Showing posts with label Tried and True Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tried and True Tour. Show all posts

Monday, January 24, 2011

Clay Aiken Talks Tour, Hockey, American Idol, Charities


TRIED & TRUE MAGIC-- AmazingCA lived up to her screen name when she took several of Scarlett's T&T ~ LIVE screen caps from the previous entry and produced this handsome graphic. There's another one at the bottom. Both are double-clickable.

National Inclusion Grant 'Official'

Clay To Sing SSB for NHL All-Stars

Clay Aiken will take a break from Tried & True Tour preparations to sing the American National Anthem at the National Hockey League All-Star Game Sunday at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. The Canadian Tenors will perform their country's anthem.

A longtime hockey fan, Clay has sung the "Star-Spangled Banner" to open numerous hockey games since the Carolina Hurricanes arrived in Raleigh in 1997.

Like most residents of the Triangle area, he is excited that his hometown is hosting the all-star game. "We built a brand-new airport. It specifically opened Sunday to be ready for the all-star game," he said.


AP Photo by Karl DeBlaker

In addition to Sunday's festivities, Brian Mansfield's story for USA Today also includes previews from Clay about the T&T Tour:
"I like being relatively laid-back and casual," he says. "This is Moon River, Unchained Melody and What Kind of Fool Am I. These songs don't need a lot of flashy light stuff. I like to come out and sing the songs, and I like talking to the audience."

Most of Clay's set will focus on tunes from his recent albums of standards, but he says he has a few surprises up his sleeve.

"Most of these songs are big-band types songs," he says. "I think we're going to do a medley of songs that are on the radio today, but we're going to do them in a big-band style."

Such as? Lady Gaga's Poker Face is on the short list. So is Kenny Chesney's She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.

"They're definitely songs you would not expect to hear in big-band style."


WKNO: A Conversation with Clay Aiken
View Pierre Kimsey's interview full screen at YouTube.

Memphis PBS Chat Covers Bases

WKNO producer Pierre Kimsey's interview with Clay Aiken was a hit when it first aired on the Memphis PBS station last fall. Already on YouTube, the interview has this week begun airing on other stations throughout the PBS network.

Kimsey's chat with Clay covers all the bases -- performing, sudden fame, the National Inclusion Project, UNICEF, family, fans, connection with former teachers, the Tried & True PBS Special, Broadway -- and much more.

Promo for the interview provides an excellent overview of the chat between Clay and the WKNO producer:

WKNO Producer Pierre Kimsey talks with singer Clay Aiken. The North Carolina native was beginning a career as an educator working with special-needs children when he took an opportunity to audition for the TV show American Idol, then in its second season.

His life was transformed as a finalist, and he has emerged as one of the most successful singers to have been launched by the show.


Aiken has used his celebrity on behalf of the international charity UNICEF and has traveled to Somalia, Afghanistan, and other countries where children have been impacted by war.


IT's OFFICIAL! The National Inclusion Project has been informed
that December's $50k Pepsi grant win was certified Friday.
Double click on the NIP Pepsi banner to view full size.

NIP Pepsi Grant Win 'Official'

Throughout Clay Cyberspace, fans are "dancing in the streets" with news that the National Inclusion Project's December $50k grant win has been declared official.

Jerry Aiken, executive director of the foundation, received word of the certification on Friday and shared the news with supporters via Facebook:
Thanks so much to everyone that helped us win. We will hold the drawing for the iPad early this week!

Most Inclusion Project supporters are still voting -- for the alliances and partners who helped bring home the $50,000 grant. As this sampling from the NIP Pepsi page shows, the daily votes have not gone unnoticed:
SHENAN ARTS: Hello, National Inclusion friends! Shenan Arts appreciates your continued support! You're the best. Thanks for any additional votes you can send. Congrats again, and thanks for all the support!

CRAVEN ARTS COUNCIL: Craven Arts Council thanks you, thanks you for your support!!! We so appreciate you continuing to vote for us. We need it!

VOMA: The Venue of Merging Arts can't thank you enough for remembering us and continuing to support our efforts.

LONG ISLAND RIDING for the HANDICAPPED: Hello, National Inclusion Project! Thanks so much for your continued support of LIRHA. We're now at #11!!

ROBERT MORRIS ELEM SCHOOL: On behalf of Robert Morris, I would like to Thank all who have been coming back and voting for us. You guys are the BEST!!!


Double clickable graphic by AmazingCA, caps by Scarlett.

Unlimited Clack Now on Facebook

There's a new "face" at the popular social networking site that should keep fans rolling in videos of the singer's performances. Visit the growing Unlimited Clack wall at Facebook, and join the fun.

Scroll through the Unlimited Clack widget in the Carolina sidebar that continuously reflects the latest additions with a page refresh.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Friday, January 21, 2011

Clay Aiken's Tried & True Tour #1 Topic for Fans


Widget features slide show of screen caps from 'Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE!' by Scarlett.

Mailbag Spotlights Readers

Clay Nation Anticipates T&T Tour

Tried & True Tour mania has taken over Clay Aiken's slice of Cyberspace and is constantly inspired by the latest updates from Decca Records and the Official Fan Club site, as well as a myriad of T&T videos/visual art shared by fans.

An atmosphere charged with excitement is evident at the singer's message boards, Facebook/Twitter networks, and fan blogs. All who frequent these sites know there's nothing like being present for the spontaneity, great vocals, and sheer entertainment of a "live" Clay Aiken performance.

Scarlett's opening slide show of screen caps from the PBS Special Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! not only graces this blog but is also decorating countless Facebook walls with abundant links on Twitter. Below is the first of two sets of clickable stills from the slide show:





According to Krule Music's Front Stage blog, Clay has something special planned for the 2/14 Valentine T&T Concert in Houston. Stories and YouTube promos abound. Here is one for the 2/12 Miami concert: Clay Aiken Comes to the Van Wezel.

The opening of a new Idol season always produces headlines centering around previous finalists and their subsequent careers. From Extra, see American Idols: Where Are They Now?.

According to USA Today, Clay is rooting for 16-ear-old Victoria Huggins from Lumberton, NC, in the 2011 edition of Idol. Don't miss Victoria's AI audition that sent her to Hollywood. (Yo-Yo, Dawg!)






T&T Tour Talk Hot Mailbag Topic

One of the best indications of the growing excitement are the comments fans leave in Carolina entries. It's been a while since I assembled a mailbag blog, and here is a sample of what readers have been writing back during January.

Headlining are the well-deserved celebrations for the National Inclusion Project's $50k Pepsi Refresh grant win in December, continued "thank you" voting during January for the charity's partners and alliances, lots of Tried & True Tour talk, as well as thoughtful remarks RE the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1/1/11: Clay Aiken Fans Celebrate 2011


Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Tasapio.

Marlyne: I loved SueRue's "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap" It is awesome! Awwwww the memories. Looking forward to the memories of 2011.

SueReu: WONDERFUL graphic by AmazingCA featuring the very expressive face of one Mr. Clay Aiken.
Hooray for the National Inclusion Project! Whether it's #1 or #10, it matters not to me - in the hands of National Inclusion Project $50K can do an amazing amount of good.

AmazingCA: Awesome video from SueRue! What a good way to end the year and see the 2010 Recap.

Sandy: A big congratulations to The National Inclusion Project for their first place finish in the Pepsi Challenge! A job well done by everyone involved!
What a fantastic job Sue did in making the "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap." Loved the Jacquie Lawson "Auld Lang Syne" card.

MissSally: The Inclusion Project's thrilling first place finish is a fantastic way to start this new year. Kudos to all of the voters, and the worker bees; Royalle, Scarlett and you, Caro. As your friend I know about the countless, hours, days weeks and even months the three of you devoted to this project.
ACA's 2011 graphic is gorgeous! I'm so happy that she continues to delight us with her unique creativity. SueRue's "Clay Aiken: 2010 Recap" is pure joy to watch. Clay Nation is blessed to have so many talented artists.

Katy: Looking forward to a wonderful 2011 for Clay Aiken and his fans. Loved the 2010 Recap.

Puteri: Thank you for all your blogs which help keeping me updated on all about Clay. Sue please keep feeding us with your clacks... that's the only way I can relieve my thirst of Clay performance. Hugs from Indonesia ...for all Clay fans & for a wonderful 2011 to come!


1/5/11: Clay, Fans Applaud Pepsi Win, Broadway Event


Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Invisible926.

ImGranny: I love that you have the Widget on the side to make it easier for those that want to continue voting for our alliances and partners that helped us win. Hopefully some of them will win this month. I will be voting every day!
I'm excited about Clay performing on Broadway Feb. 7 and can't wait to see what he is going to sing. It won't be long now till the Tried & True Tour starts! Fun times ahead!

Marlyne: Yeah, we did it!!! It is now time for us to help others. Thank You for the wiglet, you make it so easy for us.

Sandy: Looks like 2011 is getting off to a good start! First the NIP getting the $50,000 and now Clay performing at the Great White Way again. Should be interesting to hear what he is going to sing! Hope we get Clack!

anaturegirl: Thanks for having the Widget on your site. Makes it easier to vote for all those who helped get NIP to Number 1 in December.

MissSally: The "Thank You" widget speaks volumes about the kind and considerate nature of Clay's many dedicated fans. I think it will forever be remembered by the helpful groups who participated in December's amazing win. Thank You for "Playing it Forward."


1/11/11: T&T Tour To Spotlight Signature Song


Tried & True ~ LIVE! - Graphic by Fountaindawg.

Donna in WI: Hope the concerts go well and Clay enjoys singing to everyone soon! Loved your blog and the videos get me in trouble; but, hey, love them!!

Lois: I just got done watching some of the old tapes I had on clay when he was first on Idol, and now I come here to see some more of the early clay. How wonderful. It was hard to pull myself away from u-tube, and all the old videos.

Marlyne: I just love watching those old Clay videos from the American Idol days. Now I have to get some of my old DVD's out and curl up this evening and watch them. I can't believe T & T Tour is about to begin! Finally!!!

1/14/11:
Montages Serenade Tour Countdown


Graphic by AmazingCA, photo by PermaSwooned.

ImGranny: It won't be long now till Clay Aiken is on tour to entertain and delight us as only he can. I can't wait!!!!

lovinclay: I can't get enough of the Video of Prince William and Kate. SAU has always been one of my favorite songs from OMWH and it just seems to fit this montage so well. I also loved the montage from DWTS . UM goes so well with it.

LovesClaysVoice: Caro, there is so much fun stuff in this blog! Thanks for including my montages! I love the graphics and have one of them as my background already!


1/16/11: America Marks King with Service Day


The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

MissSally: Our First Lady Michelle Obama, the direct descendant of slaves, now lives in a house that was built by slaves. This morning I downloaded the e-book version of "How Michelle Obama Leads", and look forward to reading it. Dr King's "Dream" lives on, and our nation will forever be enriched.

Sandy: I was watching Piers Morgan interview Oprah last night and when Piers reminded her that the most powerful woman and the most powerful man in the USA today are both black, Oprah was close to tears!
She holds Dr. Martin Luther King with the highest reverence, knowing that in all probability, if it were not for him, she most likely would not be where she is today.

Reneti46: Enjoyed the look back. Loved the 'Grace of God' montage!

Newspaper: Truly inspiring and very thought provoking. Strange, there are people still who can't understand this great man's concept of what life is all about.

Hope you enjoyed reading the thoughts of the Carolina's readers, some of whom post at the OFC.

Below is a short preview of the Tried & True Winter Tour concerts slated for Feb. 10 - March 11. The itinerary is posted in the Jan. 11 blog, as well as at Decca Records
.


CHARLOTTE CONCERT - Clay previews the Tried & True Tour for his Feb. 23 home state concert at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC.

According to the sidebar's Tried & True Tour countdown widget, the Miami opener is under three weeks away. Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Friday, January 14, 2011

Clay Aiken Montages Serenade Tour Countdown


DWTS Season 11 - Viennese Waltz
'Unchained Melody' Vocals by Clay Aiken
.
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.

Clock Ticks Toward Miami Concert

Montages Celebrate Aiken Vocals

With the Feb. 10 Miami opener for Clay Aiken's Tried & True Tour less than a month away, fans are completing travel plans while taking intermittent "rest stops" at YouTube to view the latest videos and montages from previous performances.

The opening montage by LovesClaysVoice partners the Viennese Waltz routines of Dancing with the Stars 11 contestants accompanied by Clay's Tried & True "Unchained Melody." Dancers include Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough, Rick Fox and Cheryl Burke, Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. You can download the montage with this Sendspace file.

Fortunately, the CA fandom is filled with fans who share their talent for creating, capturing, and rendering montages and videos from the singer's performances.
The same can be said for the handsome graphics visual artists create with photos from previous events.

Below are blends by AmazingCA that expand to wallpaper size with a double-click. The first two feature photos by PermaSwooned while the third incorporates photos by toni7babe.





CA Fans Keep YouTube Buzzing

While there is nothing like seeing Clay Aiken perform live, it's for sure aficionados help keep YouTube in business. Based in San Bruno, CA, the video-sharing website was created in February 2005 by three early employees of Pay Pal -- Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, design and computer science majors.

Six months before YouTube made its official debut, the public was given a sneak preview of the site in May 2005. Due to its immediate popularity, the angel-funded enterprise quickly grew from an "office in a garage" to a multi-million dollar company.

YouTube was purchased by Google in November 2006. To learn more, read History of YouTube at Wikipedia.

Montages are often created from special tracks by Clay. An excellent example is "Something About Us," a video blending music and art from the recent engagement announcement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. To save, download with this Sendspace file.


Prince William and Kate - Something About Us
'On My Way Here' Vocals by Clay Aiken
View montage by LCV full screen at YouTube.

For the Clay Nation, there are never enough reruns of the singer's tours. Below is a widget loaded with 27 videos recorded by Scarlett at last summer's Los Angeles Timeless Tour Concert. You can watch the entire concert in the widgetbox or open the links on YouTube.

The show's all there! The scroll on the right will take you from the "Flying Without Wings/This Is the Night" opening number by Clay and Ruben Studdard through the various decades and hilarious banter between the two good friends right on into the "Time of My Life" finale.


Widgetbox Features Complete LA Concert
Timeless Tour videos by Scarlett

Calendar Deadline This Weekend


An order deadline of Jan. 15 has been set by Rosaratana, who annually produces a Clay Aiken calendar as a fundraiser for the Inclusion Project.

The 2011 wall and desk calendars, feature photos by toni7babe from the summer's popular Timeless Tour, have been well-received by CA fans.


Clickable Cover

All proceeds after costs will be donated to the foundation in February. Cost of the calendars, which are printed on premium glossy card stock are $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall model (11" x 8.5").

Currently, a total of 143 calendars (86 wall, 57 desk)
have been sold. The remaining six desk and five wall calendars will be donated for Spring Fan Fest fundraising if not ordered this weekend.

To place an order, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by Saturday, Jan. 15. Checks are accepted, and she will email you her address. For additional information and photos, see the Nov. 2 Carolina entry: Clay Aiken Fans Go to Bat for Inclusion Project.

Christmas Clock Insures Grins

Snow and ice have held Triad school calendars hostage most of the week. Mother Nature also put a "fermata" (hold) on music lessons; but warmer temps are on tap and makeup sessions are in the works.

My students were very generous with holiday remembrances for their teacher, everything from gift cards to sweets that are being carefully rationed. As a Carolina basketball fan, who knew Buckeyes could be so enticing?!?

Putting a reverse spin on a Clay Aiken favorite, "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day," however, is a clock that plays a phrase of a seasonal song at the top of each hour.

I have had more fun watching unsuspecting students (even the pianist who gave it to me!) stop and grin when they suddenly hear the music box-like hourly greeting in the middle of a lesson. Among the 12 songs heralding new hours are "Jingle Bells," "Adeste Fidelis," "O Tannenbaum," "The 12 Days of Christmas," and "Joy to the World."

Soon the two batteries that instigate the holiday songs will be removed; but for now, we are getting a real good jump on "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day."

Use the sidebar widgets to continue voting for the National Inclusion Project's Pepsi alliances and partners. Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Clay Aiken PBS Special Airs This Weekend


CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE ~ LIVE! Promo
Watch full screen at
YouTube.

Clay Aiken: Tried & True LIVE!

PBS Special Opens in 30 Markets

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS special kicks off coast to coast in 30 markets, 12 on Saturday, July 31, and 18 more on Sunday, Aug. 1.

In many cases, the telecast coincides with the public television's fall pledge drives. Supporters will be able to donate to their local station and receive the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, or both.

Released commercially on July 27, the DVD is already the talk of Clay Cyberspace. As soon as the DVD of Clay's special March concert of Tried & True songs arrived in mailboxes, fans shared screen caps and scans of the DVD art. They are included below.

July 31 Tried & True ~ LIVE Telecasts

WTVI - Charlotte, NC: 4:30 pm (also 8/1, 8/2, 8/4, 8/7)
Rocky Mountain PBS, CO
: Denver: 4 pm (also 8/1)
(KRMA, KTSC, KRMJ, KRMU, KRMZ)

NET - Lincoln, NE: 6:30 pm (also 8/4)
(KUON, KHNE, KLNE, KMNE, KPNE, KRNE, KTNE, KXNE, KYNE)
WPBT - Miami, FL: 7:30 and 11 pm (also 8/1, 8/5, 8/8, 8/12)
WLIT - Martin, TN: 7 p.m. (also 8/3, 8/7)
WYES - New Orleans, LA: 9 pm
WOSU - Columbus, OH: 10 pm (also 8/1, 8/8)
WUSF - Tampa, FL: 6:30 pm (Also 8/1, 8/3, 8/6)
WDSE - Duluth, MN: 7 pm
WNIN - Evansville, IN: 7 pm (also 8/1)
WPBA - Atlanta, GA: 8 and 9:30 pm (also 8/2)
WQED - Pittsburgh, PA: 8 pm (also 8/1, 8/2, 8/13)

Aug 1 Tried & True ~ LIVE Telecasts

WNMU - Marquette, MI - 10 pm
KOCE - Huntington Beach, CA - 6:30 pm (Also 8/2, 10 pm; 8/4, 5 pm; 8/6, 7 pm)
WCFE - Plattsburgh, NY - 7:30 p.m.
WQPT - Moline, IL (QUAD CITIES PBS) - 7:30 pm (Also 8/2 1 pm, 8/7 7:30 pm)
KLVX - Las Vegas, NV - 7:30 pm (Also 8/5 12 am, 8/7 3 pm)
WJCT - Jacksonville, FL - 7 pm (Also 8/4 8 pm)
WGCU - Fort Myers, FL - 8 pm (Also 8/2 2 am, 8/5 9:30 pm)
NPT - Nashville, TN - 8 pm (Also 8/3 11 pm)
KVPT - Fresno, CA - 8 pm (Also 8/4 8 pm)
WTCI - Chattanooga, TN - 8 pm (Also 8/4 8 pm)
WITF - Harrisburg, PA - 8 pm (Also 8/5 1 pm)
Georgia PB - Atlanta, GA - 9:30 pm (Also 8/3 7 pm)
WNIT - South Bend, IN - 9:30 pm (Also 8/5 and 8/7, 8 pm
KMOS - Columbia, MO - 9 pm (Also 8/8 12 am)
WVPT - Harrisburg & Staunton, VA -3 pm
WLRN - Miami, FL - 4:30 am & 8:30 pm (Also 8/2 12 am)
Maryland PT - Owings Mills, MD - 7:30 pm (Also 8/2 1 pm, 8/7 11 pm)
KCTS - Seattle, WA - 8 pm (Also 8/5 12:30 am, 8/7 11 pm)

Stations (with links), cities, dates, and telecast times of the PBS special are available on the searchable
CANN PBS Database.

Fountaindawg's T&T LIVE graphic, 3, is surrounded by double clickable DVD screen caps posted by adrienne1954.









'Tried & True' Tour Dates Surface

As the Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Timeless Tour starts the West Coast leg (in Snoqualmie, WA, 7 p.m. PT Thursday), CA fans continued locating Tried & True Tour dates/locations for February and March 2011.

The unofficial 2011 Tried & True Tour information has been gathered by various means -- Ticketmaster, PBS stations, announcements by the singer during Timeless Meet & Greets with fans this week. An official announcement will no doubt be made at clayaiken.com soon.

Premium tickets/M&G passes for some concerts are being sold in conjunction with the current PBS pledge drives/Tried & True LIVE telecasts. Not every PBS station is paired with the 2011 winter tour. Early August general ticket sales have be reported by some venues.

Tentative 2011 T&T Tour Sites

Miami, FL - Feb 10, The Adrienne Arsht Center
Orlando, FL - Feb 11, The Hard Rock Cafe
Atlanta, GA - Feb 16, The Cobb Energy Centre
Pittsburgh, PA - Feb 18, Carnegie Library Music Hall at Homestead
Cleveland, OH - Feb 19, Palace Theatre
Towson, MD - Feb 22, Kraushaar Auditorium
Charlotte, NC - Feb 23, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Greenville, SC - Feb 24, The Peace Center
Long Island, NY - Feb 26, Capital One Bank Theater at Westbury
Glenside, PA - Feb 27, Keswick Theater - PBS39 is pre-selling concert/VIP M&G tickets now!
Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center
San Francisco - Mar 12 or 13

Other possible concert sites include Memphis, TN; Sarasota FL; Waukegan, IL; St. Louis, MO; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; and Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX.

Check with your local PBS station to see if (a) a Feb-March concert is part of the pledge package and (b) if the tickets are on sale prior to the telecast.

DVD Art EEEEE-Worthy!

Fans who pre-ordered the Tried & True: LIVE DVD or pledged donations during the special June 12 preview by Chicago's WTTW-11 PBS station have been receiving some EEEEE-worthy mail this week.

The Clay Aiken: Tried and True LIVE DVD is available as a 60-minute core version, released commercially two days ago, and as a 90-minute pledge event version to be distributed by PBS. The concert special, filmed in Raleigh, NC, in March was produced by International Media.

Decca Records lists the tracks of the core DVD as Mack the Knife, It's Impossible, It's Only Make Believe, You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Crying, Eso Beso, Who's Sorry Now, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Suspicious Minds, What Kind of Fool Am I, Build Me Up Buttercup, Misty, There's a Kind of Hush, Moon River, Unchained Melody, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Tried & True.

Dancermom2 scanned the front and back covers, booklet, and special photo accompanying the DVD. Below are double clickables of her scans:











Anyone have friends or relatives who live in the 7/31 and 8/1 cities? I know a ton of folks in Nashville who will be receiving an email with info about Clay's PBS Special and a link to the above promo video. I wouldn't doubt you know people who need the same kind of email!

The next three Timeless Tour performances are Thursday, July 29, 7 p.m. PT, Mountain View Plaza, Snoqualmie, WA; Saturday, July 31, 8 p.m. PT, Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV; and Sunday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. PT, Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA.

A complete listing appears in Tour, TV Jam Clay Aiken Calendar, the 7/18 Carolina blog entry.

Below is a double clickable of the special photo that comes with the Tried & True ~ LIVE! DVD:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided.

Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro