Tennessee Leaks Summer Tour Playlist

SUMMER TOUR -- Kicking off July 4, "An Evening with Clay Aiken" will feature favorite selections from the 2006 album, A Thousand Different Ways. Graphic design by A Beautiful Mind, photo by Scrpkym.

Knitting for Afghanistan

Tennessee Leaks Tour Playlist

In approximately seven weeks, An Evening with Clay Aiken opens with a July 4 celebration in Frisco, TX, and begins criss-crossing the country on tour with various symphony orchestras.

The hills are alive with fans purchasing concert tickets and wondering what songs will be featured on Clay's 22-city summer tour. On May 12, a blog from the Tennessee Theatre, where Clay will perform Aug. 12, spilled some of those beans.

Tennessee Theatre - Clickable

In support of his 2006 release, A Thousand Different Ways, pop idol Clay Aiken makes his Knoxville debut at the historic Tennessee Theatre this summer, performing with a full symphony orchestra at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12.

Aiken’s live show will include performances of the following cover songs: “Without You,” "When I See You Smile,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Everything I Do (I Do It For You),” “Every Time You Go Away, and “Here You Come Again.”

The Columbus, OH, symphony website adds to the mix "Because You Love Me” and “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)."

Even more interesting than the revelation of a partial playlist are the responses to "Knoxville Theatre Hosts Clay Aiken." They run the gamut from longtime fans to new followers. Below is a sampling, and you can read all by linking with the blog header below.

ED: I am a Rod Stewart and Eagles type of music guy. However, I think Clay Aiken has one of the best voices I have ever heard, thanks to my wife. I’ve heard great comments about how entertaining he is in concerts. He deserves to be heard. He is still young. If he is good as a lot of people say he is, then talking about longevity, he’s got it. Bring it on, Clay!

SIEN: Have not seen Clay in concert nor seen him in person, but have seen all his concerts through Clack Unlimited, repeatedly. That guy can belt out. Not just a singer, he’s a dynamic one. Performs, entertains and connects with his audience. Not a dull moment. Clay, please come to Chicago.

RONI: I am dying to see Clay but haven’t had the chance to. So Clay if you do read this, come to Singapore. Many of your fans right here waiting for you!

JANET: I just bought his new CD and I LOVE it!!! Can’t wait for the concert.

SUE: I am looking forward to this concert very much. I loved him when he was on American Idol he has such a great voice. My family and I are coming. I hope he sings "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

ETHEL: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Another Clay Aike Tour!! YESSSS!!! can’t hardly wait to see you again Clay. Bring it!!!!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: These clickable graphic designs encompass this entry's summer tour and Afghanistan topics. Featured artists include Claystruck, photo by Snix, 1; Ambassador of Love, 2; Cindilu2, 3; and Amazing_CA, 4 and 5.

Clay Fan Knits Blanket for Afghanistan

On May 11, San Francisco's KGO-TV featured Afghans for Afghans in the station's regular feature, "ABC7 Salute." Click on the screen cap below to view the segment.

After three decades of conflict, Afghanistan is still one of the poorest countries on the planet. Half a world away, knitters are trying to bridge that distance one stitch at a time.

When the American Friends Service Committee decided to send a container of relief supplies to Afghanistan in 2001, Ann Rubin of San Francisco put out the word at a knitting convention. Word spread, and more than five years after she started Afghans for Afghans, packages full of hand-knit goods still pour in from all over the world.

Many come with notes such as this one: "I can't tell you how much pleasure it gives me to knit these garments all the while thinking about a child I'll never meet wearing them."

Knitters are from all over, including a US Army Reserve soldier stationed in Iraq, male prisoners at a federal medical center in Minnesota, a middle school in Illinois, and a Clay Aiken fan from Colorado.

Afghans 4 Tomorrow, another organization working to help Afghanistan, recently built a new women's health clinic there; and knitters have been asked to make blankets and hats for the new babies that will be born there. Perhaps Smz's blanket is headed there, too.

