'Spamalot' Green for St. Pat's Day!

Graphic by Amazing_CA, photos by Joan Marcus

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, this blog is celebrating in "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, one of Clay Aiken's roles in the Broadway hit musical.

For an edition, readers will get a reprieve from Tar Heel blue cheers, the usual plethora of links in a similar shade, as well as the stage door pictures of Clay in those lucky Carolina hoodies. I hope you enjoy the photos, blessing, and the pot 'o gold at the end!

Wishing you and yours a very special St. Patrick's Day!

INTERLUDE IN GREEN: Sir Robin's signature color lends itself to a clickable St. Patrick's Day interlude. Included are graphics by Amazing_CA, Claystruck, and Ambassador of Love. The three by ACA feature photos by Betsy, 1; Scrpkym, 2; and Toni7babe, 4. Claystruck's graphic includes a photo by Disneydeb84, 3.

Sally's graphic of the Irish blessing below is a rerun whose timeless message is just as current for St. Patrick's Day 2008.

You may have guessed that grandson Kai, six months old on St. Patrick's Day, is our pot 'o gold.

On the 17th, this little tyke had to endure the requisite round of shots; so we are celebrating St. Pat's Week. In the photo below, he is intrigued with the mobile on his new swing.

Our clan's pot o' gold, a priceless treasure.

Have an awesome St. Patrick's Week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, Spamalot, St. Patrick's Day, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

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Clay's Title Track New Theme Song

ON MY WAY HERE - Amazing_CA and other graphic artists have designed a variety of album covers highlighting the proposed title track of Clay Aiken's upcoming CD.

Very Special Journey

Clay Aiken's New CD Hits Home

In interviews about his soon-to-be released CD, Clay Aiken has indicated that "On My Way Here," the possible title track, embodies his journey to where he is now, musically and in life.

Thursday morning the track became this grandmother's new theme song as a I received the exciting news that my daughter and her son Kai will be "on their way here" in May for a month-long visit.

The first meeting of Kai and his grandmother, as well as a whole slew of Carolina aunts, uncles, and cousins, will occur a few days after his eight-month birthday and my students' spring recital. Too bad Kai will miss our Brandenburg Concerto #2 because his mother would be a welcome addition on cello.

At their end, plane tickets have been confirmed while in Carolina, the clan has already begun rounding up baby gear and aligning schedules for the four-week visit.

Meanwhile, a thorough spring cleaning suddenly shares my teaching agenda. The next two months promise to be some kind of busy!

'On My Way Here' in two months, Grandma! - Graphic by Sally

Claying It Forward Stories Shared

Marie Drummond's "Claying It Forward" experience in this blog's March 9 entry inspired much head nodding and several reader remarks about similar incidences. OFC member Melisqueen secured permission and posted our segment in her March 11 Find Your Grail journal entry.

I long ago opted to use my "Spamalot" money for the upcoming initial meeting with my grandson. However, Clay friends Margaret5828 and Sally have sent me mementos from their "Spamalot" trips to the Big Apple -- a poster, the playbill, the New York City guide, and a pin that certifies "I'm Not Dead Yet."

Below are other "Claying It Forward" examples shared by readers, beginning with Melisqueen. Give this fan some hits/comments; and if you have a similar CIF story, I hope you will add it to this collection.

MELISQUEEN: I came home recently and found a small yellow envelope addressed to me. It’s so exciting to get things besides bills, but in this case I had no idea who the person was. I stood there for a minute wondering who I know in Connecticut. I opened it and found a Spamalot playbill.

A lady on our message board had inquired if anyone was interested in one, as she had scooped up a bunch after the show that people had left behind. I provided my address just in case she had an extra since I would be going to New York later. This lady made my week! I now have the playbill in my cubicle at work preparing me for my trip to NYC.

CLAYANGEL53: I've been one to "Clay It Forward." I had three tickets to a concert, gave one away to a fan, who was very grateful. It made me feel amazing. Of course I had mine and got to see him as well. It’s wonderful!

GRAMS4242: Here’s my "Claying it Forward" story. In today's mail was a package from Marlyne. She told me she picked up the NYC Guide with Clay’s picture on it for me, but also in the envelope was a Clay Spamalot magnet from the night she went to see Spamalot.

When I showed these to my husband, he said, “They can say what they want about you Clay fans; but from my experience you are the most loving fans in the universe and are really generous and kind with one another."

He definitely got that right - Clay has the best fans in the world!!!!

GALADRIEL: I love the "Clay It Forward" stories. That is just the way Clay Land should operate.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable interlude incorporates scenes from "Spamalot" and an early St. Patrick's Day greeting. Graphic artists and photographers featured include MNmeesh, photos by Scrpkym, 1; Amazing_CA, photos by Toni7babe, 2; Amazing_CA, photos by Joan Marsh, 3; Amazing_CA, photos by Snix, 4; and Artz11, photo by ClayChristina, 5.

TBAF Awards 'Let's All Play' Grants

On March 11, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation announced over $500,000 in grants to support programs nationwide as part of the organization's Let's All Play program:

This is an exciting development in The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's goal to expand Let's ALL Play. The Foundation will support over 30 recreational programs in 2008. Programs receive a program model and Foundation training in addition to grant funding. Because of the Foundation's support, children across the country will participate in inclusive programs for the first time.

Let's ALL Play brings an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without. Children come together to participate in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, and physical fitness. The Foundation is also excited to partner with Best Buddies International, The Dancing Wheels Company and School, and LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program.

The complete press release can be read at the above link or at TBAF website.

Clickable by Amazing_CA

Tar Heels Win ACC Tourney Title

The Carolina Tar Heels, Atlantic Coast Conference regular season champs, beat the Clemson Tigers, 86-81, in Charlottle Sunday to win the tournament title, too. To get there, the Heels beat Florida State, 82-70, in the tourney's quarter-finals on Friday and Virginia Tech, 68-66, in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Clay continues to cheer for the Heels by wearing Carolina shirts and hoodies in stage door gatherings with fans following "Spamalot" shows. The above clickable graphic by Amazing_CA features photos by Scrpkym.

Congratulations to Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina's All America junior forward from Poplar Bluff, Mo, who has been named National Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News.

"By winning this [The Sporting News] award, Tyler qualifies to move into the front row in the rafters and have his jersey retired whenever he decides to leave the University of North Carolina," head coach Roy Williams said.

"There will never be another one just like him. I am so lucky to be his coach. For the rest of my career, I will be able to look up into that first row and see his jersey hanging next to the other retired jerseys and I know that will bring a big smile to my face."

Carolina Blog Greets 7 New Countries

Little red dots are keeping Ron Kanipe, my geography "coach," busy. Today the Carolina blog welcomes new readers from Guam, Egypt, Morocco, Estonia, Tasmania, Puerto Rico, and Panama.

Representing all continents except Antarctica, the 54 countries on the Carolina On My Mind ClustrMap include the following:

Asia: Israel, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Oman, Micronesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong-China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Guam

Africa: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco

Europe: Lithuania, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia

North America: Canada, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Panama

South America: Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Columbia, Chile, Paraguay

Australia: Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania

This corner of the Internet is glad you are quite often "on your way here" to read Clay Aiken news ... and then some!

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation ... and Go, Heels, Go!!!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, Spamalot, Broadway, On My Way Here, Claying It Forward, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Let's All Play, Carolina, Clay Aiken, Tyler Hansbrough, Carolina On My Mind ClustrMap, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

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Pre-Orders Spur Aiken's 'TBD'

BROADWAY STAR - Clay Aiken triumphs in "Spamalot," as pre-orders for his new CD top Amazon's charts. Amazing_CA's graphic features a photo by Catsmomsny.

Amazon Pre-Orders Roll

Aiken's 'TBD' Album Tops Charts

Within hours of becoming available for Amazon pre-orders on March 6, Clay Aiken's new CD, currently titled "To Be Determined," was ranked #1 among New Releases.

Since then, TBD has stayed in the #1 position or among the top 10 in various Amazon categories, including Best Sellers in Music, Hot New Releases, and Movers & Shakers.

The Best Sellers listing changes hourly, and Movers & Shakers every 24 hours. TBD hit the pinnacle of the M&S list on March 6 with these figures: Up 1,635,300% ... Sales Rank in Music: 1 (was 16,354).

Price of the album at Amazon is $9.99. Clay's new CD is also listed at Amazon.ca, Barnes&Noble, Best Buy, Borders, CD Universe, and Target. The CD has also been added to the Pause & Play site.

