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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 38352 times)

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #90 on: August 11, 2010, 01:04:23 AM »
deemer at CV
 
 OMG OMG OMG what a wonderful concert!!! It was just amazing and he was sooooooooooo close. I had gold 2 (second set of tables) in the middle so those in gold 1 must still be in a Clay daze. He was so gorgeous. Stubble, every outfit so neat not a wrinkle, and spikey hair not too out of control. He was verra cute.

The venue had tables on a flat floor although there were some balcony boxes. Everyone's chair was actually facing sideways (one or other side of the table) so I think we will all be suffering "Hampton Beach Whiplash" tomorrow with some sore necks from looking sideways intently for 2 hours.

The stool banter went long -- he tried at one point to switch with Ruben, but they didn't switch so he went back to the tall stool and it took a while before Clay could bring it around to the switch. At one point he said it was a 7 year relationship that unfortunately ended tonight... they were milking the "falling out". Later in the concert, Clay gave Ruben a big hug, so they made sure we knew it was all fun.

Another thing that was different was how he came out for the healing scene. Previous concerts he came out as if he was afflicted, head down and with a grimace even sometimes little spasms of affliction. But tonight he looked about as if he was confused and finally made it over to the pastor. Reminded me a moment of the guard from spamalot -- doing a bit of the "clueless" guy.

Clay was just wonderful in Mandy and "When I See You Smile" and everywhere else. His speaking voice was a bit horse and he did make a "going through puberty" joke at one point that was funny and well-recieved.

The crowd was screaming and clapping -very loud for Clay. Ruben also had a contingient of supporters, a few who shouted out "I love you Ruben". There was also an "I love you Clay" too, but no doubt that we were very loud for Clay. He seemed happy although not goofy tonight. He does seem like the one who tries to keep the show on track JMHO.

He did come out briefly at the bus and touched hands with the people in the front near the barrier. Claym8 was glowing, she got two touches. Aw.

I got loads of pictures, but won't be able to post tonight. I'm at the hotel computer station.

 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #91 on: August 11, 2010, 02:53:00 AM »
Brightstar at CV-Hampton NH
Aug 11 2010, 02:25 AM

 What a great night! Only my second show, after Asheville, and it was fabulous. A very "different" venue, and we weren't sure how the crowd would be. But the crowd was great--enthusiastic and appreciative-- and I think Ruben and Clay really felt the love. Lots of standing and dancing and cheering in the latter part of the show.

There was a lot of chemistry on that stage. Many of the bits had changed over time, but even the lines I recognized seemed fresh and genuine. They are really good actors!

Clay looked amazing, and his voice was spectacular. He seemed especially playful at times, teasing, and grinning, and trying to provoke Ruben.
The "homo" line was unexpected and hilarious. "Only a homo would know about lame" (pretend there's an accent over the "e." And he kind of mimicked some gestures/movements of a stereotypical "homo." He can still surprise me and make me laugh out loud.

Ruben was so sweet to go down the barricade, chatting, signing autographs, giving hugs, and taking pictures with fans when asked. He went really slowly and took his time. We hoped Clay would "do the line," since we were not too large a group and were behind a barricade. Claym8 and I (she says hi) were right behind one of the buses and were a little taken aback when the motor started and the lights went on. We had a brief discussion of Tiananmen Square but held our ground. Security was nice--not a word about moving or any statements that Clay wasn't coming. So we waited, and were rewarded when he walked the line and touched hands. So fun!

A delightful night and NYC awaits! 

ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #92 on: August 12, 2010, 10:12:21 AM »
lylekira at CV

LAST NIGHT WAS AWESOME! As I said, I had avoided all spoilers and clack, so I was completely surprised by the whole concert. I think I was the only one in the audience who had no idea what song was coming next. It was a great fun surprise. I can tell you that my biggest surprise was that it was basically another Jukebox Tour wrapped with a Laurel & Hardy comedy act. I was smiling from minute one. I honestly expected songs from Tried and True and other songs Ruben would have picked from that era. I was SO happy to find out that I was completely wrong! I loved all the medleys, I loved the songs, the banter, the jokes, etc. It was pure bliss from the get go. I even wanted to give Ruben a big hug he was so great.

The two bummers on my part were this ... this was my ONLY concert this time around (which I immediately regretted) and that my one concert was this one with no room to stand and dance. I've been to Hampton beach Casino before, and I guess when i thought it was gonna be a concert of slow standards, the layout and stage size didn't concern me. The minute I realized what kinda of show it really was, I was immediately bummed that this was the locale of the concert. Speaking with Quiana (and Casey) before for the concert, they both mentioned how disappointed in the venue all of them were. When I mentioned it was my only concert, they were both like ... "what an unfortunate place to see your only show." I got they were pretty concerned about the stage size and space too, and then there was the feedback issues when the concert started, the room was very very warm with everyone crammed in. They made due though and so did I.

I was dancing in my seat aplenty, I was giddy and maybe even a little bit rowdy. I could tell that the sedate gal to my left was turned off by my hyperactivity, but sorry lady, I've not been to a Clay concert since 2007 and I was a bit "pent up" I guess. LOL!

I was thrilled to find I was sitting next to trishcc and cotton!!!! Glad I also saw Claym8 and finally got to meet RIClayFan. I only wish I got to see more of my CV friends, but space for mingling beforehand was sooooo tight and with no intermission, opportunities were limited. I also arrived to town later than most so it was really and in an out type of thing.

The way the venue is set up with the exit doors at the back made for a pretty easy exodus to the buses which were just parked at the bottom of the steps where we come out. They had barricaded around the back of the buses and the crowd immediately filled in along all the barricade, basically blocking the backs of the buses from any easy escape. Yeah, they could have pushed us all away and moved the barricades and yes, the buses could have backed up and out without anyone saying hello, but we were basically "on top" of them, and they had to pass into the open to get into the buses, so I think they realized it just made sense to come out and say hello. Ruben did more of a "Spamalot" stage door greeting. He signed autographs and took pics and moved a long the barricade very slowly. I was happy to finally give him that bear hug. Donna snapped a cute pic but its on her camera not mine, so I have to get that from her. Clay soon followed after Ruben was done. His was a much more "busline" type greeting. Quick, fast and pretty impersonal. I'm not blaming him one bit or saying there is anything wrong with that, just describing the difference. I did get a nice quick double hand squeeze and was able to take a quick pic as he approached me. He was out and gone in less than a minute and it was to our car for the two hour ride home.
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Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #93 on: August 12, 2010, 10:38:45 AM »
dancermom2

 Hammerstein...

Back from the show. My ears are ringing. The applause for the guys was amazing…and the show was amped up a notch…and the screamers you all heard?? You know the shout out really really annoyingly bad interruptus screamers?? They were two rows behind me. Boy did I want to throttle them. Why am I always so lucky?? And no it wasn’t the Vargas girls.

When we got to the theater there was a line. This line was a very slow moving line. Turns out you could only go upstairs to the venue by taking two elevators. Uh right. I asked…can we walk up the stairs…and was firmly told no. So we wait for the elevator to take us up.

The start of the show was a total mess up. The tickets and the seats were totally screwed up. There was no balcony and they moved those seats to the back of the floor. It was totally flat and it was just not good. There was like a 10 foot gap between the first row and the stage. We were joking that we should just all go sit on the floor. I heard that they moved the show to this room but who the heck knows what happened? The room was packed. The AC lost it by the end and it was hot in there. We were packed in like sardines. The seats were too close together and were the kind of chairs you would find in a banquet hall. They had the seat numbers typed out on white stickers that were on the back seat of the chairs. I think what happened is that they screwed up and not all the seats they sold had a seat with a sticker with that seat number on it. Total cluster frell of the highest order. It took them a long time to straighten out. I was a lot further from the stage than a Row H Center section ticket should have put me. And if someone in front of me stood I had no choice but to stand since the floor was not raked and totally flat.