Make a cash donation to Afghans for Afghans or get guidelines about sending hand-knit items here. Learn more about Afghans 4 Tomorrow here.

Clay Aiken Knows It's Not About Charity!

Clay is receiving deserved props in a Bono-related blog and the accompanying comments. This is just the beginning, but the journal entry can be read in full at Occasio.

Since we have been on the subject of "American Idol," check out this interview with Clay Aiken, an Idol success from the 2003 season. Clay has done a fair amount of humanitarian work for UNICEF and has been traveling to impoverished countries on their behalf.

Check out a portion of the interview with the Yahoo Music service and notice the stark difference between his approach and the celebs who visited Africa on the "Idol Gives Back" episode.

While Carrie Underwood chose to shoot a music video surrounded by African children (is this on the edge of exploitation?), Clay says he won't sing his songs in Africa again. Clay Aiken gets it!

Below is a clickable of A Beautiful Mind 's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Summer Symphony Tour, Tennessee Theatre, An Evening with Clay Aiken, Afghans for Afghans, Afghans 4 Tomorrow, Occasio, UNICEF, Afghanistan, American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Yahoo Music, Clay Nation

0 Comments | Read More→

Sail On, Silver Girl: A Mother's Day Remembrance

My daughter Jen with Mama Mac during a Fall 2002 visit.

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

A Mother's Day Rembrance

On July 12, 2005, my mother -- the woman who gave me life, introduced me to the wonderful world of music, encouraged me in all life's endeavors -- left behind a tired, weary 93-year-old body and sailed peacefully on to her next portal.

On this second Mother's Day since that night, my family an I celebrate a joyful life that almost spanned a century with many fond memories, a full heart, and the knowledge that this very special woman is still singing glorious harmony through her offspring and the many students she touched.

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

As a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, gardener extraordinaire, Alleen McDonald, affectionately known as Mama Mac, worked hard and lived a full life. An alto in the First Baptist Church-Wilmington Chancel Choir for 42 years, she appreciated good music and was a very enthusiastic fan of Clay Aiken. Among the most enjoyable moments of the final two years of her life were spent watching and listening to him sing. She especially loved Clay's rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Our family misses its spirited matriarch. Besides her three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, Mama Mac was special to a large extended family of friends, former students and coworkers, and the caregivers at Wesley Long Nursing Home where she lived following a broken hip.

Even with 35 years in the public schools, all the successful operettas and other musical productions, Mother is best remembered in our Wilmington neighborhood as "the beach lady." On any given summer day, we would load up her old 1939 Chevy, which she kept way past its prime just for beach outings.

Picture an old jalopy, of the running board variety, bursting with neighborhood kids in bathing suits, inner tubes, fishing/crabbing gear, picnic lunches, etc., bopping down the 10 miles between Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Fond, fond memories!

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

One of my favorite Mama Mac stories happened during National Caregivers Week in May 2005. A month shy of her 93rd birthday, Mother was relatively cognizant 99% of the time, though she occasionally had "moments" -- such as contending she needed to get ready for choir practice or pack for "our" trip to Wilmington.

Awakened from a midmorning nap with a visit from her granddaughter and toddler twin great-grandchildren, Mama Mac immediately began insisting she needed to get dressed for a rehearsal. No one in the family knew that Shekina, a very special physical therapist, had been secretly rehearsing a duet with her for the nursing home's afternoon talent show; so we just assumed our matriarch was groggy and still getting her bearings.

When my sister dropped by after choir practice later that evening, proudly displayed on Mother's door was a huge lst Place Blue Ribbon. She most certainly did know she needed to get dressed to rehearse. Our mother could sing harmony at the drop of a hat, a talent she shared with Clay and one of the many reasons she admired him so much. That day she and Shekina were, hands down, the best!

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

Mother would have enjoyed the Celebration of Life in her honor at her home church, especially the beautiful baritone rendition of her all-time favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace," and the loving, light-hearted reflections by her minister.

"Mama Mac was a character in the best way," he told those gathered at First Baptist. At restaurans, she always pocketed several little pink packets of Sweet-N-Low "for the church." Annoyed or bored with a discussion, her final word on any subject was "whatevah," delivered with deadpan inflection but any number of hand gestures.

At the graveside, a "Kodak moment" that went unsnapped came when William, one of the twins, respectfully placed his father's pallbearer boutonniere on Mama Mac's coffin. His great-grandmother would have been very touched by that simple gesture.

She also would have been delighted that, despite stifling temps and typical summer humidity, there was a cool breeze blowing off her beloved Carolina coastline for her mid-July farewell.

PHOTO INTERLUDE -- Featured in this special Mother's Day respite are blends and graphics by Amazing_CA (1), Cindilu2 (2) and (3), Sally888 (4), and Katt45 (5). Mama Mac's green thumb was legendary, and azaleas were among her specialties. The close relationship Clay shares with his mother, and the song lyrics my mother dearly loved are themes woven throughout.

Surprise Outpouring from Students

In addition to a stream of memorial gifts to First Baptist's music program, our family received an outpouring of letters from former students from throughout Mother's 35-year teaching career. Parts of three are shared here.

Dianne (Sunset Park, 1955-56): It was with much sorrow I read of your mother's death. I was able to read this because she cared enough to take the time and patience with a LDADHD girl. I only learned I had these problems 10 years ago. I remember having such a hard time not talking in class and keeping my attention on her teaching. She also encouraged my mother to be more patient with my behavior and my learning problems.

Several years ago my daughter, who was a teenager at the time and had heard me speak of Mrs. McDonald, and I saw your mother in a doctor's office. I recognized her and spoke. To my pleasant surprise, she knew me right away. It was a wonderful moment, for "my" Mrs. McDonald remembered me with all the students she had taught. She showed such interest in what I had done with my life and my daughter's plans for college.

I have been a teacher's assistant for the past 25 years. I hope that I have been able to give my students a portion of the loving care that your mother gave to her students.

Susan (Sunset Park, 1961-62): Your mother was my beloved 5th grade teacher at Sunset Park Elementary. My year with her was very special. Mrs. McDonald taught us everything from how to do research projects to how to harmonize when we sang.

The Christmas play she directed that year probably raised the bar for not just harmony but also the amount of instruments she had us playing in the background. She encouraged us to be inquisitive beyond the textbook and rewarded us for creative thinking with extra credit points. She was a fair teacher with high standards. If we pleased her, we felt very good about our efforts.

Raymond (Hillcrest Elementary, 1936-38): One of Mother's earliest students touted her influence during his Burlington, NC, school days via a newspaper letter to the editor. A music major, he later became a minister and also served as a collegiate public information director.

His 1980 letter to the High Point Enterprise was inspired by a reporter who attended an opera in Atlanta and wrote a column filled with intense derision and mockery of this art form. The letter to the editor, which ends with a paragraph addressed to the reporter (Clark), was later forwarded to our mother:

Ah, Clark, you have gone too far. And to think one of my fondest recollections of the third grade over 40 years ago in Burlington was when Ms. McDonald, the twice-weekly music teacher, arrived with records and storybooks with color scenes of ancient Egypt, and opened with her enthusiasm to us the glories of "Aida." I'm sorry that you missed such an opportunity, for it has given me a lifetime of pleasure.

Happy Mother's Day, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, Mother's Day, Bridge Over Troubled Water

0 Comments | Read More→

Clay + Jimmy = Climmel Time!

CLAY-JIMMY REUNION -- This Jimmy Kimmel Live slide show from Thursday night's 'Climmel' appearance features screen caps and animations by Gerwhisp with blends by Ashes2, MNmeesh, and Amazing_CA.

'Climmel Time' a Hit with Fans

When Clay Aiken visits his good friend Jimmy Kimmel on late night TV, anything can happen. Thursday he arrived on horseback, discussed his recent trip to Afghanistan, the "Claymate Cartel," the upcoming Summer Symphny Tour, and the preliminary stages of his new CD.

From Jimmy's monologue and the chat with Clay, the first half with the singer astride a horse, viewers learned some "amazing" facts. In case you missed Thursday's late-night show, here are some teasers until you can download the videos.

When CA is on the show, it's "Clay Aiken Night" -- Christmas, the 4th of July, and the end of school all rolled into one!

Clay is Jimmy's best friend in the whole wide world.

Claymates all came down from the Clayberry Mansion to be in the audience.

Claymates have been camped out at Jimmy Kimmel's studio since Clay's previous appearance on Valenine's Night, having built a little Aikenville in the back parking lot. Just in case he may appear, they never ever leave.

Clay is one of the most intimidating figures in pop music, head of the Claymates, "one of the most dangerous and powerful music cartels in all the world."

Once again, Clay proves he knows how to make an entrance.

Animation by Gerwhisp

Clay Highlights Afghanistan Trip

Afghanistan was absolutely amazing, and Clay was there as a UNICEF Ambassador for 10 days.

If the Claymates had been given the assignment, they could have found Osama Bin Laden in 20 minutes.

While in Afghanistan, Clay lost 10 pounds, only eating rice and raisins.

When singing in the Third World, you need to know your audience. "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands" works better than "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Clay doesn't speak "donkey language" as well as a six-year-old Afghanistani boy.

Clay-Kimmel Worlds Collide

Clay's fans are Jimmy's fans, too. Anytime they are together is "Climmel Time," and there is a Climmel pin commemorating this fact.

Jimmy is wildly allergic to horses, and Clay's many food allergies are well-documented.

Clay is in LA meeting with possible producers for his new CD.

He is going to be very busy in the next few months with the Summer Symphony Tour from July 4 through the end of August, hunting down Bin Laden, working on the album, etc.

Clay also knows how to make an exit.

Animation by Gerwhisp
This is a "Climmel Time" that will merit many replays. Here is a link for one such video at ABC Go. Video is also featured in AOL: TV's Top 5 and can be downloaded at Clack Unlimited.

Happy Weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Jimmy Kimmel Live, UNICEF, Afghanistan, Summer Symphony Tour, Clay Nation

0 Comments | Read More→

Clay-Jimmy Reunion Time

Fans Prepare for New JKL Show

Excitement is running higher than a kite as the hours tick down for next installment of the Clay Aiken - Jimmy Kimmel Show, slated for late night Thursday or very early Friday morning on ABC.

Final day preparations may include making sure recording equipment is ready to roll and the fridge is filled with desired refreshments. For those of us on the wee-hour viewing times, a nap might be in order.

Then, too, it's fun to review previous get-togethers of these two friends. They genuinely seem to enjoy each other's company, and that naturally fuels the amazing chemistry and excellent comedic timing of their conversations. What's more, both are "masters of snark."

Even though my photo folders were totally lost in this computer's March dive, my Photobucket account still boasts enough JKL screen caps, pictures, and graphics from previous shows to create the opening slide presentation.

Assignment: Research Previous Shows

Watching videos frm previous Clay-Jimmy meetings is highly recommended prior to the new show. Research can be completed at YouTube. As examples, I have selectd one from Clay's Valentine's Day 2007 appearance and two from September 2006 -- the chat and Clay's performance of A Thousand Days at the Pontiac Theater.

Special thanks to Katiaiken, TimeOfMyLifex9x, and YTownChica05, respectively, for uploading the videos. If further study is needed, search YouTube for "Clay Aiken on Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock because you could easily get lost in the YouTube catacombs and miss the new show altogether!

EXTRA CREDIT: Go to the Do You Jimmy? website and check out the videos, especially one that co-stars CA: "Is it dangerous to Jimmy?"


Clay Aiken on JKL, Valentine' Day 2007


Clay Aiken on Kimmel -- September 2006


Clay Singing ATD on JKL -- September 2006

Within hours after the CA-JK reunion of May 2007, there will be a whole new set of screen caps, graphics, and videos.

What better way to begin a Clay Nation Weekend -- Happy Kimmel watching!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, A Thousand Ways, Jimmy Kimmel Live, YouTube, Clay Nation

0 Comments | Read More→