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JNT 06...Recaps and Meet and Greet reports here

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Joy2talk2U	JNT 06...Recaps and Meet and Greet reports here	Lead	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 12:52 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	These are orphan reports that did not make the main M & G and Recap threads.. Last Edited By: Joy2talk2U 09/11/09 12:56 PM. Edited 1 time.
Joy2talk2U	Hartford, CT...	#1	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 12:57 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	jomaCT wrote: Now I understand what is referred to as the Clay Fog! Clay sang TCS to Jim and me and and I'm still floating! It is true what you hear about the intensity of his look when he looks at you - I was so overwhelmed at one point that I covered my eyes, that's what he was referring to when he said "are you embarrassed yet?" ( I think that's what he said - I'm still foggy!). My very, very favorite moment was at the very end - I had mouthed "thank you" to him at the end of the song and he gave a little nod and smiled back - that smile could replace nuclear energy with its power. just GAH! I spoke briefly to JoJoCT before the concert and she thought she probably wouldn't be taking any video in Hartford because she had her camera taken the night before and there was a No Video policy at this venue - I don't know how she did it but when I saw the Clack up this morning and was able to relive the moment I yelped and scared both my cat and dog! For this I am eternally grateful to JoJo (no, not for scaring the cat and dog g!) and to all the Clack Goddesses that allow us to see such amazing performances through their dedication and hard work. I received so many calls from fans last night and today who were genuinely happy for me - this is just an amazing and sharing fandom, I'm just all schmoopie right now with gratitude. CLAY FANS ROCK!!!!!!!
Joy2talk2U	Grand Rapids, MI...	#2	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 12:59 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Aspiegirl wrote: Happiness-Sadness-All Is Well - My Grand Rapids re-cap - My first re-cap In Clays book he refers to how some events in his life, even the tough ones all combined together and led to where he is today. Even the tough times. Sort of like a sequence that occurs and without the precluding event the next needed event would not have occurred. That's how I see my experiences not only within the Clay community but elsewhere. Without my diagnosis of autism I would not of sought out the Internet to learn more of my "symptoms" and what could be done to assist me to learn to interact with this world as a person with a disability. That search led to forums where I met others like myself. They advised me that if I followed a subject of interest I could find my place in this big world I felt so lost in. My subject of interest: Music and Clay Aiken. I ran off to find my little place and simply by typing in "Clay Aikens new CD" I arrived at the Official Fan Club and soon convinced my roomie that we could save a bunch of money on tickets via OFC's presale ticket package. The sequences online led to inclusion. Offline they led to a never ending fight to convince my community how needed inclusion is. I succeeded some online. I did not succeed offline. The inclusion I found online led to happiness. The exclusion offline led to sadness. But then again my eyes are open to a new view .... the joys I have spent with fellow Clay fans have not ALL been online so maybe my offline world is not so sad after all. My first concert: The JBT I remember very little of. I do remember that Clay could sing his heart out and I was bound and determined to see him again. So off to the JNT 05 I went and I survived only 1/2 of that concert. I could not focus and I only remember seeing Clay onstage 1 time. Of what he was singing or saying I remember nothing. My Night In "The Zone" Then it happened .... Grand Rapids .... The Orchestra .... Yep I am going to talk of my first time seeing a live orchestra. I sat in my seat and looked at all the people in the orchestra and could only think one thought ..... Caro ..... My teacher, my friend who stood by my side daily through the ups and the downs. I tried like crazy to see an oboe. They were in the back though. I think I heard one. I heard the higher pitched tone of a flute and following that I heard a tone that was a calmer lower kind of tone and I thought ...."I think that's the oboe" .... the snake charmer. To see an orchestra live is so different than a radio or a television. The intensity in their movements and their serious facial expressions. They appear not only to play their instruments, it is as if they become one with their instrument and the feel of their music flows out of their soul and magically finds its way into your soul. Only after they complete their song do they break their intensity to stand up and bow to the audience and as the musicians hear the applause for their awesome efforts they can not resist but smile in return before they slowly and proudly bow to the clapping crowd. Only problem I had was I knew HE was coming and I was a little bit fidgety. I was so ready I forgot about intermission ......... .... LaLaLaLaLa .... So I waited, and waited, and waited... I also prayed that I would not loose focus when HE walked on stage. The lights went down .... It was sooooo quiet .... I was sooooo ready .... HE .... Clay .... came on stage .... AND I PUNCHED MY ROOMATES LEG AND THOUGHT HOLY JESUS I AM IN THE ZONE I knew right then and there that this was the night and I was going to soak it all in like a sponge and I did. I saw the "black charcoal gray suit" and the "pants of perfection" I saw his sweet smile...I even remember how the shadow's played across his purple shirt with his different movements. I remember the stubble, the brown tie, his foot on the stool .... his really big foot on the stool. I remember how he ran his hands through his hair and the line left on the side of his head where his fingers glided through. I remember his snark, his playfulness with the audience and even his scolding of the lady next to me for making to much noise in his classroom. I tried to be invisible at that moment. I new the answer to the "word" I was thinking it was to focus on the highlight of a note. Or something like the "intensity" of a note. I think I was close but I was to chicken to raise my hand. Teacher Clay may have given me a B for effort because I think my answer was pretty close. Here is the actual word of the day: Marcato - It. - with strong accentuation, strongly accented. BUT MOST OF ALL .... I remember his voice. I held onto every note. I knew this was going to stay with me forever and I let myself drown in the melody of Mr Aikens soul. I cherished MDYK. I was on the edge of my seat when Clay began to sing DSIAFCD. I think that is when a speaker blew and we all jumped and I thought that Clay did a good job of not running offstage because it sounded like a gunshot. That one got a giggle out of everyone. I saw the smoke coming over Clay on the right side of the stage and I thought to myself .... "nice extra effects" I was informed later by everyone that it was not for effect but that a speaker had caught on fire and was smoking. This was before the other speaker blew. Of course the smoke gliding above Clays head as he sang seemed to fit to me .... cause the man is hawt. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to experience the "glory note" sung live. I have seen the clack and heard the MP3s but nothing could describe what I was feeling as I sat knowing that I was going to not just see it, but remember it and it was not going to be clack it was going to be soooo real. He belted that note out and I punched my roomies leg again. It was my way of letting her know I liked it. ALOT. Then came the encore...AIW. He started to sing that song and the goose bumps ran up my arms and I knew that this song was a song that would always have new meaning to me. That song grabbed me and I knew that it was to become one of my favorite Clay Aiken songs. That song soothes the soul and has such a "feel" of hope to it that one can not help to be swept along its calming currents. I loved it before the concert. Now I know I will cherish it forever .... ALL IS WELL Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Without all of you. I would have never experienced this night. It did not just have meaning because of Clay it had meaning because of all of you. Without all of your love and support the sequence of events would have never led to this unforgettable evening. Without the support of all of you, this blog would have never been written. I will never forget what you have all done for me. I will hold you all as close to my soul as I do the man and his music .... Clay Aiken. Note .... I needed no assistance from medication for this concert. That is something I never even dreamed would ever happen. Kathy
Joy2talk2U	Hartford, CT....	#3	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 1:03 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	exClaymations wrote: Well, I've finally gotten a chance to sit down and write my review of Tuesday night's concert in Hartford and I hope you will all find it well worth the wait. As Mr. Aiken has stated in the past, "Perfection takes time, darlin'!" -- so without further chit chat, let's get down to the nitty gritty and discuss Clay's date with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra on December 12th. First of all, this was the first time the Orchestra was performing in the newly built Connecticut Convention Center (how many times DID he say that during the show?) and the place is just perfect for both sound and sight. Well, maybe I can't speak for those in the back rows because I was at a table seat a mere 5 rows from the stage but with the staging and decor, it hardly looked like a sterile convention center room. We could order food at our table and my concert buddy and I did just that instead of stopping for a bite during out 2 hour ride in from Rhode Island. It was edible but what do you expect in a convention center? I resisted having a glass of spirits because, well, I had to keep my wits about me -- however the place was so dry I had about 4 glasses of water that evening. I must say the Symphony was quite good for a local group and they handled their material with spark and energy. I loved the laid back conductor with the dry sense of humor so the whole first half experience was not a chore to sit through at all. I got the sense that others around me felt the same because, and I believe they all knew this, the crowd was more interested in the guest performer. That's sad but that's what happens in these cases. Seriously, I would go back and listen to that orchestra again without Clay -- they were THAT good. Anyway, after an intermission that seemed to go on forever, OMC finally arrived on the scene and, as usual, the ever present and by now truly annoying "I love you, Clay" started to ring from the rafters. Permit me to get on