The Barbara Mann Performing Arts Center is in Ft. Myers, Florida. As part of the Edison Community College, the new theater seats 1,753 patrons.
On August 16, 2007, Clay Aiken performed at the Mann Theater as part of his Soft Rock and A Hard Place tour. Accompanied by a professional orchestra, the concert was received well by the residence of the area and the fans that traveled to see the show.
Since the four concerts in Florida were scheduled for the end of the tour, most of the audience knew what to expect and was excited to see and hear Clay perform some of the songs from his latest CD and some fun medleys.
But the audience was surprised by two unusual and fun occurrences during the concert. The first was when Clay spotted Scarlett, one of the best “Clack” gatherers in the front row, filming the concert. After teasing her, he asked for the camera and took some “Clack” of his own. It was a fun addition to the concert that Scarlett filmed with her back-up camera. The audience was in stitches and the orchestra on stage was laughing too.
The other unusual event that night had to do with a spot-light technician who must not have been too bright, or….. maybe he was sleepy!! Quiana Parler always ended the first half of the concert with a wonderful rendition of “When The Lights Go Down.” But for some reason, the technician would not put the spotlight on her. Clay spoke to the guy, signaled to him, walked over to Quiana and signaled again. But……no, the light stayed on Clay. So, Clay sat on Quiana’s stool and Quiana sat on his lap. That situation would make it difficult for anyone to perform, but Clay added to the fun by teasing and caressing her arms and back. How could she concentrate?? And with all the craziness, Quiana’s performance was spectacular!
According to reports, the concert was wonderful. Angela, Jesse, Sean and Quiana all added their talent to the concert, but the night belonged to Clay.
After the concert, Clay, accompanied by his bodyguard, Jerome, walked the entire handshake line which twisted through the street. Then, it was back in the bus and a ride to the next tour stop.
Below, you will find videos of the two special events of the Ft. Myers Concert. There is also video of two of my favorite songs. It will have to tide us over for a few more months.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyKySbIC5sA
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPkU5bOOjMI
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNGS4b81B_I
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-HMBMezoZM