Clay Aiken Sites on CD Countdown

Unchained Melody by Clay Aiken
Montage by SueReu

Until CD Release, PBS Special

Widgets, Montages Pass Time

As website widgets steadily mark off the time until the June release of "Clay Aiken: Tried and True" and the PBS Special that will feature songs from the singer's first CD with Decca Universal, excitement levels throughout Clay Cyberspace are registering all-time highs.

With each discovery of new performance sites for this summer's Cluben Not-a-Tour, fans immediately begin charting concert/travel possibilities.

Meanwhile, the creative branch of the Clay Aiken fandom consistently boosts anticipation gauges up a notch with amazing new montages and art.

In the introduction at YouTube, SueReu wrote this about her sepia-toned Unchained Melody montage:

A final listen to Unchained Melody -- soon to be redefined by Clay Aiken on his upcoming album 'Tried & True.' Be prepared to be blown away!

View the montage in the player above or at YouTube. For a full screen experience, click on the arrows on the player's right. Your comments about an artist's work are always appreciated here and at YouTube. You can download the montage with this Sendspace link.

Below are clickables of three screen shots from the montage by SueReu:

Wednesday's addition of TNT to the New Music Tipsheet signaled the album's drop date is a step closer.

Inclusion Project Allocates $700k

Wednesday the National Inclusion Project announced more than $700k will support over 45 "Let's All Play" camps in 23 states.

To read the complete story, click on this Carolina Newswire link: National Inclusion Project Announces over $700,000 Support for 'Let's All Play'. Here are the opening graphs:

Raleigh, N.C. – The National Inclusion Project (NIP), co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, announces over $700,000 of support to programs nationwide as part of its Let’s ALL Play initiative.

In just three years, the Project has invested over $1.7 million to expand Let’s ALL Play across the country. Let’s ALL Play brings an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without disabilities.

Children with disabilities and their peers without disabilities come together to participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more. The Project will support over 45 recreational programs in 23 states in 2010.

In 2004, the Project instituted the inclusive recreational experience for children with and without disabilities. Since its inception, the Project has impacted over 20,000 children nationwide.

"My son does not have Down syndrome, wear hearing aids, or have difficulty with his speech,” said the mother of a camper. “He is simply a camper."

To learn more about the NIP and how to get involved, visit the Inclusion Project website.

Somewhere In Time @ Yahoo! Video
Montage by LovesClaysVoice

PBS Montage 'Somewhere in Time'

Using black/white promo stills from Clay's March 12 PBS concert taping, LovesClaysVoice created a memorable montage set to the beautiful "Somewhere in Time" theme by John Barry.

You can view the montage in the above player or at the Yahoo site. For a full-screen effect, click on the rectangle in the bottom right corner. To download, here is a Sendspace link.

Below are three clickable screen caps from the Somewhere in Time montage by LCV:

Oboe Takes Tumble at Cantata

My church's Lenten cantata and March Madness always seem to share a weekend this time of year. Fortunately, the Saturday rehearsal and Sunday performances don't interfere with basketball tournament games. They do encourage me to take the quickest route home, however.

The only kink in this year's event came while I was setting up my instrument and music for Sunday's 8:30 a.m. service. With reeds soaking in a cup on my stand, I checked to make sure the selections were in program order.

In the 45 years I have owned my oboe, I have never dropped it. While preparing for the first service, the oboe, standing at ease between my knees, suddenly toppled over face first. I quickly inserted a reed to see if everything was in order, noted some resistance, but thought all was manageable.

My Loree, which has been mentioned in previous Carolina blogs, was the main topic in a November 2006 entry -- Trusty Oboe Could Tell Tales -- after I learned of its intriguing pedigree.

Throughout Sunday's initial performance, I remember thinking how much more air I seemed to be using. Afterwards, I asked Anna, the other oboist, to play my instrument with her reed and see what she thought.

Immediately, she discovered that much of the airstream was escaping through a key in the upper joint; and she marveled that I was able to produce a sound. It's probably a miracle I didn't get dizzy and take a tumble myself.

Anna is a very capable technician; and, with her screw driver, adjusted the instrument in several places. For this oboist, the second service was a much more enjoyable hour.

'Wayfarin' Stranger' a Family Affair

The beautiful "Wayfarin' Stranger" Lenten Cantata, planned and conducted by my brother-in-law, minister of music for Jamestown United Methodist Church, was a very special experience for the congregation, as well as the 66-member choir and 35-piece orchestra. My sister and her daughter comprised the flute section.

Gathering music included selections by Bach, Gaubert, Holst, and Monteverdi, while the cantata featured sacred American hymn and spiritual arrangements by Mack Wilberg.

Among my favorites were "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Peace Like a River," "Bound for the Promised Land," "I'm Runnin' On," and "Thou Gracious God Whose Mercy Lends." At both services, the congregation and the choir stuck around for the orchestral postlude, "Lift High, The Lord Our Banner" (Delavan/Kirkland).

Sunday was indeed a "family affair" as our nephew, Taylor, a Greensboro College freshman, attended the 10:55 service and joined us for lunch afterwards.

My "Heels are alive" in the NIT and will play again on Tuesday, March 30. Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Defines Verb 'To Sing'

PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT -- AmazingCA's graphic, with March 12 concert photos by Jim R. Bounds, highlights the special PBS taping.

Voice, Heart, Humor at Center Stage

Examiner Praises PBS Concert

During my weekend of March Madness overload, accompanied by a memorable Lenten cantata rehearsal and performance, Clay Aiken's March 12 concert at Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium received a "thumbs up" review by at the Examiner.com web site.

Some of my favorite graphs are printed below, but you can read the entire critique by Shauna Moroney at Clay Aiken reveals new album in Raleigh concert.

Now Clay is preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, tentatively titled "Tried and True," a compilation of 60’s covers. As a part of the celebration of his album release, sometime this summer, PBS will be featuring a concert of Clay’s new music.

Though the show will not air until around the time of the release, the actual concert took place on the previously mentioned date. Anyone who was lucky enough to be there, whether they were from the Raleigh area or they had to travel in for the occasion, knows what an amazing evening Clay had in store for his fans.

The set list ranged from the up tempo beats of "Mack the Knife" (with such an amazingly huge, long, perfect last note that it moved the audience to a standing ovation as soon as the first number concluded), "Eso Beso," "Suspicious Minds," and "Build Me Up Buttercup" to the slower, simpler side of Clay with "Misty," "Moon River," "In My Life," and "Unchained Melody" (with a jaw dropping climax in which Clay hit a note that seemed to redefine the meaning of the verb "to sing").

There were flashy lights, lots of smoke, and chandeliers that descended from the ceiling to change the atmosphere before certain songs.

Front and center was Clay’s amazing voice, but coming in a close second was his big heart. This showed up early on in the night when, after the first five numbers, Clay came into the audience looking for Sandy Schmidt.

Ms. Schmidt had taken four buses over a 36-hour period from Nebraska, traveling all by herself just to see Clay again. After receiving word of this from her friends, Clay personally escorted Sandy to the front row.

Clay also paid tribute to many of the teachers that he had throughout his time in the Raleigh public school system. To begin with, he told a story about being a "big loser" in sixth grade, not having friends and eating lunch with non-English speaking students if he was lucky. One particular teacher helped Clay get through this rough time by allowing him to eat lunch with her in her classroom everyday.

After introducing her to everyone, he asked anyone who had ever taught him to stand. About twenty people stood up to a huge round of applause, as well as heaps of praise from Clay about what a huge difference teacher make in the lives of their students. He went on to dedicate his beautifully understated performance of "In My Life" to these important people who made such an impression on him.

One of the greatest highlights of the night was a special guest appearance that many of Clay’s fans had already guessed at. Clay spoke briefly of Neil Sedaka Night on Idol, of how he had wanted to sing a particular song, but Ruben had snatched it up before he had the chance.

Here on this stage, though, he would prove that he could sing "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" better than Ruben could. He got two lines out, walked off stage left, and Ruben Studdard himself walked on stage right. It was wonderful to see Ruben in what it turns out is his element, as well as Clay’s.

After the song, the two had some great comedic banter about how awful music today is. ("It’s crap," said Clay, "and that’s an industry term.") So, calling upon one of Clay’s amazingly talented backup singers, Quiana Parler, the three promised a medley of classic big band songs that they love.

The instrumental introduction started out with lots of big strings and horns, and Clay came in with, “I like big butts and I cannot lie!” The audience roared with laughter as other pop songs were presented in big band style, like "Poker Face," "Can’t Touch This," "Tik Tok," "Maneater," "Crazy in Love," and "Play that Funky Music White Boy."

The new record, to be released this summer, will definitely appeal to those who have stuck by the former Idol since Season 2 ended.

In a Facebook post Monday, International Media verified that Clay's PBS Special/Tried and True preview is just around the corner:

Coming Soon To PBS: CLAY AIKEN: TRIED AND TRUE! Thank you to all those who attended his recent Memorial Auditorium concert! Stay tuned for more!

Texans Rediscover Clay, Attend Special

While rewinding the calendar to the incredible March 12 PBS taping, it is only appropriate to share this special Not.Just.Us story Claymatron posted in her recap at Clayversity:

I was sitting beside a couple from Texas who had never seen Clay in concert but they'd driven 1600 miles for the show because they had found his music on YouTube. They remembered him from AI, but then lost track until a year or so ago when the woman (in her 40's) was hospitalized with a very serious medical problem and nearly died.

When she came back to her hospital room after one of her many surgeries, she looked over at her husband, who was fast asleep from exhaustion in the chair beside the bed, and said she felt overwhelmed with love for him.

She picked up her laptop and checked YouTube for Celine Dion's version of "Because You Loved Me", which was "their song," and found Clay's instead.

Her husband woke up, and the two of them sobbed in each other's arms over his beautiful rendition. They were both hooked and searched YouTube for every song he ever sang, and checked out the Internet to find out when he'd next be in concert and found the announcement for the PBS taping.

They loved the show and held hands all the way through it. It was truly a special time for them, and I know we have another couple of devoted fans.

I have no doubt that Clay will find his way into many new hearts with this album, and it will be wonderful that they will love and accept him for who he is and for his amazing talent.

It truly warmed my heart and made me realize that because we have followed this man so faithfully over the years, dissecting and analyzing his every move, riding the roller-coaster with all its highs and lows, and being there through it all that we have lost sight of the wonder and beauty of his sheer talent.

It truly made me feel we all need to get back to that. Just enjoy because that's exactly what he's doing!

Mark Your Calendar

Confirmed Cluben Tour dates, also tagged the "Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Summer Not a Tour," include:

• July 23, 8 p.m. EDT: Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC. Tickets go on sale April 6 at 8 a.m. EST.

• July 31, 8 p.m. PDT: Sliver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV. Tickets now on sale through Ticketmaster.

• August 6, 8:15 p.m. EDT: Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY. See web site for ticket info.

• August 10, 8 p.m. EDT: Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, NH. Ticket sales through Ticketmaster TBA.

• August 12, 8 p.m. EDT: Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Oneida, NY. Tickets on sale April 9 at 10 a.m. EDT.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Basketball tourney and this oboist's tales from cantata weekend will have to wait until next time. Meanwhile, a couple of cheers for Monday and Tuesday National Invitational Tournament games:

Go, Virginia Tech Hokies and Carolina Tar Heels!!!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

March Madness Bumps Clay Aiken

Georgia Tech wins with free throws.
AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Cluben Tour Adds Dates

NCAA, NIT Clear Clay Calendar

Despite the fact that my team, the Carolina Tar Heels, defending national collegiate basketball champions, didn't make the 2010 NCAA Tournament, March Madness has once again taken over my life and temporarily bumped Clay Aiken from my computer.

The Heels will meet Mississippi State in the second round of the National Invitational Tournament at noon Saturday; and you can bet I'll be in front of my TV waving Carolina blue and white pom-poms as soon as my oboe and I arrive home from a cantata rehearsal. [UPDATE: Heels won!]

Clay Aiken previewed "Tried and True" CD tracks at 3/12 concert.
Click to enlarge graphic by LovesClaysVoice/AP photo by Jim R. Bounds

I usually keep up with the latest Clay news, but this week March Madness has consumed my TV and computer time. Friday morning I swung by several message boards to check the status of the Cluben Tour Ticketmaster Tango for Reno, NV.

Although some fans scored good seating through Ticketmaster, many seemed to get better results by phoning the Silver Legacy Hotel directly (1-800-687-8733). Here's the promo appearing on the Silver Legacy -- and other Cluben Tour -- sites:

American Idol stars Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard join together for a night of POP and R&B hits at Silver Legacy.

Since appearing together on the second season of American Idol Aiken has gone on to release five albums, his debut album went multi platinum and perform on Broadway. Studdard has received a Grammy award nomination and released four albums.

Confirmed Cluben Tour dates, also tagged the "Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Summer Not a Tour," include:

• July 23, 8 p.m. EDT: Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC. Tickets go on sale April 6 at 8 a.m. EST.

• July 31, 8 p.m. PDT: Sliver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV. Tickets now on sale through Ticketmaster.

• August 6, 8:15 p.m. EDT: Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY. See web site for ticket info.

• August 10, 8 p.m. EDT: Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, NH. Ticket sales TBA. See Hampton Beach Ticketmaster.

• August 12, 8 p.m. EDT: Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Oneida, NY. Tickets on sale April 9 at 10 a.m. EDT.

Wall-to-Wall Basketball Prevails

Except for teaching violin lessons, I was front and center for all of Thursday's first round NCAA games right up until New Mexico, the third seed, squeaked out a win over #14 Montana in the wee hours. In fact, most of the night I watched two games at once, one on TV and one on my laptop.

Now that was really a sight to see, especially during the Wake Forest-Texas and Tennessee-San Diego State games. A former Texan and Tennessean, I generally cheer for the teams from my previous "home" states. Thursday, however, I supported Wake Forest and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Coincidentally, both Texas and Tennessee have the same school colors, orange and white. As the higher rated team in their games, the Longhorns and the Volunteers wore their lighter, predominantly white, uniforms.

TV Updates Tease Psyche

Wake, my TV team, was in the darker jersey while, on my computer, Tennessee was in white. As the night wore on, keeping up with the team colors became complicated and even comical.

The games were very close; and during the final minutes, CBS continually switched back and forth between the two, usually with no warning. I was already mentally shuffling opposite team colors from TV to laptop, only to find myself temporarily viewing the same game in both places.

All host basketball courts have been prepared to look the same with the center NCAA insignia and blue borders, so that didn't help either.

The Vols won, 62-59; and Wake prevailed in overtime, 81-80, with a buzzer-beating final shot that had "replay" written all over it -- the same type of shot that took out Vanderbilt from my old Nashville stomping grounds. Video highlights of these and other stunners are available on the ESPN web site.

Now it's Friday night, and I have cheered Georgia Tech, an ACC team, to victory while watching on my laptop. During the final seven minutes, I provided my friend Terri a play-by-play report before wrapping up this blog.

1957 Triple Overtime Spurs Tactic

A classical violinist and lifelong Tar Heel fan, Terri and I share a love for college basketball. When Carolina is playing, she dons the sweatshirt she wore when the team won the NCAA crown in 2005.

My own secret weapon dates back to my childhood when it took three overtimes for the Tar Heels to defeat Kansas in 1957. Between each extra period, I slipped into my bedroom and prayed for victory while holding my Bible. Eventually, Carolina prevailed.

Years later I told Terri about the Carolina-Kansas strategy. When the Carolina team gets into hot water, she often calls and urges me to "go get the Bible."

Since the Heels are not in the NCAA this year, we are transferring our winning tactics to other teams. During Friday's first game, we joined Mountaineer fans in cheering West Virginia on to the next round.

I taught piano and violin students all afternoon while Terri waved poms for both of us. To the teams we "adopt," we are prepared to bring out our secret weapons -- the Carolina sweatshirt and special Bible.

As sports analysts bestow their audiences with hours of statistics and predictions, little do they know that two retired orchestra teachers really hold the possible keys to a game's outcome.

Have a wonderfully "mad" weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Irish on St. Pat's Day

ALL THINGS GREEN -- Clay Aiken graphic by AmazingCA.

March Honors Irish Traditions

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day. This blog commemorates the week with "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, Clay Aiken's recent role in the hit Broadway musical.

The most well-known March observance is St. Patrick's Day, honoring the patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 400's A.D. March 17 is truly a day for celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions, and customs.

Around the globe, St. Patrick's Day festivities are generally themed around all things green and Irish. The secular version of the holiday is marked by wearing green or orange, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.

Irish colonists brought St. Patrick's Day to North America. The event was first commemorated in the 13 colonies in Boston, MA, in 1737.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Clay co-hosting 2010 GFI in Palm Beach Gardens.
Double clickable photo by Alicia Donovan

Palm Beach Magazine Features GFI

Golfing for Inclusion is featured in the March 2010 issue of Palm Beach Gardens Lifestyle magazine. Written by Laura Delgado with photography by Alicia Donovan, scans of the article are available at Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

Clay Aiken sings, tours, performs on Broadway, raises funds and acts as a spokesperson for various causes. But can he play golf?

Aiken recently teamed up with PGA Professional Wayne Player to hose the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion on February 1 at The Country Club at Mirasol, right here in Palm Beach Gardens.

The three-page spread incorporates the history and agenda of the National Inclusion Project, as well as the 2010 GFI event. Five photos accompany the story.

"I have never golfed, and I think -- in the best interest of others -- we should keep it that way," he said with a laugh.

To read the complete story, link to Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

INTERLUDE IN GREEN: Sir Robin's penchant for green lends itself to a clickable St. Patrick's Day interlude. Included are graphics by Amazing_CA with photos by Joan Marcus, 1, and Toni7babe, 3; Claystruck, photo by Disneydeb84, 2.

No One As Irish As Barack Obama

More than 34 million Americans are of Irish descent, nine times the population of Ireland. Among them is US President Barack Obama, whose maternal great-great-great grandfather Falmuth Kearney was born in Moneygall, a tiny village in central Ireland.

Between 1845 and 1851, more than a million people left Ireland on 'famine ships' to escape mass-starvation caused by potato blight; and, according to documents unearthed by an Irish vicar, passenger lists show Falmuth Kearney was among them, arriving in New York in 1850 before settling in Ohio.

Screen cap links to animated montage.

The song "There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama," which was written by Hardy Drew and recorded by the Corrigan Brothers, helps fill in the blanks about President Obama's 3% Irish heritage. The concert and animated versions can be viewed at YouTube.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Kai, our clan's pot o' gold, is 2 1/2 years old today!
Clickable 2009 St. Patrick's graphic by Ashes

Grandma's on Kai's Radar

Being a long-distance grandmother can be difficult at times; but there are some high moments, too. Kai, who celebrates 2.5 years today, and I are enjoying getting to know each other in telephone conversations. Ten-month-old Lia tries to copy everything he does, so our phone time is coming.

Kai has always loved telephone buttons and now delights in providing a running commentary of all that's happening ("The dogs are getting ready to go out ... Lia is taking a nap"), as well as walking around the room pointing out items ("This is our TV; here's Lia's high chair; and this is my dump truck full of Cheerios.")

"Grandmother" has become the voice on the phone so much so that last week while his mother was talking with a friend, Kai yelled from across the room, "Hello, Grandma!"

I look forward to the time when "across the room" is literally just that. Happy 2.5, Grandson!

Your Carolina blog visits -- and especially thos who stop and comment -- are always appreciated. According to the attached Feedjit Live Feed and ClustrMap applications, visitors from 144 countries have stopped by this year, the newest being Armenia. Greetings to all!

Accompanying the above Irish blessing (graphic by Sally) is a very special wish to all for a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Caro

Clay Aiken PBS Magic Continues

Clay Aiken's Back in Town - Montage by LovesClaysVoice

Concert Recaps, Take 2

Clay Aiken Wows Fans at Taping

Clay Aiken opened the March 12 special performance in Raleigh with "Mack the Knife." The concert, which will air on PBS this summer, also included songs from the singer's upcoming "Tried and True" CD. LCV's montage features Clay's Mack the Knife rendition from the American Idol 2 season.

Clay Aiken's one-time only concert at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh included a preview of his upcoming Decca album, Tried & True, plus a host of other memorable classics.

Without the visual clack that fans normally share following a Clay Aiken concert, the performance and and excitement has been relived through word pictures, recaps and reflections, by those present. This entry is a continuation of the March 13 post: Take 2!

PINK ARMCHAIR: I was so thrilled with the way the taping went. Clay, first of all, really was better than I've ever seen him; and, vocally, he knocked it out of the park over and over again. Unbelievable.

I have to say (and was fortunate to get to say to a couple of people associated with the production) that I had sat in a lot of tapings but had never seen something with that many elements go so smoothly, with so few retakes and almost no problems (the poor guy who broke his leg notwithstanding -- hope he's doing okay).

I have a huge amount of respect for whoever directed it -- it was choreographed and orchestrated to the NTH degree -- a really first class production. It's very difficult to film something as if it were going out live, and they did it in spades. My hat is off to them.

In fact, my main emotion watching the performance was that it was like seeing a rare and priceless jewel, after years stuck in a drawer, finally placed in its proper setting. It was, in a word, dazzling, both visually and aurally. I think I'm always going to remember it that way.

CABLEGIRL: One tidbit that I will share is about who I was seated next to. When Clay asked all of his teachers to stand we ended up seated next to most of them. As the gentleman next to me started to sit down, I said, "Oh, you were one of his teachers?" and he said, "No, I was his high school principal and he hated me."

I waited until the end of the show to talk to him again. He said that Clay was quite a hand full his senior year and that they had more than a few run-ins, all relayed with a big smile on his face.

He told me that he had loved the show, thought Clay was fantastic, and then shared something with me that I thought was so cool. At the end of the second run of "Spamalot," Clay flew him, his wife, and a few of the other teachers and their families to New York for three days, all expenses paid.

Smiling, he added, "He may have been a handful, but I think we're all even now."

All I can say is what an amazing guy we have all chosen to support and follow!

Clay performs on Memorial Auditorium stage. (Jim R. Bounds/AP)

CINDILU2: During the show, Clay mentioned that "Menopause," the musical, would be the next event in the Raleigh venue, then quipped, "Today Clay Aiken, tomorrow menopause!"

Truly the pinnacle of my seven years as a Clay Aiken fan. He went from star to supernova right before my eyes, and I will forever be grateful that I was there to witness it.

MUMM FUMS: I don't know if anyone mentioned the fog machine for Moon River? It really produced some fog; and from where I was sitting, the first couple of rows got to experience that "Aiken Fog" quite literally!

CONCERT SET LIST (some of which will be on Clay's upcoming "Tried and True" album):

Mack The Knife
You're Just To Good to Be True
It's Impossible
When I Said I Needed You
Eso Beso (upbeat samba)
Who's Sorry Now
I'll Take Romance
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (intro of Ruben)

BIG BAND MEDLEY
• Baby Got Back sung by Clay
• Poker Face (Lady Gaga) sung by Ruben
• Crazy In Love (Beyonce) by Quiana
• Maneater (Hall and Oates) by Clay
• Tik Tok (Kei$ha) -- Ruben
• Straight Up -- Quiana (Clay and Ruben singing "oh oh oh's")
• She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy -- Clay (crooner fashion)
• Play That Funky Music -- Ruben
• Can't Touch This -- all three

Misty
What Kind of Fool Am I?
Crying (duet with Linda Eder)
Suspicious Minds
Build Me Up Buttercup
In My Life
Only Make Believe
There's A Kind of Hush
Unchained Melody

Encore #1: Moon River

Encore#2: Re-do of Mack the Knife, Who's Sorry Now, Misty, Suspicious Minds

MOONHEAD: "Crying!" OOOMMMMMGGGG!!! Seriously, this was extraordinary. Clay and Linda Eder together singing "Crying.: He hit a couple of notes in this song that were amazing. It was the song that afterwards would not get out of my mind. I woke up several times during the night with it replaying in my head.

"Buttercup" blew me away. The audience response to it was organic and enthusiastic. This was the performance that hit me emotionally. As I watched him up there singing his heart out -- happy and in such good voice, with the gorgeous lighting, the multiple cameras whirring around him -- I couldn’t help but think back to his AI performance of the same song.

I felt such a sense of fulfillment of Clay being where he belongs now, of peace with the past and excitement for the future. It was just perfect, and he sang his heart out.

"In My Life" was so tender, stripped down, quiet and reflective. Clay was just sweet during this song paying homage to his teachers. It was a special moment.

Clay's own version of "Unchained Melody." Wow, he owns this song!!! And he really changed up the last third of it. His own version, indeed! What he did with this was quite spectacular.

The show was a wonderful blend of genres, tempo, and style -- some reflective, some fun, some dramatic and powerful. It was well put together and beautifully executed.

When Clay finished UM and had to stand there and accept our applause. He didn’t try to stop us, he didn’t race off stage, he didn’t have the curtain brought down. He stood there and took in the applause he so deservedly earned.

And lastly, I felt such a sense of support for Clay last night from those that surround him -- the label and his management. The whole production was so beautiful, and it was clear to me that Team Clay knows what they have and are going to do what it takes to show everyone the talent that he is.

I will be forever grateful that I was able to be there. It was a night to remember.

Clay blows away audience. Photo by Jim R. Bounds/AP

GOLDARNGIRL: We saw Simon Renshaw arrive at the Raleigh airport when we did on Friday. I was pretty impressed that he was there and was hands on. Simon spent a lot of his time in the wings to Clay's right, which gave us a full view of him.

I saw him giving Clay "thumbs up" at times, and he was there when Clay came off stage and probably was part of the decision process for the songs that were being retaken.

At the end when the applause was deafening and Clay was standing there soaking it all in, I leaned over to FromClaygary and said that it was great he was allowing people to appreciate him and accepting the applause, which he doesn't normally do.

While he was standing there soaking in the applause and love, I looked over to the wings and spotted Simon continuously bowing from the waist, telling Clay BOW. I looked back to the stage as Clay was straightening up from a bow (after taking Simon's direction).

It was really great to see that Simon was right there guiding him and it made me wonder whether his hands were tied on some items before.

JMH123: Two of us were seated in the balcony, third row, right behind the soundboard. Various people tried to offer us closer seats, including some production people; but all were off to the far side of the orchestra or in the side mezzanine. Besides, I wanted to watch the process of filming.

From our seats we could see all the cameras, as well as two laptop computer/television monitors showing two of the camera views, and also the sound equipment and, of course, the people working in the booth.

There must have been another location somewhere, outside or backstage, where the actual directing was taking place and where there were other TV monitors.

The negative side is that we couldn't really see Clay's face, because of the lighting and the distance, but we got some good closeup views now and then in the monitors.

There was a fair amount of shots showing the whole band at once, as well as closeups on various instrumentalists, all the soloists, and Clay at various distances. Lot of variety. And, as I said, we could just see two monitors.

Oh and yeah, that Clay Aiken guy! When the curtain opened and he was standing there with his back to the audience, just that silhouette that is so classic and familiar, I felt such a rush I can't tell you. I just wanted to hug everybody for the rest of the night. The crowd was electric. Even the ushers and crew seemed to be into it.

Clay Aiken can flat out sing. "Mack the Knife" was like the AI2 performance times a million.

The band totally rocked, and the choice and chosen location of the instruments was fascinating to me. The sound was just incredible. The band was tight. It was a big band sound, but uniquely Clay also.

Everything was arranged as a unique, Clay Aiken version; and the band was a huge part of that. For me anyway. And Clay's voice just soared. It filled the room. I think I'd forgotten the way he can do that. Effortless, huge voice with those amazing pure tones.

Because it was Raleigh and Memorial Auditorium and because of the theme of the show, it was also for me, especially for the first three or four songs, Clayton Grissom fully grown and handsome, but yet still and totally that guy -- that Raleigh boy.

Clayton Grissom of Hometown Connection putting on a show for PBS, but mostly classier.

I was struck by how he really has come home, how he has remained "tried and true" throughout AI, becoming a "pop superstar," coming out, doing Broadway, being a dad, everything he's been through. He is still that geeky, skinny, picked-on guy; and now that guy is fulfilling a lifelong dream.

SUEREU: Anyone who loved Clay Aiken's vocal performance last night (and I don't see how anyone could not say he was short of brilliant) needs to give up on making him the next rock/pop God.

Almost to a person, what I heard was that was the voice they fell in love with and it had been too long since they've heard it.

The reason that we got that voice, that quality, those dynamics, that magic was because he stopped trying to be "2010 pop Clay" and became "vocalist extraordinaire Clay Aiken."

Oh, and I need to add that he is singing pop, but he's singing pop from an era where vocals ruled and shtick took a back seat. An era before pro tools, when it was imperative that the singer could actually sing and melodies were written with true vocals in mind.

HEART: Everything was wonderful from his voice to the staging to the lighting to his wonderful personality.

That's what touched me most. It was like seeing a good friend after a long absence. Not just his voice, but his mannerisms, his facial expressions, his jokes, the way he moves his hands, the way he smiles and makes fun of himself -- it was all there.

I felt like saying, "Thank God, he's still here; he's still the same." The voice may be better than ever, but my friend is still here. Nobody connects with his audience like Clay does. No audience connects with a performer like Clay's fans do.

HE'S BACK!!!!!

ELIZABETH: I only had one "friend of a friend" tidbit to share. Clay's manager Simon Renshaw said that he and Ruben would be touring for three weeks and Asheville will be the first show.

CRAVING CLAY: This was absolutely the best Clay concert I've ever experienced (and I've been to quite a few). He was confident. He owned that stage. The musicians were terrific. The set list, the song arrangements, the pacing of the show, the lighting were top notch.

And Clay's voice was delicious. It washed over me, satisfied, but left me wanting more. I'm desperate to hear these songs again. He's quite simply the best!

He was in his element and it showed. He was absolutely a star up there and, yet, still so sweet and humble. What a guy

CLAYM8: During one of the earliest slow songs, which he sang standing up, he was singing about love, but he opened his arms as though giving us a general hug.

At the very end of the show after the re-takes, Clay waited to hear that all was well and he said something like "It turns out I'm perfect"; and, of course. the audience roared.

Then he gave his signature two-finger salute to us, which he didn't do at the end of the official taping.

Special thnx to all the CA fans who have reflected on their Raleigh experiences in this blog and throughout Clay Cyberspace. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken PBS Concert Magical

BACK IN TOWN -- Clay Aiken returned to his hometown of Raleigh, NC, for the concert taping of a PBS Special Friday night. Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds/AP.

Voice, Wit, Heart Shine in Concert

Clay Wows Fans at PBS Taping

Wow, Wow, Wow! That's all I could say or think at first; then I thought of a much better descriptor. Exquisite. It was simply exquisite. From the first note of the first song to the last note of the last redo, Clay was in amazing voice.

His voice was rich and full and smooth and supple. The low notes were in.cred.ible. From the voice to the band to the lighting to the sound to the music, the show was rich and lush and classy. What an honor it was to be there! -- Brightstar

Clay Aiken, consummate entertainer with an incredible set of pipes, quick wit, and beautiful heart, impressed beyond belief faithful and new fans who descended on Raleigh from throughout North America by plane, bus, train, and car for Friday's concert/PBS taping.

