June 1, 2008 seemed like any other day, but it was very special in a unique way in Washington D.C. It was a Sunday and many important people were getting together at The National Theater.
It seemed that Broadway came to the nation’s capital for a star-studded gala to bring attention to the newly refurbished Ford’s Theater. The event was attended by many Washington D.C. dignitaries, including President Bush and first lady Laura Bush.
Actor Hal Holbrook, country music singer Trisha Yearwood, Broadway headliner, Clay Aiken and other stars performed songs and spoken word pieces from the musical “The Civil War”.
The musical premiered in Houston in 1998 before opening on Broadway. The story follows the course of the war from many perspectives.
Clay performed the song, Sarah. It was reported by some audience members that his performance was so beautifully presented that there were tears in the eyes of the audience members. The music from “The Civil War” is gospel in style so Clay’s performance was mild and tender and a great contrast to the other songs.
Besides the musical performance, Lincoln Medals were presented to Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee. The Lincoln Medal has been awarded each year since 1981 by the Ford’s Theatre Society. According to the Ford’s Theatre Society,
“the medals are given to individuals who through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by the most beloved president in our nation’s history, President Abraham Lincoln.”
It must have been an emotional night for Clay as he felt the excitement and awe of performing at such a prestigious event. However, he must have also felt frustration when he left the theater. This was just a few days after TMZ broke the news about Clay and Jaymes expecting a baby.
According to eyewitnesses, as Clay and his mother were leaving the theater, the TMZ photographer was pushing and shoving to get up front to his car and actually twisted a woman’s arm to get her out of the way. Of course, the photographer filmed the entire confrontation for TMZ. What was seen on film was Clay attempting to get into his vehicle and pushing his hand over the lens of the camera. There was no angry altercation. It was just a camera pushed into his face. The Theatre reported to inquirers that Clay was a gentleman throughout and that the press people were out of control. The story was completely fabricated to make it look as though there was a problem. What’s new?
Congratulations to Clay Aiken for the honor of performing in this exciting and important event. The concert was another benchmark in his admirable career.
What a special night that was, despite the TMZ piranhas. So sad that there will never be clack of Clay singing “Sarah”.
What an honour for Clay that night… At the time, I did feel so sorry for him..I saw that video of him and his mom leaving..and there he was with a smile on his face leaving the auditorium, then tmz putting a damper on the night…
I would give anything to hear “Sarah”. I can only imagine how beautiful that sounded….I love music from that era, and I can only wish that one day we will hear Clay sing it to us…
Hugs,
Judy
What an honor to appear at this event. I would love to hear him sing this song some day.
I so agree..and also wonder why this kind of trash..which is called TMZ is even allowed to spew their disgusting venom all over. What kind of a world do we live in when we call this journalism. But, of course, we know Clay just blows it away like dust.
I would so love to hear Clay Aiken singing Sarah – maybe, someday *fingers crossed* What a great honor for Clay!!!
TMZ??? pffffffttt I could go on for a very long time about TMZ and their ilk. All I can do is have the smug satisfaction that come their judgment day working for a gossip rag will probably not earn them many points (if you know what I mean).
That was an honor, but I certainly would love to hear Clay Aiken sing “Sarah”. Maybe someday..
TMZ??? Clay Aiken protected his family from the media. That’s no surprise as he never expects them to take cr** from the tabloids.
“Sarah”, a perfect song for Clay’s beautiful voice. Would love to hear that.
That was an honor.
TMZ deliberately tries to get a reaction from any celebrity.
Sure would love to hear him sing “Sarah”. I guess we had no clack gatherers that day. What an honor this was for him to be invited to be there.
I would love to hear him sing “Sarah” someday.
I was so proud that he was invited to sing on the occasion.
This was an honor for Clay to be asked to sing at his event. I so wish there was a video of his singing “Sarah”-I would have loved to have heard it. I hope we can hear him sing it in the future. I miss his voice so much!
i would have loved to hear clay sing sarah i was so amazed and proud that clay was invited to sing on that special occasion