my soapbox for just a second -- I don't mind that shouting in an outside environment or in a large civic center-ish place but at a symphonic concert or in a classy concert hall I find it very out of character and not dignified. I did love how Clay handled it toward the end and had everyone say it all at once to get it over with. Ladies, please just be mindful of the place and some others around you who may not appreciate your overtures. That is all. Now, to say that the man's voice was spot on that evening is an understatement. OK, he did start out a little tentative and, I thought, a little nasal but he quickly settled in and treated us all to some wonderful vocal lines full of emotion with the right amount of tenderness that so befits Christmas songs. I have listened and watched some of his other performances of this Not-a-tour, especially the very first night, and after hearing him in person I can confidently say that what we all might be tuning into as listeners and fans is this -- At 28 years old, his voice is going through its second maturation. Before you start asking, I am an experience vocal performer and coach so I know from where I speak. That accounts for most of the huskiness some have commented about and the occasional cracking in the high register. I would know how to fix that but I'm not commenting because I haven't been asked nor do I expect to be. All I will say is that when Clay just drops his guard and sings, his voice is as glorious now as it has been in the past and sometimes a little better. In one clip of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">All is Well</span> I heard for a brief moment the sounds of a classical tenor. Folks need to lighten up when singers have one bad night or one bad note in an otherwise great set. As I've said before, if they can do better then let them get up there and try. Most folks back down from a challenge like that and rightly so. The ones that don't end up on the first few episodes of <span style="font-style: italic;">American Idol </span>every season...yikes! My favorite songs of the evening would have to be the last few -- <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mary, Did You Know, O Come, O Come Emmanuel </span>(which, btw, is an ADVENT song but since he's not Catholic I'll let him slide on this),<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> My Grown Up Christmas List, Don't Save it All for Christmas Day </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">All is Well. </span>Speaking of MDYK, it was the first time in a LONG time I heard him get most of the lyrics right! Having sung this one myself, I have to say it is a bit hard to remember which phrases go where but I do have fun pointing out that the "random lyric generator" seems to work overtime on this one. These last five songs showcased Clay at his performing best and I was really blown away when he finished DSIAFCD without amplification. That took guts, my friend, and you pulled in off beautifully. After that, I knew that the ending of AIW would be the icing on the cake and I wasn't disappointed. I do believe that the difference in Hartford was the great symphony orchestra playing with Clay. Both the group and the solo performer were very much in sync and to any musician that is the key to doing one's best work. Clay said as much when he handed them a very heartfelt compliment. That won't happen at every stop but when it does, everyone is in for one very special night and I was certainly glad to be part of that particular one. Oh, yeah -- one other thing happened that night. If anyone has seen jojoct's banter clack (and who hasn't from what I'm hearing) you do see someone armed with a pocket dictionary and a confident attitude ready to do "battle" with the word-of-the-day. That would be moi! Being a musician and a bit of a ham, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to "play with Clay" -- besides which, a good friend of mine on the West Coast dared me to it so I just HAD to. Good thing I had fast fingers and an idea that it has something to do with a harp (remember, I've been out of music school for over 25 years). That had to have been the most fun I've had in the last four months of my very chaotic life and I enjoyed the chance to grab me some "15 minutes of fame." I wish some of my witty retort had been captured on film because some of my banter was priceless as well. I actually did think of that funny definition of KARAOKE on the spot but I chose not to say it. Sometimes it pays to be wise, however if you have no idea what I'm talking about just check out the previous blog and you'll see what I mean. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Just name the time and place, Clay and we'll square off. ;-) Anyway, I'll post the YOU TUBE version of the clack only on my blogger site but I'll try and post some screen caps in both places. Gotta get some mileage out of this while I can! Oh, Clay -- be sure to check out the inside back over of the dictionary for a special message from me, that is, unless it has already self-destructed... Well, that's all my news for now. Thanks for a great night of song and laughter, Mr. Aiken -- we must do it again sometime! Carry on, happily! J
Joy2talk2U	Hartford, CT...	#4	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 1:07 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	jax5230 wrote: So, before I go on to one of the funniest nights EVER, let me just say that Clay was absolutely amazing. " src="http://premium1.uploadit.org/FedoraLove/Animations/cloud9.gif"> I'm still on cloud 9, i'm sure I will be for a long time. I'm posting this because half the time you couldn't hear anything I said when he asked me. So, here you are. Nothing too eventful happened before the show, we saw Jerome and said hello...we had little gifts for Clay, so it was good we found him to give them to Jerome. The venue was suuuuper nice, probably the nicest i've been in...even if it technically wasn't a venue. Our seats were in the third row on the side, and seeing Clay that close was awesome. My two friends and I, always wanting to be creative, had a little fun with the binoculars. We put this ribbon stuff all over them, and then my friend Kristen and I even had battery operated Christmas lights to wrap around the binoculars. We had them on from the very beginning and a few times he glanced over. Never did I think what happened would happen...EVER! He sang a couple of songs first, then walked over to our side of the stage. Right here, things start to get a little blurry. I think my brain was on overload. He came over and started looking at our binoculars. Then, it went something like this: "I don't....get...that" (Our binoculars) "You're in the third row, and you have binoculars. And there are people FAR AWAY.." "How much was your ticket?" "Pretty much 100 dollars" "100 dollars? That is a rip off. I wouldn't pay that to go see myself!!" Then he asked us why we had binoculars and I have NO IDEA what I said. He asked us to see them and I was in the aisle seat. There were three of us, and I didn't know it, but all three of us jumped up. I got to the stage first, and he said to my two friends, "Why are there three of you up here!?! Go sit down!" By then I was freaking out. My friends could have backed me up or something, but now it was just Clay, me, and my absolutely rediculous looking binoculars. He took them right out of my hand and started playing with them, saying I could see birds in Delaware and stuff. No one could hear what I said...but now i'll tell you. He asked what I was looking at, and I was DYING because of the glasses..so I told him I was looking at his glasses and his hair. He looked SO GOOD. Then he asked me why i'm shaking....I froze. I had no idea what to say at all, so I just said, "BECAUSE YOU'RE CLAY AIKEN!!!" so he mocked me and just said, "OH MAH GAWD!" Then the lights fell off the binoculars. He said, "I usually don't let anyone do this, but you can go and get them" there was a little rope thing between us. I had a kind of short denim skirt on, and he wanted me to CRAWL UNDER THE STAGE and get it, so I said, "IM WEARING A SKIRT!!" but he made me do it anyways. That was embarassing " src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/embarassed.gif"> " src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/embarassed.gif"> Then he ran away because there was a fan under the rope and, "SHE WAS CRAZY!!!" The rest of the show was absolutely amazing. He sounded so good, probably one of the best times i've ever seen him. He completely NAILED All Is Well. I cried. " src="http://premium1.uploadit.org/FedoraLove/Animations/sniff.gif"> It really was an absolutely incredible show and thanks soo much to Clay for taking the binoculars because it made my whole night. If anyone has any pictures of it or anything, i'd love to see!
Joy2talk2U	Englewood, NJ....	#5	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/11/09 1:21 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	me7160 wrote: Hi my name is Marie and I am new here...new posting that is. I have been lurking for quite awhile. This is one of the best boards to come to. There are no bashers and only people that truely LOVE Clay. I was at the Englewood concert and I am Marie from the Marie and Larry that Clay was talking to and sang TCS to. I still am on cloud nine and cannot get over the way he looked into my eyes when he sang that song. His eyes show so much love and emotion. I was so happy when he took the mac and cheese that I brought for him. It was one of the most exicting nights of my life. I also have to add that my husband confessed to me yesterday that the only Christmas CD that he really enjoys is Clays. I know security was tight that night but I am trying to find someone that might have a video of the banter and him singing TCS. I was so hoping to be able to see that although I see it in my head over and over. Also thank you all for all the wonderful posts that you provide for everyone and the cellcerts are like going to his concerts every night. I still have to figure out how to use all the little emotions. Thanks Marie
Joy2talk2U	Williamsport, PA.....	#6	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/12/09 12:19 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	SUNSHINEWAGON wrote: I just saw this review on the Ideal Idol Site and had not seen it before.....I love that they call Clay a Comedian who can Sing! " src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p232/elscb/emoticons/clap.gif"> " src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p232/elscb/emoticons/clap.gif"> " src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p232/elscb/emoticons/clap.gif"> clayaikentheidealidol.com...Aiken.html Shecky" Aiken sings Christmas Classics Sellout crowd gives standup comedian (who sings a little) a warm welcome. Williamsport Community Arts Center, Williamsport, PA. WILLIAMSPORT, PA Dec. 9. Clay "Shecky" Aiken had them rolling in the aisles Saturday night at what was advertised as a concert of singing and symphony music, but was in actuality a comic virtuouso performance. No audience member was safe from