Clay Aiken Sings 'Both Sides Now,' Spurs Campaign

BOTH SIDES NOW - Singer Clay Aiken and signer Debra Leisey perform beautiful duet that describes the purpose and programs of the National Inclusion Project. View 2010 Gala video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Aiken's BSN Defines Inclusion

Song Inspires $50k Grant Drive

Throughout August, this blog has outlined the mission and importance of the programs of the National Inclusion Project so that everyone who can will support the Raleigh, NC, charity in its campaign to obtain a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.

All along, no words, photos, or voting links were needed. Just co-founder Clay Aiken performing the Joni Mitchell song "Both Sides Now" with Debra Leisey signing the inclusive lyrics.

Enjoy their performance from the 2010 Champions of Change Gala, annual meet when honorees are recognized for achievements opening doors for young people with disabilities.

In 2003, singer Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel of Charlotte co-founded the National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. to expand inclusive programs for all children.

One Pepsi Power Code a Day!

After watching the video, please make it your goal to purchase one -- or more -- Pepsi/Diet Pepsi products with a yellow cap each of the final four August days.

Email, text, or PM an NIP supporter the 10-character power codes by 6 p.m. ET Aug. 31. The codes will be voted before the contest ends at midnight ET Wednesday.

Clickables show much-needed power code caps.

In one swoop, the "powerful" codes increase a single vote from 5 - 100 points. The National Inclusion Project must be in the Top 10 to land a grant, and we definitely need your help.

The Pepsi site linked above is complicated for casual voters. However, everyone can easily follow this simplified routine for four days:

1. Text a daily vote: 108169 to 73774.
2. Vote for the NIP daily via Facebook.
3. Gather 4 power codes from Pepsi products and email/PM them via Facebook to an Inclusion Project supporter.

The National Inclusion Project has four days to secure the Pepsi grant. Thank you to all who join in this final power code effort!

Power caps are at a premium this final week. If you have trouble locating them at grocery stores, check the coolers at Best Buy, the Dollar Store, and other establishments.

BOTH SIDES NOW

Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air,
And feathered canyons everywhere,
I've looked at clouds that way,
But now they only block the sun.
They rain and they snow on everyone.
So many things I would have done,
But clouds got in the way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow,
It's clouds illusions I recall.
I really don't know clouds ... at all.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels,
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real,
I've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show.
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know,
Don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud,
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds,
I've looked at life that way.
But now old friends, they're acting strange
They shake their heads and tell me that I've changed.
Something's lost and something's gained from living everyday.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow
It's life's illusions that I recall.
I really don't know life ... at all.

MAKING INCLUSION A REALITY: Inclusion is giving people their rightful opportunity to participate. The National Inclusion Project works every day to make full inclusion a reality. Montage by SueReu features Clay singing "These Open Arms."

While coming home from camp, my son asked if I knew that everyone's brain was different. He explained that some kids at camp are different from other kids because they have certain disabilities.

When asked what he thought about that, he replied, "It's all good, Mom. We're all special and unique in our own way." -- Profound statement by a 7-year-old participant in a Let's ALL Play Camp.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - The National Inclusion Project provides opportunities for all children to participate through nationwide Let's ALL Play Camps and other programs throughout the year.

Have an awesome week, and thank you for joining the cause of inclusion for all!

Caro

Clay Aiken a Cool Dad; Gala Ticket Sale Set for May

Click to expand graphic by AmazingCA with photos by KarenEh.

National Inclusion Project

2011 Gala Tickets Go on Sale 5/3

General admission tickets for the National Inclusion Project's annual Champions Gala went on sale at the charity's website at noon Tuesday; but due to a series of snafus, the date has been reset for noon May 3.

Following transaction difficulties, an update was posted by the Inclusion Project on social networking sites, message boards, etc. Here is the new plan:

GALA TICKET UPDATE: A switch in our email servers caused an error with our ticket page. We are resolving the issue, and in the meantime:

1) Any transactions made today have been voided. If you purchased a VIP ticket earlier, there is no issue.

2) We will do a reset and open purchases for tickets next Tuesday, May 3, at 12 noon ET. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Champions Gala!

Evening activities for the Oct. 22 event begin at 5:30 p.m. and include a recognition ceremony of Champion honorees, dinner, silent and live auctions. Closing the annual event will be entertainment by co-founder Clay Aiken and backup musicians.

VIP tables and tickets, which also include a special reception on Oct. 21, are still available. See the above link for online purchasing information.

Clickable photo of NIP co-founders Clay and Diane Bubel.

The National Inclusion Project was co-founded in July 2003 by Clay and Diane Bubel, Charlotte mother of a son with autism.

Set at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Gala annually honors individuals and corporations for exceptional achievements in the area of inclusion, promotes awareness of the benefits of inclusion, and raises funds to help support the foundation's projects.

"We hope that everyone will join us for an enjoyable evening including dinner, silent and live actions, and entertainment - all in support of inclusive opportunities for all children," the singer urged.

Past Galas have provided memorable performances by Clay and his backup musicians. For many, top of the list was "Both Sides Now" from the 2010 event with Debra Leisey signing the words as he sang the poignant song written by Joanie Mitchell.

BOTH SIDES NOW an appropriate ending to 2010 Gala.
Singer Clay Aiken with Debra Leisey signing perform duet.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clay Recognized as a 'Cool Dad'

Clay Aiken was this week recognized as one of the six coolest gay celebrity dads in a featured article at the Your Tango website.

In addition to Clay, the "Cool Dad" article by Kayda Norman includes reports on Neil Patrick Harris, Elton John, Ricky Martin, B.D. Wong, and Dan Savage. Below is the singer's segment:

From Neil Patrick Harris to Clay Aiken, these dads aren't shy about embracing fatherhood.

Clay Aiken. Though the former American Idol contestant may not have been quite as vocal about fatherhood as others on this list, the birth of his son did give him courage to come out of the closet.

"I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that," Clay said (via People.com), about a month after his son was born.

And rather than go the route of adoption or surrogate, the singer and his good friend Jaymes Foster used artificial insemination to bring about son Parker Foster Aiken.

More than anything, Clay strives to raise his son in a loving environment, which, in our opinion, makes him one of the coolest dads out there.

Vote Clay Aiken the Ultimate Idol

Need to put your voting skills to good use? Help vote Clay Aiken the Ultimate Idol in the Q-102 four-week poll.

It's very simple. Just click on the contest link and vote for Clay, currently in the quarter finals against Carrie Underwood. You can vote as many times as you wish.

Four sets of Idols -- Clay and Carrie, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson and Kat McPhee, David Archuleta and Jennifer Hudson -- are pitted against each other. These eight have won a previous round, and their fans are trying to boost them to the competition's next level.

The Clay Nation knows who the Ultimate Idol is. Put all that voting experience to work!

Mama Mac's Cane to the Rescue

Driving to Wesleyan Christian Academy to teach music lessons is usually uneventful except that I'm frequently in a race with the clock. It's just my nature to leave at the last minute, something I inherited from my mother.

Monday I was actually on time but had to deal with a branch that was stuck under my car and just wouldn't let go. The noise was so loud that I stopped and tried to knock the branch away to no avail.

I immediately drove to the nearest gas station; and, fortunately, a kind man walked out of the adjoining market at just that moment. I described my problem and asked if he could help, so he knelt down to take a look.

"It's in the middle of the car!" he exclaimed. "I'll have to find something to stretch that far."

I reached for my mother's cane, which I now use when walking outside the house, and asked if he thought it would work.

He grinned and promptly unhinged me from the abrasive branch. I thanked him, gave Mama Mac a silent nod of appreciation, and was on my way. She would have thoroughly enjoyed the moment!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken & Co. Present Versatile Show in PA

Expandable photo by farouche from Sunday's Tried & True Concert.

Glenside Tried & True Concert

Show Spotlights Vocals, Humor

The versatility of Clay Aiken and his back-up musicians was on sparkling display at the Glenside, PA, Tried & True Concert in the Keswick Theatre Sunday night.

Magnificent vocals from the powerful to the delicately etched, the singer's humor and quick wit shared more each performance with the similar good temperament of his musicians, and a "stump the band" segment that retains a near-perfect score for the tour were all part of another entertaining show along the T&T trail.

The talented musicians accompanying Clay on the 22-city tour include Quiana Parler, vocalist; Ben Cohn, keyboards/arranger; Adam Fallen, guitar; Del Atkins, bass; and Felix Pollard, drums.

Since I have young musicians anticipating afternoon lessons, this blog will no doubt be of the progressive variety; so check back. Below are glimpses of Sunday night's performance from fan recaps, photos, and videos.

C finger: This evening was just splendid. Clay is a superstar. My husband commented on how easy and relaxed he is on stage; how quick witted he is, how beautifully he sings,; how wonderful the arrangements are; how talented Quiana is.

A woman, probably in her 80s, sat behind us; and we had a conversation with her. I don't know if she is a NJU or relative of a fan, but she was a lovely, delightful woman.

As Clay was singing I heard her say to the person she was with, "Oh, this takes me back to my youth." Then when he would start a song she was familiar with she would sigh or say "ohhhh" or gasp. She had a great time.

Clay said at one point that he was losing his voice and had a couple of problems. But he sang through it, around it and was as always, my absolutely favorite Singer Man. No one like him!

The photo interlude below contains four expandable pictures by farouche surrounding a graphic by cameocat.

casso: What an overly super-talented, a growl in the voice, caring and loving man we are following! His change up with emotions from one song or banter to another are truly outstanding.

Met two NJU men at the ticket window who won tickets for another show and asked if they had ever been to a Clay concert and they said this was their first. They said they LOVE his music and will be attending more.

I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE once again thanks to Clay and Company!

WSN Segment Yields Variety in PA

Among the genres covered in the Glenside 'Who's Sorry Now' segment were yodeling, Argentine tango, and scat singing.

The videos by farouche, canfly172, and jars9203 below also include band intros, torn pants/clack banter, and the songs 'In My Life' and 'Both Sides Now.'

'Whose Sorry Now' Tango, Scat Segments
View video by farouche full screen at YouTube.

'Who's Sorry Now' request medley, pants banter.
View video by canfly172 full screen at YouTube.

Clack banter with Scarlett and 'In My Life.'
Video by canfly172 can be viewed full screen at YouTube.

Clay performs 'Both Sides Now' in Glenside.
Video by jars9203 can be viewed full screen at YouTube.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation! The remaining tour schedule was printed in the previous Carolina entry. See you in Cincinnati Tuesday!

Caro

Clay Aiken, Tried & True Troupe Rock Out in Westbury

Clay Aiken in concert at Westbury, NY. Photo by Asolo.

To Delight of Fans, NJU Crowd

Clay Aiken & Co. Put on a Show

Word is getting out -- that Clay Aiken sure does put on a show! And he can sing, too!

Saturday night Clay Aiken & the Tried & True Tour troupe entertained a theater equally filled with fans and the Not.Just.Us crowd (casual/new fans) in the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. It wasn't long before a stream of fan recaps, photos, and videos began rewinding the show online.

CrazyAboutClay: Wonderful concert last night! I was surrounded by NJU, and this is what they had to say: "He's so funny!" ... "He's so adorable!"

"You know, anybody can have a great voice and go up on stage and sing, but it takes a real talent to be that personable on stage."

In response to Clay stating that people are following along and listening in at home ..."Really??? Wow, that's incredible! That's great!"

I was sitting next to a couple who had never seen Clay before in concert. I thought the man was going to bust a gut laughing. There was also a group of teenage girls in front of me that were having the time of their lives.

It was a great experience to see so many NJU having such a great time.

libra1014: During "Both Sides Now" and "In My Life," you could have heard a pin drop. The band played softly, and the entire room was riveted to Clay's voice. I can't say enough about how beautiful he sounded. I'm sure there were a lot of fans there, but I think just as many NJU.

A NJU across the aisle guy (AAG) looked to be about 50-60 yrs old and was very funny talking with a bunch of guys in the row in front of him. Before the show started, I was wondering if Clay would be able to reach these guys

So when AAG started to leap out of his chair and clap and holler, I was thrilled. "Where Do I Begin, Love Story Theme" smacked all of them in the face right at the start with that voice.

I know it smacked me! I think the song sounds good on the video, but it is unreal live.

The photo interlude below features expandable Westbury concert pictures by mustbeeme, 1, 2, 5; and Asolo, 3, 4.

Asolo: I luckily snagged a second row seat as soon as the Westbury box office opened Saturday. Next to me was a couple who had never seen Clay perform before.

They were Westbury VIP Members who were able to buy the tickets in advance of the regular ticket buyers. They explained that we were sitting in the VIP section, and that would be why those seats were never sold to the public. My seat became available last minute.

The couple only knew Clay from AI and had no idea what to expect. They loved him! The man never stopped laughing at the banter, and they both looked entranced by Clay.

Afterwards, the woman told me she was so surprised that he was so entertaining, he had a wonderful voice, and they were so glad to have come.

Overheard by a CA fan's husband was a an older NJU talking on his phone: "That guy can really sing. He did some songs from the 50s and 60s, and he sang 'Unchained Melody' great!"

Expandable photo by cameocat from Westbury, NY, show.

Videos Provide Concert Glimpses

Below are five videos from the Waterbury show. Taped by Scarlett, these and other clips can be viewed at the Wowzers4Clay Channel on YouTube. You can download them here.

Also, check Shanapup Channel for videos by adrienne1954. Latest YouTube uploads will appear at the top of the right column of the respective channels.

Jazzy/Big Band Medley of Clay's earlier hits.
Link to YouTube to view video by Scarlett full screen.

Even a sound glitch doesn't stop Suspicious Minds.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clay sings the beautiful 'Both Sides Now.'
For full screen view, link to YouTube.

Clay receives tutorial on fan cellcerts.
To view full screen, link to Wowzers4Clay Channel on YouTube.

Singer dedicates 'In My Life' to fans everywhere.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube here.

The Tried & True Tour heads to Glenside, PA, for a Sunday evening performance in the Keswick Theatre. Below are the remaining nine concerts of the 22-city tour supporting the Decca Tried & True release:

2.27.11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.01.11 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.02.11 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.04.11 Waukegan, IN Genesse Theatre, 8 pm
3.05.11 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre, 8 pm
3.07.11 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall, 8 pm
3.08.11 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre At Grand Prairie, 7:30 pm
3.10.11 Mesa, AZ Mesa Arts Center, 8 pm
3.12.11 San Francisco, CA The Warfield, 8 pm

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation! Catch you at the Keswick!

Caro

Clay Aiken Tour Scores New Highs in Cleveland

Where do I begin? ... Theme from Love Story.
View Cleveland video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Tried & True Troupe Thrills

Cleveland Concert Raises the Bar

Tried & True audiences thought Clay Aiken & Co. reached the pinnacle with the Pittsburgh performance, but Cleveland reports from Saturday's show prove this concert tour just keeps getting better each night.

From the famous "Invisible" shirt tug dating back to the American Idol 2 Tour to exquisite vocals by Clay and his singing partner, Quiana Parler, to the varied "stump the band" stylings for "Who's Sorry Now" (Bhangra, Latin, and opera in Cleveland), the talented musicians are presenting an entertaining show at every stop.

Instrumentalists include Ben Cohn, conductor/arranger/keyboards; Adam Fallen, guitar; Del Atkins, bass; and Felix Pollard, drums.

Concert Recaps Fill in Blanks

Like countless fans connected to the concert via Cyberspace, I was on the receiving end of a cellcert Saturday night. Separated by expandable photos by cindilu2, these recaps from fans in the Palace Theatre house help replay the Cleveland concert.

cindilu2: Fantastic concert. By far the best of my three. "Unchained" was beyond amazing. Best I've heard him sing it since Raleigh. "Both Sides Now" was a special treat, and "In My Life" was simply sublime.

Hobbes: My favorites were "Unchained Melody," "Build Me Up Buttercup", "Mack The Knife", and "Love Story"; but the opera was my favorite moment of the evening. It was amazing. The Indian (Bhangra) version was great, too, with Quiana taking on most of it. Clay was laughing too hard at her dancing to add much.

When Clay was talking about the band members he said that Felix and his wife had an anniversary coming up on Feb. 28. Felix had told him that he and his wife had danced their first dance to "Something About Us," so he is going to have them dance to the song on stage that night.

When he did his bit jokingly complaining about cellcerters, he asked a woman who she was talking to and where she was. The certer was from Peru and the person receiving the cert (Mindy) was in Kansas. He asked if she could fly in all the way from Peru, why couldn’t Mindy show up from Kansas. Very cute!

Beagle3: The concert was awesome. There were a lot of men, the most I've ever seen at a Clay Aiken concert; and it was nice to see. This was the first of my five concerts, and I can't wait to see it again in Cincinnati.

Eight of us are in our suite reliving the concert. Unfortunately, there's a huge fraternity convention in the hotel this weekend, which does not bode well for sleeping. I think we'll be up most of the night.

all4luv: I loved the colors of the lighting they used as a backdrop for the stage. The blues were especially beautiful.

