Clay Aiken – Do You Remember

By musicfan123 · Comments (11)
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Do you remember what you were doing on March 12th, 2010? For many Clay Aiken fans, this date will bring back memories of the taping of the PBS special at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. The concert, lovingly called the “OMG” Concert was the beginning of a year of wonderful live music, a new CD and DVD and many PBS specials on TV.

I was lucky enough to attend the “OMG” concert two years ago. I looked up what I wrote about the concert and thought I would share it with you.

Clay Aiken’s back in town and he is better than ever! Tonight’s concert was beyond the wildest expectations of the fans in attendance.

The concert was polished, professional and classy. Clay’s voice was phenomenal on the fresh arrangements of the timeless classics.

Clay opened the show with a rousing rendition of Mack The Knife and closed the show with a poignant version of Moon River. Each song chosen for the program allowed Clay to showcase his wonderful voice. It is amazing how his voice soared on the variety of songs. Each one highlighted his versatility and range.

It was a treat to see Ruben and Clay together again. I had forgotten what a beautiful voice Ruben has. The surprise of the evening was the guest appearance of Linda Eder who is one of the best female vocalists performing today. Linda joined Clay in singing the song, Crying. Clay announced that Linda recorded the song with him for his new album.

The evening was beyond even the highest expectations. I wish that every one of you could have been there to celebrate this wonderful performance.

Attending this concert in Raleigh was one of the most exciting nights I can remember.  It is still close to the top of the list.  One of the magic moments was hearing Clay sing Unchained Melody.  The arrangement by Ben Cohn was amazing and Clay really made the song his own!  And I will always remember the wonderful tribute to Clay’s teachers.  There is just something special about Clay Aiken.  His heart is filled with love and respect of those who have helped him grow into an outstanding young man!

 

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Clay Aiken – Congratulations to GLSEN

By musicfan123 · Comments (10)
Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Congratulations to GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.  The following was sent out in a press release on Tuesday, August 30th:

“The White House named GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, a Champion of Change for the organization’s two decades of pioneering work to fight bullying, violence and stigma directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in K-12 schools, and its contributions to efforts to prevent suicide among at-risk youth.”

The “Champions of Change Series: Winning the Future Across America” is a White House initiative that honors Americans and organizations making an impact in issues of critical importance to the nation and helping it address today’s challenges.

Last week, Eliza Byard, the executive director of GLSEN and public policy manager Alison Gill were invited to the White House to meet with representatives from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services.  The meeting also included eight other award recipients.  They discussed their initiatives and shared the best way to practice the ideas.

A proud Byard said of the distinction:

“This White House honor recognizes the amazing work that the staff, volunteers and student leaders of GLSEN have done for more than two decades to alert the nation to the ways that anti-LGBT bias in our schools is a serious barrier to both educational excellence and individual well-being. My colleagues and I are dedicated to identifying and implementing solutions to the problem that work for schools and for students, instilling hope and staving off despair. It is so gratifying to gain this kind of recognition for our efforts to create better, safer schools for all.”

GLSEN is most widely known for beginning the first gay-straight alliances in schools. But they do so much more. The organization works to reduce anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and violence in K –12 schools

One of their successful programs is called The Safe Space Campaign…a program that promotes visible support for LGBT students in American middle and high schools.  Their goal is to place a Safe Space Kit in all middle and high school in the United States.  The kits contain Safe Space stickers and posters along with a guide for steps that individual school staff members can take to build support for vulnerable students and reduce anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bullying and harassment in their school.

GLSEN also has projects like No Name-Calling Week, Changing the Game: The GLSEN Sports Project and the Jump-Start Student Leadership Program.

According to their website:

GLSEN’s proven programs and initiatives have earned the organization the partnership of most major national education associations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National School Boards Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Education Association. GLSEN is also a member of the National Human Service Assembly and its National Collaboration for Youth, ASCD’s Whole Child Initiative, and the America’s Promise Alliance.

Clay Aiken is a big supporter of  GLSEN.  On his Official Fan Club Website, Clay lists three cause that are important.  They are The National Inclusion Project, UNICEF, and GLSEN.

In November of 2010, Clay appeared in a video for GLSEN to promote the “Safe Space” kits for schools.

Clay also visited Washington DC in November, 2010.  He spoke in support of two important bills that were coming up for votes.  He spoke in a public forum to Senators Bob Casey and Al Franken and Representatives Jared Polis and Linda Sanchez. Clay said:

I never had someone who told me that it was OK to be different…that it was okay to be me.  What I did hear was that it would get better once I was out of high school…that things would get better.  But from where I sat, I could not possibly believe that to be true.  We need federal leadership from Congress to encourage all states and districts and each and every school to create safe learning environments where all students can learn and succeed.

GLSEN and Clay Aiken make a great partnership.  They both work hard to make sure that all students are valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GLSEN!  The honor is most deserved!

For more information, visit the GLSEN website.

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Clay Aiken Brings Energy and Chemistry To The Stage

By musicfan123 · Comments (8)
Sunday, August 14th, 2011

Do you know what Clay Aiken event happened just a year ago on August 14th?  It was the final concert of the Timeless Tour in Biloxi, MS.  A whole year??  It can’t be!!

I have never been to Mississippi, but when I saw the pictures of the Beau Rivage, I thought it would be a great place to see Clay and Ruben.  However, since I live in California, that visit just didn’t happen.

The finale of the Timeless Tour was sold out and from all reports,  the concert was a huge success.

Ruben Studdard participated in an interview with Jamie Bates at the Sun Herald. The following was published on August 12th.

Aiken, Studdard bring energy, chemistry to the Beau

By JAMIE BATES – Special to the Sun Herald

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken will be at the Beau Rivage on Saturday, wrapping up the 18-city summer “Timeless” tour that has brought the two “American Idol” alums together for the first time since “Season 2.”

With a few minutes between sound checks somewhere on the road, Studdard took time to share a sneak peek of the show for Sun Herald readers.

So, what can guests expect when they see “Timeless”?

“I think people will really be surprised by the energy of the show,” he said. “And we are so happy to be doing this. The show is fun, and Clay and I are having a great time. Come out and see it. We are doing what we love up there, and it shows.”
The two singers share chemistry on the stage, and to some degree, will forever be linked together in the hearts of “American Idol” fans and music fans in general.

For many of us, when we hear “Clay Aiken,” we think of “Ruben Studdard,” and vice versa. We had to ask Studdard — do you love that or do you hate it?

“Well, you know, you can try to fight that, the record labels can try to fight that, but it is what it is. With the two of us, I mean, that was a huge part of the driving force behind the second season of ‘American Idol.’

“But we have both been wanting to do something like this (tour) together for a long time, since the beginning even, but we’ve just both been busy doing our own projects.

“And coming to Biloxi, well, we love Biloxi. My wife and I, we have family in Mobile, and we go to Biloxi all the time. In fact, we spent our last anniversary at the Beau Rivage. Didn’t win much money,” he added with a sound something between a laugh and a groan, “but we had a great time, so I am really looking forward to getting back.”

The show is Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Beau Rivage Theatre.

Thank goodness for “Clack”.  There are lots of pictures and videos of the concert.  I hope you will take the time to watch these videos…Last night,  I watched them and…well…these guys need another show.  This was so good!!  Enjoy!!

 

 

 

 

 

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Clay Aiken – Thanks, YAHOO

By musicfan123 · Comments (3)
Thursday, July 28th, 2011

It has been four days since Clay Aiken was a guest on the popular television series, Drop Dead Diva.  The episode titled, The Prom,  has received a great deal of publicity.  Taking on a controversial topic, the show combined humor with a relevant subject to help the audience understand the importance of the issue.

Drop Dead Diva is known for using exciting and popular guests in their story-lines.  It was fun to see Clay featured in the last episode.  And the publicity just does not stop.  On Wednesday, Yahoo news ran a great article about Clay…all because of his participation on Drop Dead Diva.

Clay Aiken Defends His Southern Home

By Amy and Nancy Harrington, Pop Culture Passionistas, Yahoo! Contributor Network – July 27, 2011 3:27 PM PDT

This past weekend Clay Aiken appeared in an episode of “Drop Dead Diva” that paralleled the real life story of Constance McMillen. Last year the teenager sued her high school after being banned from her prom, all because she wanted to take her girlfriend as her date. The discriminatory tale sparked outrage around the world and turned a spotlight on equality issues in the South. But Aiken, who recently participated in a conference call interview from Durham, North Carolina, came to the defense of his homestead.

Clay Aiken Defends His Southern Home on the Issue of Equality

The former “American Idol” contestant commented on how gay rights topics are viewed in below the Mason-Dixon line, “As someone who still lives here — I would argue that it may not be as much a regional issue as it is a national issue. Obviously you can argue that there are areas in the county where it might be a little bit easier, but I think that it is a national issue. It’s not necessarily just a Southern thing.”

He continued, “There are plenty of opportunities for us to say that homophobia exists in a certain religious environment more than it does in a secular environment. And while that may be true, it’s not necessarily the rule. I know plenty of Christians who are open-minded and equality loving and I know plenty of Southerners who are the same.”

Aiken theorized, “Because society tends to be a little more insular in the South, if you will, often times it’s a little bit more pronounced here ‘” the homophobia. But I put it this way, I live in an area in the South that is relatively progressive. Raleigh and Durham and most of North Carolina, in fact, is more progressive than I think we are painted.”

Still he acknowledged that there’s room for growth, “I wouldn’t for a second say that the South is ready to embrace equality as much as I’d like for them to, but I would argue that there aren’t that many places in the county that are. And so, I’m a proud Southerner.

Aiken admitted, “I get slightly defensive because I know that there are lots of challenges in the Southeast that still need to be met, but I do see a lot of progress. And it is kids like Constance, shows like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and plenty of other shows and plenty of other individuals who have stood up.”

Clay Aiken Believes that Gay Rights Will Become More Accepted with Time

The crooner contended that the amount of change he has seen is encouraging. “I think about the fact that from the time that I started in this business, if you want to put it like that, in 2003, the lengths that the entertainment industry has come, the lengths that the country has come in less than 10 years, is amazing.”

But he couldn’t specifically say why that change has come about. Aiken remarked, “I really don’t even know who to credit with it, but I think that there have been a lot of opportunities in the media for positive role models for gay and lesbian young people. And positive examples of gay and lesbian Americans.”

Clay Aiken Cites Ellen DeGeneres and Amanda Bearse for Influencing the Change

He cited a few big names with being trailblazers, noting, “If you look at Ellen DeGeneres as one of the early [celebrities to come out]. Amanda Bearse, who is on the ['Drop Dead Diva' episode 'Prom'] and I think doesn’t get as much credit because she was way, way before it was cool — Way before if was okay, back when she was on ‘Married with Children.’”

Aiken added, “There are people who took a stand and who came out much more courageously early in the late ’90s and 15 years ago. And slowly, as Ellen has gotten a lot of acceptance from the mainstream population, you saw shows like ‘Will and Grace.’”

Clay Aiken Believes that Hollywood Is Helping by Putting a Face to Gay America

He said he feels a sense of hope. “I definitely believe that Hollywood, and I use that as a metonym for the whole entertainment industry, Hollywood and the media in general have put an — accurate face on gays and lesbians, and bisexuals and transgenders in this country, which they didn’t have before. And it’s snowballed in some way. ‘Will and Grace’ was groundbreaking and now it’s rare really to find a show that doesn’t have a gay character in it in some way. And that’s had a lot to do with why people are more comfortable with it.”

Aiken shared his wish that the level of acceptance will continue to grow, “I say all the time if people knew someone who was gay, if they were exposed to it. It’s not about hatred, I don’t think, as much as it is about ignorance. And as the media has allowed more people to be exposed to the fact that this character on this TV show may be gay, but they’re exactly the same as every other character, they just happen to be gay. As we’ve taken away some of those stereotypes — it’s made it a lot easier for people to embrace equality.”

The pop star-turned-actor summed it all by saying, “Fear and ignorance go hand in hand. So as shows like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and the future ‘Will and Grace’s’ of the world and folks like Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie [O'Donnell] and Neil Patrick Harris, and just anybody in the public eye allow us opportunities to see gays and lesbians having productive families and lives. Those fears will abate for a lot of people and I think it’ll be easier to change some of those laws.”

If you missed Aiken on “Drop Dead Diva,” you can check it out on MyLifetime.com and catch the series when it airs on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. Central on Lifetime.

Why not stop by and leave a comment to let the site know that Clay has lots of support.

You can see this article HERE

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Clay Aiken – We Are Right Here Waiting For You!

By musicfan123 · Comments (15)
Monday, March 21st, 2011

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.


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Clay Aiken Visits Billy Elliot

By musicfan123 · Comments (7)
Sunday, March 20th, 2011

Sometimes, Twitter is our friend.  On Saturday night, the following two tweets were posted.

Tweet- @RickyWorley – Brevard, NC

Clay Aiken is in front of us at Billy Elliot

On Air M-F @ 3p / Sat @ 9p / Sun @ 6p / WSQL Radio Executive Producer / Director of Online Media and Promotions / Traffic Director

Tweet – @BroadwaySpotted – On Broadway

@BroadwaySpotted Clay Aiken in the audience at @BillyElliot tonight.

When the show was over, Rickey sent the following picture over twitter.  It is always good to see Clay looking rested and happy.

Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. These two days are known as the March (vernal or spring in the northern hemisphere) equinox and the September equinox.

In the northern hemisphere the March equinox marks the start of spring and has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth. Many cultures and religions celebrate or observe holidays and festivals around the time of the March equinox, such as the Easter holiday period.

So…Happy Spring!   The vernal equinox occurs tonight at 7:21 p.m. EDT

For those of us who live in the San Francisco Bay area it is hard to think that it is the first day of spring.  We are in the middle of one of the biggest storms of the year…..Does spring mean, high winds, thunder, lightning, hail and funnel clouds??

Perhaps those who live in other parts of the country, you can see the signs of spring.  From the budding of the trees and the warming of the temperatures to the animals coming out of their winter hideouts, there seems to be a promise of new birth and color in the springtime air.

Has anyone ever told you that you can balance a raw egg on end on the first day of spring?  They think that somehow the pull of gravity is more equal on this day because the sun is more directly overhead. There is no scientific support for this.  The egg legend apparently got its start in 1945 when a reporter for Life Magazine wrote a story about a Chinese ritual in which people stood eggs on end on the first day of spring.  But the Chinese recognized the first day of spring in early February, or about six weeks before the spring equinox!  Later, in 1983, one hundred New Yorkers got together on March 20 to balance eggs, and an article about the event appeared in the New Yorker magazine. A year later, five thousand New Yorkers repeated the tradition on the first day of spring, and the egg legend grew.

The truth is that if you can get a raw egg to balance upright on the spring equinox, you can get it to balance any other day of the year. The pull of gravity or the position of the sun in the sky has nothing to do with it.  So don’t spread this unscientific rumor, or you’ll end up with egg on your face!

Celebrate the first day of spring by planting new life, new ideas and new goals. Spring is a time for hope, fertile ground and planning ahead. It’s especially important to celebrate the first day of spring with young children and to give them an appreciation for the little things that they can do to effect change in their lives.

Spring brings hope and as Clay Aiken fans, we have many hopes.

First, we hope that Clay is enjoying spring with his family and friends and that his life is full of love and laughs.

Secondly, we hope that we will know some of the new adventures in Clay’s professional life “soon.”

And lastly, we hope that “soon” we will be back on the road with our friends, traveling to see Clay.  Everybody needs to experience Clay in person and see the magic first-hand.

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Clay Aiken – Supports Broadway Cares/EFA

By musicfan123 · Comments (6)
Sunday, February 6th, 2011

Tonight, Clay Aiken will be one of many outstanding stars that will be performing at Broadway Backwards 6.  Held at the Longacre Theatre on 48th street, the performance is a fund-raiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

Clay has been an active supporter of Broadway Care/EFA.  When he was starring in Spamalot, Clay helped raise a great deal of money for the organization.  He was a loud cheerleader in working with the cast of Spamalot to earn the most money for the Easter Bonnet competition.  He spent time most of the nights of the campaign, taking pictures with fans and encouraging the rest of the staff to participate too.  His Sir Robin Bear received the highest bids two years in a row and he helped at the Easter Bonnet presentation by singing with Hannah Waddingham.

Many of Clay’s fans appreciate Clay’s support of the charity, but many don’t really know the scope of Broadway Cares/EFA.  It is an amazing organization that helps so many people every year.

The Council of Actors’ Equity Association founded Equity Fights AIDS in 1987. Their money was raised through the efforts of Equity theatre companies across the country.  It was specifically earmarked for The Actors’ Fund’s AIDS Initiative.

Members of The Producers’ Group founded Broadway Cares in 1988. The money raised by this organization was earmarked to be awarded to AIDS service organizations across the country, including Equity Fights AIDS.

In May, of 1992, Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Cares merged to become Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This newly established not-for-profit fundraising organization assumed the missions of both organizations and continues to fund the social service work of The Actors’ Fund and to award grants twice a year to AIDS service organizations nationwide.

In 2010, Broadway Cares/EFA funded nearly $10 million in grants.  Some of the organizations that they support are:

  • Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative
  • The HIV/AIDS Initiative
  • Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic

More than 400 AIDS and family service organizations are funded by BC/EFA.  They help hundreds of thousands who face the uncertainly of their short and long term challenges.

One of the unique things about BC/EFA is the wonderful fundraisers that they have through out the year.  I am sure you have heard of some of them, but the talented people who participate in these events make it hard to not get involved in the event.  The following events are already on the calendar for 2011:

  • Broadway Backwards (February)
  • ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares (March)
  • Broadway Bears  (March)
  • Easter Bonnet Competition (April)
  • Broadway Bares (June)
  • Flea Market & Grand Auction September
  • Fire Island Dance Festival (September)
  • Gypsy of the Year Competition (December)

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations.  With all of our help, what they do can make a difference.

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Clay Aiken – A Night To Remember

By musicfan123 · Comments (7)
Saturday, October 16th, 2010

There are no words to describe the wonderful experience of attending The National Inclusion Project’s Champions Gala.  Saturday night was filled with inspiration,  hope, encouragement,  motivation, and joy………lots of smiles, lots of friendships, lots of generosity, lots of  laughs ………AND beautiful music from Clay Aiken.

I will never forget hearing and seeing the final performance of the night.  Clay sang a poignant rendition of Both Sides Now.  The arrangement, the vocals and the signing combined to make  this performance a touching finale to the night.

It is very late and I am returning home early in the morning.  Details on the wonderful week-end will be posted tomorrow.  Thank you for your patience.

Listen to Both Sides Now!!




Clay Aiken – Both Sides Now | Upload Music

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It is not always about performance art, but about receiving positive energy from people with positive spirits. Sometimes we can see someone's spirit, and those are the people with great energy. Those are the people that get me through the day, especially on Broadway. -Clay Aiken

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