For the thousands of supporters who have followed Clay since his 2003 American Idol run, this was the pinnacle performance, as shown in the selected reports below. For the countless fans (like me) unable to attend this weekend's event in Raleigh, recap after recap insures that the wait before the show's summer telecast will be interminable.

It's impossible to print all the adjectives and fan reactions, but -- with special thnx to Brightstar, claysgalsal, bottlecap, jclay, 2old4Clay, ebeth, Goood Baby Brush -- below is an overview.

See the newest Carolina entry -- Clay Aiken PBS Magic Continues -- for a second installment of concert reflections.

View of Memorial Auditorium stage - Photo by Jim R. Bounds/AP

CLAYSGALSAL, JCLAY, et al: As we entered the auditorium, we were instantly met by a very jazzy, bluesy feel created by the foggy appearance and taped music playing on the sound system.

The lighting, designed to showcase each number with different hues, curtains, and backdrops, was mainly red except for a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling and emanating a thousand sparkling colors.

The show started around 8:15. First, a prep guy came on stage, instructing the audience to clap and cheer as loud as we could. We were free to give standing O's and hoot all we wanted to. His work was done; we didn't see him again until Clay was finished.

As the curtain rose, we were hit with the most incredible, loud band sound. The lighting was mind-blowing and mesmerizing, sweeping spotlights of red and blue and other colors at different times.

There were 16 musicians -- strings (violins, violas, cellos), brass, woodwinds, guitars, stand-up bass, piano, drums, another percussionist (bongos, conga, maracas, tambourine, vibes), and a keyboardist. These guys turned out a wall of sound that would have destroyed a lesser vocalist, but Clay's instrument really stood out.

Eyes quickly focused on the figure standing in the middle of the stage, his back to the audience in shadow. He stayed that way for a few seconds, then turned around, stood there looking sexy as everything, slowly walked to the mic, and started singing "Mack the Knife."

I was surprised, shocked, amazed, hands over my mouth, and on the verge of tears all at the same time. I have been to every tour/concert Clay has done, but this one blew me away like none other. It was so different, yet so Clay Aiken.

His suit really fit the era of the songs he sang; it was black and had a shimmery look to it under the lights. He wore a white shirt and striped tie. It was so great to hear him sing the complete version of songs.

With just about every new song the stage design changed in some way to set the mood, either the lighting or addition/dropping of sheer curtains in the back. At the beginning of MTK, six small chandeliers were lowered from the ceiling.

Audience blown away. (Jim R. Bounds/AP)

CONCERT SET LIST (some of which will be on Clay's upcoming "Tried and True" album):

Mack The Knife
You're Just To Good to Be True
It's Imposssible
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Eso Beso (upbeat samba)
Who's Sorry Now
I'll Take Romance
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (intro of Ruben)

BIG BAND MEDLEY
• Baby Got Back sung by Clay
• Poker Face (Lady Gaga) sung by Ruben
• Crazy In Love (Beyonce) by Quiana
• Maneater (Hall and Oates) by Clay
• Tik Tok (Kei$ha) -- Ruben
• Straight Up -- Quiana (Clay and Ruben singing "oh oh oh's")
• She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy -- Clay (crooner fashion)
• Play That Funky Music -- Ruben
• Can't Touch This -- all three

Misty
What Kind of Fool Am I?
Crying (duet with Linda Eder)
Suspicious Minds
Build Me Up Buttercup
In My Life
It's Only Make Believe
There's A Kind of Hush
Unchained Melody

Encore #1: Moon River

Encore#2: Re-do of Mack the Knife, Who's Sorry Now, Misty, Suspicious Minds

Clay in his element. (Jim R. Bounds/AP)

EBETH: Every song was absolutely incredible tonight. The arrangements were different from the originals, and did Clay ever sing his face off! I have been following him since the beginning, and I honestly did not know he could sing as well as he sang tonight -- and I've always thought he was phenomenal!

When Linda Eder and Clay were singing "Crying," I looked over at my 30-year-old daughter and both of us had tears rolling down our faces. It was just that beautiful!

BRIGHTSTAR: I thought Clay was confident and professional, totally at home and in charge on that stage. He was a STAR, and the whole concert was quite impressive. I kept imagining the thoughts of those in attendance who may not have heard him lately and especially those who will watch the PBS Special.

They will surely think "Wow, where has he been that I've missed him before?" or "Where have I been?" Or perhaps "Oh, wow, he was great on Idol and he's matured into a truly amazing performer." If the TV show comes across even half as well as it did in the theater, viewers will be blown away. No question.

He clearly has so much fun with Ruben, and I know the summer concerts will be fun and fabulous. Quiana sounded wonderful and seemed to be having so much fun as well.

I so enjoyed BMUBC--it was wonderfully sung and so much fun. UM was fabulous, Misty was tear-inducing. Truly, every song was wonderful. And, of course, Clay's wit and humor, as well as his beautiful heart, shone through.

His tribute to his teachers, especially his sixth grade teacher, who it seems helped a "square peg" survive during a really tough year, was incredibly, powerfully touching.

If he had not sung a note all night, just being there to hear that heartfelt tribute would have been enough. His caring, his sensitivity, his ability to honor and celebrate the goodness in people and in life is just awe-inspiring.

Singer pays tribute to teachers. - Photo by Jim R. Bounds/AP

GOOOD BABY BRUSH: It wasn't hard to picture the skinny, goofy, artistic little boy who suddenly felt lost and alone at a new school with no one to hang out with. One teacher took pity on him, he said. She started letting him eat his lunch in her classroom every day. He was sure she never realized how much that act of kindness meant to him and how it changed his life.

She was here tonight. and he asked her to stand up and be recognized for what she meant to him. He went on to say how often teachers had touched his life and how important the work they do is. He said he knew a lot of his former teachers were in the audience and asked anyone who'd ever taught him to please stand.

A dozen or so people stood. "Never forget how important you are," he told them. "This song is for you." Lights dim, he sang softly and purely, his voice gentle:

There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more.

I sat with tears in my eyes as he sang. When the song ended, there were several beats of silence as the audience tried to remember how to breathe. Then the applause erupted.