ORDER VIA GOOD SHOP: Pre-order Clay's new CD through Good Shop and a percentage of the purchase will be donated to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. For example, pre-orders with these stores yield the following donations: Amazon, 1.5 %; Barnes&Noble, 2.5 %; and Target, 3.5 %.

Be sure to select TBAF as your charity before shopping. Since inception, supporters have raised $7,677.25 for TBAF through Good Search and Good Shop.

Hannah 'Orders' New CD, Too

In Spamalot news, Hannah Waddington is profiled in the Fresh Face feature at Broadway.com. The daughter of British opera singer, Melodie Waddingham, the "Lady of the Lake" no doubt was born with musical theater in her genes.

In the interview, she was very complimentary of Clay:

By the time Waddingham's visa came through, her debut was set to coincide with Clay Aiken's as Sir Robin. “He's a triumph in the show,” she says of the American Idol runner-up. “His accent is flawless and his voice is beautiful. In fact, I said to him, ‘You must get this all the time, but I'm your colleague now, so can I have one of your CDs please?'”

As for herself, “Coming out of that floor [as the Lady of the Lake] and thinking, ‘I'm on Broadway,' is everything I dreamed it would be.”

Clay Fans 'Spam' Playbill

CA fans are keeping the Spamalot Playbill staff extremely busy with mail orders for the colorful memento. Following a shipping inquiry, Sweet Carolina Girl received an email with the info that a staff of five had taken eight hours to label, pack, and send more than 1,000 orders on their way.

To place an order, go to Playbill Store. The March 2008 issue with color photo and CA feature article sells for $10.

In addition to the headline article about Clay, the singer-actor is billed on the title page of the production credits section. A headshot and bio are also included inside the booklet.

Broadway Box Alert

Tickets for a number of shows through April 27 can be purchased at a reduced rate at Broadway Offers. This is the info about Spamalot:

Don't miss your chance to save on Clay Aiken in Monty Python's SPAMALOT. The international singing sensation has joined those legendary knights of the round table in their quest taking on flying cows, taunting Frenchmen and a killer rabbit! Come see why audiences LAUGHALOT at SPAMALOT!

$70 Orchestra & Mezzanine Seats! $45 Balcony Seats!
Tue. - Thurs. at 8; Sat. at 2; Sun. at 2 & 7
Valid for performances now through April 27

Visit the Broadway Offers link and enter the code SPBBX25, or call Telecharge.com 212-947-8844 and mention code SPBBX25.

Australian Writer Cites 'Spamalot'

Kelly, an ABC Australia reporter, includes props for Clay and "Spamalot" in her March 10 travel log. Her favorite show, however, was "Mary Poppins":

I have visited Broadway many a time since I arrived, and honestly New Yorkers are spoiled for choice (although I get the feeling the tourists fill the seats not the locals). I saw a wonderful production of a musical called "Curtains" starring David Hyde Pierce and Debra Monk, "Spamalot" starring Clay Aiken - an American Idol winner and huge over here ...

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable interlude features the talents of six visual artists including Amazing_CA, photo by PermaSwooned, 1; Amazing_CA, photos by Catsmomsny, 2; ABeautifulMind, 3; Claystruck, photo by Catsmomsny, 4; and Amazing_CA, photo by Toni7babe, 5.

Claying It Forward on Broadway

When Clay says he has the best fans in the world, he's not kidding -- and he's right. Everyone in the fan community has either participated in or read about the "Claying It Forward" incidences that take place almost daily. Sometimes it's a CD or a DVD of performance clack; other times it's passing along an extra concert ticket.

You may have read about just such an incident at Spamalot in February. After seeing a nutshell of the chain of events, I looked up the original post at the OFC. With permission, this is the extraordinary experience of Canadian fan Mariedrummond:

On my birthday weekend, Feb. 16-17, I saw Spamalot four times. While I was waiting for the Sunday matinee, I met several Clay fans, and one introduced me to Scarlett. I just discovered Clay last December, and I thanked her profusely for all the great clack that has allowed me to reconstruct Clay's journey of the last five years.

Incredibly, Scarlett invited me, a total stranger, to sit with her for the evening show in seat A111. The ticket had originally belonged to Toni7babe, who had to fly home before the show that night.

I gave my E6 ticket to Michelle, a fan I met that weekend and who had a row K seat. Then I met Nikki, who had a row Q ticket, so I gave her the K seat.

Still holding the Q ticket, I went back to the SRO (standing room only) section and asked a mother and her young son if they would like to share the seat. It turned out that this was her son's 12th birthday, and he became very excited and started jumping up and down.

"Spamalot" on Feb. 17 turned out to be one amazing "Claying It Forward."

Photos by Scrpkym and ClazyChristina

Carolina Wins ACC Title

Wearing Carolina blue in many stage door appearances this week, Clay certainly did his part to inspire the Tar Heels to victory in Saturday's Tobacco Road victory over Duke, 76-68. The win made the team in powder blue the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season champions.

Eve Carson, UNC's student body president killed last week in what authorities are calling a random act, was remembered in a pre-game moment of silence and with Carolina blue ribbons worn by students of both campuses.

Following an afternoon rehearsal and facing an 8 a.m. call early Sunday (actually 7 a.m. on the first morning of Daylight Savings Time!), I wondered if I could even stay awake for the much- anticipated rematch.

Silly me -- it was getting to sleep afterwards that was the problem!

Early Wake-Up Call

A little sleepy, my oboe and I arrived at the 8 a.m. call in 28-degree temps. I didn't need the Weather Channel to tell me this 28 felt like 21.

The beautiful Lenten cantata -- Come, Let Us Anew Our Journey -- planned by my brother-in-law, the music director, warmed things up a bit. Also playing in the orchestra were my sister and my niece, so this was once again a family affair.

On the program were selections by Bach, Beethoven, Sibelius, Holst, and Monteverdi along with American hymn melodies arranged by John Rutter and Mack Wilberg, some of which were "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Deep River," "Bound for the Promised Land," and the very moving "Come, Let Us Anew."

On a lighter note, this graphic of grandson Kai by Sally should up the degrees on any thermometer. For all who screamed "foul" when I left him out last week, here's the PG version from Margaritaville.

Wonder if Jimmy Buffet likes milk? - Graphic by Sally

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, Spamalot, Broadway, Amazon, TBD CD, Spamalot Playbill, Carolina, Lenten Cantata, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

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Aiken a Star on His Way

ON MY WAY HERE -- Possibly the title song of Clay Aiken's new CD, the single reflects the singer's journey. Graphic by Amazing_CA.

A Star on His Way

Clay Aiken's Musical Journey

Within the context of this competition, I thought that was terrible. Maybe I'm missing the plot here. I'm looking for a future superstar; and based on that, I just didn't get it. -- Simon Cowell

Despite the fact that three other judges complimented Clay during the Disco Week competition April 1-2, 2003 -- Brilliant! ...Your voice is golden ... You've got chops; you can SING! -- Simon continued warbling a tired variation of his same old lament.

Only a couple weeks earlier, Clay, according to Simon, was the one to beat. Clearly, he didn't "get it" or didn't want to.

Through American Idol Rewind 2, many fans are reliving the events of five years ago while others are experiencing them for the first time. Due to sports scheduling, many missed last weekend's rerun. Here is a Sendspace of Clay's performance with judges comments: Everlasting Love.

Billboard Week
Graphic by Fountaindawg

Theme of the next show is "Billboard #1 Hits," during which Clay sang "At This Moment" by Billy Verra. Here is a Sendspace of an AI2 Rewind Promo for the Saturday-Sunday show.

You can take a visual stroll through the 2003 competition by linking to Fountaindawg's AI Anniversary Wallpapers at the Clay Aiken Kids site.

Unfortunately, AI Rewind doesn't include the group numbers because, week after week, the Season 2 ensemble was the best the show has ever produced.

During the 2003 competition, an oft-used tactic was the derogatory manner in which the Idol judges, especially Simon, planted the seed that Clay had a Broadway voice -- as if that were shameful or second rate.

And aren't we glad he does? I, for one, am ecstatic that "Spamalot" director Mike Nichols recognized the many talents Clay brings to the entertainment stage and cast him in the Broadway show. I also look forward to the resumption of his many-faceted pop music career.

Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more.

We are lucky to get him for Spamalot ... The guy is not only a star; he is a lot more. -- Mike Nichols

Simon Cowell probably still doesn't "get it."

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable interlude are the graphics and photographs of seven visual artists, including Amazing_CA, photo by Butterflyshine, 1; photo by Jtgranny, edited by Sally, 2; Amazing_CA, photo by Scrpkym, 3; Marilyon98's photo in which Clay is signing a peasant award, 4; and Clayquebec1, 5.

'Something Completely Silly'

Highlights of the past week are the inclusion of the online "Spamalot" article in the print edition of New York's Official City Guide. Widely distributed, in the NYC area, here are the cover and an excerpt:

Official City Guide
Double Clickable

One of those woolly-tighted knights is being played through May 4 by Clay Aiken, the runner-up in 2003's "American Idol," whose various parts include the neurotic and cowardly Sir Robin. Aiken has drawn his own largely female fans - the "Claymates" - who are besotted by whatever he does onstage at the Shubert.

"It's hilarious," said Waddingham. "He's so sweet about them backstage. He says, 'Ah'm sorry, they're embarrassing me, y'all.'" She went on to add, "He's taller than I thought he was and he's also quite strapping. I expected him to be 5' 6" and quite puny."

Aiken, who sang the inspiring "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on the "American Idol" finale (losing to his arch-rival Ruben Studdard, who has yet to make his Broadway debut), sings far less-moving lyrics as Sir Robin. "You can sing, you can dance, and you won't soil your pants, in your white tie and tail," he tells his non-voting Shubert audience. "Find your Grail... Find your Grail."

Spamalot Playbill
Double Clickable

Clay in Playbill Spotlight

The Spamalot Playbill now features an article about Clay, "It Takes Two," by Andrew Gans. From the second season of Idol, in which he came in second, to the fact that Clay had to see Spamalot twice before "getting it," the number "2" has played an important role throughout his career.

Although he does get the chance to display his beautiful, rangy, crystal-clear voice in a few numbers, Spamalot doesn't offer the gifted tenor as much opportunity for vocal acrobatics as several other Broadway musicals might.

We had other shows approach us," Aiken says, "... but the reason we were interested in Spamalot was it was completely different than anything I had done in the past, and it was something that I don't think people would have expected me to be interested in. That was kind of a draw, the fact that it was opposite of typical Clay Aiklen stuff."

Two time's the charm -- enjoy the scan!

From Broadway.com Newsletter

Fans: NJU Crowd Still in Awe

Fan recaps of "Spamalot" are filled with examples of Not.Just.Us attendees enjoying Clay's performance. Here are a few:

PA4CLAY: I went to both the afternoon and evening shows. Talked to a lot of NJU's who loved Clay. One man said, "Clay Aiken. Who would have known?" And I said, "Oh, just a few thousand of us!"

HOPELESSLYDEVOTED: We sat next to a couple that traveled all the way from Texas, During intermission, I heard a NJU behind me say, "This is hysterical ... and Clay Aiken is really good, too!"

ZIPPY888: Clay wore the green Carolina hoodie again tonight. There were people about two rows deep at the barricades. Clay even signed someone's crutch!

CA fans would make excellent detectives and are matchless in locating props on the Internet about Clay's performance, no matter how obscure. This was posted by a male at a Broadway message board:

Saw Spamalot this evening. The show is in decent shape. Not the cleanest on Broadway but respectable.

I was however, completely blown away by Clay Aiken. I went in expecting to think 'He held his own with the cast'. He was hands down the most engaging principal in the show tonight. He made bold choices (maybe was given them, who knows?) and really went for the physical comedy as well as word play.

Fun night ... of a wonderfully silly show.

Clay stepped up from #3 to #2 on the Lycos 50 the week of March 3-9. His caption this week is "Broadway Debut."

Apparently, Clay fans, as well as the NJU crowd, are searching for info about the singer-actor!

Thnx for the Nudge!

In her OFC comment, a friend gently reminded me that the next "rewind" is Billboard #1 Hits, not Broadway #1 Hits, as I had previously written. Even though we Clay fans have Broadway on the brain, that's not a feasible theme for The Great White Way.

LOL, the real problem was that I compiled and posted this blog in between baskets and cheers for Carolina's final home game Tuesday night. Many thnx for the nudge, smz!

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, Spamalot, Broadway, Mike Nichols, Simon Cowell, American Idol Rewind 2, Clay Aiken Kids, Official City Guide, Spamalot Playbill, Lycos 50, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

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