Clay Aiken Fans Vie for Tried & True Tour Tickets

Clay Aiken performs in Tried & True ~ LIVE PBS Special.
Graphic by Fountaindawg with photos by Jim R. Bounds.

For Clay Aiken Winter Tour

Fans Dance T&T Ticket Tango

With a surprisingly low stress level and kudos for the Clay Aiken team, a two-day pre-sale for 12 Tried & True Winter Tour venues kicked off at the singer's official fan club site Wednesday morning.

Preceding general admission sales, fan club tickets went "live" at 10 a.m. PDT Wednesday and will continue until 5 p.m. PDT Friday. Members of the Official Fan Club can access the sale on the Events page.

Pre-sales are underway for these concert sites: Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Knoxville, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore, Greenville, Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, Minneapolis, and Memphis. Presales for other cities will be listed in the coming weeks.

The 2011 February-March concerts will mark Clay's first tour supporting the Tried & True album and Tried & True ~ LIVE DVD released this summer by Decca Records.

Clay during interview by Pierre Kimsey at WKNO Memphis.

A Conversation with Clay Aiken

In conjunction with the Memphis telecasts of the Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS special, WKNO producer Pierre Kimsey spoke with the singer in what many longtime fans have dubbed "the best interview ever." You can download "A Conversation with Clay Aiken" at Clack Unlimited or stream it at Ideal Idol.

The interview aired in Memphis on Aug. 5; and, hopefully, WKNO will make the "conversation" available on the station's website, as well as schedule more telecasts. Personally, I think the "conversation" would sell a lot of tickets for the March Tried & True concert in Memphis.

The Nouth 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.

In this half-hour conversation, Aiken talks with Kimsey about performing, sudden fame, family, UNICEF and more.

To comment on this excellent, well-researched interview by Kimsey and the Memphis PBS station, use the "Contact Us" link at the WKNO website.

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

'T&T LIVE' Headlines Pledge Drives

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS special, which kicked off in 30 markets coast to coast July 31-Aug 1, continues as a headliner for pledge drives throughout the country.

Dates and locations for PBS special telecasts are available on message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace. Check your local PBS station website or see the CANN PBS Database for an air date/location near you. The program will shown in some areas later this year.

In most cases, the telecast coincides with the fall pledge drives of public television. Supporters are able to donate to their local station for a variety of thank-you gift packages: the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, as well as premium Tried & True Tour tickets and M&G passes in areas where a February-March 2011 concert is scheduled.

2011 Tried & True Tour Sites

Miami, FL - Feb 10, The Adrienne Arsht Center
Orlando, FL - Feb 11, The Hard Rock Cafe
Sarasota, FL - Feb. 12, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Houston, TX - Feb. 14, Jones Hall
Atlanta, GA - Feb 16, The Cobb Energy Centre
Knoxville, TN - Feb. 17, Tennessee Theater
Pittsburgh, PA - Feb 18, Carnegie Library Music Hall (Homestead)
Cleveland, OH - Feb 19, Playhouse Square
Baltimore, MD - Feb 22, Kraushaar Auditorium (Goucher College)
Charlotte, NC - Feb 23, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Greenville, SC - Feb 24, The Peace Center
Westbury, NY - Feb 26, Theater at Westbury
Glenside, PA - Feb 27, Keswick Theater
Cincinnati, OH - Mar 01, Taft Theatre
Fort Wayne, IN - Mar 02, Embassy Centre
Waukegan, IL - Mar 04, Genesee Theater
Minneapolis, MN - Mar 05, State Theatre
Memphis, TN - Mar 07, Minglewood Hall
Grand Prairie, TX - Mar 08, Verizon GP
Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center

Other possible concert sites mentioned include Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Ann Arbour, MI; St. Louis, MO; Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; and San Diego, CA. Check back for updates.

Below are clickables of graphics featuring the Tried & True CD (AmazingCA, 1; SueReu, 2); Tried & True DVD (Fountaindawg, 3); and Tried & True ~ LIVE (Foutaindawg, 4, 5):

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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Finale Regales Crowd

Clay, Ruben, & Co. close Timeless Tour with 'Time of My Life.'
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

'Time of My Life'

Finale Sums Up Timeless Tour

Just as they did every night, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, & Company closed Saturday's final Timeless Tour concert in Biloxi, MS, with the "Time of My Life," summing up the two-hour experience for performers and concert goers alike.

Final shows are almost always an emotionally charged convergence of giddiness, sadness that the three-week summer run is over, plus a dash of relief that respite is just around the corner. While musicians no doubt headed to the nearest cave to catch up on much-needed sleep, fans are still reliving favorite moments from the 17 concerts through video/photo clack.

The gags and antics usually reserved for final performances were almost nonexistent in Biloxi, bowing to the bigger surprise in the early arrival of Eric Duboise's baby, putting the sub for the lead guitarist on a fast track to learn the 85-song show.

As a music teacher with several students taking fledgling steps in composition, I was most interested in the duo's search for a theme song. Clay first brought up the subject in Verona, NY, and the improv was added to the stool banter in the last three shows.

Duo Searches for Theme Song

At each show, Ruben accepted Clay's challenge and improvised three different theme songs in a variety of styles: "Yin & Yang" a la bluegrass in Verona, "It's About Damn Time" Reggae style in Hammond, and an operatic "Spaghetti and Meatball" rendition in Biloxi.

Below are videos by Scarlett and toni7babe that replay the improvisation segments. The first and third also include the stool banter.

Song search begins with 'Yin & Yang' at Verona, NY, show.
View Scarlett's video full screen at YouTube.

Reggae-style theme song improvised at Hammond, IN, show.
View video by toni7babe full screen at YouTube.

Search yields operatic 'Spaghetti & Meatball' in Biloxi, MS.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clack Sites Rewind Tour Treasures

If you are a Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard fan, you know the websites to visit for downloading and viewing Timeless Tour clack. If not, bookmark Clack Unlimited (where donations are encouraged) and YouTube.

Below are two YouTube Channels loaded with videos from the 17 Timeless Tour shows. Hopefully, there will be more before this blog cycle ends.

Toni7babe YouTube Channel
Wowzers4Clay (Videos by Scarlett)

The Timeless Tour set list provides a map for clack "treasure hunts." Have fun!

Timeless Tour Set List

Ruben and Clay: Flying Without Wings/This Is The Night mash-up

Clay: Suspicious Minds
Ruben: Bring It On Home To Me

60s Medley: In The Midnight Hour ... Up On The Roof ... Someday We'll Be Together ... Goin' Out Of My Head ... Can’t Hurry Love ... Happy Together ...Can’t Help Myself ... Cryin’ ... Soul Man ... Wouldn’t It Be Nice ... Shotgun ... Sugar, Sugar ... Just One Look ... Harper Valley PTA ... Ain’t To Proud To Beg ... Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Casey/Quiana: Natural Woman
Clay: Still the One
Ruben: Mercy Me

70s Medley: Night Fever ... Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now ... Oh, What a Night (1963) ... Oh Girl ... On The Radio ... Turn The Beat Around ... Sex Machine (Get on Up) ... Don’t Go Breaking My Heart ... More Than A Feeling ... September

Clay: Mandy
Ruben: Superstar
Quiana: I’m Every Woman
Ruben: Baby, Stay With Me Tonight?

Revival Skit

Clay: When I See You Smile

80s Medley: Eye Of The Tiger ... Rhythm Of The Night ... Glory Of Love ... Shout ... Africa ... Can’t Fight This Feeling ... Through The Fire ... All Night Long ... If This Is It ... Alone ... Caribbean Queen ... Nothing's Gonna Stop Us ... Footloose

Ruben: Everything I Do, I Do For You

90s Medley: This Is How We Do It ... Poison ... Achy Breaky Heart ... The Right Stuff ... Mmm...Bop ... End Of The Road ... I Swear ... I Want It That Way ... Remember The Time ... You Oughta Know ... Jump Around ... Baby Got Back ... Livin La Vida Loca ... One Sweet Day

Clay and Ruben: I’ve Had The Time Of My Life

These clickable photos from the Biloxi concert were shot by Invisble926:

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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard Chart Fun-Fllled Finale

Timeless Tour montage by mrbaconclayaiken17
Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard & Co. dazzle coast to coast.
View montage full screen at YouTube or
download with this Sendspace file.

Gags, Surprises Add to Fun

Timeless Finale To Rock Biloxi

In a show already hailed as an entertaining trip through four decades of pop music embellished by powerful vocals, swinging arrangements, witty commentary, and close friendships, the Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Timeless Tour finale at Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS, tonight promises to be off the charts.

To the delight of most audiences, final tour concerts are traditionally filled with loads of fun and unexpected gags by the performers on stage. Curtain time for Saturday's surprise package is 8 pm CDT.

Backup Musicians Captivate Fans

Partners in crime of the Timeless Tour headliners have been Quiana Parler and Casey Thompson, backup singers, and a sizzling band that has rocked both coasts -- Ben Cohn, keyboards/musical director; Eric Dubose, lead guitar; Alvin Garrett, bass; John Jackson, keyboards; and Felix Pollard, drums.

The opening montage by mrbaconclayaikenclayaiken17 provides fans a reminiscent review of the entertaining show performed in 17 cities coast to coast this summer.

Video clips and still photos are set to the song "Partners in Crime," written and performed by Jim Brickman, piano, and Dave Koz, sax.

Photo links to Timeless Tour Slide Show at Clay Aiken Kids.
Graphics by Fountaindawg

Currently, at the Clay Aiken Kids site, a 2010 Timess Tour Slide Show allows fans to relive concerts from Asheville, NC, through Lancaster, PA, with more to come as recaps/clack are posted. Research, copy, and set-ups are by momo.

In addition to concert collages by Fountaindawg, each page contains information exclusive to that show which can be magnified and downloaded. See 2010 Timeless Tour with Ruben Studdard at CAK for another view and a set list with links to all song lyrics.

Wire Image members can view/download full size pictures shot by a professional photographer at Friday's concert at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN. Non-members can view thumbnail versions at the above link.

Front Stage Requests Tour Reviews

In the music and entertainment business, reviews are done by someone who is either not a fan of the artist, or had not even attended the concert, and based a review upon hear say.

Amen to that! Want to add your 2 cents to the Timeless Tour reviews? Front Stage is asking fans who attended a Timeless Tour show to write a brief recap on their website.

The first was a paragraph by an Asheville concert goer. I wasn't able to attend a show, but I hope to read many fan reviews at this site.

One of my favorite graphs from an earlier review is printed below:

As the pair’s powerful vocals filled the theatre for one last time that night, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard proved good music is not the only thing that is timeless. Talent is too. - Ann Marie Coar

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation. See you after the show!

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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Tour Plays Final Dates

Timeless Tour 80s Medley from Chautauqua Concert
View full screen video by Scarlett at YouTube.

Timeless Tour Winds Down

Vocals, Banter Shine in Shows

Despite the chaos of a last-minute venue change that created nightmarish seating snafus at the Hammerstein, the New York City Timeless Tour concert of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard was still packed with spectacular vocals, rocking backup renditions, and quick-witted banter that mirrors the close friendship and chemistry between the show's headliners.

Audiences at this final week of concerts have been enthusiastic, loudly appreciative, and up on their feet dancing to the music.

With slight adjustments for a smaller stage and temperature readings as hot as the band, the performers presented a memorable show at Hampton Beach, NH, Tuesday. Next came the Hammerstein on Wednesday and Thursday's 8 p.m. concert is set for the Turning Point Resort in Verona, NY. (Check back for updates.)

Fans Note Script Changes

More than one fan attending these concerts for the first time since the tour's July 23 opener in Asheville, NC, noted the structure of the show's script remains intact, though parts have changed over time.

"Even the lines I recognized seemed fresh and genuine. They are really good actors!" Brightstar commented in her Hampton Beach recap at Clayversity.

Below are two clickables from the Hampton Beach concert by cameocat:

80s Medley Moves, Shakes

"Footloose," which closes the 80s medley, especially shook the Hammerstein show. Below, concert goers provide highlights of Wednesday's concert:

Dancermom2: "Footloose" was amazing. That’s when we blew the roof off the place. And this place, by the way, is old. It smells old, feels old, and is musty. And there were times I felt the floor move and shake and not from an earthquake.

"Pastor Ruben, don’t pray to cure Clay of "lack-of-rythmnitis" but to save us from a collapsing floor!"

The opening video clip by Scarlett features Clay, Ruben, and backup singers Quiana Parler and Casey Thompson performing the 80s medley from the Chautauqua Concert.

Included are "Eye Of The Tiger," "Rhythm Of The Night," "Glory Of Love," "Shout," "Africa," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Through The Fire," "All Night Long," "If This Is It," "Alone," "Caribbean Queen," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us," and "Footloose."

Brightstar: Terrific show! Full of energy and the place rocked, literally at times. The guys seemed to be in great moods and clearly loved it when the audience cheered and clapped and danced. They were funnier than ever, too.

momo: The energy at both shows [Lancaster and Hammerstein] was truly incredible. Had my uncle with me who has never seen a Clay concert and he loved it. Danced and screamed so much his voice was gone after the show. First thing he asked me was, "Do they have a CD of this?"

Marilyn: They still delivered the script like it was fresh, but added bits and pieces here and there. Like Tom Deckman, my absolute favorite medley was the 80s. Clay absolutely KILLS on these songs. The very top favorite is always "More Than A Feeling," and I want to hear this whole song coming out of those golden lungs.

The Footloose segment is just the very best. The audience went wild, and they did it again. This is the most joyful, lively segment of the show, and I just love it.

A DVD highlighting the best of the shows would be great, and it would be a sin not to be able to keep it for posterity. I could watch it umpteen times and never be tired of it. The energy in that show was just fantastic.

libra1014: My 20-year-old daughter and I both thought the concert was terrific. She came to the concert for me; she left wanting to go to another one and wanting a CD of the show.

I cannot say enough about the excellent vocals and incredible band on stage last night. Clay has never looked or sounded better. I think that goes for everyone on stage.

Featured in this collection of clickables are photos from the Hammerstein concert by Toni, 1 and 5; mustbeeme, 2 and 4; Asolo, 3.

Concert Wows 'Spamalot' Friend

After the Hammerstein show, Tom Deckman, Clay's friend and former "Spamalot" cast mate, talked to fans on the Clackhouse stream. The NYC venue was his first Clay Aiken concert, and he termed the show "fantastic." His favorite part was the 80s medley.

Excited about the Hampton Beach performance, keepingfaith emailed Clack Unlimited links to her sister and a couple of friends, one inadvertently. Previously a "non-believer," the accidental recipient responded, "I watched every one of the clips on that page you linked and am beginning to be a big fan. You've recruited me!"

As it turns out, the new fan downloaded every link on the Hampton Beach page!

Below are clickables by Cotton from Thursday's Verona concert:

MTV Review Lauds Music, Humor

In his review of the New York performance, Jim Cantiello of MTV, praised the exceptional vocals and hilarious stand-up humor. Ruben's "Superstar" and Clay's "Mandy" left him with goosebumps. In answer to a comment, he added:

They have fantastic chemistry and seem to be having the time of their lives on this tour. It was a fun night.

I think this sentence from Rhodeislandfan's recap sums up the 2010 Timeless Tour best:

Honestly, the show is so good a person could go to every single one and never once be tired of it.

The final two Timeless Tour performances are slated for 7:30 Friday, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS.

Have a wonderful weekend, 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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Word Is Out: Aiken-Studdard Show Loads of Fun!

Ruben and Clay open Timeless Tour show in Lancaster, PA.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard & Co.

Shows Generate Ticket Sales

The word is out -- the Timeless Tour show of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard is a two-hour song and comedy fest not to be missed.

In addition to promotional stories by local media, positive reviews spread by excited concert goers has last-minute ticket buyers hitting box offices right up until show times.

The Portsmouth Sinfonia, musicians playing instruments completely unfamiliar to them, produce the hilarious rendition of "Also sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss in the Timeless Tour opener. Check them out at YouTube.

All instrumental music majors are required to take classes in the various orchestral families. A woodwind specialist, I sounded just like the Portsmouth trumpeters in brass class. However, I could wail on French Horn and trombone in my college days. *g*

Review: 'Good Music, Talent Timeless'

Anne Marie Coar's review of the Timeless Tour performance at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA, is spot on. Here are excerpts of her article at Suite 101:

The approximately two-hour long Timeless Tour was as much about entertainment and the rapport between two former American Idol "rivals," Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, as it was about the music, which spanned the past 60 years.

Before the show began, a sinister-voiced announcer dramatically and humorously retold the moments leading up to the final 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.

American Idol winner Studdard then took the stage and began singing his coronation song and first single, "Flying Without Wings." Midway through, Aiken appeared from the wings and launched into "This is the Night."

The pair, amid microphone grabs and playful shoves, switched back and forth between the two songs, amid cheers from the packed audience at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s American Music Theatre. [snip]

Aiken and Studdard returned to the stage for an encore performance of "Time of My Life." As the pair’s powerful vocals filled the theatre for one last time that night, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard proved good music is not the only thing that is timeless. Talent is too.

The tour's final five shows begin with tonight's 8 p.m. performance at the Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton Beach, NH. Other concerts include:

Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein, 8 pm
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino, 8 pm
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino, 7:30 pm
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage, 8 pm

Clay's 'Still the One' solo spotlights swinging band in Lancaster.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Verona Promotes Timeless Show

Promo for Thursday's 8 p.m. Verona concert -- Variety Show at Turning Point -- features a phone interview with Clay before the show in Snoqualmie, WA. Below are excerpts from the story at Syracuse.com:

The last time Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard most famously shared a stage together, the big guy with the soulful voice won the season two “American Idol” title and the thin man with the pop chops was named runner-up.

Aiken and Studdard have remained good friends since that night in 2003 when Studdard narrowly earned more votes than Aiken out of the 24 million cast by viewers of the Fox TV show.

Many times when they talked, Aiken says during a phone interview before a show in Snoqualmie, Wash., they spoke of a common desire to go out on tour together.

Finally, they made it happen.

You can read the entire article here. Another interview with Clay, complete with audio, is available at Fox All Access: Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard Tak a Summer Vacation Together.

The clickable collection below capture moments from the Lancaster, PA, and Windsor, Ontario, shows. Visual artists represented include Irishbookgal, 1, 2, 4; Fountaindawg graphic with photos by nickiwicki, 3; and amazedinnj, 5.

Hammond Venue Anticipates Tour

In Idols bring Timeless tunes to fans, the advance story for Northwest Indiana, Ruben's interview gets the word out about Friday's 7:30 p.m. concert at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino:

It's fitting that Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard share a concert stage.

After all, they were the last two battling it out during 2003's "American Idol" finale. Studdard took top honors, and Aiken ranked second. [snip]

These days, Aiken and Studdard aren't competing for praise and votes. They've united on stage for their Timeless summer tour. Their show touches down Friday at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino.

"We're having a great time doing the show," said Ruben Studdard, during a recent telephone interview. "It's not often you get the chance to go on the road with someone who is your friend."

The singers will be performing standards as well as renditions of classic pop hits made famous through the decades. [snip]

Feedback on the show has been positive.

"The audiences are having a great time. The fans are loving it," he added.

The entire article can be read here.

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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Show Reaps Accolades

Cap links to Phineas & Ferb 'Summer Belongs to You' promo.
Clay sings 'I Believe We Can' from 'Summer Solstice' episode.
View related videos at DisneyXD YouTube Channel.

Phineas & Ferb Duet in Top 10

Concerts Draw Capacity Crowds

While the Timeless Tour concert played to capacity crowds in New England this weekend, the Clay Aiken-Chaka Khan Phineas and Ferb duet, "I Believe We Can," marched into the Top 10 songs at iTunes.

Disney XD’s premiere of Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, which ranked in the channel’s top three telecasts of the year in total viewers with 1.32 million, posted triple-digit percentage gains over last year's numbers, marking a 196% gain in viewers.

After Thursday's knock-out show at Caesars Windsor's Coliseum, the Timeless entourage (Clay, Ruben, Quiana Parler, Casey Thompson, and band) thrilled crowds in Chautauqua, NY, (Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater) and Mashantucket, CT (MGM Grand Foxwoods).

True to form, the multi-generational audiences are running an even split gender-wise and represent longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Deborah Gibson Tweets Applause

Following the Foxwoods concert, singer-songwriter Deborah Gibson tweeted to her followers:

This show is brilliant! OMG! If you haven't seen Clay and Ruben, RUN; do not walk!

The Broadway star also posed with Clay and Ruben backstage. Below are clickables of her twitpics, as well as two Foxwoods photos by Cotton:

More of the same is expected for Sunday's 7 pm performance at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA. At noon, the box office reported the show was less than 50 tickets from a sell-out.

Show-Stoppers Fill Timeless Concert

It's difficult to pinpoint peaks in the Timeless Tour show because there are so many. Without a doubt, the nightly revival in which Clay is healed of his so-called "lack-of-rhythmitis" is one. "Footloose" from the 80s Medley received an encore tag at Friday's Chautauqua, NY, show.

Shot by Scarlett, the video clack below is from Thursday's Windsor, Ontario concert. Incoporated in the 80s medley are Eye Of the Tiger, Rhythm Of the Night, Glory Of Love, Shout, Africa, Can't Fight This Feeling, Through the Fire, All Night Long, If This Is It, Alone, Caribbean Queen, Nothing's Gonna Stop Us, and Footloose.

Casey, Clay, and Quiana sing 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.'
Windsor, Ontario, Timeless Tour video by Scarlett.
View full screen at YouTube.

In the second video, "Preacher" Studdard attempts to heal Clay of his lack of rhythm/ability to dance during the Canadian Timeless Tour concert.

Due to a mic with a mind of its own, what is already a very entertaining skit becomes downright hilarious after Clay is 'healed' of his affliction. For many fans, the Windsor rendition has been declared the funniest of the entire Timeless Tour to date.

A mic with a mind of its own added to Windsor revival fun.
Windsor, Ontario, Timeless Tour video by Scarlett.
View full screen at YouTube.

Safe travels to those heading to Lancaster. Monday the Timeless Tour cast will enjoy a much-deserved break before completing the final leg of performance dates:

Aug-10 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino, 8 pm
Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein, 8 pm
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino, 8 pm
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino, 7:30 pm
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage, 8 pm

TRIED & TRUE LIVE - Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds.

'Tried & True' Headlines Pledge Drives

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS Special, which kicked off in 30 markets coast to coast July 31-Aug 1, continues as a headliner for pledge drives throughout the country.

Dates and locations for PBS Special telecasts are available on message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace. Search the CANN PBS Database for an air date/location near you.

In most cases, the telecast coincides with the fall pledge drives of public television. Supporters are able to donate to their local station for a variety of thank-you gift packages: the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, as well as premium Tried & True Tour tickets and M&G passes in areas where a February-March 2011 concert is scheduled.

2011 Tried & True Tour Sites

Miami, FL - Feb 10, The Adrienne Arsht Center
Orlando, FL - Feb 11, The Hard Rock Cafe
Sarasota, FL - Feb. 12, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Houston, TX - Feb. 14, Jones Hall
Atlanta, GA - Feb 16, The Cobb Energy Centre
Knoxville, TN - Feb. 17, Tennessee Theater
Pittsburgh, PA - Feb 18, Carnegie Library Music Hall (Homestead)
Cleveland, OH - Feb 19, Playhouse Square
Baltimore, MD - Feb 22, Kraushaar Auditorium (Goucher College)
Charlotte, NC - Feb 23, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Greenville, SC - Feb 24, The Peace Center
Westbury, NY - Feb 26, Theater at Westbury
Glenside, PA - Feb 27, Keswick Theater
Cincinnati, OH - Mar 01, Taft Theatre
Fort Wayne, IN - Mar 02, Embassy Centre
Waukegan, IL - Mar 04, Genesee Theater
Minneapolis, MN - Mar 05, State Theatre
Memphis, TN - Mar 07, Minglewood Hall
Grand Prairie, TX - Mar 08, Verizon GP
Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center

Other possible concert sites mentioned include Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Ann Arbour, MI; St. Louis, MO; Los Angeles, CA; and San Diego, CA. Check back for updates.

Fountaindawg created the perfect clickable birthday card for a special little guy born two years ago today. Happy Birthday, Parker Foster Aiken! May you learn these and many more lessons from your father:

Happy Birthday, Parker!
Dream big and dare!

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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Show Charms Canada

TIMELESS TOUR - AmazingCA's handsome graphic began as a simple photo accompanying an Internet promo story about Sunday's Lancaster, PA, concert.

In Windsor, Ontario

Timeless Pair Plays Packed Hall

WINDSOR, ONTARIO -- Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and the Timeless Tour musicians not only won the hearts of a near-capacity crowd at Caesars Windsor Coliseum but also high praise from The Windsor Star.

Taking a cue from 1960s TV variety shows, the two teased and joked with each other in a well-rehearsed revue that covered four decades of popular music. [snip]

Studdard and Aiken work seamlessly together -- both have musical stage acting in their backgrounds, and it pays off during the banter between songs.

This is a concept that could easily be translated to the small screen -- maybe it's time to revive weekly variety television.

Ted Shaw's complete review -- Ex-Idols entertain with smart, tasteful show -- can be read at the Ontario paper's online website.

Ruben, Clay perform in Windsor. Photo by Scott Webster.

Duo Promotes Shows from Road

In the midst of the "clack" overload that invariably accompanies a Clay Aiken tour, Internet fans wasted no time in converting the latest Timeless image, a Pennsylvania promo photo of the singer, into avatars, message board banners, and graphic designs like the one atop this blog entry.

As a prelude for Sunday night's Timeless Tour Concert in Lancaster, PA, the Intelligencer Journal is featuring an online interview with Clay -- Once 'Idols,' Now Friends - Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard join forces for tour -- conducted while the entourage traveled eastward from Wisconsin.

Seven years after squaring off against each other on the second season of "American Idol," Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard are again sharing the same stage.

The two singers will bring their "Timeless" tour to the American Music Theatre Sunday night.

It's the first time they've toured together and Aiken says they'll be performing songs from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He says they have an 85-song set list to choose from.

"If people name two or three big songs from any one of those decades, chances are we're doing at least one of them," Aiken says from his tour bus while it travels through Wisconsin.

Jon Ferguson's article, which also includes information about the Tried & True CD and Clay's 2011 Winter Tour, can be read at the Lancaster link. A similar bus interview with Ruben promoting Saturday's Timeless Tour show at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort and Casino can be read here.

This weekend's Timeless Tour concerts include Friday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Chautauqua, NY, Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre; Saturday, 8 p.m., ET, Mashantucket, CT, MGM Grand Foxwoods; and Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, Lancaster, PA, American Music Theatre.

KISS SEQUENCE - Milwaukee will be remembered for the playful kiss
between Clay and Casey at the end of "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart."
Click to enlarge photos by Shamrock and Snix, blended by Floridaiken.

Milwaukee: Songs, Laughs, and More

Thrilling fans of the Midwest, the Timeless Tour show in Milwaukee proved yet another performance packed with 85 songs and a special chemistry between Clay and Ruben during their continuous comedic dialogue, loosely scripted and freely altered with ad-libs from both entertainers.

Besides the concert description, Leroy's recap includes a NJU report:

I truly loved every minute of the Milwaukee concert. Our seats were wonderful, and both Ruben and Clay were in fine voice. I just kept shaking my head over how great they sounded and how much fun they were having up on that stage. I’m sure I had a big smile on my face the whole time when I wasn’t laughing at their antics.

I kept looking over at my sister, and she was having a blast, too. I asked her later what she thought was the best part. She said it was all perfect, but she thought maybe "Footloose." I think we were up on our feet clapping and dancing at that point.

Afterwards she said she didn’t want it to be over and that it was the best concert she had ever seen; and she‘s seen quite a few great acts. No, she’s not a member of the Clay Nation quite yet, but I don’t think she’ll miss another Clay concert if she can possibly help it.

This clickable collection of photos provides an overview of the Milwaukee show. Photographers include toni7babe, 1, 4; leslie42, 2, 3; and Shamrock, 5.

Fans following the Timeless Tour, either live or via clack, have enjoyed the mid-concert healing of Clay's "lackofrythmitis" affliction by "Rev Studdard." The revival segment, which changes nightly, is introduced by "Sister Quiana." The hilarious Windsor Revival was uploaded to YouTube Friday.

Below is Scarlett's video of the revival skit from the Reno, NV, concert, posted at YouTube by Wowzers4Clay.

Pastor Studdard "heals" Clay of his lack of rhythm.
Reno, NV, Timeless Tour video by Scarlett.
View full screen at YouTube.

Tried & True LIVE #5 at Billboard

According to Wednesday's AP Entertainment report, SoundScan charts for the nation's Video Bestsellers as they will appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine place Tried & True LIVE at #5:

Top Music Video Sales

1. "Beyond The Lighted Stage," Rush.

2. "The Best Of The Hoppers: From The Homecoming Series," The Hoppers

3. "360 Degrees At The Rose Bowl," U2.

4. "London Calling: Live In Hyde Park," Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

5. "Tried And True: LIVE!" Clay Aiken

6. "Live At Madison Square Garden," Bon Jovi.

7. "Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour," Michael Jackson.

8. "Stones In Exile," The Rolling Stones.

9. "When You're Strange," The Doors.

10. "Number Ones," Michael Jackson.

Double clickable T&T LIVE DVD cover.

'Tried & True' Headlines Pledge Drives

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS Special, which kicked off in 30 markets coast to coast last past weekend, continues as a headliner for pledge drives throughout the country.

Dates and locations for PBS Special telecasts are available on message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace. Search the CANN PBS Database for an air date/location near you.

In most cases, the telecast coincides with the fall pledge drives of public television. Supporters are able to donate to their local station for a variety of thank-you gift packages: the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, as well as premium Tried & True Tour tickets and M&G passes in areas where a February-March 2011 concert is scheduled.

2011 Tried & True Tour Sites

Miami, FL - Feb 10, The Adrienne Arsht Center
Orlando, FL - Feb 11, The Hard Rock Cafe
Sarasota, FL - Feb. 12, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Houston, TX - Feb. 14, Jones Hall
Atlanta, GA - Feb 16, The Cobb Energy Centre
Knoxville, TN - Feb. 17, Tennessee Theater
Pittsburgh, PA - Feb 18, Carnegie Library Music Hall (Homestead)
Cleveland, OH - Feb 19, Playhouse Square
Baltimore, MD - Feb 22, Kraushaar Auditorium (Goucher College)
Charlotte, NC - Feb 23, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Greenville, SC - Feb 24, The Peace Center
Glenside, PA - Feb 27, Keswick Theater
Cincinnati, OH - Mar 01, Taft Theatre
Minneapolis,MN - Mar 05, State Theatre
Memphis, TN - Mar 07, Minglewood Hall
Grand Prarie, TX - Mar 08, Verizon GP
Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center

Other possible concert sites mentioned include Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Waukegan, IL; Fort Wayne, IN; Ann Arbour, MI; St. Louis, MO; Los Angeles, CA; and San Diego, CA. Check back for updates.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Don't forget Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You! premieres on the Disney Channel at 8 pm ET Friday. The Clay Aiken-Chaka Khan "I Believe We Can" duet can be downloaded at iTunes.

Have a wonderful weekend, 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. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Audiences Laud Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Show

Clay deadpans a Ruben quip during Timeless show banter.
Graphic by AmazingCA, photo by ClayIzzaQT.

Tried & True Tour Takes Shape

Music, Laughs Fill Timeless Show

Seven concerts into the 17-city Timeless Tour, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, & Company this week take their music and antic-filled variety show east to venues in Wisconsin, Ontario, New York, and Connecticut.

Everywhere they have performed -- Asheville, NC; a trio of Florida venues; Snowqualmie, WA; Reno, NV; Los Angeles, CA -- audiences depart singing praises for the vocals and comedic stylings of two good friends who met seven years ago on American Idol, wound up the Season 2 winner/close runner up, and effortlessly display in show after show the seasoned entertainers they are today.

Below are clickable graphics of the early Timeless Tour shows by AmazingCA and Fountaindawg. Photographers represented are Tasapio, Invisible926, deemer, toni7babe, and ClayIzzaQT.

As concert clack and fan recaps reveal, Clay and Ruben adeptly perform their renditions of classic hits from the past five decades, blending their vocal and comedic talents for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. A rocking band and soulful singers Quiana Parler and Casey Thompson back the duo.

These graphs from lovethatguy's LA concert report summarize the show:

I have heard this tour described as the Jukebox Tour on speed. I actually would call it "JBT meets the JNTII" (Joyful Noise). Because the whole thing flows with themes and a storyline, it's more than just a concert.

The themes of friendship, playful competition, camaraderie, Clay's inability to dance, the difference in their musical tastes all wind beautifully throughout the concert; and the choices of songs and solos make so much sense when you realize this. It is really well thought out, well written, and so impressive.

It is incredibly appropriate that they finish with 'The Time of Your Life' because that is exactly how I felt at the end. I had the time of my life.

Clay, Ruben, & Company: 90s Medley in Reno
Watch full screen at YouTube.
Reno, NV, video by Scarlett

By this point in the show, Clay has been mostly "cured" of his perceived "lack of rhythm," and it becomes clear to audience members that the singer from North Carolina can move with the best of them. His new Hammer pants temporarily throw Ruben for a loop.

Songs in the 90s Medley include "This Is How We Do It," "Poison," "Achy Breaky Heart," "The Right Stuff," "MMBop," "End Of The Road," "I Swear," "I Want It That Way," "Remember The Time," "You Ought To Know," "Jump Around," "Baby Got Back," "Livin La Vida Loca," and "One Sweet Day."

View other Timeless Tour videos by Scarlett at Wowzers4Clay Channel on YouTube.

Listed below are the remaining Timeless Tour concert sites, some of which are sold out. Recaps almost inevitably include the phrase "don't miss this show!" -- so give the venue links a whirl and see if there is an opening available near you:

Aug-03 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino
Aug-05 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor
Aug-06 - Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre
Aug-07 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Foxwoods
Aug-08 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre
Aug-10 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino
Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage

Cartoon Clay sings 'I Believe We Can' on Phineas & Ferb.
Double click photo to enlarge.

Phineas & Ferb Debuts on Disney

The Phineas & Ferb "Summer Belongs to You" special featuring Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan airs Monday (8 - 8:30 pm ET/PT) on Disney XD and Friday, Aug 6 (8 - 8:30 pm) on the Disney Channel. Check you local listings for the episode:

It's the summer solstice and because it's the longest day of the year, stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb decide to travel around the world in one day.

But not everyone believes they can actually achieve wha...t they've set out to do, leading them to get some encouraging words in the form of a duet, "I Believe We Can," from Aiken and Khan.

Follow Mouse Clubhouse on Facebook.

TRIED & TRUE LIVE - Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds.

'Tried & True' Pledge Drive Winner

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! PBS Special, which kicked off in 30 markets coast to coast this past weekend, continues as a headliner for pledge drives throughout the country.

Dates and locations for PBS Special telecasts are available on message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace. Search the CANN PBS Database for an air date/location near you.

In most cases, the telecast coincides with the fall pledge drives of public television. Supporters are able to donate to their local station for a variety of thank-you gift packages: the Tried & True CD, Tried & True LIVE DVD, as well as premium Tried & True Tour tickets and M&G passes in areas where a February-March 2011 concert is scheduled.

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
Knoxville, TN - Feb. 17, Tennessee Theater
Homestead, 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
Cincinnati, OH - Mar 01, Taft Theatre
Minneapolis,MN - Mar 05, State Theater
Mesa, AZ - Mar 10, Mesa Arts Center
San Francisco - Mar 12 and/or 13

Other concert sites in play include Memphis, TN; Sarasota FL; Waukegan, IL; Ann Arbour, MI; St. Louis, MO; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; and Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX. Check back for updates.

The unofficial 2011 Tried & True Tour information has been gathered by various means -- PBS stations, Ticketmaster, announcements by the singer during Timeless Meet & Greets with fans this week.

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. An official tour announcement will be made at clayaiken.com when all dates finalized.

Timeless Tour - 60s Medley
View full screen at YouTube.
Clearwater video by Scarlett

Clack Unlimited Needs Donations

The Clay Nation loves its "clack"; and for years, many have depended on Clack Unlimited as the main source for videos, audios, montages, etc., of the singer's performances and appearances.

Some videos, like Scarlett's Timeless Tour 60s Medley above, are uploaded to YouTube. However, much clack is only available through CU and a few message boards. Like everything else these days, it takes money to operate Clack Unlimited.

Below is a special message for CA fans who appreciate, frequent, and utilize the site:

This season there has been very heavy activity on the CU site with a lot of bandwidth being used. Obviously, there are still a great deal of fans out there who are enjoying the use of the site.

However, donations for Clack Unlimited have been very low this year. In order for us to continue providing this site, donations/subscriptions to support its costs have to be made.

Please visit Clack Unlimited for information on how you can help support the site.

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