BRIGHTSTAR: In addition to being a simply beautiful show, it was also a feel-good show. He was doing something he loves, and doing it with friends clearly makes it more special to him, and that specialness then comes across to the audience.

It was a substantial show with lots of songs, yet, as always, it was over too soon. Immediately I wanted to hear it all again. I guess that's why so many of us travel to show after show when we can -- because as soon as it's finished we want more. His shows are always one of my best times.

Below is a clickable of Fountaindawg's opening graphic:

WOW, WOW, WOW -- the Decca Era is off with a memorable down beat! Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken's PBS Show, TNT Soar

Clay Aiken - Photo by Cotton
Enhanced by Claystruck

PBS Taping To Be Special

'Tried and True' Pre-Sales Soar

Since I wrote this blog, there have been several updates, including WRAL-TV and NBC17 video interviews (with Sendspace), Lynda Loveland's radio interview (with Sendspace), and the March 12 Mark Ehlers interview in the News and Observer.

The Meet&Greeters who observed Thursday's three-hour dress rehearsal and talked with Clay shared these notes: David Novik from Decca was at the rehearsal and the Q&A ... A man with hand-held camera followed Clay around constantly ... The show's production and orchestrations are out of sight ... On stage were an orchestra and a rock band .... Faye Parker, Clay's mother, greeted the fans ... and, most of all, BE PREPARED TO BE BLOWN AWAY at the concert!!!

March 9 quickly turned into an kind of day as Clay Aiken released extra tickets for his March 12 PBS Special in Raleigh and pre-orders for his much-anticipated Tried and True album blasted off to a rip-roaring success at Amazon.

With a June 1 release date, Tried and True has steadily climbed Amazon's Music Bestsellers list. When I first checked the listing, TNT was at #52. Within a couple of hours, the CD/DVD Deluxe Edition was at #19. TNT is #5 now and still climbing!

No album cover or track list yet, but the TNT [Deluxe Edition] is priced at $12.99 and is eligible for free shipping at Amazon.

For two days, TNT was #1 on Amazon's Movers & Shakers in Music list, hopefully foretelling future chart-climbing adventures!

Stage Set-up Allows Extra Seating

When news of additional March 12 PBS Special tickets hit Triangle entertainment sites Tuesday, CA fans followed the Ticketmaster trail for the best possible seating at the Friday concert taping in Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium.

Another good site for last-minute seating is Ticket Liquidator. According to the Progress Energy Center diagram, there are some excellent possibilities. The tickets are listed by price from the least to the most expensive.

Clay talks with Raleigh press about concert.

Lynda Loveland chatted via phone with Clay about the concert and album on Friday's Mix 101.5 Morning Show. The interview is available at the show's link and can be dowloaded with this Sendspace mp3 file. You can follow Lynda on Twitter here: lloveland.

The singer spoke with NBC17's Erica Bustamante about his new CD, Friday's PBS Special, and the educational scene in Raleigh. The video can be viewed in the player below or at My NC Blogs; it can be downloaded with this Sendspace link.

Clay also discussed the Raleigh concert and TNT album with WRAL-TV Thursday night.

NBC17 interview with Clay.

PBS Concert in N&O Headlines

Friday's News and Observer article by Matt Ehlers, Classic Move, provides additional information about the PBS concert taping. To read the complete article, click on the N&O link:

RALEIGH -- When Clay Aiken hits the stage tonight at Memorial Auditorium, he will be performing for the couple of thousand people in the crowd, as well a future audience that could be much, much larger.

The concert, which will feature the first live performance of his coming album, "Tried and True," will be taped for a PBS special that will air this summer. It's a one-time-only deal, and Aiken, the Raleigh native and "American Idol" runner-up, will sing each song from the new album.

"Tried and True," scheduled for a late May release, is Aiken's first album for Decca Records. It's also the first in which he didn't feel record-company pressure to go in a pop-friendly direction. Working with Decca, he and longtime manager Simon Renshaw charted a different course for Aiken's career.

"Our idea was always to head toward a Johnny Mathis-y kind of thing," Aiken said recently during an interview in a downtown Raleigh coffee shop.

So the songs on "Tried and True" are lushly arranged classics. Aiken's hard-core fans will hear some familiar tunes, standards that he performed on "Idol." The new album includes "Unchained Melody" and "Mack the Knife."

International Media has added information about Clay's March taping to its new blog. Read the entire piece at the above link. Here is the beginning:

Clay Aiken will hit the stage for a special one-night-only concert at the Memorial Auditorium in his hometown of Raleigh, NC on Friday, March 12.

The singer is promising fans an exciting 2010 with this show being just the beginning! The performer extraordinaire is gearing up for the release of his new album, "Clay Aiken: Tried and True."

The event, which will be taped for a television special produced by International Media, is the world premiere live performance of Aiken’s forthcoming album being released on Decca this Spring.

TWWMAD Funnels Donated Tickets

The Way We Make a Difference has worked closely with several agencies in the Triangle to provide concert tickets for those who otherwise would not be able to attend the taping.

Fostering inclusion, a cause close to Clay Aiken's heart, TWWMAD accepted tickets through noon Thursday. Approximately 136 donated tickets will be used for the PBS Special by the following organizations: ARC of Chapel Hill, ARC of Wake County, ARC of Durham, Ronald McDonald House of Durham, YMCA Finley, and the Alexander Family YMCA.

In the future, to donate extra tickets, contact TWWMAD with this email address: ticketdonation@thewaywemakeadifference.org. (Ticketfast only)

Between pre-ordering TNT, dancing the "Ticketmaster Tango" again, and packing for the Raleigh trip -- this has definitely been a headline day for CA fans.

Have an week, Clay Nation. Be sure to pack an umbrella for this weekend's trip to North Carolina!

Caro

Clay Aiken Fans Await Cluben Tour

TOGETHER AGAIN - The voices and personalities of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard are an entertaining combo. Collage by Fountaindawg.

2010 Cluben Tour

Clay, Ruben Reunion on Tap

Since last week's discovery of two Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard concert dates, fan boards have been buzzing about a reunion of the American Idol Season 2 finalists and friends with a 2010 summer tour already dubbed "The Cluben."

That ... and "It's About Damn Time"!

"An Evening with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard" is currently slated for July 21 on the South Lawn at Biltmore Estates and August 6 at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater. Meanwhile, super sleuths in both fan clubs are keeping a watchful eye for additional dates.

Concert goers can expect an entertaining evening as two talented friends blend their mellow voices and the special chemistry they share on and off stage. The Asheville Citizen-Times announcement, From Aiken to Gaither, promises something for everyone in the summer's expanded concert season:

The Biltmore Estate has announced its 2010 expanded concert season, which includes shows by Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, the Steve Miller Band, gospel superstars the Gaither Vocal Band and return shows by singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter and "American Idol" runner-up and N.C. native Clay Aiken.

Aiken will be joined by the man who bested him on "Idol," Ruben Studdard, for a July show.

Tickets for the Biltmore concert will go on sale Tuesday, April 6, at 8 a.m. EST.

Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater

Chautauqua Venue Sets Concert

Listed under Popular Entertainment at the Chautauqua Institution website, "An Evening with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard" is set for 8:15 p.m. August 6 in the 5,000-seat, open-air amphitheater:

Two "American Idol" legends join forces for this special tour. In 2003, on the second season, with over 24 million votes cast by the TV viewing audience, Ruben Studdard won the title, while Clay Aiken was the very close runner up.

Both artists have released albums, performed around the country and made multiple appearances on TV. Clay Aiken has become the biggest selling male artist the show has ever featured.

The venue fills on a first-come (festival seating) basis, and preferred seating is available. Concert tickets are listed at $37 with online and telephone purchasing options here.

Inspired by the week's concert news, graphic artist Fountaindawg created the following designs, a clickable of the opening collage in regular and wide screen versions (1, 3) and a map of the possible Cluben Tour.

'Here They Come Again'

Interested persons should check the official websites of both singers: Clayonline and Ruben Studdard. At Ruben's corner, you are greeted with "Together," the lead track from his Love IS album.

CA fans have fond memories from Singer Man's 2007 Soft Rock Hard Place tour in which he casually made his way to the stage while singing the show's opening number, "Here You Come Again" from his A Thousand Different Ways album.

Some nights the stroll to the stage happened on cue, and other nights were filled with surprises for Clay and the audience. The unexpected turns of the concert entrance are played out in a video compiled by goldarngirl and luckiest1.

The talented duo have created concert montages from several CA tours that can be downloaded at their Goldarngirl & Luckiest1 Productions website.

'Here You Come Again' concert montage
from SRHP Canandaigua performance.

As more tour dates are revealed, they will appear in this blog. The Cluben theme song could easily be "Here They come Again."

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Serenades Chaotic Ride

Everything I Don't Need - Montage by Gerwhisp

Forewarning of Traffic Jam

EIDN Accompanies Hectic Day

Close adherence to schedule and a healthy dose of good luck are key ingredients for the days I teach music in a neighboring city. Monday my drive was bereft of the latter and everything I didn't need.

With Clay Aiken belting out his On My Way Here track Everything I Don't Need on my car's sound system, you could say I was forewarned that something was askew ...

Music books in tow, I hit the main drag between Greensboro and High Point 35 minutes before my 2:45 p.m. piano student at Wesleyan Christian Academy. Just one mile from my house, my car came to an abrupt standstill behind four lanes of non-moving vehicles as far as the eye could see, all trapped and going nowhere.

Frenzied Drive Follows Bottleneck

Weighing options, I noticed there were no vehicles in the approaching four lanes. At the rear of the inside lane, I happened to be in the right position to make a U-turn into an exit leading to an alternate route. The lazy, two-lane road I generally use for a peaceful drive home was nothing but hectic in the early afternoon.

Hoping to contact Brenda, my first piano student, I left messages at two academy numbers. At the first stop light, I frantically shuffled through student info sheets for the cell phone number of her father, dialed wrong, then correctly, and finally left him a message, too.

A similar traffic jam and resolution occurred last summer, but Monday's frenzied maneuvers played out in prime time for elementary school dismissal. My car quicly became the caboose for three school buses, each stopping 1-3 times before turning onto a side street.

Thank Goodness for Cell Phones!

I needed three sets of hands for this wacky trip, but thank goodness for cell phones! As the clock ticked towards to the first appointment, the studio director returned my call and I gave Brenda the assignment to warm up. A few minutes later, her father called. As I turned onto the Wesleyan's street, I was thanking him for waiting.

After the crazed drive, the lesson began only seven minutes late. The next student was tardy, and the buffer after his lesson came in handy.

Hours later while driving my normal two-lane route home, I called a friend to see if anything had appeared on the local news RE the traffic bottleneck.

Sure enough, an overturned tractor trailer was the culprit and the source of everything I didn't need Monday. Not just me -- but also the injured truckers and the hundreds of vehicles caught in the web that lasted several hours!

Clay Aiken Speaks at HRC Gala - Fountaindawg/Cotton

Clay-Ruben Concert in Biltmore Series

Meanwhile, Monday was a really good day for "Tried and True" CD news. According to a Twitter post, BeLikeWater Productions, a music production and artist management company, is in the midst of mastering Clay's TNT album.

BeLikeWaterProd: Vlado mastering the new Clay Aiken album for Decca. Dave Novik in the studio.

Not long after the Biltmore Concert Series for June-October was posted, news spread through Clay Cyberspace that Singer Man and Ruben Studdard are scheduled for the South Terrace on July 23.

Hopefully, just the first date of a cross-country summer tour promoting the TNT album!

Clay To Guest on 'Phineas and Ferb'

The kids upfront season began in earnest Tuesday night as Disney Channels Worldwide presented US advertisers and the press with its 2010-11 slate of programming for Disney Channel and Disney XD.

This summer both networks will premiere a new one-hour episode of Phineas and Ferb that features guest stars Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan.

'Turnaround' Highly Recommended

If you haven't read Living in Turnaround's take on Saturday's Human Rights Campaign Gala speeches by Clay and actor-producer Meredith Baxter, follow this link. Here's a hint:

As HRC's speechwriters found out when Aiken declined their assistance, you can't put words in the mouth of the kind of person Clay Aiken is.

He is an eloquent and gifted writer, a thoughtful, inspirational and funny speaker and I think it is obvious that, for the things to which he is deeply committed (inclusion for children with disabilities through the Project, support for children in crisis through UNICEF and now support of equal rights for the LGBT community), Clay speaks perfectly well for himself.

Clay Aiken is finally being recognized for his thoughtfulness, his intelligence, his humor, and his dedicated activism for the causes he believes in.

It's about damn time.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro