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ClayManiacs.com  |  Archive  |  The Timeless Tour 2010  |  TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
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Author Topic: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS  (Read 38312 times)

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #15 on: July 26, 2010, 08:03:29 PM »
CHARITY MEET AND GREET WITH NCWANNABEE AND MERCEDES AT CV

This is a joint recap from mercedes and me of our “Amazing Asheville Adventure.” We put our heads together (two heads are better than one?) and tried to remember everything. Surprisingly enough, we actually remembered most of the same things! And so, without further delay, we give you this:

Mercedes had gotten an email from SAM (Strategic Artist Management) on Wednesday thanking us for bidding on the auction and informing us they would send an email on Thursday with details of how we would get our M&G materials and whatnot. We were both traveling to Asheville separately on Thursday, so we figured by the time we got together, which would be late afternoon, she would have the email and we would know what was happening.
Wrong. No email. We went about our business, having dinner and whatnot, and finally decided we would try emailing the representative from SAM to see what was going on. Fortunately, she responded back quickly and we received our instructions. The plan was to meet at the box office at 6:00 on Friday before the show. The email also said our tickets would be at will call under the winners’ names. Aaah – we’re golden!! Ready to go! Or so we thought.

It occurred to me Friday morning that I had no recollection of there being a box office at the venue, having been there when Clay toured in 2007. So, I thought I’d better ask the Inn staff where the box office was located. No one was at the concierge desk as I walked by, so I proceeded to the front desk to make my inquiry. When I asked where the box office was, the young lady behind the desk looked perplexed. She mentioned that they didn’t really have a “box office,” but that perhaps they meant the will call area. By this time, the concierge had returned to his desk and she referred us to him to see if he had further information. When I told him of our situation, and that our tickets would be at will call under our names, he offered to call and see if the tickets were indeed there, and if that was the meeting area for the meet and greet winners. Unfortunately, not only were our tickets not there, but they had no idea if they were the official gathering area. The concierge took our names and phone numbers and said he would try to get the information for us.

Eventually, he got back to us and said that yes, we were to meet at the will call area (which is not anywhere near the venue) and that they would have everything there for us, plus a shuttle to take us to the venue. This all seemed fine, except when I inquired as to when a shuttle could take us to will call, he informed us that will call wasn’t a shuttle stop. By this time we were getting a bit frustrated, but Jonathon (our now-on-a-first-name-basis concierge) quickly arranged for a special shuttle for us to take us to will call. Whew. Okay – we’re golden!! Ready to go! Or so we thought.

Three o’clock rolls around and it’s time to primp and preen for our date with Clay and Ru. The special shuttle is coming for us at 5:00, but we have to be down at the shuttle stop by 4:50 or so. After the daunting task of putting myself together, I was ready to go. But wait! Change in plans! Jonathon called again and now tells us we’re to meet at the Biltmore Mansion at 6:00. Someone will be there to meet us right next to the shuttle stop in front. That’s fine, we think, and we can take a regular shuttle there – we’re golden!! Or so we thought.

Mercedes and I (looking absolutely ravishing I might add, or, well, until we stepped out into the intense heat and immediately wilted and my painstakingly straightened hair curled and expanded to three times its normal size – but I digress) arrived at the shuttle stop in front of the mansion with plenty of time before our scheduled meeting time of 6:00. As we stepped off our shuttle, we heard music. We looked at each other with widening eyes and made a beeline toward the stage area. Sure enough, sound check was in process! Lucky us! There was a small bunch of other folks there as well, listening and gazing through binoculars at the stage (as we couldn’t get up close and were way back on the terrace of the house). Clay was walking back and forth in a light blue shirt and rolled up jeans – and he was barefoot!! Ru was sitting down on a stool. Quiana and Casey came out and soon the band was jamming and we were having a blast watching them. Eventually Clay and Ruben started singing portions of songs, and Clay was moving back and forth across the stage constantly, checking the sound from various areas onstage. At one point he walked forward and there was very loud feedback. Clay exclaims “You’re supposed to check that shit!” which promptly elicited a guffaw-type response from the bunch of folks watching. Clay looked out at the group and gave us an “Oh hush” in a teasing sort of way. As we were watching the festivities, mercedes ‘ email pinged once again with an “urgent” message from SAM. We were now to meet at the Lion’s gate entrance to the mansion. WTH?

Soooo, we find the two carved stone lions guarding the steps at the mansion’s entrance and there we stay. Soon we’re joined by cotton and a few other folks who have OFC M&Gs. Yay!!! Looks like we are, indeed, golden at last!!! As we’re waiting for everyone to gather and for someone to come get us, we see a shuttle bring Clay’s mom, grandmother, Diane Bubel, Debbie Cain and Fran Wilson (the last two also work with the "National Inclusion Project") to the venue. A Biltmore staff employee approaches us and tells us there is a slight delay, as there was a storm earlier and it pushed back sound check, which pushed back the performers’ dinner, which pushed back the M&Gs. However, they will be with us shortly. We ask about the tickets, since we still don’t have them and when we had called, they weren’t at will call. She knows nothing about them, but tells us to come with her and she’ll find a way to print them off for us. Great! (as it turns out, our own seats were better than the M&G seats, so we stuck with our first row seats!!!)

Okay, if you made it this far, I’m finally getting to the good stuff. Sorry. I get a little wordy, don’t I?

Finally, Jerome approaches us with his handy, dandy clipboard. He starts reading off names. He says a few names then says “Sherri … and I’m going to butcher the last name.” I piped up and said I was here and he asked me to pronounce my last name. I told him, and he sort of shook his head and said it would be “Diablo.” He then asked mercedes to pronounce her last name. He laughed, and said she would have a nickname too – “Ghetto.” Hee! Anyway, he asks the four auction winners to follow him and off we go to begin our backstage tour. We have a bit of a walk from the Lion’s entrance, to the stage area and one of the winners walked with a cane, so we had a bit of time to chat with Jerome as we sedately made our way to the backstage area. Along the way we asked if he was having fun yet? He said he would in a few days, but the first few shows are the most difficult as they can be a bit unorganized and not quite ready to go. Then he very quickly added that he didn’t mean the performers. He said Clay, Ru and the girls were great and the show was completely solid and ready for primetime – just that things regarding his responsibilities hadn’t all fallen into place yet.

We finally arrived at the backstage area, where Jerome basically apologized that there wasn’t really much of one. This being an outdoor venue, there were no dressing rooms or anything like that to tour. There was an awning set up over the catering area, and lots of the band members and Ruben were eating dinner. Jerome pointed that out, and then led us to the stage. We climbed on up the back stairs and he showed us all the equipment on stage and pointed out the speakers where the musicians hear their music. He told us they don’t hear what we hear, and that everything they hear comes out of the consoles on stage. They wear their earpieces so they can hear each other. As we walked by a particular music stand, I noticed the music for Suspicious Minds and nudged mercedes to take a look! Big grins from both of us! Then, my eyes widened as beside it was the set list for the 60s! I tried to quickly memorize a few things, but my mind was mush as I was soon to meet the Aiken. Jerome took a pic of us and the other two winners up on stage, and asked if we had any questions. Oh, he also told us that any “horns” we hear in the music are from the keyboard. Then he started to escort us back off the stage and over to the area where we would wait for Clay and Ruben. As we walked off, we passed right by the stools and the tambourines were sitting on top of them. I couldn’t help myself as I lifted one up and gave it a little shake! Bad nc!

Soooo, now Jerome points to an area and tells us to stay put while he gets Clay. It was the area next to the dining tent and the band members and Ru were still eating. Oh, before he left, Jerome got us all icy cold bottles of water for while we were waiting. Ruben was so very nice during this time. As we waited there, he looked at us and said hello. Someone asked if they had vegan food for him. He said they did, but that he wanted “some of this” . . . and proceeded to lift up the foil on a huge tray of watermelon. He took a couple of pieces and then offered some to us. How sweet!!!

We were still waiting for Jerome to come back with Clay and it was soooo hot. We looked around at the area Jerome had told us to stay in, and there was a tiny sliver of shade back in a bit of a corner. So mercedes and I kind of crowded back there, while the lady with the cane sat on a bench that was there and the other woman stood beside the bench. There was a trash can behind the bench (I think) and I was sort of beside it behind the bench. Mercedes was to my right.

At last, Jerome returns with Clay. I see them walking toward us and my first thought is “The man has on layered long sleeves and jeans. How can he stand it in the heat??? My barely second and much more important thought was “Oh dear Lord, he’s so adorable.” He had on his laceless sneakers, and his sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He walked up to us and Ruben came and joined us as well. As Clay was walking over, he said something like “Why are y’all back in the corner here?” We explained it was the area Jerome pointed out, and that we were looking for a sliver of shade! At this point, Clay either asked our names, or his assistant, Cheryl, said our names, and Clay shook our hands. As she said my name, he said “Oh, we know Sherri” in this matter of fact sort of way (ARGH!!! My name must be on the “stalker girl” list!) He had to lean over the bench a bit to shake my and mercedes’ hands. I’m sure we must have all said hello to Ruben as well, but I’ll be darned if I remember doing so. Clay then asked where each of us was from. One gal was from Raleigh and Clay asked what part. The second gal said she was from California. Ruben asked which town (I think), and he and Clay were trying to figure out where in California it was. Mercedes told him she was from New York, and then he came to me and he looked at me and said “And you’re from New York.” I looked back and shook my head no. He said “New Jersey?” I said no. He looked puzzled and said “where?” I said “Pennsylvania.” He said, “Oh, that’s close to New Jersey – like Philadelphia area, just over the bridge.” I said “No, I’m in central PA - Harrisburg.” He made a cute face and said “Oh, I was way off, I thought you were from New York.” I said “Well, you’ve seen me in New York more than a few times.”

He then asked us if we were attending any other concerts. The woman from Raleigh mentioned that she couldn’t, as she was going to be driving her mother across New England for much of the remaining tour time. This prompted some mention of Vermont, and since we had seen Felix over in the dining area eating dinner (and he was still there and we were fairly near them), a few of us mentioned that we were at the Vermont concert and were laughing about the “great city of Vermont.” Clay called over to Felix and said we were “calling him out on the city of Vermont.” Felix looked over and grinned and we all laughed. Mercedes told him what other shows she was attending, as did I. Hee! He didn’t appear at al shocked that we were attending multiple shows! (imagine that?) Mercedes asked them if they were nervous. They said not, and Clay said something about he just hoped Ruben didn’t mess up. Somehow in the “messing up” conversation, the Aiken Random Lyric Generator was mentioned. Not sure how, but I do recall Clay saying he hadn’t heard that one before.

Both guys then thanked us for supporting their foundations. One of the others asked Ruben if his foundation ever had children with disabilities involved? It prompted a discussion between Clay and Ruben about how they certainly knew about each other’s foundations (Ruben’s is about funding for music programs in schools and whatnot) but had not thought about doing something combining the two. They said something to the effect that if that came to fruition, they’d have her to thank. She said they could name it after her!!

Clay, ever the man in charge, then said it was time for some pictures. We debated the best place to take them, and moved over to another area away from our corner. They asked if we wanted the pics with both of us together, or individually. The other winners said they weren’t really together so they each wanted a separate picture. They went first. While they were having their pictures taken, we were standing with Jerome. We asked if we could have an individual pic with the guys, and then one with both of us together with them too? Jerome said sure, and told us what to do. He told mercedes to be ready to go on up, get hers taken, then she’d step out and I’d step in and get mine taken, then she’d step back in again and we’d have it taken together. Well, Clay had other ideas!! Mercedes stepped in, and was ready to back out when Clay told me to come up and get in the shot with everyone, then after that mercedes stepped out and it was my individual one. Clay hadn’t even questioned that we’d get one individual and one together - he just called the shots!!! I will say that I distinctly remember Clay moving over when calling me up for the shot together so I could squeeze in between him and mercedes and his arm was around me! Oh, and when it was time for my individual shot with them I was jumping up and down trying to be taller between them! (I’m such a dork!)

I think it almost ended there, when one of the other ladies reminded them that we were to have items signed. So, we all scurried back over to our corner where all our stuff was and grabbed our items to be signed. We were all standing around in a circle more or less, handing things to the guys and back and crossing arms and whatnot. While I was standing there waiting for Clay or Ruben to finish signing other stuff, Clay handed something to one of the others and then looked at me and said “What’ve you got?” and I handed him a picture of us from the CV10 dinner. He looked at it and said “Oh, it’s the Paxil weight face” or something like that. (actually, I think he looks wonderful in the pic!) In the meantime, mercedes had handed Ruben the Idol love song CD. Ruben looked at it and said “Wow, I haven’t seen this in such a long time. Do you mind if I glance through it?” and he proceeded to look through the insert at all the pictures and whatnot. He said he remembered posing for the picture on it. He then nudged Clay and said something sort of under his breath that we didn’t hear and Clay made a sort of face and laughed. We looked at Ruben and said “What did you say?” and he said “Never mind. “ But, later (and I can’t remember which one said it, but I think it was Clay) said that what they talked about was that the order of the songs on the cd went from the winner and on down in order of how they were eliminated. Ruben was first on the cd, and Clay was second. AND, the cd was made before the end of the show. Hmmmmm. I had a full page photo of Clay and Ruben from the Newsweek article way back when prior to the end of Idol. It’s the picture where Clay is up on Ruben’s back with his arms around Ru’s neck and his feet hanging out. Ruben showed it to Clay and they both made a “Wow, look at that” type of comment. Then Clay asked Ruben if he thought he could still hold him like that on his back? Ru took a bit of time to answer but then said “yeah,” he thought he could do it. I came this close to asking them to try it!!!

I think that was about it. They thanked us for coming. We wished them well and told them good luck and thank you. Then off they went into the sunset (well, not really, as the sun was still blazing hot for a few more hours!) Assistant Cheryl then paraded us over to the merchandise tent where we selected a free item. She is a lovely lady, and mercedes and I chatted pleasantly on the walk over to the tent with her about seeing her at the CV10 dinner. She said she’s the “newbie” on the tour, but she’s having a good time.

So, that was the end of our M&G! It was fabulous!! We loved every moment of it. Clay and Ruben are so friendly that you feel you’re just having a regular conversation with friends. It was very relaxed and casual. No actual sit down and ask questions format like the other M&Gs. Just a chat. You all know how wonderful the show was so I won’t recap it other than to say we were so blessed to have front row seats and it was a magical night. Just two little tidbits to leave you with. During the show, Ruben was singing and standing pretty much right in front of us. I know I was looking up at him with a huge grin on my face (I know this since I had the huge grin on my face throughout the entire show – a permagrin, if you will!) Anyway, he looked down and saw us and did a teensy little wave to us with a smile. Awwwww. Mercedes said that she happened to look over at Clay immediately afterwards and he was looking over and grinning at the exchange. Double awwwwww.

And, finally, as we were all filing out of the venue, no one really wanted to leave. I was just standing there waiting to walk up the center aisle to exit, but getting nowhere fast since there was much congestion in the aisle as people were talking and hugging and generally EEEEEEEEing and whatnot. So, as I’m just standing there, I hear a voice say “Miss, Miss” (and points to him for not calling me “Ma'am”), so I turn around, and the security guard who had sat in front of us through the show thrusts something into my hands. I look down and he has given me the papers with the set lists for the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s printed on them that had been taped to the stage!! I looked up at him with my mouth hanging open and thanked him profusely! He just smiled and told me to have a great night. And you know what?? I did! So did mercedes! Hee! We’re golden!!!!!!
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #16 on: July 27, 2010, 01:01:00 AM »
From deemer at CV:

OMG! I never ever was so close at a concert than tonight. I originally had a row V seat, but chatted with some friends as I came in and they had an extra third row seat. Oh, but this is the thing: the 1st and 2nd row ended short. So there were no seats in front of us!! And when the guys had us stand and Clay came over by that side, I swear he was for a moment only about a foot away! Ruben came over and he stands right at the edge of the stage and practically over me! OMG. I am sure if they did a full body scan of me now I would have some neurons that spell out C L A Y ... I am blown away! Thank you ladies for that seat! Thank you Clay and Ruben for the MOSTAWESOMESHOW

I had the honor and awesome responsibility tonight of dancing between Scarlett and the security man. goldarngirl remarked later that when she looked over noticed that when Scarlett moved the people around her moved in concert. Hey, we take care of our own! And yes Scarlett got loads of clack and had NO security encounters. The rules were confusing: At first a lady told Lucia she could not bring in a camera and sent her to her car with it, then they said oh you can take stills but no flash and they told her sorry go get your camera (she did). Then a lady came out at the start of the concert to tell us about upcoming events and said there are no cameras allowed. Goldarngirl called over the security guy and asked and he said she was wrong, we could take stills, no flash. They later told her video was okay for small cameras. It was confusing!

Anyhow, I tried to take it all in to write a good recap (I even took notes!) and so I will recap in a following post.... [


Clearwater recap part 1:

First of all, when we were allowed to enter to get our seats, the ushers handed out Ruth Eckerd Hall fliers to each of us with guess who on the flyer?? Yes, Kathy Griffin. So much for them being up on Clay Nation. When the show was about to begin, a lady from the venue came out to mention upcoming events, such as Cyndi Lauper and Natalie Merchant, and when she mentioned KG there was booing and she said something like "well I guess that one didn't go over too well" dah! 

The venue had very long rows -- we entered from the sides and there were maybe 70 seats in the rows but NO center or middle aisles, only the ends. After it filled though, it looked really full. I don't know if it was sold out, but it looked completely full.

Clay's suit was a very nice black, not really shiny. It had 4 buttons on the cuffs (OK, you really need that, but I was so close I was trying to see everything!!). He had only his top button buttoned on the jacket. It was very neat and no wrinkles and I noticed that when they did arm moves and his suit rode up, he pulled it back down, staying neat. His shirt was white, but not plain. It had narrow white stripes patterned in the fabric. You could no way see through it, I tried to see if he had an undershirt peaking out but never did spot it. He had the same socks I lovingly photographed in Melbourne -- yellow and purple and offwhite stripes. I also noticed that Casey had the same two outfits (both all-black) she had in both Jacksonville and Melbourne. Quianna's hair was very flattering for her -- she had tight braiding at the top maybe 3 inches and then it opened into wavy kinky curls down to her shoulders. Clay's hair looked like he must have gotten a trim. Maybe a coloring too? It was brown with golden highlights. Definitely golden, not reddish at all. I tried to see if it was the yellow lights, but really in white spotlight it was golden, not reddish. His spikes did not seem as long as the last two nights. It was very neat around the ears, again perhaps he just got it trimmed.

I could see the had little mark lights on the stage floor, these were like right angles or small line segments. There were two the marked the edges of where the stool should be on the right side and then a series in the middle marking where they would stand. The middle ones (their marks were pink line segments) and the end marks on either side were green (right angles). The cabling on the stage was marked with white X's in places it seems those helped them see it so they didn't trip over the cables.

« Last Edit: July 27, 2010, 01:29:21 AM by Marilyn »
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Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #17 on: July 27, 2010, 07:01:44 AM »
deemer RECAP PART TWO

Clearwater recap part 2:

other tidbits:

I don't know if you'll see it in the clack, but when Ruben had the spotlight and mentioned KISS, Clay was over on the stool and stuck his tongue out Gene Simmons-style.

He did a bit of teasing of fans tonight: He teased the men in the audience, asking how many came of their own free will and then how many were dragged. He focused in on some of the men in the front rows. One was separated from his wife -- he was on the end and she was closer to the middle. He teased and told his joke about them getting their reward later tonight... Ruben joined in to the jokes (I hope Clack will show all!). He was also teasing the couple that was in front row center. They were locals and were dancing or grooving in their seats the whole time. Ruben and Clay were watching them, said they were tiring them out and then said they were doing the concert for them...at the very end of the concert this couple put a tshirt and CD on the stage (!!!!) and Ruben did go and sign the CD. Clay backed up and made some joke about they couldn't create their own M&G.... it did seem he wasn't going to encourage but they were in too good a mood tonight to be upset by this. This was before they actually finished saying goodnight to the audience!

Another new item was that when Ruben talked about his early exposure to records, he talked about his Uncle Fred, said he didn't get mad when he scratched his records and that he had so much patience with children. He stopped himself from going on longer though (it sounded like he could have talked more on Uncle Fred)...

When Ruben was telling Clay about the 70's (since of course he lived through more of the 70's than Clay), he said people wore platform shoes. I don't know if any video has captured this, but in response to this, Clay went up on his tiptoes. When Ruben mentioned non-medical recreation, Clay guessed "checkers?" (I don't know if the jokes in this part will change, but I record this for posterity).

Ruben also was talking about how in the 70's people danced, including their parents. Clay indicated his mom could NOT dance, but Ruben insisted that she did in the 70's but it was Clay that messed up her rhythm! I don't know if this was scripted -- but at the time, it seemed like Ruben was going off script and teasing Clay.

As I think you figured out, the song where Clay makes googoo eyes at Casey is "Don't go breaking my heart" (Elton John duet). I couldn't recall for the life of me yesterday but I made note today! Speaking of Casey, her solo was very strong and perfectly delivered tonight. Scarlett got the whole thing, so you will be able to see why Clay is so proud of her.

Clearwater recap, part 3:

While Ruben is in the spotlight singing Marvin Gaye songs with Q & C, Clay was over to the left side on the stool. He was still in character, though, as it were, pretending to practice trying to learn rhythm from Rube. He was pretending to have trouble getting the rhythm, he'd start moving his arms with the music and then get off and make a face. It was funny to watch.

Now when Ruben was on the stool and Clay was singing More Than a Feeling, Ruben was playing air guitar

When Clay was joking on how Quianna was trying to get him drunk in a bar the night he met Ruben, she was making faces and started making rotating gun shooting jestures -- like shooting him with two invisible pistols. She didn't say anything and when Clay joked why she didn't retort she said something and was surprised that her mic was actually on. They had her mic off during this at Melbourne so she could not retort.

I loved being on the side at the front, since I could see offstage on the one side. Once when Clay was offstage on that side, he kept moving around. He wasn't taking a rest! He was watching it seemed.

I took some further notes on Quianna's outfit: She had on shoes that had sparkles on them (black with sparkles). They were flats (hey, I forgot to look at Casey's shoes, sorry). She had on a number of silver bracelets (both arms, I could see them separate, so it was bracelets, not just one). She had rhinestones on her straps and belt, so they sparkled too.

Ruben also had a black expensive suit with no wrinkles at all. He had the top 2 buttons buttoned (Clay only one). He had dark shoes, but later when he changed to jeans, he had on blindingly white tennis shoes.

Clay did a lousy job of putting on the "hammer pants" today -- you could see the jeans at the bottom sticking out on one side! He had trouble getting the hammer pants to rip off today, got a little frustrated and when he got them off threw them into the audience. I heard that some males in the audience did catch them (how'd that happen?). They did later retrieve them I heard so we probably haven't seen the last of them. He actually made some exclamation about how he can't get his pants off! I am sure if the clack shows this is it will be much viewed and in need of a short gif that can be seen again and again (hint hint hint to those who know how to do this!). Perhaps a thread title can be constructed about how Clay can't get his pants off fast enough by some of our talented thread namers?? After throwing the pants out, he said some things to Ruben when we couldn't hear.

About Clay's jeans: the backs of the bottoms of both legs were torn on both cuffs. They didn't look that worn otherwise, but they were not apparently brand new. I am sure there are a few of you *cough* who have already examined them quite a bit, but really the cuffs were ripped at the back. I didn't get a picture of it, though.

During the Pastor Studdard sequence, some guy in the audience came up the side by us and to the front and took a video of it in its entirety. He wasn't stopped by security. I don't know who it was, but someone later had said about it perhaps being Casey's husband???? I don't know but he had an Iphone or very flat camera and was holding it out and moved right in front of the first row to take it. He wasn't rude, he did seem polite (but on a mission). He only filmed that part.

Oh, well. I think that is all my little tidbits for now. I did get a close up of his arm though, for those of you who need at least one fuzz thrill in the clack


« Last Edit: July 27, 2010, 07:14:53 AM by Marilyn »
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Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #18 on: July 27, 2010, 07:05:04 AM »
annie2053 AT CV
   Jul 27 2010, 02:07 AM

 I just got back from the Clearwater concert. I was seated 18 rows back from the stage in the center. Great seats!

I absolutely LOVED this show!! This is the only one I will be attending, but I feel extremely fortunate to have attended this particular one tonight! The energy level, and the charisma projected by both Clay and Ruben was fantastic. You could tell that the guys were feeling the energy from the audience and they gave it right back.

I've seen some of the videos from past venues, and I think tonight everything was tightened up, polished, and more concise. They're getting it the way they want.

I have to say, I usually am kind of on edge about Clay maybe cracking on a high note every once in a while, but tonight???? OMG!!!! Clay was in wonderful voice tonight. I can tell it's gettting stronger from just this past week. His voice sounded very powerful to me. Every note sounded perfect.

Ruben's voice is very powerful also. The songs he sings really showcased the richness in his voice. His personality on stage is really warm and personable. I love the interaction between Clay and Ruben. It is really enjoyable. All of the banter, and leading in skit stuff is getting polished and fine-tuned.

I do think that the band and whole sound system in general was up several notches too high. Clay briefly complained about getting feedback when he was speaking to Ruben.

Here's the best part. My husband is more or less a 'drag-along'. He was kind of bored with JNT 2005. But tonight..... OMG! He was applauding after songs before I was and laughing his face off. We attend a lot of these types of concerts here at Ruth Eckerd Hall, so we can compare reactions of audiences of other shows. This is one of the more enthusiastic and energetic shows we've seen here. And by that I mean the performers and the audience. The crowd reaction was similar to when we saw Frankie Valli.

My husband thought this was a very entertaining show. Believe me, he is very critical and picky. If he is smiling and hootin' and laughin' and clapping along and boppin' his head, then it IS an entertaining show! He loved Clay's vocal range and thought Clay was more of an actor type that Ruben. He was very impressed with Ruben's voice also.

My husband thought that Ruben's highlight was Superstar. He loved it. He kept asking me why isn't Clay singing Solitaire? He thought Clay should have sung that to have that same kind of moment that Ruben has when he sings Superstar. I agree, but it is what it is. Clay really sounded good on TITN and Alone, and others, but I do wish he could have an Unchained Melody moment.

But, I still LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! The comedy and timing was fantastic!


I was looking forward to seeing Clay slide across the floor during Footloose. I used to teach dance, and I was kind of worried about how Clay was executing this slide.

There is a certain way of doing it without hurting your knees. Well, I'm happy to report, that the Choreographer obviously taught him the correct way to do it. Yay!

I saw Jerome every once in a while on the sides of the house. I didn't see anyone get hauled away or admonished for taking clack or anything. I did see several flashes.

The lady in front of me kept taking flash photography.

Clay had trouble ripping the Hammer Pants off. The velcrose stuck together on one leg. He had to yank extra times to get it off and just aimed for the audience instead of on stage. Wander who caught it? He was standing on stage right at the time.

Well, that's all I can think of now.


I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!

It was very entertaining. I'm very proud of both of them! I hope they get more legs of this tour. It's really something I think NJU types would enjoy seeing
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #19 on: July 27, 2010, 02:24:29 PM »
ASHEVILLE- FROM AIKIM AT CV:
I know this is late and perhaps people have moved on to other concerts and are not interested but here goes anyway, LOL!

Sound Check: We got the venue at 5:30 and to my surprise and delight were in time to catch soundcheck. As soon as I saw what was going on I grabbed my binoculars...watched Ruben and the girls going through the songs and chatted with ncwannabe and mercedes who were standing next to me. Clay was hiding behind a speaker but we could hear him talking with Jerome. Finally the little stinker graced us with his presence...blue jeans rolled up as if he had planned on going wading somewhere, blue and white striped shirt. He spent most of the time pacing back and forth and looked like he was really feeling the heat, face was red. He started to sing and then there was feedback from the mic and that is when he let out with "you guys need to check this shit!" Big "oooh" from the crowd and he told us to hush!

After he left the stage, I called Nancy (momof3boys) to tell her all about it and as I was talking to her Ruben walked by...I kind of waved to him, not sure if he noticed but people were talking to him and asking for pictures and he was telling them to come on. I was standing against a back wall...we were actually on a balcony over looking the stage and seating area when who came up beside me but Casey and someone else from the show. I was so shocked to see her! I whispered to Nancy she was there and she kept telling me to say hello, but I am so shy in those situations so I just couldn't get up the nerve. She is very cute and tiny.

The show: We had great seats, row L right in the center! There were three ladies sitting next to me from Minnesota...not on the boards, but they keep up with Clay. This was the only show they were going to. They thoroughly enjoyed it!

From the beginning when they came out dressed in their dark suits and singing their coronation songs, I realized they were going for the American Idol audience. It seemed to me they were re-creating the finale night (somewhat...I almost expected Ryan to come out!). I really do think this tour was created with that in mind; singing the type of songs they sang on the show. I was never much of a Ruben fan and really wondered how he was going to pull this off since my frame of reference has always been Idol and the interviews after the show and he never seemed to show much of a personality. I was amazed at how funny he was and to see him move and dance. On Idol it seemed he just stood on the stage and sung. He and Clay have great chemistry and play off each other well. It really was like an old time variety show and I think these two would be great on TV if someone was willing to give them a chance.

I like Casey...being the first show I think they were all feeling their way around, so their wasn't much interplay and the background singers really were much in the background, but it sounds like they are loosening things up a bit and I look forward to seeing more interaction from her and Clay. She is a great singer and I think compliments Quiana well. My husband really liked Quiana. Sadly he is not Clayverted yet, but he really didn't like the venue..too hot and packed in like sardines...I am hoping he will enjoy Hammond more.

I saw there was a lot of analyzing after the show and some had concerns, but I think you just have to take it for what it is...two hours of enjoyable music and 4 people have a great time on stage. The band is great and it is just a fun evening. I am so glad I made the decision to go to the show...it was fun not knowing what to expect and being surprised by the dancing and the comedy. Preacher Ruben was a hoot!

kIM
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #20 on: July 27, 2010, 02:27:06 PM »
Joemomma
 Re: JULY 26-RUTH ECKERD HALL-CLEARWATER FL
 Today at 09:50:54 AM »

 Awwww! they got GREAT photos! I knew they would. I could see all the cameras goin. It was nice they didn't bother anyone about it. Heck some even had flashes goin off...security didn't seem to care.

Well what a FUN show that was! I love the 2 of em together. They seem to feed off each other and have such a good time doin it that the fun rubs off on the audience! Whole entire auditorium was on their feet dancin & singin! 

We had great seats...8th row smack in the middle. We could see everything so well!

My momma said she liked it better than SRHP. And that's sayin somethin cuz she really loved that tour.

I think I kinda liked it better too. I think Ruben in this makes it fun! That man can dance too! Who knew!??

And now I am soooo glad I get to see this show again in Windsor
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #21 on: July 27, 2010, 02:43:11 PM »
Great Not a Recap from GBB at the CH:

 ("Goood Baby Brush")
Just had a wonderful breakfast and nice long chat with Lyndolphin, Friend of Deedle and .... another CHer, friend of friend of Deedle and Lyndolphin (So sorry for blanking on your name. I remember thinking a the time I didn't hear it properly and then I forgot to ask again before I left).

I love this fandom. Friends everywhere you go

So I still can't get over last night's show. I don't have time this morning to do a proper recap but I just wanted to share a few impressions. I can't stress how much better this show was than I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong; I didn't expect it to suck. It's Clay after all, and I've never been to a Clay show that I didn't enjoy (but then I didn't make it to any of the Christmas with Death shows).

I knew I'd enjoy the show but I have to confess I was a little disappointed the other day when I heard the set list. There were just so many songs he'd done before. It seemed so much like a repeat of the JBT. And listening to the cellcert, the concert seemed a little like a "mishmash." Like one song led to another without any real cohesion. So I expected to just "like" the show.

Let me tell you, hearing the setlist or listening to the cellcert does NOT do this show justice. It's not at all a rehash or a mishmash. It's a well-conceived, well-executed SHOW.

From the opening song/shoving match, there are two concepts set up for the audience: Clay and Ruben in competition and Clay lack of ... soul/hipness. Those two ideas are woven throughout the whole show and played with, both in song and in the comedy bits. There's a reason the songs don't seem to flow into each other well. They don't. They're not supposed to.

They lay out their musical roots in the opening statements. For Ruben, it's Tina Turner and The Temptations. For Clay, Bette Midler and Perry Como. For Ruben, Isaac Hayes and Al Green. For Clay, Andy Williams.

As Clay says, "What the hell are we doing putting on a music show together?"

And so when they start singing, you'll have Ruben singing "his" music and Clay singing "his" -- with a little crossover, of course, because there are not hard and fast lines when it comes to music.

Clay opens with Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds." Ruben follows with Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me." The 60s medley swaps back and forth with "Midnight Hour" (Ruben), "Up on the Roof" (Clay), "Someday We'll Be Together" (Ruben), "Out of My Head" (Clay), "You Can't Hurry Love" (Ruben), "So Happy Together" (Clay), "Sugar Pie Honeybunch" (Ruben), "Crying" (Clay), "Soul Man" (Ruben), "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" (Clay), "Shotgun" (Ruben), "Sugar, Sugar" (Clay), "Just One Look" (Ruben), "Harper Valley PTA" (Casey), "Ain't To Proud to Beg" (Ruben), "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Clay and Ruben).

And so it goes for the whole show. Each man singing the best of "his' music, with the two of them joining together on some songs and the girls picking up a number here and there. What appeared to be a mishmash of songs by listening to the cellstream or seeing bits of clack became this cohesive SHOW when you add in the physicality of the performances (smiles, grimaces, rolled eyes, shoving matches, bits of oneupsmanship, "dancing," and DANCING).

And really, I can't say enough about the physicality and physical comedy both men brought to the show. From the opening shoving match to the schtick with the stools (made so funny, not by the punch lines but by the expressions on their faces and their body language) to the absolutely hilarious "dance" Clay did at one point before Ruben grabbed him by the jacket (another bit of perfect physical comedy) and made him sit down, to Pastor Ruben "healing" Clay of his lack-of-rhythmitis, to hammer-pants Clay... these guys are very, very good at physical comedy.

They're also very good at comedy period. I know much of the show was scripted (and they do a great job delivering the jokes) but some of the best moments were the unscripted ones.

When Clay's mic echoed:
Clay: "There's a lot of feedback on this mic."
Ruben: "Soundcheck was at 4, Clay."

When Clay messed up the steps on a dance:

Ruben: "And it made me sad 'cause I had just healed you."
Clay: "Maybe your powers aren't as strong as you thought they were."
Ruben: "Maybe your mama didn't send enough money."

Audience member: "I love you Clay!"
Clay: "I love you too."
Another audience member: "I love you more!"
Clay: "Well, you two fight it out. We'll wait."

I wonder if we'll be getting more off-script moments from now on. Last night, when Clay stopped to chat with the audience and did his bit teasing the husbands for their wives having better seats, Ruben jumped right in and played along: (woman's voice) "I'll buy MY ticket today and I'll just get your ticket later."

One scripted but hilarious moment:

Ruben: Peaches and Herb. One was a fruit, one was an herb.
Clay: Kind of like us.

The look on Ruben's face totally sold this bit. Could NOT stop laughing. Especially when Ruben just stood up and walked away.

Another fun moment: Clay screaming "I can't get these pants off!" (Maybe that's just me *g*)

I had no idea I'd think this, but I'd really, really love to see this show (or some version of it) on television. I think it would be a fantastically funny and entertaining special. The guys are just that good. Maybe "somebody" will see the show when they're in NY or LA.

Can't finish this recap without mentioning the audience. Last night's audience ROCKED. We were a little slow getting started, but once we got to our feet the first time, we were up all night, dancing, clapping, singing and just having a blast. You could tell Ruben and Clay were feeding off the energy and loving it.

In short, yeah, cheesy as it sounds, I had the time of my life
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #22 on: July 28, 2010, 07:18:54 AM »
SUSANDAVIS AT CV MEET AND GREET

My Meet and Greet report from Clearwater:

After waiting in the lobby with the other three attendees while the charity M&G started , we were shown to the Green Room(it actually had green carpeting). 

Jerome told us to sit down and make ourselves comfortable. We sort of looked at each other because along one wall were a stuffed chair, couch and another stuffed chair. So we lined ourselves up on those seats, the only other two chairs were in one corner and behind the door.

Dowoper was next to me, thank goodness, we sat on the couch and pretended we weren't nervous..........well, actually we were beyond pretending.

Jerome came back in once and then Cheryl came in with the camera. She was nice and friendly. Soon we saw the charity group go past us to leave and a few minutes later Clay breezed in. He stopped and looked at us all lined up there and said, "You all look so formal". We giggled..........I am telling you we were experts at this.

Well, shit.............I posted this mess by mistake. Hang on........I am just getting started.

He stopped and shook each of our hands and asked our names, pulled up a chair and sat right in front of Dowoper and I.  He asked where we were from, I think when he got to the last girl who was from Sarasota he said "We are going to be in Sarasota in Feb. He went on to say Sarasota, Orlando and Miami. Big mouth that I am I asked "Kansas City?" " No" I accused him of not liking us and that is when he said St Louis and Chicago and then added that he wasn't sure but thought they were on board. Someone else asked if the tour would be regional and he said "No, Coast to Coast"  He asked if I was coming to Hammond.

Next he asked if we had any questions and there was dead silence.  More giggling. I am telling you we were eloquent. Someone asked if he was putting out another cd soon???????  And if he was what kind of music would it be.  He made a point of saying that nothing is in the works or decided but that he wants to do a Christmas CD. Same person asked if it wasn't Christmas what kind of music would it be.  His response was adult that he just didn't want to do pop. She then asked if he ever thought about recording a song(I think it was called Always) and he pondered it and then......................... SANG a line from a song, lovely spot on and spontaneous. I about fainted. She told him that wasn't the song and then the person at the other end told Clay she knew the group who had recorded what he was singing(I have no memory of the group-I am senile) and he SANG another line from the song. All my nervousness was worth those two lines.  Then the first person held out her cellphone and played the song she was talking about.  He listened to a very few notes and said, "You aren't selling me". 

He then took our items to sign and chatted while he did that. We talked about the yellow shirt, no big story, they just wanted something oversized and that is what they got.

He told us we were so calm...........translated, you are the most boring M&G group ever. A little more idle chit chat....translated I am senile and don't remember but it wasn't newsworthy or I would remember.

We took pictures and then got a hug, he thanked us for coming and out he went.

Jerome came to get us and asked us to post on the boards and spread the word at the concerts about flash cameras. They had been so bad in Melbourne and he was getting close to banning them. I piped up and told him I didn't think these were fans that are on line, we have learned this. He agreed but said we have to tell people sitting around us. It was better that night but still a few. He commented on how calm we were, too. I said, "Do people really come in here and act crazy?" I really wanted to know and he said that almost every night there is at least one in every group. 

So that is it...............the most boring M&G group ever. 

An aside about his attire: After I got my picture taken and was watching the last ones I suddenly looked at him and just about burst out laughing. This was my first and probably last time to have my picture taken with him and he had on those beige converse shoes with no laces and they are getting a little worn, the oldest pair of cargo shorts in his closet, a white undershirt that was big, and the pinkish polo that he had on in the bus pictures from Melbourne...........white undershirt hanging out the bottom and sleeves. I guarantee you he hadn't combed his hair, it was bad bed hair. I just about split a gut. It was just so 'Clay'. Before anyone says that they wouldn't care what he had on and would be happy to be there, rest assured I was delighted but it sure did make me laugh.
 
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #23 on: July 28, 2010, 07:19:44 AM »
2OLD4CLAY AT CV

Asheville, NC…I arrived on Thursday and had been invited by goldarngirl to dinner, unfortunately she never made the dinner due to flight delays, but I was fortunate to meet a few other fans, canfly72, LauraQ, ImAllEars, Scarlett, Nickki and Amy. On Friday since I would have the day to myself while waiting for my roomie, ncredclayrocks I decided to go on the Biltmore Tour ( a bit expensive I thought). After I bought my ticket and pulled back onto the road towards the Biltmore the guard told me that Clay and Ruben’s bus was right behind me. This was around 10 a.m. I moved onto the self guided house tour…what I saw of it I thought it was very beautiful inside and an amazing thing to see. I made it through the first floor…and then the buses pulled up outside. I walked outside to see if anyone was getting off the bus, but that was not to be for a long long time. I couldn’t tear myself away from waiting for a disembark so I turned in the audio tapes and took myself back outside in the shaded area and proceeded to watch the crew set up the stage. This was at 11 a.m.
After a while, toni7, claym8, Mercedes and Carol5230 were there…doing the same thing I was ….waiting. They finally decided to leave for a bite to eat and I stayed to wait for sound check. I also had a nice time talking with Bonnielee. I stayed until 3 P.M. and still no Clay and no sound check, so I finally left and went back to the hotel to get ready for the concert. We had great seats, 4th row on the aisle.

I thought the show was really a great variety of music and comedy. I never liked 80’s and 90’s music, and in most cases I didn’t even recognize the songs. From where I sat I thought the sound was well balanced as was the allocation of music between Clay and Ruben. This opening show was really tight. You could tell everything was laid out in a specific way and that is why it flowed so smoothly with no extraneous chit chat.
I was surprised to see them in that heat dressed in black suits, ties and all. Even with the later clothing changes…it was still jeans and jackets. I would bet Clay lost 5lbs in Asheville. It is very difficult to do a 2 hour show of that energy without even considering the heat and humidity. I loved every moment of it. They had to have been exhausted.

Jacksonville, Fl. 2nd concert day and it appeared to me that the set was getting a little looser in the flow, a bit chattier and I could already see that they were starting to feel more comfortable after playing the first night. Unfortunately we were without Quiana, and after seeing the duets and the way the show was laid out there was definitely a vacancy there although Casey did a wonderful job filling in for her. I was glad to hear Clay interact a bit with the audience which told me he was getting comfortable with it all. Vocally I definitely feel that the key is too high on Africa and I Can't Stop This Feeling. I can’t possibly see how he can continue that vocal stretch for 17 shows even with the breaks in between.

My travel partner cablegirl called and told me her flight was cancelled. We talked trying to find her a flight to just about anywhere. I was driving from Asheville to Jax, and even told her if they would fly her to Savannah, I would get off the highway and wait for her, but not to be. She missed the concert, and also her meet and greet. Yikes, a sad situation. Later that day I had dinner with ToldForThis and her travel friends. A bit of aadditional info from the Jax concert issues. I sold Scarlett the ticket that belonged to cablegirl so that the front row seat would not be empty. So Scarlett was sitting next to me when the security guard came down on her. I read somewhere that security took her purse and didn’t give it to her when they set her outside. Her bag with her id, cellphone etc was left on her seat, and I took it with me after the concert and talked to the guard several times about what he did with Scarlett (this was before it became known she was ‘missing’). As time passed and we (me and Scarletts roomies) were talking to security, etc. Jerome appeared and I told him of the situation. goldarngirl, MBlovesclay and I checked our hotels, and bars and walked around and talked to security and police. Later she was found back at the venue, so I went with the officer to check on her and take back to her roomies. I had called goldarngirl and told her Scarlett was found and ok.
Cablegirl arrived while we were searching and we had some visiting at the hotel with curiousgladys and ialreadyam. By that time I was ready for bed, it had been a very exhausting day.

Melbourne, Fl.. cablegirl was able to get her meet and greet which made her a very happy camper. It’s really great the way TC will accommodate when unfortunate things take place. Another plus for me, was that my son…who is not a Clay Aiken fan…came to the concert. Unfortunately he requested his ticket later than mine and we did not sit together. His take on the Preacher skit….he said he thought it was boring. The rest of the show he enjoyed. I had dinner with goldarngirl, Lucia, cablegirl, MBlovesClay and Scarlett at TGI Fridays. I am having such a good time with this concert tour, as I have had a chance to meet so many new, and see again others that I had already met.

Clearwater, Fl. Now I know the area is either Tampa/St. Pete or Clearwater/Tampa but both Clay and Ruben referred to it as Tampa several times and never mentioned Clearwater. Again a great dinner with an even larger group of fans just before the concert. Included are others I didn’t mention before terter4aiken, kcudawg, katy4clay also joining us later ialreadyam who missed her meet and greet because there was traffic accident on the highway. Lo and behold, she was able to meet with Clay after she arrived at the venue, which made her a very very happy lady, and I was glad for her.

As many have mentioned, this was the most enjoyable concert because they are really loosening up on stage. Lines are being forgotten or changed up. We are getting ad-lib funny, and big belly laughs, wonderful pants, striped socks and some of the best dancing Clay has ever done. That man dances with attitude, and I mean a lot of attitude. I would love to be on the dance floor with him and just watch him let go and really enjoy. He purses his lips, or he lip bites or he holds his head up and to the side, the attitude is in his shoulders and in his hips. The rhythm is certainly in his feet.

I love his hand movements when he sings. Every word or phrase gets a special touch, either in a wave of his hand, or a finger movement…and when those big notes come in the upbeat songs he has leg movements and body sways to die for.

I was sad to come home, but happy to have the great fortune to experience all he has given me and know that I look forward to many more of those moments.

As long as this is, I must add….Ruben, Casey, Quiana and the band are really just outstanding. I love the addition of Casey and the sound of her voice, I am not a fan of Harper Valley PTA, a duet of Islands in The Stream would have been nice.
I prefer Clay singing Everything I Do as it is at the top of my list of Clay Aiken favorites, but Ruben does a wonderful job of singing it. And where or where is When A Man Love A Woman? This would have been a show stopping song for Clay.

For those that don’t want to get up and dance, I can understand from the perspective of blocking someone’s view and for those for whom it is difficult to do. Except….the musicians on stage feed off of our energy. If we sit in our seats and watch and listen, they are not enjoying it as much. This is a high energy show and for them to maintain that high we have to give it back to them…so I would say if you want to get up and dance with the crowd just do it. I think it would also help if either Clay or Ruben would ask the audience to stand, because sometimes people are just shy about doing it. I know Rube did it a few times, but I think there have been opportunities missed and perhaps as times goes on the house will be rockin’

My apologies to anyone I have forgotton or names mispelled and many hugs to some really great people with whom I spent the weekend.
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #24 on: July 28, 2010, 07:33:06 AM »
Jul 28 2010, 01:18 AM Post #1446 


siclayfan FROM CV




 I'm going to attempt a post--not sure it will go through. I'm staying with my aunt here in Palm Harbor (about 15 min. from the Ruth Eckerd venue) until Friday then driving back across the state to pick up the auto-train to northern Va. and will be back home Satuday morning.

No internet here but I'm trying to read a little on a "Borrowed" wireless connection that rarely has one bar of connectivity.

I loved my Fl. 3-fer. By the 3d show I think I got to hear most of the banter--I really must get my hearing checked. I had great fun going with my "adopted" daughter (my DD's best friend who lived with us for a few years in their early twenties) She had announced before the shows she was more of a Ruben fan. She really loved the shows and said she wished she could go to more. She said she had no idea Clay could sing like that. She said anytime I need someone to go to a concert with she's ready.

My aunt came to Clearwater with me. Honestly I tried to talk her out of it--I didn't think she could take the noise and might want to go home in the middle of the show. Her seat was back in Row JJ. She was glad she went but really didn't recognize more than a couple of songs and didn't hear much of the banter. She said she enjoyed watching the audience getting up and dancing and having fun. I wish I could have stayed for the bus line but there was no way I could ask her to do that. I did get to see Clay leaving on the bus in Melbourne. I got a few really awful ant bites as a result of standing in the grass waiting at the fence but it was worth it.

I upgraded my Clearwater ticket Monday mid-day. It was the best seat I ave ever had for a concert. Row B--off to the side but far in enough have a good view. I've been to over 60 concerts and have never ever gotten any kind of interaction from Clay on the stage--no EF's for me!! My record continues to be unbroken, but I did have Ruben talk to me. I'm hoping there is Preacher clack from Clearwater so I can see what he actually said to me--I was sort of frozen in fear at the time. When he was talking about feeling like a wall flower in middle school--I was nodding my head yes. Next thing I knew he was standing in front of me asking if I wanted to be cured. I just nodded NOOOOO!! and started waving my hands--he asked who I was with. I said my aunt and sort of pointed to the back of me. I think he said something like for only $1257 he could cure me--he then thankfully walked away.

I got a really close-up view of Clay at the end of the show when he leaned over to let JessMcVargas, who was sitting next to me, sing into the microphone.

I have 3 more shows--can't wait to see them--one with my DD. I think she's gonna love it. She's not a huge fan, but she loves "funny Clay" in concert. I can't wait to get home this weekend so I can start downloading some clack. 
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #25 on: July 28, 2010, 07:35:26 AM »
DOWOPER AT CV MEET AND GREET

susan, thank you so much for taking the pressure off me and telling our story! I've had one of those days also, so getting on here late. (after having to buy a new washer and various other little things)
Will add my tiny tidbits. But first and foremost, I must say that having you there was truly a lifesaver for me!!!!!!! If I would have going into this totally alone, don't know if I could have done it.

Anyway, here's my other tidbits:
Loved, loved that he sat right there in front of us. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Felt like he kept glancing at me to see if I had quit staring at his eyes yet.  I was mesmerized by
them.
I was also  that he was being asked about putting out a new album when he hasn't even really starting promoting this one yet. But he was cute with his answers on it, and did seem very interested in a new Christmas CD, and that while he didn't want to go pop, I'm pretty sure he said that it also wouldn't be standards again. (or something along those lines) I thought he tried 2 different songs with Always in there and she said 'No' to both. Loved having him singing to us!
The other girl asked about Raleigh and Durham when he was trying to get questions, and he said he still had them both. She asked if takes them on tour and he said he can't because Durham won't shut up barking all the time. Then, and I still can't believe I did, told him about being in the room next door in Jacksonville in 2006 and hubby complaining about the 'yappy dogs' next door. Then hubby wondered why all those women were out there taking pictures of said 'yappie dogs'. I told him when I walked out and there was Jerome. Said I was scared to leave the room after that ...........He said, OMG, you had the room next to mine! (no kidding, Clay!  Still can't believe I told him that story.  Guess the only other thing I could add is that while he was doing the pictures with each of us he was talking about how they were still trying to figure out how to get them to all of us since it got so confused last time. I offered to give him my address so he could drop mine off at my house. He was cute about that and said he couldn't promise. DARN....
He gave each of a big hug at the end, and after having him pull me in close for the picture, well, we may be boring but I sure was happy!!!
Oh, and susan, I agree about the outfit, I loved every single bit of it. It is so him, and I just adore that he doesn't primp or put on airs, is just 'real'. And it makes me laugh also! 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Tiffany

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #26 on: July 28, 2010, 12:33:24 PM »
Hi all, I am a newbie here and not sure if this post goes here, so bare with me. Just got back from seeing all three concerts in Florida. I am not a fan of Clay (well now I am) but my friend loves Clay and talked me into going to all three concerts as a vacation. I did not know what to expect, for I have never been to a single concert of his. Little did I know the huge treat I was in for. Coming from Georgia we were driving blind relying on the GPS to safely get us to all three locations in one peace. I will say now, I wanted to throw the GPS out the window several time between Georgia and Clearwater. I am still thinking about it this very moment! Turn left at 2 feet turn right at 4 feet turn left again at .8 miles to arrive at destination. What? There are buildings if I go left! Beats the stupid computer generator lady voice on the GPS. She had us going right over a bridge at one point! But that's a whole different story. Jacksonville 1st. GPS says turn left to reach destination and I did, then my friend starts screaming BUS! I see BUSES!! (heart failure number 1) . Then she screams look parking lot on the left turn turn turn. I slam on breaks cross over 2 lanes of traffic to get into the parking lot, nearly taking out some poor innocent soul driving in the left lane! (heart failure number 2) I get park dead center facing the tour buses, I didn't even get the car in park and my friend is jumping out with her camara click click click click. Umm ok, how many pictures can you take of a bus here? So I turn my head all but 10 seconds to get my purse and stuff together lock car up, turn around no friend. (heart attack number 3) Where did she go? I start freaking out and look across the street there she is with her camara yet again taking more pictures of the buses! Ohh good grief! So I get across the street and she starts mumbling something about 3 buses which one is Clay's yack yack. Me not being a fan is thinking she has lost her mind at this point. But hey I am a tolerable and understaning person, so I just went with the flow. We get up to the theatre which was like 20 steps. There were fans all over the place and this is where my life changed (sorta) They all start coming up talking to me and my friend like we all have known each other forever asking where we were from. Georgia was not that far of a travel considering some fans drove and flew from all over the US to see Clay. I said I wasn't a fan I was here with my friend, which some would think that would be stupid to say to 800 fans to hear. But, soon as I said that, the entire Clay family of fans welcomed me in with open arms, I don't remember everyones names I met that night, but I want to say thank you all for being so warm to someone completely ignorant to the whole entire clay fandom world. Clay fans are very loving and nice people. We get to our seats and yet more fans sitting around us, introduced themselves. Was very cool. The concert starts and out came Ruben 1st then out came Clay and the place went to roaring like a roller coaster. I was like Wooahh! My ears went to a toss between ringing from the screaming of the fans and in complete serentity listening to the gorgious voice of Clay Aiken. I sat there two hours completely mesmerized by not only his voice, but his personality. He is just to darned cute for words. I thought him and Ruben had great chemistry together. Amost like two school boys up to no good! Ha! I am sure you all remember those days! I left the concert smiling and said ok, I can sort of see what the big deal is why you like Clay so much. Off we go to Melbourn now that trip wasn't too bad. GPS didn't get us killed. Found the hotel room about 2-3am? I don't remember the exact time, I just remember testing out the bed to see if it was hard or soft and boom next morning my friend is waking me up holding a cup of coffee over my head! Rise and shine today is concert #2. I think i said a few bad words to her and covered my face with the blanket. Ha! She left me alone for another 2 hours, then I got up on my own, gripey as can be. Three cups of coffee was not enough for me to be alive, much less go to another concert. How my friend can be so chippery and happy was beyond me. We go and get some food and back to the hotel to get ready for concert at 3pm. Melbourne had the same people Jacksonville had. Clay And Ruben did their own thing once again, but added a few new things than from the night before. I am bad with names but the back up singers did such an amazing job. Seemed two hours flew by faster than Jacksonville did and off we went to drive across the coast to clearwater. This time it was earlier enough we had time to enjoy the area. Melbourne was just a blur, sleep, concert, leave. Clearwater we got there around 8:30pm. We had until 7pm next day before concert to enjoy everything. We went to the beach, there were allot of people there vacationing. But we were able to put our toes in the sand, collect some shells, and relax talking and just enjoying the sounds of the ocean. Very pretty in that area. Time for concert #3. Now this I will say "saving the best for last" I do not know what in the world the difference could have been from three different concerts, but personally to me this was the "BEST" by far of all three. The theatre seating was spaced so everyone wasn't squashed on top of each other and the way it was laid out, there was no such things as a "bad seat". I loved this theatre! They were late getting the doors open to get everyone seated. Some lady asked one of the ushers when are they arwe going to open the doors and she answered we should have opened the doors 10 minutes ago, but "It is up to Clay and Ruben" to decide when they were ready. I didn't know that. But, thought it was cute. This concert had allot of blips as in mishapes not on the script, which made the concert even better. I am sure this has been told a million times But Clay's MC Hammer pants got stuck and he couldn't get them off and he was hopping around laughing trying to get them off, finally he got them off and flung them out in the audience and said he was sick of those pants. Then Ruben walked over to the end of the stage to who ever caught them and said you know Clay is going to want those back at the end of the show. My friend leaned over to me and said good luck with that one. If he didn't get those back, good luck trying to find another pair of MC Hammer pants with velcro! Ha! They interacted with the audience alot that evening. From handing the microphones over to fans to sing, signing Cd's, talking to the audience, getting the audience to clap and dance. Ruben's uncle was there for that concert, and Ruben didn't know where he was sitting, so he shouts out where you at uncle? And you heard "woof woof" like dawg! (you know the Aresenio Hall thing) and the audience laughed. The only other shout out from the audience besides woof woof from his uncle, was one lady yelled out I love you and Clay said he loved her too, someone yelled out get er done and then two people up front got quiet a few shout out's. Other than that the audience behaved unlike Melbourne it was a wonderful show and I walked out of there completely a "NEW FAN" of not only for clay Aiken but for Ruben as well. You can honestly tell they are friends and not just an act to put on for fans, they truely are close friends and it shows through their laughter, there facial expressions and their chemistry. So to all who get's to go to these concerts, you will not be disappointed and this is coming from someone that was not a fan to either, pryer to last Friday.

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #27 on: July 28, 2010, 08:40:01 PM »
ialreadyam at CV
 Jul 28 2010, 06:44 PM Post #1741 


I finally got my hug!!!!

 I hope this isn't too late. I won a M&G at the Clearwater venue and was beside myself with excitement. I had been waiting to meet Clay and get a hug since 2003, like so many others. On my way to the venue, I encountered bumper-to-bumper traffic. Even having allowed myself extra ample time, I missed my scheduled time and was devastated. No M&G for me. I tried to soldier through, but my friends all knew how sad I was. Wouldn’t you be?

I met my friends for dinner then went back to the venue, made a restroom stop, and wandered back through the lobby, where the lovely 2old4clay and cablegirl called me over and introduced me to Clay’s personal assistant. They had told Cheryl my circumstances. I told her I was pleased to meet her, etc. chatted a bit and we said our goodbyes to her. While we continued to chat for a few minutes, here comes Cheryl, who says, “Come on with me!” OMG,OMG,OMG,OMG. Needless to say, I was so shook. I apologized to her and said I certainly did not expect this and was so appreciative.

She brought me to a room, and said “wait here - I’ll be right back!” I lost all composure and cried like a baby. I was very embarrassed that I could not stop crying.

So anyway, in walks Mr. Sunshine himself with Cheryl, and Jerome. I look out in the hall and the entire security staff are all watching. I’m still boo-hooing and I reach out my hand to shake Clay’s and he gives me a BIG hug and says “why are you crying?” Because I’m a stupid emotional wreck, that's why!. LOL

I am not going to go into our conversation. It was short, and I asked no questions. I got something signed, got a prom pose picture and at least one more hug too. All I can say is he is a beautiful, caring man, who glows from the inside out. He is exactly who I always imagined him to be. Don’t ever doubt his kindness or sincerity. I had an amazing experience. Yes, I had the TIME OF MY LIFE. Thanks to all who were instrumental in helping me meet him. I am forever grateful.

Some on you may notice, that I changed my avatar. I said I would never change my original until I got my hug. So thanks Invisible926 Isn't he gorgeous? 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #28 on: July 28, 2010, 08:49:45 PM »
msidolfan  at CV
Jul 28 2010, 07:13 PM Post #1758 

 Hi everyone. We had a fantastic trip. I wish all of you could have been with us. My sister, 2 daughters and my wonderful tour buddies, Brensmemaw and Luvbenmeg and I took off early Saturday morning in a rented van. I had a M&G that day so I was getting more and more excited as the day went along. We got to the hotel about 4:30 and I was to meet Jerome at the box office at 6:00. There was a small group already there but no one that I recognized from our group. They turned out to be winners of the charity action. One of them had also won the fan club M&G and was hoping to be able to do both. Sorry, I don't remember her screen name, but it was one I had never heard before. I turned out that she was not allowed to do both so she chose the charity one. We were down to 4 of us. After a few minutes I spotted Lucia who I recognized from her picture on CV. Deemer was with her and I was so glad to be able to meet her also. She told us that Cablegirl was not going to be there because her flight out of Chicago had been canceled due to weather. We all felt so bad for her. By now the 3rd member of our little group had joined us and I am so sorry that I don't remember her name. We all talked excitedly for a bit and then was real happy when a venue person allowed us to come inside. It was very hot out on the sidewalk. Pretty soon Jerome arrived and checked off our names and gave us M&G passes. He has allowed his hair to grow out and he is really a very handsome man. He took the charity winners in first for there backstage tour. The 3 of us tried to think of questions to ask Clay but we came up empty. We knew that Lucia coming all the way from Brazil would be an interesting topic of conversation. In about 15 minutes or so a nice security guy came and led us into the theater and told us to take a seat on the first row. He asked us if we were excited and wanted to know where we all came from. Then---there he was, coming towards us, with Jerome close behind. Of course, we all jumped to our feet. He said, don't get up and gestured with his hand to sit down, but Lucia said we are already up. We wanted our hugs and we got them. He asked each of us our name as we went up to hug him. Whew, he is a good hugger! With that beautiful face so close, it just seemed natural to give him a little kiss on the cheek. His face was so smooth and he smelled wonderful. It was a very light, subtle scent. Not like cologne, but more like shaving cream. This is embarrassing, but he said "you had your nose in my ear, that's a little weird, Janet." OMG, I didn't know how to respond to that. I wasn't even aware of it. Thinking back on it, I am happy that he said my name. After we all got our hug and sat back down, he asked each of us where we were from. He sat on the edge of the stage. He was excited to hear that he had a fan club in Brazil. He said that they were trying to get the album released there. He wanted Lucia to help them out and she said something like, should I pressure them and he said, "Hell yes." I was funny the way he pointed his finger at her and said something like, and it's all your fault if it doesn't happen. Sorry, I don't remember exact words except where I quoted, but that's that is generally what was said. Now that Lucia has had time to think back, she may remember it better than I did. At some point he ask us what other concerts we were going to see and we told him the 3 Florida ones and then he said is anyone going to Biloxi? I chimed in with, yes, that's my home and I couldn't believe when I saw that he was going to be at the Beau Ravage. He said, "that isn't one of those floating casinos, is it?" I said well, yes, and his eyes got real big and he said, "I ain't singing on no boat." Oh my gosh, I was wishing I hadn't said that. He looked over at Jerome and said, we've got to look into that, and repeated cause I'm not singing on no boat. I spent the next few minutes assuring him that the casino was huge and the front of it was on land and it was securely anchored and would not float out into the gulf. I don't remember what we all chatted about after that. I was determined to look at him and try to remember everything I could about the way he looked sitting close enough for me to reach out and touch him. At one point I said that we needed to note what he was wearing for the clothes and hair report. He laughed and said, "Oh, the clothes and hair report." He had on his usual cargo shorts, the tennies with no laces and no socks and a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Lucia said the shirt was blue, but I remember it as being green, so we need out 3rd member to confirm what color is was. Someone mentioned that he had his sunglasses on top of his head, even though we were inside and he said that his hair usually looked better that way and he took them off and ruffled up his hair with his hand than put them back on. He is so beautiful up close. No picture could ever do him justice. I am sure that I am forgetting a lot of things, but it is hard to think when he is sitting so close. It just seems so unreal. We can tell ourselves that he is just a regular person, but he just isn't. He is sweet and warm and wonderful and made us feel at ease and that he was happy to spend some time with us. Eventually, he said he had to go and get ready for the show so it was time for the pictures. We didn't need our own cameras. He said they wanted all of the pictures to be really good so they had a someone there to take them. I just hope it goes a little smoother than last time. He pulls you in very close for the picture. I put my arm around his back. He is very slender. I gave it a little pat before I moved away. He probably didn't even notice. I want to always remember the way he felt. I will treasure that moment forever. Thank you, Clay.

The show itself was fantastic and way beyond what I was expecting. The band was great and I was thinking that Fountaindawg would love it. The new girl is adorable and a wonderful singer. Ruben was funny and sang great. Clay will never again be able to say that he can't dance. I love the way Ruben pointed out that he danced in Spamalot. Each show was a little bit different, as always. The last one in Clearwater was the best because the crowd was really into it. I can't wait to see it again in Biloxi. I missed him the moment the curtain closed on the last show. 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #29 on: July 29, 2010, 01:12:27 AM »
From deemer at CV- a NJU story:

deemer
Jul 29 2010, 01:02 AM

Hi, all I'm back from the Crowded House concert. Before I tell you a little about the concert I wanted to tell you this NJU story:
I was coming into the Ruth Eckard concert hall for the concert and I found my seat but then decided to check with an usher about picture policy. I asked a lady usher who was free. She said we could take pictures, but no flash. She said she was there on Monday night and they had a problem with people using flash that night.... mmmm well, I know who was there Monday! .... so I said I was there to see Clay Aiken on Monday, that I was a fan. She was quite animated and told me she wasn't a fan before -- oh she did like him on Idol but haven't followed him --- but that NOW she is. She said he was wonderful on Monday. She said "THAT VOICE!".... She felt bad for Ruben at first because there was so much more applause when Clay entered (and Ruben won, you know she said). She went on to say how she remembered how the stylists remade Clay's look on Idol... and that he has gained some weight since then, but was too skinny then. And she assured me she was able to see him quite close on Monday and he was looking mighty good. I can't recall the exactly the words she used, but she was trying to tell me if I didn't see him close up, she did and he was very handsome, I should know. .. of course, I never noticed myself LOL .... She said she had looked up his website (OFC) but didn't join... I told her he has an album Tried and True and she said yes she saw it on iTunes (sounds like she has looked since Mon!). I told her about the PBS special coming up and that he may come back to Florida in Feb/Mar for TnT tour. After the concert, I said goodbye to her again and she said something again about how wonderful Clay was.... Another one bites the dust!

oh, and another thing she said is why he isn't doing larger venues -- he should! He's so good!
 
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