People started getting restless and there was a couple of Clay Clay Clay chants and clapping to get it going things. Then the lights finally went down and the intro started…and then when the curtain should have opened we had

No movement.

Then it closed more instead of opening. I was thinking…oh no it’s going to be one of those nights….we wait….

But then the curtain opened…Ru sang…and then Clay sang. TITN and you know what? All that mess just flew right out of my head. There he was….and my lord he looked gorgeous in that suit…and his voice??? Sublime.

The crowd rocked the house tonight. Clay rocked STO. I mean totally thoroughly rocked STO. His voice…his delivery…and GAH his presence was intense. LLVL? Oh geez…sex on a microphone….there it was and his name was Clay. Alone? September??? And then MTAF????!!!!!!!! MTAF?????? What can I say but Clay rocked that song.

Hee…when Clay came out in his hammer pants I went…oh my goodness they are gold!!!!! Boy did they glitter and shine. And they CMSU!

Ru changed up the Pastor part…he did sing Amazing Grace and Clay was trying to find his rythmn. They also started in on an auction since people were shouting out offering money…it got up to $90,000 and Ru said…Clay you got a bargain! The guys were good dealing with the shout outs…and one point saying…is there a bar back there and looking and going…yup there’s a bar….

Footloose was amazing. That’s when we blew the roof off the place. And this place by the way is old. It smells old…feels old…and is musty. And there were times I felt the floor move and shake and not from an earthquake. It was a bit unnerving to say the least when people started to move and dance and they to jump in unison and I felt the floor really start to vibrate. I was like…Pastor Ruben…don’t pray to cure Clay of lackofrythmnitis but to save us from a collapsing floor.

Mandy was sublime. And "When I See You Smile"???? Stepped up a notch.

There was a lot of audience singing to the guys…and a lot of love in that room. The doofus from MTV? He can bite me. Ruben got the love. Yes Clay got louder love but if most of the fans in the room are there for Clay I don’t know what you are supposed to do. Ru wasn’t ignored and he got applause…and a standing O and it’s not true that when he sang we all sat down. People stood for the fast songs and sat when it quieted down and it was a slow song.

The last strains of Time of Life fade out…the band improve at the end was great. I really really love the band. And I think…I am not waiting for that elevator to go back down. We take the stairs. 7 floors down. We pass places that look like time forgot. At one point DH said…oh lookie…that’s what happened when the floor was shaking. There was a room on the side with all these really broken chairs strewn all over the place. We finally reach the lobby….Civilization!!!!!

DH took 700 pictures. He took too much with his bigger card and was afraid he messed it up but it saved okay to his computer.

I am really sad that this is my last show…but so very happy that I saw two great shows.

Clay is the one.

PS: Just checked the pics...yup...he shaved... 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #94 on: August 12, 2010, 10:44:35 AM »
ROADNOTTAKEN AT CV

Just got home five minutes ago! We just missed the earlier train and had to take a local. Since they had to move everyone upstairs to the 7th floor, the show started close to a half hour late. So of course it ended late too. Trains don't wait for late concert endings!

njrp-- I can only imagine your predicament. I was in the 11th row and still had to look around the person in front of me all night.

But whata great, high energy raucus enthusiastic show it was tonight. The crowd was boisterous and I'm sure they all fed off of that up on the stage.

But I couldn't help imagining the entire floor of people collapsing down 7 floors; that floor was literally jumping along with the audience. Guess we got an amusement ride along with the concert.

Clay's speaking voice was so hoarse, poor baby (hope he gets down to Chinatown for some of that throat serum while he's in NYC! ) -- but his singing voice was fabulous.

He made Mandy and "When I See You Smile" all new again. And I love that he's no longer being campy on LLVL. The guy really, really can dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was always obvious that he had a good sense of rhythm, and I don't know if he's more confident in his dancing now because of Spamalot, or because of being with a dancer for a long while, or both, but I'm so glad as it's just such fun to watch all of them dancing. Ruben moves very well himself for a big man. And he sounds so much better than he did on AI because his breath control is much better now. The girls were great as well.

A rollicking good time, I'd say, but not an appealing venue. Hopefully, next time Clay appears in NYC it will be at Madison Sq. Garden Theater again-- that was a great venue!!!!

Now I'm off to bed with a smile on my face. Boy will I be tired tomorrow! 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #95 on: August 12, 2010, 10:52:11 AM »
deemer  AT cv

 I was in the balcony at Hammerstein but it turned out better than I thought for clack. I took some videos -- only problem was the railing of the balcony got in the way (hey, I couldn't lean way over it) and cuts off the bottom if Clay goes to the right side of the stage. Overall though I was happy with the view. It was weird that the seats were not assigned in the balcony (even though our tickets had #) and we didn't know why so I guess it was because of the change in venue as you found out (they didn't tell us nothin'). For me though, it worked out BETTER, because with no assigned seats, I grabbed one in front row balcony nearer the stage on the side.

I never did find the friends I was supposed to sit with though! I got there late since I missed the train they took (TRAFFIC!!!!) and arrived when people were going in (after 7:30) and I figured they had already gone in and best thing would be to find the assigned seats and they'd be there. Turns out when I got upstairs and called them they were still waiting for the elevator (I must have got the shorter elevator line...) and of course, there were no assigned seats. So I never saw them and it was way too loud to hear any calls at all.

I don't know how bad it was for hundreds of people to leave via 2 elevators, since I dashed out a bit early. I thought if I waited for the real exiting to start, that I would surely miss the 10:39 train... so I had to forgo a little of the concert but I got the elevator fast and got to the train in time.

Thanks a million to Scarlett who let me borrow an 8 GB camera card -- I thought 1 GB card was buckets of space (thousands of pictures!!) but apparently NOT if you are going to shoot video. What a newbie I am. With major traffic tie-ups from the airport to home before going to NY, I had no time to buy one, so I used the one she lent me and did shoot some video. Be forewarned though -- I only shoot Clay even if he is sitting on the side, I am extreeeeeeeeeeeeemly biased on what the VIEW should be.
 
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Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #96 on: August 12, 2010, 10:53:06 AM »
momo AT CV

 Finally saw this concert. Lancaster was amazing and a beautiful way to lose my Timeless virginity. The second time tonight was even better.

The energy at both shows was truly incredible. Had my uncle with me who has never seen a Clay concert and he loved it. Danced and screamed so much his voice was gone after the show. First thing he asked me was...do they have a cd of this?

Can't recap too much because I have to sleep and get ready for my 16 hour drive to Alabama so I can see my mom and sisters and take them to their first in Biloxi....but,

First, I think Ruben is the cutest damn cheerleader I have ever seen. He pumps up the energy in a room better than Red Bull with an expresso shot. His smile is infectious and he was in unbelievable voice both nights. I didn't think anything he did went on too long. Superstar was beautiful and perfect and I loved, loved. loved his Marvin Gaye songs.

Second, I have never seen Clay happier in his own skin than he is now. IMO, it has made him sexier to watch too. The difference in La Vida Loca now from the JBT is huge. I also think it's a beautiful thing to see him crack gay jokes about himself. He's out and he's proud and I'm so proud of him.

Yes, there were ticket snafus....but they worked them out eventually.
Yes, the ballroom was different and SEVEN floors up *in heels* but the acoustics were phenomenal and it had a fantastic feel to it.

I liked it just a little. :- 
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #97 on: August 12, 2010, 07:49:18 PM »
(ForeverYoung @ 12 August 2010 - 11:49 AM) at CH
August 10th – Hampton Beach Casino – Hampton Beach, NH

My Meet and Greet -*** Warning: Free flow, lengthy recap…. Don’t miss a word! Overlook the grammatical errors and tense inconsistencies – I’m excited!

My Meet and Greet notice came several weeks after everyone else had received their notice. I was clearly a substitute. I’d like to thank who ever failed to confirm or did not have tickets to see that show or was unable to attend, for whatever reason. This was meant to be, for me, after 8 years of “wishing and hoping”.