I have not seen "Solitaire" in this concert series yet as my two shows so far have been last night and tonight. I can say that "Both Sides Now" is a masterpiece, and I would not give up him performing that song for any other!

Cyn: In our Meet & Greet, Clay was asked about his choice of opening songs, "Love Story." He said the song was supposed to be on the TNT CD, but it didn’t make the final cut. He really loves the song and decided the lyrics ("Where do I begin ...?") would be a great way to start the concert.

Featured videos by Scarlett include "Who's Sorry Now," Quiana's solo ("Cry Me a River"), "Suspcious Minds," "Unchained Melody," and "Both Sides Now." To save video/audio files, see Cleveland Clack.

'Who's Sorry Now' in three genres.
See Cleveland video full screen at YouTube.

Quiana sings 'Cry Me a River.'
Link to YouTube to view Cleveland video full screen.

Clay & Co. sing 'Suspicious Minds' in Cleveland.
View video full screen at YouTube.

Clay's signature 'Unchained Melody' closes concert.
View Cleveland video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Cleveland encore features 'Both Sides Now.'
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Postscripts to Scarlett's videos are her one-sentence summary of the Cleveland concert and a clickable screen cap from the show:

It's always been wonderful, but last night was way beyond that.

Click to expand Cleveland screen cap by Scarlett.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation! Catch you after Connecticut ...

Caro

Clay Aiken T&T Concerts Continue 'One Up' Trend

Clay Aiken banters with Pittsburgh Tried & True audience.
Photo by cameocat is expandable.

Tried & True Shows

Pitt Audience Proclaims 'Best Yet'

According to concert goers, Clay Aiken's Tried & True Tour shows keep topping or one-upping themselves, as Pittsburgh fans were quick to report that Friday night's show was the "best yet."

The 22-city T&T Tour heads to Cleveland for tonight's 7:30 pm concert at PlayhouseSquare and Sunday to Waterbury, CT, for a 7:30 pm show at the Palace Theater.

In Pittsburgh, "Who's Sorry Now" was treated to not-to-be-missed do wop, mambo, and polka arrangements by Clay, Quiana Parler, and the rockin' backup musicians.

Link to the WPIX website to view a 27-photo slide show from the Pittsburgh show.

Clay Surprises with 'Both Sides Now'

"Both Sides Now," a fan favorite since Clay performed the song at the National Inclusion Project's October Gala, was the surprise closer and can be viewed in this entry.

Featured below are four videos by Scarlett and Canfly. This Google Doc link will allow you to view and/or download all of Scarlett's videos from the Pittsburgh show.

In a microcosm of Friday's show, here are videos of "Mack the Knife," the "Crying" duet by Clay and Quiana, the singer's signature version of "Unchained Melody" arranged by Ben Cohn, band intros plus the beautiful "Both Sides Now" closing number.

Note the iPad charts being used by Ben Cohn, keyboards/arranger/conductor; guitarist Adam Fallen; Del Atkins, bass; and Felix Pollard on drums! As Clay remarked, very "21st century"!

Clay swings 'Mack the Knife' at the Pittsburgh Show.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clay and Quiana in amazing 'Crying' duet.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clay's signature 'Unchained Melody' (arr. Cohn).
Link to YouTube to view video by Scarlett full screen.

Clay introduces backup vocalist, instrumentalists.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Singer closes Pittsburgh show with 'Both Sides Now.'
Link to YouTube to view video by Canfly.
Download with this Megaupload file.

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation! Check back after Cleveland ...

Caro

Montages Rewind Clay Aiken Events of 2010

BECAUSE WE KNEW YOU - Clay Aiken's 2010 Decca release, Tried & True, was promoted in Popeater with these Diana Levine photos. Click to enlarge graphic by AmazingCA to wallpaper size.

Performer, Advocate, Humanitarian

Montages Celebrate Year of Aiken

A year-in-review blog usually charts in late December, but the brand new four-part Clay Aiken Memories of 2010 montage series by LovesClaysVoice tossed the normalcy aside.

With the altered timetable, the singer's fans are celebrating an overview that incorporates the new Tried & True album with Decca Records, promo appearances, the PBS Special, a signature "Unchained Melody," the summer's Timeless Tour, and, always, the endeavors to make a difference.

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us most to grow;
If we let them - and we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you ...

The first montage incorporates the new Decca release, the accompanying promo appearances, the taping of the PBS special and the Bringing Broadway Home benefit performance in Clay's hometown of Raleigh.

Lea Salonga and Jennifer Paz provide the background music for this video with the song "For Good" from Wicked.

Clay Aiken - Memories of 2010, Part 1
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The second montage highlights the harmonies, chemistry, and laughs from the July-August Timeless Tour with good friend American Idol 2 Ruben Studdard. "The Time of My Life," was a fitting ending and description of this tour's performances.

The Timeless Duo - Memories of 2010, Part 2
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The third video spotlights vocal numbers "Mack the Knife," "Who's Sorry Now," "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," the "Crying" duet with Casey Thompson, and "Unchained Melody" along with classic Clay Aiken banter from October's Park West Benefit Concert in Chicago.

Park West Concert - Memories of 2010, Part 3
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

Featuring the dedication to humanitarian work that has always defined the entertainer, the final video rewinds the National Inclusion Project's 2010 Champions of Change Gala with portions Clay's speech, live and Dutch auctions, and the treasured finale, "Both Sides Now," performed as a duet with Debra Leisey signing the lyrics.

Making a Difference - Memories of 2010, Part 4
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The collection of montages include videos by the following CA fans: Babbyd, Scarlett, gerwhisp, gdg, HippoGA, toni7babe, Claylove, LauraQ, MBlovesClay, dlh7777, and robyn42.

Here's to many more memorable performances, the delightful impromptu comedic timing, and the huge heart of Clay Aiken!

If you need information about the Pepsi Refresh Campaign (updated widgets, printable fliers, etc.) and other December fundraisers for the Inclusion Project, scroll to the previous entry: Clay Aiken Fans Vote, Wrap for Inclusion.

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Holiday signature by Linda

In past years, I have written about the birthday our family celebrates on Dec. 11. Happy Birthday to a very special daughter!

12/11/06: Musical Weekend Alters Birthday

12/11/07: The Year Christmas Came Early

Clay Aiken Fans Go to Bat for Inclusion Project

Clay Aiken performs 'Both Sides Now' at NIP Gala.
Images from October Gala and Chicago Park West Concert.
View montage by LovesClaysVoice YouTube.

Nation Plans Birthday 'Surprise'

NIP Nets $370k at Gala Benefit

Even in a recessed economy, supporters of the National Inclusion Project learned Monday they helped raise more than $370,000 at the Champions Gala Benefit in Raleigh last month.

The Oct. 16 event honored "champions" who have made a difference in their communities for inclusion. In addition to presentations to the honorees, the event featured addresses by Project co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel and concluded with a special concert by the singer and friends.

Funds raised at the annual Raleigh event will be used to open doors for all kids to experience life together. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in both silent and live auctions. Read Monday's release about the gala tally here.

2011 Clay Aiken Calendar Cover

2011 Calendars Contribute $665

Contributing to the funds raised at this year's gala were the 2011 Clay Aiken Calendars donated for auction. At the gala, 13 wall and desk calendars were sold for a total of $605, and one set was included in a fan basket that went for $60.

Produced annually by Rosaratana with photos by toni7babe, the 2011 calendars feature images predominately from this summer's popular Timeless Tour and for the first time is being published in both wall and desk sizes. Also assisting in the calendar project has been Hippoga.

Including the calendars donated for the gala, a total of 110 have been shipped to date.

Samples of desk calendar months. Double click to enlarge.

The calendars, printed on premium glossy card stock, can be ordered through Rosaratana between now and early January. Costs include $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall version (11" x 8.5").

Like the past five years, all proceeds after costs will be donated to the National Inclusion Project in February. To place a calendar order, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by the first of January 2011. Checks are accepted, and she will email you the address.

Samples of wall calendar months. Double click to enlarge.

Rosa keeps 10 calendars on hand so she can ship them as orders arrive. Below are examples of fan mail from happy calendar customers:

The calendars came yesterday, and you did a wonderful job, as usual. I didn't realize you were going to feature Timeless photos - very good ones at that.

After seeing it, I'm thinking of buying another one for my mom. She's still a Clay fan at 90 and I think she'd enjoy looking at those photos every month. I will send another check off to you this week.

I got my calendar today, and I love it. It will sit on top of my computer at work next year. Thank you very much.

I received the calendar today! OMG, it is just awesome! Toni takes wonderful pictures. I can hardly wait until 1/1/11 until I can hang in on the wall!

Got my calendar yesterday. It's wonderful, and each picture made me smile. Thanks so much for doing this and for being so generous with you time and talents. Clay fans are the very, very best!

Clay Nation Sets $50k Goal

The worst kept secret every November is the search by Clay Aiken fans for a meaningful way to honor the singer on his 11/30 birthday.

This year the Clay Nation plans to deliver the $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant for the National Inclusion Project, the charity for children with disabilities that Clay co-founded in 2003 and about which he is very passionate.

To this end, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE -- not just in Tuesday's national mid-terms but every day this month. Having established voting partnerships with other charities during September and October, CA fans. spearheaded by SueReu and royalle, keep tabs on votes given and received by the reciprocating organizations.

Several charities that have already received a Pepsi grant are supporting the NIP because of the votes Clay fans gave them in September and October. This note from Saving Shelter Pets is an excellent example:

Saving Shelter Pets here and voting! Thank you so much for all your support in October! We couldn't have won without you. And to say thanks, we will be voting for you through November! Best of luck!

All Pepsi alliances and partners are listed on the NIP Voting Widget created and updated nightly by Scarlett. She was up at 5 a.m. Tuesday redoing groups according to overnight voting. The widget contains six groups of partners PLUS a "How To Vote" panel, as represented in the screen caps below.

Each screen cap links to the widget's home base where supporters utilize the voting links and secure codes to post on other blogs and websites. In addition to the Carolina blog's sidebar, the widget is located on the All That Is Clay Aiken site and regularly linked on Facebook.

Every eligible voter (US citizen 13 and older) is allowed 10 votes three ways: through the Pepsi site, a Facebook account, and via mobile phone texts. That's three votes for the NIP +27 for alliances and partners. International fans should ask US friends and relatives to vote for them.

Be sure to copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308.

Voting will end at midnight on Clay Aiken's birthday. Let's help Singer Man celebrate with a $50k Pepsi Refresh grant for the National Inclusion Project!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Fans Stretch Around the Globe

CHICAGO REPLAY - Fountaindawg's Park West design rewinds the Oct. 14 Chicago Concert with photos by Permaswooned.

Carolina Visitors Represent 158 Countries

Fans Anticipate Worldwide Tour

If the Carolina blog's visitors from 158 countries are any indication, Clay Aiken's popularity is worldwide and international fans can look forward to a global tour sometime in the future.

According to ClustrMap and Feedjit Live Feed, which have monitored the location of this site's visitors since December 2007, fans from 158 nations have dropped by this corner of the Internet for the latest news about Clay Aiken. On any given day, the number averages from 100-300.

New countries in 2010 include Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan (ASIA); Tunisia, Mauritania, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Angola, Senegal, and Zimbabwe (AFRICA); Macedonia, Cyprus, and Armenia (EUROPE); Saint Kitts and Nevis, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, and Belize (NORTH AMERICA).

Click to enlarge Carolina On My Mind ClustrMap.

All continents except Antarctica have followed a trail here, either via search engines or links on other websites. I am always intrigued in how a person lands at the Carolina doorstep; and I was very excited to see the Senegal flag, one of the newest countries from Africa, in the Feedjit feed. Turned out, the newcomer was googling "Ruben Studdard."

Countries registered by ClustrMap are listed at this link. Countries appear on the Feedjit Live Feed in real time.

Google Often Surprise Visitors

Most visitors arrive looking for news about Clay Aiken or his charitable endeavors. However, a wide range of topics bring readers to the Carolina doorstep, accidentally and on purpose.

A frequent search from Singapore is for the storm Kai, and that lands a person squarely in the middle of Hurricane Kai Strikes Texas Home (Oct. 2007):

Many may recall that in answer to my plea for more pictures of our brand new grandson, Kai's grandfather sent images of an apartment in total disarray -- dirty dishes in the sink, newspapers stacked up, you name it, to prove how little picture-taking time was available.

From these photos, my friend Sally created the "Hurricane Kai" graphic with grandson calmly sleeping in the eye of the storm.

Potato Rolls, Music Popular Links

Hopefully, the visitor who googled "what's for dinner?" enjoyed reading about -- and possibly baking -- my Aunt Lill's Potato Rolls (Feb. 2007). My great-aunt, who taught piano into her 90's, often sent a pan of her special rolls home with students, an unlikely event for the young charges of this non-baking music teacher.

Occasionally, I report on rehearsals, performances, and other accomplishments of my piano/string students. Someone searching for a drought remedy came across Spring Recital Yields Surprise. Because "video games" inspire new themes with one of my student composers, the term frequently yields Young Musicians Share Compositions (Aug. 2010).

Regular searches for "Loree oboe" or "John Ellis," oboe professor at the NC School of the Arts, pull up Trusty Oboe Could Tell Tales (Nov. 2006).

Other popular searches yield my experiences as a marching band director, Football Season Stirs Memories (Oct. 2006) and Clay's 2006 holiday tour lessons on "fancy Eye-talian" definitions, Musical Terms Provide Grins (Jan. 2007).

Blogs about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. like Country Honors Legacy of MLK (Jan. 2007) have been magnets for international visitors and, no doubt, students completing homework assignments. Storms Stir F-5 Tornado Memories, subhead in a Sept. 2008 entry, pops up when there's a twister in the forecast.

Just this week a Texan searching for "Sonny James Nashville" arrived at the first blog I posted on the Internet, Real Rebels of Country, Pop, in which I discussed how Sonny and Clay are the true "rebels" in their music genres. My husband played drums for Sonny when we lived in Nashville.

Many thnx to all who stop and leave comments. So far, four countries are represented in the remarks: Indonesia, Kenya, Canada, and the US. It would be great to hear from non-Clay fans who accidentally find themselves in the midst of a blog about the singer.

Thank you, too, for the ongoing geography lesson. No doubt, we are making "Teacher Clay" proud!

Violinist Tatum Davis, 8, earned $34 with impromptu market gig.

Young Violinist Plays First Gig

Tatum Davis, my youngest violin student, came to her lesson last Tuesday with the exciting news that she had played her first paying gig during October's High Point Furniture Market.

Her father, owner of Luke Leather Furniture, was bemoaning the fact that he had not engaged a guitarist for the semi-annual event. His wife reminded him that he has a violinist, and Tatum was "hired."

After a quick trip home for her violin and a "tips" jar, she set up in front of her father's showroom and began playing through her repertoire: "Frere Jacques," "Ode to Joy," "Allegro," "Twinkle Variations," "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," "Long, Long Ago," and "Bile 'Em Cabbage Down."

International buyers visiting her dad's display, filled the young violinist's jar three times. In one hour and 20 minutes, Tatum earned $34, all of which is headed for her new bank account opened just last month.

High Point Furniture Market draws approximately 75,000 furniture buyers to the Triad twice yearly. A second grader at Wesleyan Christian Academy, Tatum is already making plans to perform at the April 2011 market.

LET'S ALL PLAY -- Children with and without disabilities participate in the National Inclusion Project's programs. Too young to vote in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, these two are relying on the dedication of adults.

Pepsi Grant To Fund New Camps

During the past few weeks, I have written numerous blogs and emailed friends, relatives, associates, and current/past music students and their parents asking all to help the National Inclusion Project secure a $50,000 grant by voting three ways daily in the October Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

Vote for Inclusion 3 Ways Daily

1. Login to the National Inclusion Project page at the Pepsi Refresh site. Cast one vote through Pepsi.

2. Log out of Pepsi (lower left corner) and right back with above link, select Facebook, and vote again.

3. From mobile phone, text 102308 to Pepsi (73774)

Voting three ways takes less than five minutes. To vote for alliance/partner charities, use the voting widget in the sidebar below the calendar.

Clay Speaks, Auctions, Sings for NIP

No one explains or exemplifies the mission and accomplishments of the National Inclusion Project better than co-founder Clay Aiken in the speech he gave at the the Oct. 16 Champions Gala; the Dutch Auction he conducted, and his final song, "Both Sides Now," performed as a duet with Debra Leisey, who signed the lyrics.

Even in such tough economic times, numerous NIP supporters pledged multiples of $250, the cost for sending one child to a Let's ALL Play Camp next summer. (middle video)

IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION -- Co-founder of the National Inclusion Project, Clay reported on foundation's accomplishments and goals in a speech at the 2010 Champions Gala. Video by Robyn 428.

DUTCH AUCTION - Clay conducted a Dutch Auction at the Gala during which attendees donated multiples of $250 to send from 1-10 kids to a Let's ALL Play Camp next summer. Video by Robyn428.

BOTH SIDES NOW - In the final song of his performance at the 2010 Gala, Clay sang "Both Sides Now," as Debra Leisey signed the lyrics. Video by Robyn428.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!