Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be…

The Mamas and the Papas – 1966

For Clay Aiken fans, Monday was a good day.  No new speeches or blogs, but a lot of interesting tid-bits that put a smile on one’s face.

First, some news about the National Inclusion Project.  From Jerry Aiken, the following was posted on FaceBook:

Good morning – the National Inclusion Project will be competing in the Pepsi Refresh challenge in one of the upcoming months. We are currently developing our campaign and will be soliciting the input and guidance of many supporters, volunteers, and all friends of the Project. Check out this opportunity at www.refresheverything.com

How about news about Clay’s new album?  The following information was posted today.  From Twitter:

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

What does that mean??  OK.  First, mastering………

From Wiki: Mastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device (the master); the source from which all copies will be produced (via methods such as pressing, duplication or replication).

Next, Dave Novik is a Senior VP at Decca Records and he was in the studio.

Vlado Meller has been mastering studio projects for nearly 30 years and is widely considered one of the top engineers in the industry. His discography includes work with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Prince, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Shakira, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias, Metallica, Michael Buble, Duran Duran, Slayer, System of a Down, and The White Stripes. Most recently, he mastered Kanye West’s Grammy nominated album, Graduation, as well as Josh Groban’s chart-topping new release, Noel.

In the past two years, Mr. Meller has mastered over 50 projects that have hit the top 20 of Billboard’s Album Chart.

Sounds like Clay is getting the best people working with him!!

And the good news is not over.  Look what was posted today:

Biltmore Concert Series
Select Evenings, June–October

Experience the exhilaration of a live concert at Biltmore. Enjoy star performances while savoring breathtaking sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 6 at 8:00 a.m. EST.

2010 Concerts Lineup

• June 4 – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Diana at Biltmore
• June 11 – The Original Drifters at Diana at Biltmore
• July 16-18 – Faith Renewed Celebration: Christian concert weekend at Biltmore
  July 16 – Brandon Heath at Diana at Biltmore
  July 17 – Gaither Vocal Band on the South Terrace
  July 18 – Sunday morning worship service
• July22 – An Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter on the South Terrace
• July 23 – Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard on the South Terrace
• July 29 – An Evening with Steve Miller Band on the South Terrace
• July 30 – The Legendary Temptations on the South Terrace
• September 24 – Christopher Cross at Diana at Biltmore
• October 1 – Kathy Mattea at Diana at Biltmore

Biltmore

Finally, we are including the new video of Clay Aiken’s speech on Friday night.  Scarlett…..thank you so much for providing so much “Clack” to the ClayNation.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcwnMQwMhMY