TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS

[Marilyn]

Pink Armchair AT CH
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MILWAUKEE RECAP

Well, it was a memorable evening on several fronts. Mostly because hensey and I had won our first – and judging from its deleterious effect on my bank balance, probably my last – charity M&G auction, which resulted in the loss of my “first row” virginity (as ficus pointed out, I can cross that off my bucket list). And yes, it was good for me! And I hope it was good for hensey, too – in seven years of hauling our group to concerts in her van, she was the only one of us who had never gotten the chance to talk to Clay. About time, if you ask me!

For my part, I was a little leery of doing this so soon after Clay had been at my station, but we really had a "que sera, sera" attitude about the auction. And evidently it was meant to be, because there we were.

Except to say that we’d met them before, I’m not going to reveal the names of the other pair in the M&G with us – I figure it’s their story to tell if they choose. Anyway, we were met by Jerome, who thankfully felt the need to see my I.D. I think at this stage of the game that’s probably a good thing. *g*

Jerome ushered us onstage for our backstage tour, and after apologizing for there being, really, no backstage for us to tour (this being a casino), he let us hold the microphones instead. As I had already held a microphone or two in my time (but never Clay's...shut up!), I took a gander at the instruments and drums and soundboard and some other cool stuff. We met the lighting director, a friendly but rather jaded young woman who told us she was “with the tour.” Nice green Crocs flipflops is what I mostly remember about her.

We went out into the house, parked our stuff, and waited for Clay and Ruben, who appeared almost immediately. Clothing report: Ruben was all in black, with a long chain around his neck and sporting a black baseball cap emblazoned with a white “B” (Baltimore? Boston? Birmingham?). Clay wore jeans, a striped dark blue polo shirt with a long-sleeved gray tee-shirt under it. He hadn’t shaved yet. Looked great.

We each got a hug, which was really nice. I understood after that why Ruben is called “the Velvet Teddy Bear” because that’s pretty much how he felt. I don’t remember how Clay felt because I never do! And my clothes and hair reeked so badly of secondhand smoke from the casino that I can’t tell you much about how anything else, including Clay, smelled either.

Clay said to hensey, "Do Ah know you?" No, said hensey, she didn't think he did, telling him her name. Clay looked happy to meet somebody new.

Soldiering on, I told Ruben how much I had enjoyed him in the David Foster & Friends show in Chicago, saying I had just wanted to “put him in my pocket and take him home.” (Yeah, I actually said that.) “Whatcha got at yore house for me?” he asked with an innocent leer. My witty riposte: “Um…huh?” He asked patiently, “D’ya cook?” “Not even a little,” I confessed. He waved his hand dismissively as if to say, well, too bad for YOU then.

One of the other ladies attempted to play a practical joke on them, saying that she was really there for a Twilight M&G, and produced photos of the two dweebs from that movie. (Don’t ask me who they are – I don’t have a clue.) It fell a little flat, or at least Clay seemed to think so, because he told her bluntly, “That’s not funny.” Then, in full teacher mode, he proceeded to explain how she should have altered her delivery to make it work.

I interjected, “Oh, so you’re a comedy coach now?” I don’t recall saying this, but one of the ladies assured me afterward that I did. Yeah, judging from the eyeroll he bestowed on me, Clay didn’t think it was too scintillating either. He turned to Ruben, pointed at me, and said a little facetiously, “She works for PBS,” as if to say, “That’s why she thinks she’s so smart.” Nodding, Ruben looked back at Clay knowingly (“ahhh, one of those”).

Then somebody asked Ruben if he was finding good vegan food on the road (or something like that) and he and Clay launched into what looked like a mock bickering match/vaudeville routine about "NAYSTEE vegan food," with Clay insisting that he drove all the way from someplace (New Orleans or Atlanta) to Birmingham because Ruben had invited him to a homecooked vegan meal and when he finally got there (“after drivin’ fer HOURS!!” claimed Clay melodramatically), Ruben had “forgotten to cook,” so they went out for...
“Chinese,” said Clay.
“Thai,” corrected Ruben with an eyeroll.
“Same difference,” said Clay with a shrug. We laughed. Ruben cringed.

Contemplating the burger I was about to order in the sports bar, I said I didn’t think I could ever go vegan. Ruben said to me mournfully, “So…y’all just cain’t give up the brown stuff?”

“No,” I said. “I like chocolate cake too much.” Okay...Dorothy Parker I'm not. But everybody laughed, and Clay said something like, “Red velvet for me."

Then, abruptly, they wanted to sign stuff. I pulled out the T&T press release I had written – the only thing I could think of that referenced both of them. Ruben signed it “God Bless You” with his name, and Clay wrote “Julia – Thanks so much” and his name. hensey had them sign her teeny little iPod, and they somehow managed to get both of their names on there.

Moving on to the photos: nobody seemed to want to go first, so Clay finally said, “Julia, git over here.” I did “git over” there, couldn’t decide which side to stand on and switched a couple of times…in goodnatured exasperation, Clay finally grabbed my arm and dragged me over to his right, pulling me in; Ruben sandwiched me in there, and THIS is what we got. Well, they look good, anyway!

And yes, that’s the actual size, making me think they sent thumbnails instead of the actual images. But c’est la vie. Maybe I'll figure out how to make it bigger eventually. And no, it isn’t Photoshopped. Not. At. All. *g*

More thanks and hugs on the way out, and they were gone. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them, listen to them play off each other, and just generally shoot the breeze.

I’ll skip over dinner, except to say that there were lots of great old friends there. I finally met the wonderful Leroy1704 after God knows how long! And we sat with Shamrock, ficus, Ms Crabtree, deweygirl and our concert buddies Snix, ShyGirl, and poor gimpy Beagle3, who got to ride in a wheelchair through the casino, just like the high rollers. And Beagle3's friend Gladys, who had never seen Clay live before. I understand she was impressed. We also saw several others -- artquest, jojoct, cloopy -- in the venue. Sorry if I'm forgetting anyone -- I'm sure I am.

Speaking of high rollers, that’s what hensey and I felt like as we took our front row center seats. Good lord. I had never sat that close at any performance in my life. Except for a few choice bits being blocked by the monitors on the floor a couple of inches from our faces, the view was phenomenal, especially if you like kneecaps. Of course, when you know you are completely visible to the performers at all times, you’d better keep your chin off the edge of the stage, your tongue in your mouth, and pay attention, and I noticed each of them glancing our way once or twice, not surprising since we were practically sitting on their laps. Of course, it was easy to stay engaged because the show was FABULOUS. Hilarious, goofy, charming…and they sang pretty good, too. Loved Casey to death (hated how cute and skinny she is, but loved her), loved Quiana as always. The instrumentalists were da bomb!

Notable things:

The “I’m a leshbian and I lurrrrrrrve you!” dialogue was a riot.

Hammered lesbian (getting out of her seat, staggering toward the front): HEYYYY! I LURRRVE YOU!!
Ruben (flattered): Why, thank ya vurry much.
Hammered lesbian (slurring): Not YOU. (jabbing her finger unsteadily toward Clay) HIM!
Clay (drily): So…yore a lesbian? Not much we kin do fer each other then, is thayre? (rim shot)
Hammered lesbian (vigorously shaking her head): NOPE. NOT A THING! *hic*
(Security whisks her away)
Clay: Wow…these guys mean bizness!

The Clay-Casey kiss: well, kill me now! From 10 feet away, it sure looked like a dare to me. They got closer and closer and closer…her egging him on, him smirking, and then her surprise as he actually PLANTED one on her, then both of them cracking up. Clay looked so proud of himself. It was priceless. I’m so glad Snix got that fabulous photo of it.

***

This is a tome, I know. Just suffice it to say that I loved the show and could probably watch it every night for a year. (I'm so glad I still have Hammond.) I hope Clay and Ruben get to do a run of it -- or something like it – somewhere again sometime. The chemistry between them was perfect and they revealed themselves to be very skilled physical comedians. Some people have compared them to Martin and Lewis; to me, they were more like Laurel and Hardy (or maybe Crosby and Hope) on steroids.

And as far as Clay having a “lack of rhythmitis?” HAH! Don’t you believe it.
 

[Marilyn]

WilsonClaymate


 I have been trying to get here all day today because I sure had plenty of time.  I never could get my netbook to work in any airport, so here I am--long after I had thought I would be in bed.

I have spent 12 hours in airports and planes today and just got home about 10 minutes ago.  I spent most of that time in the Milwaukee airport--and if I never see it again, it will be too soon.  Most unorganized place I have been in a long time.  Barb,  I hope you had better luck getting to Detroit.

We have to pay $25 to check a bag.  In Milwaukee we had to take our bags from the ticket counter to somewhere else so they could be put on the plane (and the conveyor belt behind the agents was working), and mine still has not made it to RDU.  Now something just seems to be out of kilter with that picture.

On to better things -- Barb thanks for your great hospitality and for showing me around the upper Midwest.  It was my first trip and I really do like the area.  I also saw Lake Michigan and it reminded me of an ocean--I guess what is why they call them the "Great Lakes".  Nancy and Lexie were also so very generous with their time. 

Then we headed to Milwaukee to see OMC.  I envy Nancy because there is no way in the world I could drive in Milwaukee.   The nice thing about staying in a downtown hotel is the Casino runs a shuttle bus to and from the downtown hotels.  That was very convenient.

The casino is pretty large (I guess because it is the first time I have been in one).   Barb and I go in and the first people we see are Thea and Phil.   Debbie and her family joined us and we had a delightful dinner before going to the show.

The show has changed a little since I saw it in Asheville, but Ruben and Clay are still having a great time.   IMO Clay is absolutely where he needs to be and it shows.  He looks darn good--very slim and trim--and smiles all the time.
He is really enjoying this tour and I think Ruben is too.  There was one woman who tried to disrupt the show at the first and she either shut up or was taken out because I never heard her again. 

I don't remember the name of the song Clay and Casey sing together face-to-face or what was going on between them but at one point Clay leaned down and kissed her right on the mouth and then had that famous Clay mischevious grin on his face.  The little devil!!

All of you who are going to shows this weekend -- enjoy because they seem to be getting better and better.

I haven't read back to see anything else that has gone on and it is too late now to do so, so I'll check it out tomorrow.

All-in-all I had a great time, saw a fantastic show and met up with some friends I had not seen for a while.  And that is what brought us here in the first place, and now 7 years later we are still here.

