thumbs and watching the clock slowly tick its way towards cellcert time.

The house is white-glove clean, eggs are bedeviled, and the barbeque grill stands ready to serve your Independence Day guests. For sure, the evening will be a juggling act, but you've carefully scheduled patriotic events around the much anticipated first tour concert. The only problem is the hands on your wall clock appear to be standing still or -- worse! -- inching backwards.

UPDATE: The July 4 opening concert is in the books, and everywhere you turn Clay fans are sharing experiences and Clack from the event. I'm still gathering, but here is a beautiful clickable blend by Amazing_CA, photo by Farouche, from Wednesday night's performance with much more to come.

So before the cellstreams and concert reports start cascading through Clay Cyberspace, this blog has compiled some entertaining ways to pass the time. Note that these options could prove useful for later concerts as well, but there should be a whole new stack of Clack in the coffers by then.

Not all fans have been around since American Idol 2, and the OFC membership rolls now boast many who happened upon Clay long after that fateful spring of 2003. One of the fandom's newest members is Anja of Dusseldorf, Germany; and in her second blog, she expounded on how she stumbled onto our singer.

For Anja and everyone who wasn't on the message boards from the beginning, Fountaindawg has designed 92 graphics that recreate Clay's story from the Atlanta audition to the MTV New Year's Eve Show of 2003. The photos can be viewed separately or as a slide show. To link, click on the opening frame below.

Link to 'Year at a Glance 2003' by Fountaindawg

Looking forward to future compilations!

Morphing Into the Present

Along similar lines, Cindilu2 recently created several morphs in which Clay traverses several concerts and/or seasons. The one on the right moves from "Idol" to "All Is Well." Wonder if this could work in reverse to shave a few inches, wrinkles, and years?

Morphs by Cindilu2

Lose Yourself at YouTube

Clay fans know they can temporarily get lost in the stacks of You Tube for hours, even days. A fun place to begin is "My Favorite Things 2006" by SmartyPantsSuz, an overview of the special moments fans shared with Clay last year. You can view the montage here or at YouTube.

My Favorite Things 2006

If you have never seen the original "My Favorite Things" or would like a review, here is Suz's first MFT montage, which begins with Clay's initial appearance on AI2. Enjoy!

My Favorite Things

Other montages to explore or review are Fallin' by Goldarngirl and Black Velvet by Cindilu2. Hot off the press today is a new creation by Aspiegirl: Clay's 'Tour of the Day'.

Want to hear Clay sing "Broken Wings," "Lover All Alone," "Touch" or other songs from A Thousand Different Ways and Measure of a Man in a montage? Just search at YouTube by song, singer, or montage maker. Also, click on the "more by this user" button, and, believe me, concert and cellcert time will be here before you know it!

Happy Birthday, America!

PARTY TIME -- It's time to light 231 candles as we celebrate the founding of the United States of America. Included in these clickable festivities are designs and photos by seven visual artists. They include Claystruck, 1; Amazing_CA, photo by Karen Eh, 2; Katt45, photo by Karen Eh, 3; Claysmelody, photo by Karen Eh, 4; and BettyJean, photo by ClayCounty, 5.

Frisco Freedom Fest

A final detour is a sneak peek at the Frisco, TX, concert venue with these two clickables of Pizza Hut Park. Clay and the Philharmonic Orchestra will perform from 8-9:45 p.m. after the FC Dallas - Chivas USA soccer match. The evening festivities close with a fireworks extravaganza.

Before the opening curtain, there's just enough time to create your own fireworks display. This picture links to a site on which you can stage your very own show. The more you click, the more you get. Enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July and Summer Tour Opener, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Measure of a Man, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Summer of Love, Soft Rock and a Hard Place, Frisco Freedom Fest, Independence Day, American Idol, YouTube, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Greet July Festivities, Tour

IT'S FINALLY JULY! -- Canada and the USA celebrate national birthdays this week, and Clay Aiken launches his Summer Symphony Tour with July 4 festivities in Frisco, TX. Graphic by Amazing_CA.

Fireworks, Festivities, and a Tour!

Clay Aiken Fans Welcome July

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

July 4, 1776, is the birth date of the United States of America. On that day in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.

President John Adams said the Fourth of July should be celebrated with, among other events, "pomp, parade, games, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other."

The week is filled with festivities in North America, as both the US and Canada commemorate the birthday of their respective unions. Originally "Dominion Day," July 1 officially became "Canada Day" in 1982; and today Canadians celebrate their country's heritage, history, and achievements from coast to coast.

Fans Focus First on Frisco

For Clay Aiken fans, the week's main focus will be Freedom Fest in Frisco, TX, opening concert of the singer's 20-city summer tour. The festivities promise food, fun, fireworks and plenty of red, white and blue on Independence Day.

The agenda will include an FC Dallas - Chivas USA soccer game, Clay Aiken and Philharmonic Orchestra Concert, Children's Expo, Community Stage, Taste of Frisco, Hometown Heroes Exhibit, Party in the Plaza, concluding with a spectacular view of the biggest fireworks show in North Texas!

Billed as quality entertainment for the entire family, the Frisco Freedom Fest is expected to draw 20,000 attendees.

CLICKABLE FIREWORKS: From seasons past and present, the fandom's visual artists have created many patriotic graphics for this week's celebrations in Canada and USA. Included here are designs by A Beautiful Mind, photo by Invisible926, 1; Claysmelody, photo by Mad4Clay, 2; A Beautiful Mind, 3; Claysmelody, 4; and Claystruck, 5.

Tour Heralds New Clack

The Summer Tour 2007 -- a.k.a. "An Evening with Clay Aiken," "Summer of Love," "Soft Rock and a Hard Place" -- has received excellent promotion in the media and on the Internet, including this paragraph from Men's News Daily:

This week, pop singer Clay Aiken will launch a six-week tour in Dallas, Texas. He'll perform with local symphony orchestras in each city as he supports his latest album, "A Thousand Different Ways." The 20-city tour wraps up on August 19 in Orlando, Florida.

Besides celebrating America's birthday on July 4, the highly-anticipated opening concert signifies the rejuvenation of fan Clack coffers in the forms of new video, audio, and photo components. There is no limit to the excitement new Clack holds for the Clay Aiken fandom.

Houston To Link Podcast Interview

In Houston, site of the second concert, Clay fans await several exciting announcements this week. The Houston Press will announce the winner of a Clay-related art contest Monday and publish the entry on Thursday.

The recipient of concert tickets for a child and his/her parent donated through the Make a Wish Foundation will be announced this week. In addition, a 15-minute podcast interview with Clay will be linked.

The Summer Symphony Tour heading below is a tee-shirt design by SmartyPantsSuz and Coopersgirl. You can order a shirt by contacting them at the OFC or Clayversity. Coop's OFC screen name is bejams.

Exciting times are definitely just around the bend in these locations!

July Dates

4 Frisco, TX - Pizza Hut Park
6 Houston, TX - Jones Hall
7 Tulsa, OK - The Brady Theater
17 Philadelphia, PA - Mann Center for the Performing Arts
18 Syracuse, NY - Mulroy Civic Center
19 Rochester, NY - Constellation Performing Arts Center
20 Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater
21 Columbus, OH - Chemical Abstract Service
23 Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill Amphitheater
25 Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook Farm Arts Center
28 Newark, NJ - New Jersey Performing Arts Center

August Dates

2 San Diego, CA - Embarcadero Marina Park South
3 Pala, CA - Pala Casino Starlight
4 Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
5 Indio, CA - Fantasy Springs Casino
10 Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheater
11 Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estates
12 Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theater
15 Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
16 Fort Myers, FL - Barbara Mann Performing Arts Center
17 Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
18 West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
19 Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Cafe

SUMMER TOUR: This clickable interlude features tour graphics representing eight visual artists. They include Amazing_CA, photo by Karen Eh, 1; Claystruck, photo by Snix, 2; Shireen, 3; A Beautiful Mind, photo by Invisible926, 4; and MNmeesh, 5.

I think Brightstar's post at Clayversity effectively summarizes CA fandom sentiments on the arrival of July 2007:

Happy Sunday!
Happy Canada Day!
Happy first day of July!
Happy beginning of concert month!
Happy beginning of cellcert month!
Happy anticipation!
Happy planning!
Happy packing!
Happy (and safe) travels!
Happy meeting new friends!
Happy reunions with old friends!
Happy pre-parties!
Happy concerts!
Happy cellcerts!
Happy bus lines!
Happy clack sharing!
Happy post-parties!
Happy concert reports!
Happy afterglows!
Happy travels to the next one!

On the Cutting Edge

Clay Aiken was right in the middle of the Apple iPhone fever sweeping the nation this past weekend.

Clickable adjusted ad - Shineinnc

This is the Night, Clay blogged to his devotees at the Official Fan Club as he counted down the hours to 6 p.m. Friday when doors opened nationwide for the sale of the $600 phone that plays music and videos, accesses the Internet, and sports an intelligent keyboard with built-in dictionary capable of predicting the next word and offering suggestions as one types.

Which our singer did soon after his purchase: Is it cool to anyone else that I am writing this blog from my iPhone?!?!?!?!

That it was! We look forward to many more such entries, Singerman!

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have an awesome week of festivities, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, 2007 Summer Symphony Tour, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Summer of Love, Soft Rock and a Hard Place, Frisco Freedom Fest, Canada Day, Independence Day, Men's News Daily, The Houston Press, Apple iPhone, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation