It is March 21, 2011, exactly 9 days since the finale of The Tried and True Tour, starring Clay Aiken.
For fans, the past week has been a time to reflect on the wonderful concerts and the amazing talent that was on the stage every night, entertaining the excited audience. Many of the fans are also thinking of all the hard work, sweat, and stress that had to be a part of the tour preparation.
Each night, an amazing group of musicians with lots of talent created a show that left us awed by the music and laughing from the great fun.
Dell Atkins: This veteran of the music field is listed at AllMusic as starting his career in 1984. He is listed under…Composer, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Producer, Drum Programming, Musician, Arranger and Audio Production.
Dell…we need to add comedian to that list.
Felix Pollard: According to Modern Drummer, Felix has been playing professionally for more than twenty-five years and even played a performance for First Lady Hillary Clinton. Felix has played with Jessica Simpson, Destiny’s Child, George Duke, Lionel Richie, Anastacia, Shelia E., Chaka Kahn, The Staple Singers, Brian Culbertson, Phil Upchurch, Taylor Hicks and, of course, Clay Aiken.
Felix.. you are “one bad Kat.”
Adam Fallen: I wish I could write about Adam. This talented young man made Tried and True his first tour. I am sure that at this time next year, his accomplishments will be published all over.
Adam…I hope you had fun on the tour! Your future is bright!!
Ben Cohn: Did you know that Ben grew up in New Jersey? Ben received his Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College where he studied piano and voice and was heavily involved in the theatre program. After graduation, Ben went to NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing where he got his Masters in Musical Theatre Writing. According to Musician’s Wages.com, Ben always knew that he wanted to work in theatre as a musical director, pianist, and composer. This talented young man currently works as the assistant conductor and first keyboardist on Wicked.
Ben….I hope you are working on some great new songs for Clay!!
Quiana Parler: Quiana, from Charleston, SC, began her professional career singing for Calvin Gilmore of the “The Carolina Opry”. According to East Coast Entertainment, Quiana has shared the stage with a diverse array of national artists ranging from Keith Sweat to Kelly Clarkson. She can be heard on albums by Bianca Ryan, Renee Olstead, and, of course, Clay Aiken. If you are in Charleston, be sure to hear Quiana and Friends. They are a group of top musicians who perform in the area.
Quiana…your talent is amazing. Clay fans think of you as part of the family. Knowing you enriches our lives.
Jerome and Mary…you are also part of the family and must have more patience than anyone else. You take care of Clay and always have a smile for his fans. I hope both of you are getting a bit of rest!
Clay Aiken: Thank you for sharing your amazing voice and your loving heart with us. Each of us is blessed to have you in our lives. It has been a magical journey for 8 years. I am so excited to see what the next chapter will be. Please know that we are right here waiting for you, ready and waiting to make many more memories.