Leading up to the ‘big day’, my mind was a jumble of questions to ask. Jumble is an appropriate word to use, because as you advance in age, your mind and your mouth begin to ‘jumble’ and that is the last thing on Earth I wanted to happen to me at my M&G. I was also fearful that I would suffer the Aiken fog and not remember anything. Understand that I have met Mayors, Governors and CEOs of major corporations, and I had never been this excited. Since I’ve spent my whole life ‘being prepared’, I typed up my 5 questions and printed them in a large bold font. Large bold font being necessary because I wanted my one and only picture with Clay to be glasses free, so I would be wearing my contact lenses (can’t read with contacts, but can see distance very clearly.)

The big day arrived and my wonderful travel buddy and friend, STPteach and I arrive in Hampton Beach, NH after a 3 hour trip from her home in CT. We get settled into our perfect hotel across from the beach, with valet parking only and terrific in house restaurants. After a quick bite and an even quicker walk onto the beach, we got ready to walk over to the venue. I arrived about ½ hr early, located the box office and was told that someone would get the M&G winners at the appointed time. Chatted with the 4 other lucky M&G winners, Shamrock, babbyd, lori509, cherie (hope I got all the names right) and several other Clay Adventurers that I hadn’t seen in several years (waves to Karen Eh and Scarlett.) Sure enough, at the appointed time, Jerome arrives with our passes. We identify ourselves to him and are lead up the stairs to the venue. We pass thru an area near the entrance where a buffet was set up for the crew and as we walked thru, Casey, Ben, Quiana and others were walking in for dinner.

We were seated at the far end of the massive room which I’ve described as a massive Texas dance hall with tables. It is dark and hot. One of the ladies was in a wheelchair and had been escorted somewhere. Since she wasn’t where we were waiting, we assumed we would not be meeting in the venue, but outside somewhere in the broiling sun near the busses. The 4 of us were told that the auction winners and the radio winners would have their M&G before ours and that someone would come for us when it was time. So we introduced ourselves to each other, chatted and tried to remain calm. Finally, we were escorted outside, down the steps and under the stairs we had walked down into an area outfitted with 4 chairs. Our wheelchair bound compatriot was already in place. So we each took a seat. I was 3rd from the entrance. The bus was parked directly in front of the entrace to that space. Jerome and Cheryl (tour manager) arrive and greeted us. There were 2 other imposing men standing against the building looking very menacing – I am assuming they were additional security. You can never have enough security when you have 5 women over 50 (forgive me ladies if I’ve overstated your age) in the same area.

While we waited for Clay, I spotted the tour tag hanging from Cheryl’s neck. I asked if I could have a look at it and she comes right over. Of course with the contacts, I can see the badge better from a distance than close up. She extended the badge and I could see Ruben very clearly and then 2 other people standing next to him. I said, I see Ruben but who is standing next to him. She gives me a few seconds to realize it is Clay wearing some sort of cap sideways on his head and bound from the chest down to his waist in what appeared to me to be tan leather straps wrapped around. There is someone behind Clay, but I can’t tell who it is. STPteach was having an M&G the next day in NYC so I asked her to look at the badge and tell me who the other person was - I'll let her tell you in her recap). Once I realize what I’m looking at (Clay in leather), my eyes widened and surprised I said, “Oh now I see who it is “and we both laugh.

Clay emerges off the bus and steps into our area with a big smile and welcome greeting and handshake for each of us. He looks yummy in a blue horizontal stripped short sleeve tee shirt and really nice jeans that have detailed stitching below both knees which look like patches but are part of the design. Hair was tousled and face unshaven with several days worth of red beard….. delicious. He proceeds to shake everyone’s hand and ask our names, which he repeats. He stands in front of us and then starting with the lady in the wheelchair asks were we are from and what we do. When he gets to me, I told him that I’m from Stamford, CT via NYC. He repeats NYC? “ Yes”, I said. He asked me what I do and I saw an opportunity to ask one of my questions. Without taking a breath, I told him I retired four years ago after working for IBM for 30 years and I’ve been to Raleigh many times on business (IBM has a very large Research Center in Raleigh with many employees) and “Why Do You Use A Mac! “ Surprised and laughing, he replied that he loved his MAC and that he had on of the first small blue MACs when he was younger. He asked if I remembered that version of a blue MAC and I told him, that in IBM we weren’t allowed to have MACs and that if you do, you would have to be fired and that as a manager I would have had to fire him. He asked me if that was in my contract, and I said yes. He looked at me and said, “Is that true?” and I looked at him and said “ NO!” (the firing part). Lots of laughter from Clay and everyone.

Then he asked us to give him what we wanted signed and we could ask our questions. I handed him the On My Way Here CD booklet, telling him it was an exquisite album and that I hoped to hear him sing those songs live. He thumbed thru the booklet and said that he might sing, Something About Us and the Real Me someday and maybe Sacrificial Love. I had my second question answered without asking a question! I then told him that he was on my bucket list along with bungee jumping and skydiving and that I could cross him off my list. He said, “You are going to cross me off your list?” I said,"Yes” and he asked whether I was going to do a controlled bungee jump or an uncontrolled bungee jump. I asked him what the difference was. Whether that meant over water or land? He explained that controlled was at State Fair where I assumed there was protective netting. I asked him if he had every done a bungee jump. He said he did a controlled jump at a State Fair. I asked him if he would skydive next and he said “ Hell No!” BWAH!

The next lady was telling Clay that she had been a big Paul Anka fan but that Clay had replaced him in her heart. I don’t remember the segway, but at that point I said that I had graduated high school with Neil Sedaka and that I had see Clay at Neil Sedaka’s tribute at Lincoln Center in NYC. I told him I had brought a high school program for Neil to sign (he was the pianist, I was in the chorus) but didn’t get a chance to see him. Clay turned to Cheryl and said, “Find out were Neil is.” I assumed he was going to help me get in touch with Neil so he could finally sign my program. (not even in my thoughts). Clay then said his mother was a big fan of Neil’s and had finally gotten to meet him. I then told him that I knew Neil when he was 16 and 17 and that he was very different then. Where is all this Chutzpah coming from?…. Of yes, Me! I didn’t interrupt anyone and I don’t think I was rude, but the mood was friendly and conversational and this was my once in a lifetime chance to have ‘fun with Clay’.

Now ladies, you have to realize, I can talk as much and as fast as Clay, so I was able to get a lot of fun conversation going, which I think he and everyone else there enjoyed. Including my fellow M&Gers who were lovely and happy to be there.

OK, picture taking time…. Lady in the wheelchair first, who, when given the choice, elected to wheel herself over to him, he knelt down, smiled and picture snapped. Next beautiful, tall Shamrock, pose, snap. Now it’s my turn, as I stand up and place my signed CD booklet on my chair, I said – “I'm 4ft 7inches, this should be fun.” Clay said, “You’re adorable, it will be fine” and he proceeded to hold me close... I proceeded to hold him close... he tipped his head toward mine, scrunched his body in half, we smiled into the camera and snap.

Next, goodbyes and hugs… again, I reached up on my tip toes, put my arms around his neck, he hugged me. I patted his back, took a deep sniff and told him to have a great time tonight because we will! Glorious! Clay is very approachable, extremely charming and very easy to talk to.

I flew out of there to meet up with STPteach, Corabeth, Nanjeanne and MrNan and ObLaDi who were eating at the restaurant next to the venue. Found them sitting upstairs having their coffee, flew over to them and declaring that I was brilliant (it’s all about me) and proceeded to talk non stop (much like this recap) while Corabeth took notes on a napkin and Nanjeanne took notes on her phone. At this point I was on Speed and couldn’t shut up going over every detail, trying to remember every word said in that M&G (which I do but haven’t included here because they were words spoken to the other ladies and it’s their story to tell. Mine has already turned into a Russian Novel.)

I won’t recap the show, but I had the best seat I’ve ever had, 2 bodies away from center stage, thanks to Donnamom I’m sure you know by now that the venue was hot as Hades and we were packed in thigh to thigh, ass to ass.

It was clearly one of the top 20 days of my life, topped off with an ice cream sundae and then wine on the deck outside of Donnamom and MrMom’s hotel room over looking the ocean.

It was a great experience for me and I got to share it with some wonderful people in my life. Now I can share my memories with all of you!
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #98 on: August 12, 2010, 08:10:32 PM »
HippoGA (CV)
posting on AAIT's computer. We're here in Verona, have OKI in our possession, and are hoping to have a good cellcert for you all tonight! Great news about the ticket sales. Alice and I were very disappointed with our seats because we bought the ticket/hotel package and were told they would be center tables in the King's Row. Seemed great for OKI and maybe some video taking. Well, our seats were way over on the side! After last night, we just had to say something. The folks at the ticket office were very nice. They said whoever told us we'd be in the middle was correct. Those ARE the package seats....but they are NOT reserved. They give them out as people check in. SO just who are these folks who had the nerve to check in before us!!!??? WHO?? WHO??? Anyway, they did change out our seats to something closer to what we thought we were getting.

Had a great day yesterday. I had no problems driving in the city...except for the bus who tried to take my lane. I showed him a thing or two! Alice and I also went to the Empire State Building before the show and met a friend of mine from the CB for dinner. Our front row seats on the left became front row on the right as Brightstar commented. AND then they ADDED a row of seats in front of us for the M&G winners. I truly understand. Jerome talked to us in person and we said we understood but that we had also purchased broker tickets to be on the front row. He asked if our seats were not good and of course, they were BUT I think it finally sank in what FRONT ROW is to a Clayfan!! And we were the ONLY ones who actually had a row added in FRONT of them. The tour manager came out later and said they really were sorry and appreciated our graciousness and gave us a tour tote bag in apology. That was nice and something they didn't have to do.

This was my first concert since Asheville and I enjoyed it immensely! Clay shaved just for me!! He was drop dead gorgeous one minute and funny silly the next. He said he sounded like Bea Arthur today but I thought he sang like "the voice of God or akin to it"...paraphrasing Terrance Mann from Bringing Broadway Home! There was quite a nice round of applause for Ruben but the place erupted when Clay came onto the stage. Sing it son, yes, THIS is the Night! From the first notes of "Suspicious Minds" to the last "thank you for coming", he was spot on. Dancing is just so natural, I hardly noticed that OH MY GOODNESS, CLAY IS DANCING! There were some shout outs from the audience to which he immediately inquired "are they selling alcohol here?". Later he told a loudmouth to "have another drink"! And said they were making him mess up the script! He did leave out his Peaches and Herb strange group analogy. It was just an amazing concert with some banter in between to hold it together and the one skit. Ruben really showed his ability to react on the spot to the crowd when he started an auction for another "healing". The gold Hammer pants were a riot but they made me sad because I knew the show was coming to an end in just one more segment. I think the 80's segment was my favorite...or maybe the 60's. And I just have to confess to a very special place in my heart for "Mandy". It was my favorite song my freshman year in college! And that man has made that song his own....and kind of made me act like a teenager again in the process!

OK, cameras and OKI are ready and hope we get to use them! Last night it was said non-flash photography was fine, but it looked like some people were getting shut down. You never know! See you hopefully in just a few minutes!
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #99 on: August 12, 2010, 10:01:24 PM »
IChris1
Gwenn, Jill, Marion & Marilyn, it was great seeing you all again in NYC yesterday.  We all  had a great time.  Here's my recap from my Lancaster M&G as promised:


Recap from M&G 8/8/10 – Lancaster, PA

OMG.  I’m still in that famous FOG.  What a night that was!!!  That man is just simply gorgeous, beautiful, incredibly HAWT, sexy, sweet, thoughtful, amazing, charming, delicious, etc….words just can’t describe!!! 