[Marilyn]

toni7babe AT cv
 
 well, I am still up I saw you typing Nancella Great recap. I have been so tired I never typed anything.

I will add to your recap:

It was my question to him if on the T&T tour we would hear any of the songs from On My Way Here. He said no. I said will we ever hear these songs live? He said maybe someone else will sing them, then added well you might hear Something About Us but the others don't fit the show.

I asked him then if T&T the tour would be coming to Chicago next year and he said we will be there in October. I said I know that:) I said will it be all songs from T&T/PBS Special in Chicago? He said yes though probably shorter. I said we heard maybe Waukegan and he said oh yes maybe we will be there and then someone asked about Minneapolis and he said we might be there I think so and Ann Arbour too.

He looked great in a blue striped polo shirt, grey long sleeve shirt under it, same jeans as he wore in the show, striped socks, tan chucks with no shoestrings.

He was chatty and funny and snarky and gave us all hugs upon greeting us and leaving. He spent time asking your name and where you were from with each. When he got to me I said: Sam from Chicago and he said Oh I know that we have met several times and smiled.

He asked us what we wanted him to write on our items also when he signed them.

M&G was inside the venue we sat in booths and he sat in front of us on a chair!

It was too funny when he told us if folks stated talking during the concert to tell them to STFU!! We all cracked up when he dropped the F bomb. He was very animated, he thought the tables and booths set up lead to talking:)

Before the M&G Felix came out and talked with us all for a long time and took pics with us. He and I talked about Chicago for sometime he is from Oak Park but now lives in LA. He said Kelly and Angela at LA concert spent alot of time visiting with them all back stage!

It was a great M&G! Clay was funny, snarky and nice all rolled into one:) 

[Marilyn]

MARYJOANNE123 AT CV:

Was at Windsor last night and it was a huge crowd and very mixed, a lot of young people and men. All were enjoying. The banter was not off, just different or sometimes a little rushed to fit into the time element. They were hilarious. Read the review and it was pretty good. Don't know why "Still the One" does not fit into the sixies. The microphone episode was totally hysterical and Clay was bent over laughing. Hope that one shows up on clack. Can't wait until Hammond and hope that Clay's knee is OK.

 Safe travels to everyone traveling to nights concert, have a wonderful time.

[Marilyn]

FROM CHRISTELKLEIN AT CV

Hello from WINDSOR!!! Good morning, love and hugs to one and all.

The concert last night was AMAZING. Just loved it all!! I'm so glad i hadn't watched any clack .... so i was so surprised!!

The venue was PACKED .... maybe a few empty seats (probably from our propensity for upgrading!).

Just loved it all .... and the crowd sure loved it too.

I was sitting next to our lady from Gone with the Wind!! And yes, i'm sure she "got some". Security spoke to her .... near the end!!

I'm SO glad i went to the concert!!!

Loved the preparty .... got to meet lots of people! Even won a Spamalot wall clock .... had a choice between "gorgeous" and "fun" there .... and i went with fun!

[Marilyn]

gbmifan

I got home late last night so I went right to bed. I am not great recapper but I will try.

We(Annie52, a friend and I) left my house around 1pm. Going great when all of a sudden we are in standstill traffic aroung 30 miles from my house. Luckily the friend that came with us use to work in downtown Detroit for 17 years and was able to get us off at an exit and take some back roads around the area then back on the highway. Once we were back on we had smoothe sailing all the way to Windsor. We got their around 3pm and walked around and played a few machines.

Went to the dinner and met many fans that I did not know. Starfishy was there and very excited about her M & G. When we were in line to get into the dinner I met a fan who lives a short distance from me. She had an extra ticket, because her friend could not come, and asked if we(all three of us were standing there)would like to have it. Annie and my friend said that I could take it so I did. It put me from row 17 to row 3 center.

We went to the concert area and Starfishy had just got out of her M & G and I have to say she was glowing. I will let her do her recap.

What can I say about the concert except that it was wonderful. Clay is gorgeous up close. He is so pale and becoming very thin again. He wears a suit perfectly. When he was talking he diffently was hoarse but it did not affect his signing.
I laughed so hard at their banter together. The preacher part with the microphone was hilarious. Clay could not stop laughing. Also, Casey and Clay did some nose rubbing during DGBMH. They are really cute together. The mosh pit at the end was unexpected but it was great seeing all those people enjoying themselves up there. I stayed in my seat but everyone looked like they were having fun. Ruben was touching hands and signed a few admission tickets. Clay did not, I thought he looked a little uncomfortable, but that could of just been me. Security was really tough tonight on camera. I tried and got about 2 minutes of SM and got shut down. I decided it was not worth getting kicked out so I did not try again. I did hear that other people did get the concert. Annie was going to take still pictures but because of security being everywhere decided not to. If I could go to this again I would, it was so good. The fans from Michigan kept saying they hope the rumor that he was coming to Ann Arbor was true. That is an hour from me and in the winter time alot closer than trying to drive far in bad weather.

I finally got to meet Luckiet1. Thanks for everything and when I saw you I said to myself, someone as short as me!!! Even though I try to hide it with my highheels.
Again. I will say how gorgeous this man is. Those cheek bones are so evident now and that smile is so contagious. I love him!!!

[Marilyn]

Starfishy at CB
Recap Part 1 - Getting to Windsor and the M&G
Wow, what a day! To sit here and type it all out makes me kind of sad that it is all over, but I get to relive it so I will manage!

My day started off not as expected. I got about half-way to pick up PebblesinMichigan and realized I forgot my picture for Clay to sign. I had to go all the way home and start over. Thank goodness we were starting early! So, I finally got to Pebbles by 2pm, and by 2:45pm we were circling Caesar's Windsor trying to find the stinking valet! Only took a couple times!

So we headed straight to the box office to pick up tickets and M&G passes. We did not know where in the front row our seats would be, so we ended up squealing when we opened out tickets and found us in the middle section up! A guy behind us asked us what we won, and we explained our tickets. He was there with his wife buying tickets for the show. We mentioned that were going to meet Clay and Ruben, she exclaimed "Ruben is here too???" Very cute! Apparently something was weird bout our M&G passes, so they said to come back later. So we decided to find the buffet area for dinner. While in line we ran in to lots of friends! Way too many to remember/mention! But I love seeing you all! Thanks to clayitagain for hosting such a fun gathering!

At about 5:30pm we headed back to the box office for the passes. While in line there was a couple behind us buying tickets for the show. The wife was a Clay fan. Pebbles offered them her tickets and they were very happy! Turns out they were doing something different with the M&G passes, and we would meet with Mariah (the tour manager) at 6pm. We met up with the other auction winners (great ladies!!! and were all M&G first timers!) At 6pm, Mariah and Cheryl (Clay's assistant) came up and found us. They had a man with them from the venue (to later be references as the Camera Nazi!!). We were told that Jerome was under the weather. We all awwwwed and they reassured us he was fine and would be back. We were walked over to the venue area (which is surprisingly no where near the box office). They took the auction winners first. While heading backstage, we were told that the merchandise was in Detroit and that they would have to mail us that part of our prize. And I believe it was Cheryl that told us they would be taking our pictures and emailing them t us. It was brought to her attention about the pictures issues with the first batch of ones sent out. She was more then aware, she said she contacted by many people!

We started by going backstage and in the venue! We saw the quick change spots on both sides of the stage for Clay and Ruben. Right there is front of us were Clay's jeans!! We all restrained ourselves, but offers were made to touch them! No such luck! We met Joe, the nice man who runs the controls backstage for the sound and we got to stand on the stage! It was amazing. Then they took us to a curtained off area backstage with chairs along a wall. While we waited we asked the venue man (aka Camera Nazi) about the camera policy. He said nothing is allowed at all. He said with the new iphone people take video and have them on youtube before the show is over. Personally I had a horrible time getting a signal all day, so how people are uploading things is beyond me! (ask Sue and Matt, the signal was terrible!!) As we were sitting there just talking we heard a deep voice on the other side of the curtain that could only belong to Ruben :-)

All of sudden they walked in. So calm and relaxed. They were joking with each other about something! All of a sudden I gasped, Clay cut his hair! It was spiked, but shorter then I had seen in previous concerts. Looked like a fresh cut (IMO). I am pretty sure the shirt was grey, but other remember blue, so maybe the stripes were blue? And there was a long sleeve shirt underneath. There were jeans, and I would assume shoes.....but who knows! We were all sitting along the wall, so Ruben came up to Pebbles on my right and went to give her a hug, while Clay started shaking hands. Pebbles didn't realize what she was doing, and gave Ruben a kiss on his cheek. He exclaimed "I got a kiss!!" Then Clay asked us where were all from. Pebbles and I both said the Detroit area. Clay was fascinated by this. He asked if we came to Canada often, Pebbles said she did, I don't. He had heard from someone (I assume that day at the casino) that they cross the border into Detroit to buy groceries. We explained that we had border crossing cards. Pebbles pulled hers out and he again was fascinated! We explained that only border states offer the enhanced licenses, and he pouted "I want one!" and proceeded to take hers and put it in his pocket!

He was then asked, are you hoarse? He said firmly, NO! During all this, a table was moved over to be between the guys and us, and Clay was very impressed with this! Ruben says "I want a chair!" and we all just giggled. So he went over and grabbed one, and looked at Clay standing to our left, told him there were more empty chairs, but Clay stayed standing. They started signing things, I handed Clay my picture I took at Sterling Heights 2007. It is the very first clack I ever took!! I told him that he and I was about to tell him SH, but he said "don't tell me.......Clio? (no) Troy? (you have never been to Troy Clay!) . So I told him Sterling Heights, and he was ".......200......7! He was so proud of himself. I reminded him how he came over for us poor souls in the sun and he smiled! Then I handed over the CD I brought for Ruben to sign. It was a "Playlist, Best of Ruben Studdard" CD. He was shocked, "where did you get this?" And Clay looked over and said "that's how they get more money out of us, didn't you know about it?" Ruben called over his manager and showed him. Clay was so proud "They called me, I got to pick my songs!" Ruben flipped it over and said "They picked that picture? Who picked these songs??" lol Hilarious!

So Clay asked the lady who was first if she had any questions. She told him she couldn't think of any. Pebbles started to ask Ruben about him singing opera, and Clay said "Picture time!" He called up the first lady while Pebbles was talking to Ruben. Clay said that maybe he didn't want to be in the picture, and Ruben was like, "I am answering her question" So at that point questions were done..... So we did pics and man are they tall. But I am pretty sure Clay leaned in. Cheryl was really sure to make sure they came out good, and Clay asked if she had been critiqued on her picture taking skills......she just said yes!

After that we were standing there, and I wanted to make sure I thanked Ruben for starting his foundation (for music in public schools) because I am a music teacher. Clay perked up at that point and asked what grade? I said elementary, you know, the recorder? and they just laughed. At that point it was over and we got hugs and thank yous. It is true, Clay smells like fresh laundry. And he gives great hugs!
After the M&G we went out into the lobby and talked a bit with Ben, Quiana and Casey. So much fun!

More on the concert coming soon.......

[Marilyn]

scorpionlady45 atCV
 
 Good Afternoon Everyone

Home from Chautauqua -

it was wonderful 

The show was so fun, I really really enjoyed it. One of the women I went with is going to Lancaster tomorrow and as soon as the show was over I turned to her and said ... can I go to Lancaster with you  But of course I can't as they are staying over and I have to go to work - but of course I guess I could *cough cough* call in sick

I just laughed and smiled and drooled (over Clay), all night.

The crowd was so mixed up with men, couples, older people, younger people.

There were four girls there with handmade t-shirts (not sure exactly what the front said) - but they each had a letter on the back that spelt out CLAY and whenever Clay sang solo they stood up and turned around

Lot of laughing and singing and dancing all night - but the crowd absolutely LOVED Footloose - after it was over, there was a SO - and then sang a part of it over again (kinda like an encoure) - then when that was over, more standing and clapping and Clay said - "we aint' singing it again"
Is this they way it usually is?

I haven't watched much video - so I guess I haven't watched the ending of the show - but I guess last night it seemed that they made Time of My Life as an encore - is that how they usually did it?
After the one song (can't remember now what it is) - Ruben and Clay thank everyone and they leave the stage - Casey and Quiana stay on stage then people are clapping and Clay and Ruben come back up and sing TOML. The whole audience was up singing and dancing with the song.

It was a great night   

=======
 

[Marilyn]

Claymatron at CV

 Hi Honeys, I'm home from Windsor and Chautauqua (and my fabulous M & G) - GAH!!! Two wonderful, exciting and OMG days...I'm going to be walking around 4 ft above the ground for weeks. I admit I was a little worried before my M & G. Clay is human and I hoped that I would catch him on a good day, in a good mood and living up to the (probably) unrealistic fantasy I have always had about him. I am happy to report that HE WAS AMAZING. I'm not a great re-capper, but I do have a pretty good memory, so if you are interested I'll do my best to share once I get all my thoughts together.

The two concerts, Windsor and Chautauqua, were outstanding, I think. HUGE attendance at both, lots of Claynadians and plenty of NJU men and women at both. Loved the mosh pits and I know the folks on stage enjoyed them too. I had 8th row center seats in Windsor and SECOND row center at Chautauqua (it pays to stand in line for 6 hours prior to the show, it seems). Clay looked wonderful and I've never heard him sing better. As for the kiss, HO-LY CRAP!!!! Give the man an Oscar - that is not to say he didn't enjoy it, but anyone who thinks he couldn't play a straight man on stage or in movies is crazy. His acting skills are improving daily and meeting him in person, seeing the real man behind the guy on stage, you begin to understand this guy's talent. On stage he's Clay Aiken, singer, performer, actor and DANCER, by golly!! Off stage, he's warm, friendly, snarky, witty, goofy, and just a cool guy, once you stop staring at him and start to breathe, you just want to have a conversation with him, about anything and everything. At least that's the way I felt. He made me feel completely at ease and comfortable. I loved him before, but now...there are no words! Ain't no mountain high enough...if you get my drift, and I think you do..... 

[wisconsinmaniac]

My recap of MILWAUKEE and WINDSOR!  I was fortunate to be with friends for each of the concerts, but for now - I will focus on the concerts and the thrill of seeing Clay on stage once again!

WOW!  That unexplainable magic fills the air when Clay steps on stage.  It happens EVERY time and I am thrilled that it does.  In MILWAUKEE, the venue was small but the crowd was enthusiastic.  Clay and Ruben are absolutely perfect together.  Loved the music, the banter, the revival skit, Footloose, SM, Alone, and I didn't want it to end.  Clay has never looked or sounded better, in my opinion. 

The WINDSOR concert was in a huge venue.  It is estimated close to 5,000 people in attendance.  Again, Clay was in his element.  Ruben really did the Pastor Studdard with even more flair.  Then .  . when Clay's microphone slipped down into his underwear . . . the crowd went wild.  Lots of men and lots of very young people were in the audience.  Towards the end of the show, many  from the crowd went towards the edge of the stage with their arms reaching towards the performers.  Ruben stepped forward and was touching their hands and even signing a few things.  Clay, on the other hand, stepped a bit further back on the stage and he stayed back a bit right through the end.  I understand completely why he has good reason to be uncomfortable doing that.  Jumbotrons were a delightful bonus!  He and Ruben were breaking each other up with their phrasing and antics and it was hilarious to watch Clay's facial expressions.  Seeing those eyelashes on a Jumbotron, up close and personal, didn't hurt either!

I never had a doubt that I would love the concert.  BUT, seeing Clay on stage again in this production validated the pride and affection that I have for that talented, caring, snarky, and HAWT singer man! 

THUD!

[Marilyn]

Claymatron at CV

OK, here goes...scroll if you bore easily...

The five of us OFC Meet and Greet people found each other at the rear porch of the Amphitheater at Chautauqua about 10 minutes before we were scheduled to go in to meet Clay. We were all giddy and nervous and excited, of course. There was Jennifer, Lynne (waves to Lindy500), Marie-Anne, Megan and myself. Megan, Marie-Anne and I are all Canadians and I knew them both, Jennifer was from Pittsburgh, and Lynne, from Cleveland. There were three lots of M & G groups and ours, from the fanclub, was the last one...and they got a late start.

Finally, Jerome called our names and we followed him into a long narrow corridor and were told to sit down and relax (yeah, sure!) wait until they were ready for us. It gave us a little time to get to know each other and we were really an amazing cross-section (age-wise) of Clay fans. Each decade was represented...from Megan in her twenties to me in my sixties...but in that room we were all like a bunch of excited school girls waiting for our date to arrive for our first prom. We talked a little about the questions we were going to ask him and Megan actually had a list of them on her cell phone. Too cute.

Eventually, Cheryl, Clay’s assistant, came and took us upstairs to another larger room and again we sat down in a row and waited for Clay. By this time the anticipation was almost over-whelming, but eventually we could hear voices and knew he was close.

People have said that when Clay enters a room, it becomes energized. I didn’t believe it, but even dressed casually in a yellow plaid shirt, cargo shorts and his laceless sneakers, you are aware that you’re in the presence of - I was going to say a “Star”, but it’s not that, it’s something special, something magical almost, but the perfect word alludes me. Anyway, initially, he was a wee bit formal, but still friendly. After he asked our names and where we were from, he relaxed completely, and so did we, for the most part. He commented on the fact that it was strange that there was only one Canadian at the Windsor (which is in Canada) M & G the night before, but three of us at Chautauqua, NY. I mentioned that we knew the Canadian at the Windsor M & G and he said that was because Canada was such a small country everybody knew each other...then he winked. I said, no, it was because we all get together for Cluncheons regularly and watch videos of him and eat. He repeated the word "Cluncheon" and sort of rolled his eyes and said that watching himself on video would put him off his food. LOL! I said we all had strong constitutions...and he laughed. He said he would answer questions while he signed whatever it was we wanted autographed, asked that everyone repeated and spelled their names for him so he wouldn’t screw up. When he got to me, I said... Bev..B..E..V, he looked up, and snarked that he had figured that one out himself.  Beside me, and last in the row, was Megan, a tall, gorgeous, shapely, 25 year old, who was so enamored of Clay I thought she was going to faint. He had been signing “Use your voice” on all his autographed items, but she asked him to sign “I love you” which he did. I doubt she will ever be the same! She also had some cute questions..like what side of the bed he preferred? (I think she was hoping that it would be for future reference, )

He said he was an equal opportunity sleeper and that he slept on his stomach and demonstrated that he didn’t sleep with his head on the pillow, but sort of had it tucked under his arm near his chin. He had us laughing and completely relaxed and when he had to leave to get ready for the show, you could tell he would like to have stayed with us longer. We each got hugged and our photos taken with him and he told us our group had really put him in a good mood and thanked US profusely! Then he was gone.

Sigh!

Megan, and her three cute young friends, were in the front row of the concert later and he flirted with them, and especially her, throughout the show.

As I said, she will never be the same, I was standing right behind her, and neither will I!   

[Marilyn]

from the CH
("LizinToronto")
Better late than never.
I'm on vacation now. Terrible head cold, plus a deluge of rain today.
Inauspicious start to the holiday week!
Sunday afternoon and I'm in the library (Thank you, Georgian Bay Public Library System) and here is my snooze -worthy recap of the Windsor M and G.
(I'll be on the iPhone for most of the week.)

Recap of Windsor M and G

Jerome was sick, so Clay's assistant Cheryl met with the 5 of us. So sorry to miss seeing Jerome. We were led by Cheryl and venue security via elevator down underground and through passages to the " backstage" area past a performers" refreshment stand, and behind a black curtain to a sectioned-off area of a room,. I think were might have actually been under the stage.
There was a round table, and opposite it, 5 chairs in a line for the winners. I was the first in line to enter the room and opted to sit down on the first chair, right end of the line when Clay was looking at us. Cheryl went to get Clay and a couple of security stayed with us. In 2-3 minutes Cheryl was back, and Clay entered with a big smile on his face.
He was wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved grey t-shirt with a polo shirt (blue stripes) over it. Beige sneakers with no laces and no sox. Hair appeared to be freshly washed and only very slightly spiked. He looked young, clean, fresh, glowing with health and happiness. Just REAL. Indescribably gorgeous.

He asked us how we were doing, and then went down the line, asking our names. Repeated each person's name back to them, and made note of the fact that the first three names began with L and the last two with B. When greeted and asked my name, I stood up to shake hands and was immediately told by Clay that no one need stand up. So I sat down! Ooops.... faux pas.

Then he went down the line and asked each one where she was from.
Next he sat down at the table and began signing autographs, one person at a time and told us we could ask our questions while he signed. It all proceeded very easily, no "star power trip" going on. Felt like we were talking with a friend.

I managed to sneak in 3 questions (my bad)
My official "autograph signing" question was,
'Is the "Tried and True Tour" going to come anywhere near Toronto?'
He frowned (knowing it wasn't) and looked to his posse to see the answer (how close he WILL get) and the answer was: Boston is the closest to Toronto that he will get.

Later, in a brief lull, I asked the question from the CH: "Would you consider setting up a kissing booth to make money for your charity?" and he laughed (entertaining question! he liked it..) and the swift retort was along the lines of, " No, but if you gals set one up, I 'll be there!" (and he was rather pleased with his joke.) Too cute.

At the end, as he was preparing to leave and no one was talking, I asked if I could ask another question and the answer was "Sure."
I said, " We love you with Jimmy Kimmel. Any chance you'll be there soon?"
The answer was swift and predictable: "I don't plan these things, they just happen."

After the signing, it was picture-taking time. I got the "prom pose", complete with the firm arm around the waist. He feels very solid.
Then each winner got a good solid hug. Yum. Loved it.
And with a big smile and thanks, he was gone.
It was wonderful; I was on cloud nine. I love him.

Liz

This recap may travel.

[Marilyn]

claythleena at CV

 My Meet and Greet at Lancaster on 8/8/10.

I arrived at the venue at 4:10 because I was terrified of a traffic jam, flat tire, or some other disaster keeping me from my all important M&G. Something DID almost happen.  While I was waiting inside, my 85 year old mom and her friend came in to use the restroom, and Mom started to lose her balance across the room from me. She was using her quad cane, but started to wobble to one side, overcorrected, and started to wobble the other direction, but her friend (also using a cane!) kept her from falling.  Thank goodness they both didn't end up in a pile on the floor! Other than that, I waited uneventfully for the other M&Gers to arrive. I saw a lady come to the door with a crutch, a purse, and a Learning to Sing, so I figured I had found another M&G person. At 5:00 we realized that the others were waiting elsewhere - closer to the Box Office and went to join them. A tall, slim, handsome Jerome eventually came out and gave either a first or last name for each of us, and we had to supply our missing names to receive our M&G pass. The auction winners went first, all in one group. While waiting, the OFC winners chatted with each other and one of the AMT workers. She seemed very interested in the show, was surprised that Clay would be funny, and wondered if we could get her an autograph.  I met Lolacat while waiting.

Eventually, Jerome came back and led us through to the front of the theater. We met Cheryl, and sat down in the front row, center-left. The backdrop was black with "stars" peeking through. Soon Clay appeared and did the handshake/ what's your name /repeats your name/ routine. As others reported, his hand is firm and warm. TAKE THAT, KRIPA!!!  Clay noted that I had a list of questions written on my notepad. I was quite surprised by the up-close Clay. He seemed sooo petite to me! He is tall, but he seemed fine-boned and is very slim and young looking. He was wearing the greenish-gold laceless sneakers, jeans which were frayed at the bottom (but NOT the ones he wore in the show), a plaid shirt, with a gray t-shirt underneath. Now, I made special note - even wrote it down, to look at his eyes, BUT the theater was so dark, and the lighting was such, that I couldn't see his eyes! He asked where we were from, and was quite concerned with the lady who had the crutch (she had a knee injury). She told him that she had driven three hours (stick-shift) to get there because her driver hadn't shown up to bring her. He was worried that she was driving while taking drugs (painkillers), and said that she wouldn't see him again because she was driving impaired. She joked that the lady who was supposed to be her driver was on her way to the theater now, and she would point her out to him during the show.

He took our questions and signed our items at the same time. I asked the first question, which was simply whether he broke his toe. He said he actually didn't know for sure, but that he believed that he did break it. I had also planned to ask him how the Pastor Studdard skit came about, but did not have the opportunity. Someone asked about Phineas and Ferb, and he mentioned they gave him blue eyes. I don't want to say much more about the questions because I'm not sure what Lolacat asked, and I don't want to take away from her recap. He had each of us come over for our photos while he continued to answer questions. He leaned down, put his arm around us, and produced a dazzling smile with each of us. Then he went to Yvonne (Crutch-Lady) so she needn't walk over for her photo and finished her photo with a hug while he had her standing up. Very efficient. Next, he stepped in front of me and leaned down, so I stood up and was enveloped in a warm, cozy hug. Before we knew it, he was gone, but oh what a wonderful memory!!!!

It was so late when we finished, that my family wolfed down take-out dinner in the car (didn't want to lose our handicapped parking space nor deal with the traffic), and went in to the show with almost no time to mingle. Not exactly the nice sit down restaurant dinner I had envisioned, but worth it for the M&G! 

[woodstock854]

I know I am very late with this review of Milwaukee but here goes!!!

Had a WONDERFUL time!!!  The highlight was spending time with Thea, Barb (wisconsinmaniac), and Barb (WilsonClaymate).  It was wonderful to see these great Clay fans, and SUCH lovely ladies.  Thank you, gals!!!  Let's do it again soon!!!

As you have read in other reviews, the evening started off with a "disruption" from a "fan".  I think she called herself "Lesbiana", and I heard Clay repeat that name.  I am SO glad Clay and Ruben had the house lights turned up and put her in her place.  Clay's reply was very funny, but I truly hate when fans cause such a ruckus to get attention.  Luckily, that was the end of it for the night.

My daughter, who is my concert Buddy, was not thrilled with seeing Ruben.  Since I had only read the first cellcert, I didn't know much, but I did know that Clay and Ruben were on the stage together most of the time.  So there was no escaping, I told her.  LOL  But, I thought Ruben was very good.  He was very entertaining, seemed at ease, and I thought his voice sounded really good.  He really is very talented.  I enjoyed the banter between the two, and am happy to see they have stayed friends.  I don't think the banter went too far at this concert, but I must say, although the Reverend Studdard bit was funny, I personally was getting bored and thought it went on too long.  The point had been made.  I would have rather spent the time hearing Clay sing more songs.

I LOVED Clay.  I have always loved Clay, and will go to concerts as long as he is performing and my legs will get me there!!!  I think his voice was SPOT ON at this concert.  By now, he has proven he can sing ANYTHING, and I do enjoy hearing him sing a variety of genres.   Although he may be more comfortable with the "oldies" and being a "crooner", I think he sounds great doing Pop and any other thing he chooses to sing.

I found it interesting reading the other Milwaukee reviews.  Quite frankly, I didn't even pay attention to what Clay was wearing.  I know he was wearing a suit, but I didn't notice the fabric OR the wrinkles.  I was just anxiously sitting there waiting to hear THAT VOICE!!!  I DID notice his hair, though.  Only because my daughter had commented on his hair on the cover of T&T.  "What's up with Clay's hair?"  So I was happy to see it wasn't plastered on his head.  I thought he looked great.  And yes, a little skinny.

They were watching very closely for people taking video.  They were walking back and forth throughout the whole concert.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by Casey!!!  She is a wonderful addition to the family, and I think she is very talented.  I also thought Quiana was great, and it was wonderful to see her.

My favorite songs of Clay's were Suspicious Minds, Alone, Mandy, and I LOVED When I See You Smile.  But my VERY FAVORITE of the night was MORE THAN A FEELING.  WOW!!!  Totally blew me away!!!  Wish he could have sung the whole song.

After one of Ruben's songs, my daughter said "Clay could have sung that better."  I can't remember what song she said that about.  I texted her and I will edit this when I hear back from her.  But, I was happy to hear her say that.   

I have ONE negative comment.  I agree with Thea.  I think "enough is enough" with the gay comments.  On the way home, I told my daughter I thought there were too many gay comments, and she said there were so many racial comments, too.  She is right.  A little goes a long way.  On with it, already, IMO.

SUCH a wonderful time.  SUCH a wonderful Clay.  I am SO glad to be a part of it!!!

P.S. My daughter took a picture of the 4 of us, but she is moving and her computer is packed up, so I will post the picture as soon as she e-mails it to me!!!

[Marilyn]

Tiffany
Claymaniac
 
Hello from Newark, NJ. Headed into NY tonight. Having a great time so far.Was in Lancaster last night. I saw Faye in the bathroom but didn't talk to her. . Amazing concert and had the best seats. Great sound too. Nice venue. Could see Clay and Ruben so close. I was on the left side on the 6th row. Our section was a little boring with some people around us. Saw some older people. Maybe NJU. We got up for a few songs and clapped, danced, sang along but our section weren't as good as the right side. Clay said that in the beginning. Hope it can be a better crowd around us in NY. I like to get up and dance. I thought Clay's voice was perfection. Didn't sound sick to me at all. Ruben sounded good too. Very impressed with him now.  My friend was surprised and didn't watch clack like I did so she was cracking up at their comedy bits. THey play off so well with each other. Hilarious last night! During Preacher Ruben someone in the audience was just cracking up and Ruben called her out. It was so funny. Clay's such a good actor and he's facial expressions were so cute when he came out in the blanket. And the Peaches and Herb joke just never gets old to them. LOL Didn't think it was that much audience interaction this time. They were good. Hardly no one called out. So it's just a fun show. Loved it! And Clay gahhhh he was so gorgeous. Really impressed with Casey too and she's so beautiful.  CAn't wait to see it again on Wednesday in NY!

Waited out a while by the buses for Clay and anyone else to come out. Saw Ben 1st. Casey did a few autographs but didn't see her from where I was standing. Wanted to see her. Wasn't a big crowd of people waiting. Actually had no idea where Clay would come out at 1st cause I moved cause we thought Jerome told us too but he was talking to the McV's girls to go on the bus to see Clay. Grrrrr  And it was loud like everyone could hear him. But anyway he did come out with a dark plaid shirt and jeans. He did touch my hand. Eeeeeeeeeee Was a better touch then I had just touching his fingers a few years ago in Asheville. I was happy.  Was worth the wait!

Gwenn, Jill, Marion and Micki-Didn't see you but if I did I wanted to say hello.

Tammy, Philly and Irene-Great to see you gals. So happy for you Irene for your Meet and Greet. You survived! Looking forward to seeing your pic with him.  See you all in NY.

I agree Micki. Take this to Vegas!