Clay Aiken – A Prestigious Event

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The following picture is difficult to see.  It is a screenshot of a bus in Pittsburgh…with a picture of Clay on the side.

I think Pittsburgh CLO is excited to have Clay Aiken in their 2 weeks of Grease!

Thank you to “canuck2010” for getting the screenshot so everyone can enjoy it!

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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.

Congratulations to Clay Aiken for the honor of performing in this exciting and important event.  The concert was another benchmark in his admirable career.

Have you ever seen the Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC?

Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.

5 thoughts on “Clay Aiken – A Prestigious Event

  1. What a grand occasion for Clay to be a part of. I remember seeing bits on TV.
    Thank you for the details CANN!

    Love the bus letting everyone know Clay will be in town!

  2. Thank you for the photo. I have heard of the song Sarah. It is a beautiful song. I remember Clay singing it before. I love the photo of the bus. I have not been to the Ford's Theatre before.

  3. Yes, I did a tour of the theatre 2 years ago while on a bus tour of Washington. I remember the staircase was kind of tight with all of us going up and down and the same time. Lots of history in that building.

  4. I was there the summer of 77 I think and the theatre was closed, possibly for renovations so I didn’t see the theatre but the museum was open and I was able to spend some time there.

  5. I remember this song “Sarah”. Clay performed it on one of his live broadcast. So beautifully song that I cried, too! Thank you, CANN!

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