the good-natured barbs of Mr. Aiken, including a young girl who didn't know what "col legno" means (we don't, either), and another woman who apparently had heckled him at a previous performance. Interspersed with the witty banter, the bespectacled Aiken reminded all in the enthusiastic crowd that the boy can sing a little. Wearing a charcoal gray suit with brown tie and shoes (some thought a bit of a fashion faux pas, while others thought it was lovely), the singer/comedian entertained the crowd with heartfelt renditions of such songs as "Merry Christmas, With Love" and "The First Noel." But it was "Shecky's" comic stylings, his interaction with his rapt audience, that made the night truly memorable. Included were his "rules for attending a Clay Aiken concert," the first being, if someone around is being critical or talking too much, just put your hand over their mouth. Apparently some guest had done that to some talk show hostess not long ago. Mr. Aiken also took the time to educate his mostly symphony-orchestra-ignorant crowd about terms of the trade, this night's being "col legno." When asked if anyone knew what it meant, one audience member offered "playing with wood." After ten minutes of raucous laughter, it was determined that the audience member was right, so long as you don't have a really really dirty mind. He also took the time to promote the hard work of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, who were accompanying them this night. He pointed that unless you were Britney Spears or Paris Hilton any performer probably got their start at the community level. He then quietly added "or Kelly Ripa," which brought the house down. Apparently, Mr. Aiken is not much of a fan of these three women. But that's just a guess. Musical highlights for this reviewer included the melancholy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "My Grownup Christmas List," which were both sung in a quiet, heartfelt manner, enough to make one want to weep. (But we didn't.) All in all, it was a wonderful experience, for both Mr. Aiken's longtime fans who apparently follow him around in red sportscars with custom Clay Aiken paint jobs (no joke), and for the many many many people who identified themselves as seeing the young singer/comedian for the very first time. Merry Christmas! ~dee ayy
Joy2talk2U	Merrillville, IN....	#7	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/16/09 12:37 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	clayfann1 wrote: Oh my heavens. Clay spoke my name. I was in the 4th row with my binoculars enjoying my view when Clay spotted me. I could not believe he called me out. Then the lady from behind me who I now know is Tina started touching me and putting her hands on either side of my face & sort of moving my head back & forth. I do vaguely remember her getting really close to me and putting her face between Clayfan58 and myself however I never even turned around. I can honestly say I have no clue as to what she looks like. When Clay started calling me Tina I was so in shock he was still looking at me I could not respond to correct him. I do recall Tina asking me my name & telling Clay. After all of that and for Clay to mention my name again when he was talking about the hanging of the greens is something I will never ever forget. Just to have your name roll off of those georgeous lips is a little slice of heaven. I live in Anderson, Indiana and with Tina in Chicago as Clay said I should be safe from any future maulings. LOL
Joy2talk2U	Englewood NJ.....	#8	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/22/09 12:11 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	kmammam wrote: Here is what I posted last night. I am dead. I did not get home til 3 am missed exits left and right took wrong turns becuase I could not think clearly after being with Clay. It was amazing. A normally 1 hr drive took an hour and a half. I could not get to sleep until 4 am and only got 2 hrs. I had to go to work and was incoherent, hypomanic from meeting Clay and from lack of sleep. I got only 3 patient care notes done and that was it. LOL I was reading things and could not concentrate. LOL Hi guys. Marge here. I have had quite a night. Suffice it to say CLay was his sweet,cute ,funny, beautiful and amazing self. There were a lot of newbies at the concert; I'd say about 75-80 percent of the audience were newbies and there were many Clayversions and he is going to sell a lot of CD's. Clay came out after the show and there was a line of maybe 75-100 people and he shook hands with us all. Then a few of us really clayzy fans decided to stay even after and bug Clay and Jerome and aslo some of us were just having fun. (More of which I will explain later tomorrow after I get some sleep and darn got to go to work very busy). I have a tradition after shows if I am going to stay over at the buses I don't try to shake hands, been there done that oncethat was enough for me. But I like to be there for support. To let him know he is loved. And to wave good bye to him, and sometimes cheer for him. Well it was cold and I was very tired and I was thinking come on Clay get that bus moving so I can wave you off. But I decided to stay because we were having a lot of fun which I will explain later. At any rate Clay decided he would amuse hisself with us too. So he decided to play a trivia game with us and the prize was to be able to get on the bus and talk with Clay. Several questions were asked and man he asked hard ones. But on the final question he asked (actually he sent Jerome out to ask all the questions) He asked what is the 4 th most populous sountry in the worl. LOL he was gracious this time and gave us the first 3 countries....Well guess what guys I cannot believe my luck. I answered correctly and I got to go on the bus with Clay. After that experience and sharing it with the peeps outside I had to drive home. Now let me tell you after an experience like that it was not easy to make it home. Not thinking too clearly. DOn't kill me but i got to get up in 4 hours to go to work so I am going to have to save details for later when I can actually think. He is as sweetie. OK I will write tomorrow. I will probably be pinching myself for a few days. Marge kmammam wrote: Hi Marge here with......the rest of the story. OK. I originally was not going to buy tickets to go to this show. No lie. But my sweet friend, 18 y/o Ashley begged me to go to the concert because she wanted to shake hands with Clay and for some reason she felt I would be good luck for her. She said I was more concert saavy than she and might know where Clay's bus would be since I had been to so many concerts. LOL I am sorry that in the business of my life I did not email her to firm up plans. I did not see her at the concert or where the buses were. Now, I had to work all that day, so busy. Had no time to change, put on make-up, eat dinner, get directions. Only had time to go home and find all my directions. I then left a half hour later than I had wanted, got to the venue in time for the show to start. I realized I had not had dinner and needed something to tide me over. The only thing they had at the venue was chips or candy bars. I chose a chocolate bar with almonds because I needed protein and carbs having hypoglycemia. I did not think that one out well enough. My friend Nikki and I settled down for the wonderful concert experience. Clay was amazing and blew everyone away. There was a majprity of non-fans at the concert that night! Wow!! The ones seated by me were raving not only about his fantastic talent but said how funny he was. They also said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were going out to buy his CD's.The lady next to me kept saying that and the man she was with was laughing and complimenting Clay as well. There were many other Clayversions that night. I know if they see his name in lights again they will definitely come to see him. They said they would. Lol I told them just enough about Clay to imprss but not annoy and what CD's they could buy. Now half way through the concert, I had a thought. I wanted to stand at the bus to shake Clay's hand if I could. I remembered that Candy bar dinner I had and his allergies and said to self "holy cow you better make sure you wash your hands at the end of the concert" This will be important to know for later. So after the concert I met and talked with my pals. God knows I love to talk....and I forgot to wash my hands. By the way it was good to see all of my NE fan friends there to name a few: Sue,Anne Marie, Myrna, Gail, Becky, Joanne, Laurie, Barbara, Lynne, Kym, Karen, Dianne and all the south Jersey CLay fans. If I forgot anyone please forgive me. So, then out to the bus we all go. I did not want to miss Clay at least to see him, wave and wish him well, so going back in to wash hands was not an option. He came out to shake hands with everyone shortly. And what is so sweet of Clay is that he headed to the end of the line first to shake hands instead of going to the head of the line. After this some of us stayed longer at the buses. OK you all probably have read about what led up to the trivia contest and it's conclusion. ...I tell you I felt like I won the megabucks lottery LOL!!! As a refresher the question I won was what is the 4th most populous country in the world= Indonesia. Now I have to say I had perhaps an unfair advantage with this question...my husband's family are from Indonesia!!! I knew the answer to it but it did not hit me right away. First I thought of Australia. LOL CLose but no Cigar then it hit me, my hubby and I had talked about this!!!!! Besides the fact that Rick is Indonesian, he loves geography, history and statistics and points these things out to me. That's right! I owe my visit with CLay to my dear sweet hubby! OK the next thing I knew Jerome was pointing at me and said who said that. I shouted "It was me!!!!" Funny I then I think I asked in disbelief "Me???" Jerome said to me what did you say and I again shouted out Indonesia. He said come with me. Well you can imagine that I was excited. I was in a bit of shock and disbelief. It was like a dream. I walked into the bus and there stood Clay waiting for me. So tall and sweet. He was kind of quiet and serious looking. Like he was at the ready for something. Lord I hope he was ready for what he encountered next. Now I am sorry to say in my excitement my brain went into a different mode. I wanted to be relaxed, sane, calm, collected. I did not want to worry or scare Clay. I did not want to make him nervous. I did not want to weird him out. I had thought of this day. You know we all have. I have thought, what would I want to say to him if I ever got to meet him? I had it all planned out. Well you know what they say about the best laid plans... lets just say all those things came out but not the way I planned. What I wanted was to connect with Clay the person, not the popstar. I wanted to show him care and respect. I wanted him to be at ease as possible with me. Now I know Clay has got to be on guard, he doesn't know me, doesn't know that what he tells me that I won't take it and tell it everywhere or worse yet distort it and tell that everywhere so he has to be on guard. Anyway I at least said Hi Clay. At least. The next thing that came out of my mouth was "Clay I can't touch you". He gave me a puzzled look I think, it could have been fear too, or confusion. Then, I quickly told him about the chocolate candy with nuts I had eaten earlier. I could not think of what to do, my brain was not logical at this point. Also my thoughts and attention were directed to Clay I did not see the sink that was next to me...Dear Clay thanked me for telling him that, and asked me if I would like to wash my hands. I think I said yes. Then he went over to the sink, turned the water on, showed me the soap and pulled the paper towel out a little bit. He has such a servant heart. So gentle, so patient, so polite. As I was washing my hands I decided to start talking. I knew my time would be limited. I shared with him of my husband's famly being from Indonesia, that his father was a worker on the Bridge over the River Kwai, and after WWII his family emigrated to Holland and then to the US where I met Rick and the rest is history. That we would be married 29 yrs next weekend and that I was taking him to the Williamsport concert. I think that all interested him because he really listened and I think I heard a suprised "Oh" from him. After that I kept thinking of things I wanted to tell him and kept saying there is something else I wanted to tell you. And he let me tell him. At some point I apologized for talking too much. I know he commented lol but for the life of me I can't think what. He did snark on me once. I think it was then when I might have apologized for talking too much. Not sure. Clay did get a word or two in edge-wise and asked me some questions like how many concerts I had been to, was this the first one of this series, and what other ones I was going to. Now his staff was sitting aside to us and do I thank them for being respectful and quiet as I had my time with Clay. I will say that Clay was very patient, attentive, and kind to me. He really listened. I shared about me some. I also tried to convey that I cared about him the person, that I held him in my prayers and thoughts with all concern. That I cared about how he was doing. I hope I did a good enough job of that. I hope he got and believes that. At some point it was time for the experience to end. Clay is intuitive about that but he is gentle and guided me kindly. He asked me what I wanted him to sign and to whom. ( I feel so bad I did not properly introduce myself at the first, did not mean to be rude). He gave me a hug then asked if I had a camera to take a picture. I froze a moment to think. YES! I had a camera phone ( lucky me a month or so earlier I had lost my other track phone and had to get new one; I decided to get a camera phone) I was kind of flustered and could not remember how to work the thing. Well Clay just offered to help, worked that camera phone as quick as can be, pulled me in cheek to cheek and took the picture of us for me. Then I aplogized and asked if he'd sign one more thing, my Clay Aiken tote bag. And that sweetheart did it without hesitation. I of course thanked him so much for the experience and said goodbye. Walked off that bus a real happy camper. Shared some of my experience with my fan friends. And then drove home the best I could. It wasn't easy. PS I forgot to add at some point in time Durham decided to be friendly and climb up my leg to get a pet. He is so cute that I completely ignored CLay for a moment or two and paid full attention to him scratching his head. What a sweet little dog. I think he smelled my Penny dog. Marge nky4clay wrote: Posted by scrpkym at TCH QUOTE Well, right around 12:10, Clay and Jerome walk out to the front of the bus. We hopped out of the car and crossed the street. There were about 20 people there. Clay is standing by the drivers seat, and Jerome comes out of the bus. Jerome says "Listen up! Clay wants to play!" And he goes on to say that Clay wanted to play a game, and whoever could answer correctly, would be allowed to go on the bus. OH........MAH............GAWD!!!!! Here's the test -- the first person to sing the first verse of ......... CRAP! I forget the name of the song! Darnit! Anyway....no one knew it. Jerome and Clay left for a minute. Then they came back -- new test.... First person to name the president of the US that had the most children..... NOPE! No one knew that one either. We're all screaming out president's names -- random guesses. Clay said " nope -- wrong -- It's Tyler" Next question......Name the capital of the COUNTRY of Georgia. Huh? Who the frick knew that Georgia was a country somewhere? (actually, I'd heard of it, but what the......???) Nope -- no one got that one either. Final question -- name the fourth largestest populated country. The top three are....China, India, US. What's number 4? People are screaming out countries names. Clay is standing there pointing his finger, searching....he heard it. But who said it? He's searching......FOUND HER! No -- not me. But, it was someone I knew. (oh -- and the answer was Indonesia) OMG! I was so happy for her! And playing with Clay was just sooooo FUN!! He was so animated standing up there in the bus watching us and playing teacher Clay. VERY VERY CUTE!!!!!! It was TOTALLY worth waiting around for THAT!!! She got to go on the bus for about 5 minutes. She got her pic taken with Clay and got his autograph too. She was on cloud nine when she got off that bus!!! Last Edited By: Joy2talk2U 09/22/09 12:27 PM. Edited 2 times.
Joy2talk2U	Norfolk, VA...	#9	[-]
Posts: 8420 (09/22/09 12:31 PM) Moderator Reply Quote More Recent Posts Message Friend Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Claynana wrote: WHAT A CONCERT......WHAT A MAN!! "18" MUST BE MY LUCKY NUMBER!! This was my 18th concert and I had purchased 18 tickets for family and friends to see Clay in my home town of Norfolk. That's what got Clay's attention at the concert and got me a one on one conversation and hug from the man himself. I know many of you have read about my encounter with Clay at the concert on the cellcert. He was asking how far people had traveled to see him. I was on the front row and shouted, "My son came from Orlando, Florida!" He then asked my son if he really came all that way to see him in concert to which my son replied, "No, my mom bought my ticket and brought me here!" He then turned to me and asked how many family members I brought. I introduced my 8 family members and my best friend. My husband was sitting on the 2nd row behind me and a few seats down. Clay said, "Oh, I see, your husband is sitting back there and here you are up front." I then introduced my oldest son, Joey, whose birthday is also November 30th, Clay said, "Happy Birthday!" When I introduced my daughter-in-law, Rebecca, I told him she was carrying our fourth grandchild, to which he replied, "Fourth grandchild! Everybody say hello to Rebecca!" My friend, Kim, was sitting beside me. I introduced her to Clay and told him she had just moved to Raleigh. He said, "You're not a stalker, are you?" She almost died. He then said, "You bought 8 tickets to the concert?" I said, "No, I bought 18!" The entire second row and three seats on the first row." I was fortunate enough to have gotten in on a pre-sale for local people back in September, thanks to Melissa (clayzthe1 on our board, who told me about the sale) and there was no limit on the number of tickets you could order. The rest of the tickets were for our local Clay Club members. He asked me if I had the number for the person I ordered the tickets from and believe it or not, I had the business card from the gentleman I had picked the tickets up from in Norfolk in my purse. I got up out of my seat and walked right up to Clay and gave it to him!! He said, "You are mighty brave walking up here!!" I didn't even think, before I knew it I was standing in front of OMC!! He was sitting on the edge of the stage and I can remember putting my left hand on his leg and asking him if I could hug him. He reached over and gave me the most tender hug ::!! Then he said, "I'm going to sing to you!!" "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas," one of my favorites, made me wish time could stand still. At the moment I felt surrounded by love with my family, friends and "Clay" looking straight into my eyes with that enchanted voice of his filling my heart and soul. There was a lot more said between us but these were the highlights. As if that wasn't enough, a few songs later he came down off the stage walked thru the audience and ended up dancing with Faye who was sitting two seats from me. They were dancing right in front of me. How tender he was in the way he wrapped his arm around her pulling her close to him and whispering in her ear. You could just feel the love and respect he has for her. When we got home from the concert my family and I sat up until 1:30 a.m. talking about the concert. My grown children and even my grandkids have at times give me a hassle about my Clay addiction; however, after the concert they all said he was awesome, funny, unbeliveable and one terrific entertainer. My granddaughters added, "He's hawt, Nana!!" Things I've been trying to tell them for three years now. Just proves "Mommy knows best!!" In our local paper this morning (The Virginian-Pilot) there is a concert review with the heading "Give Clay his due: The fellow delivers." It is a great review and the last paragraph says: "YES, CLAY AIKEN CAN SING, BUT THAT IS ONLY PARTLY WHY HE IS A PHENOMENON. HE GIVES HIS AUDIENCE - UNINTERESTED IN HIS PERSONAL LIFE, YEARNING FOR SAFE AMERICANA - WARM, CHERRY-PIE CAROLS APPROPRIATE FOR HANGING STOCKINGS AND TRIMMING THE TREE. CLAY IS A VESTIGE OF WHOLESOMENESS IN A POLLUTED WORLD. CERTAINLY, THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT." I think this reporter gets it!! And the people said..................."AMEN!!"

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