I was so nervous I just didn’t know what to do with myself.  After waiting 7 long years and never thinking I would be lucky enough to get a M&G, I was just a ball of nerves.  Then, when Jerome took us into the theater and I saw that incredibly gorgeous man face to face, I thought I would just have a heart attack & die right there on the spot.  Instead, he smiled at me and I felt something I never thought would happen.  That smile was so sweet, charming and innocent; I immediately became calm and drawn into his presence.  All my fears melted away and I was just happy to be there with him. He just seems to have this energy or aura about him that you feel as soon as he’s near you.  What an amazing man!!!

We were seated in the first row of the theater, Clay walked in and said hello to all of us. He then asked each of us our names and where we were from.  There were four of us from PA and one from NY.  He said it was the most from any one state that were together at a M&G. 

He then asked one of the girls who had a leg brace on what happened to her.  She told him she blew her knee out and had to drive herself to the theater to see him.  He asked how she could drive with the brace on her right leg and she informed him that she had to use both legs as her car is a stick-shift.  He asked her how in the world she did that and she said she was all drugged up and he was shocked that she even drove like that.  She said her ride bailed on her at the last minute and she had to drive herself to get there to see him.  He asked if any one of us lived near her to give her a ride and two of the other girls said they did but didn’t know each other before now.  She said her friend was still coming to the show and she would point her out to him.  He was just shocked about this whole thing.  He told her she could have had an accident or a DUI because of the drugs.  He was really amazed at what she did.


My question to him was from my DH about the PBS taping in Raleigh.  DH wanted to know when Clay mentioned all his teachers that helped him in grades 2-6, what happened to his first grade teacher.  Didn’t he like that one?  Clay just simply said, “He’s dead!” 

I was able to ask another question about him touring in Europe and he said “no, aint gonna happen.”  I asked why not and he said that “there’s nothing planned except for the US and Canada”.  He said he’s not marketed anywhere else in the world and they don’t plan to.  I asked who “they” were and he said his record label.  He said anywhere else in the world he would be a new artist and it involved that country to request him through his label.  He said he was not known anywhere else.  He seemed a little sad when he said this. The girl who sat next to me from NY is originally from the Philippines and she informed him that he has a huge fan base there.  He told her to work on her end if she wants to and see what can be done. 

We were all asked to get up and take our pictures with him.  He’s so incredibly sweet and a pleasure to be with.  When I got up for my picture, he put his entire arm around me but Cheryl took so long to snap the picture and I was worried I would blink so I’m pretty sure I did a “deer in the headlights” stare.  I’m pretty sure I look awful in that picture but I didn’t have the nerve to ask for a re-take.  Then I remembered that Cindy wanted me to smell him so I took a whiff and he sure does smell like fresh laundry as everyone else describes.  I would even say he smelled like a breath of fresh spring air.  I think he did notice that I took a whiff but didn’t say anything. He’s just so sweet. 

After the signing and pictures, he asked if anyone had any more questions and no one said anything so I dared ask if I could be greedy and ask a third question.   He said something like “you’re not greedy, go ahead” and I asked about the P&H cartoon where a little boy snaps a picture of him using the flash and the big bully guy smashes his camera.  I asked if he had anything to do with that and he replied that he has not even seen it.  He just did the singing. I was really surprised.  I told him my 8-year old granddaughter thinks his cartoon character is cute. 

Then he came over to each of us and gave each of us HUGE hugs.  When I got mine, I was totally done in.  That sure was an OMG moment for me that I will never, ever forget.  I’m still in that Clayfog and hope it lasts forever.  He’s just one beautiful man, inside and out, and I will never, ever forget my M&G.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #100 on: August 13, 2010, 02:41:27 AM »
M&G recap for NYC from the CH:

("STPteach")
So, am I really supposed to follow ForeverYoung in describing my M&G? First, even if my NYC M&G was as fabulous as hers, I still couldn't do it justice because my memory is CRAP! But, I will give it a little go. Okay, not so little...

ForeverYoung described New Hampshire for you, so I won't rehash it. I will, however, concur that it felt like we jammed in, at the very least, a two week vacation in just those two days! Oh, and I'll also agree that sitting three asses bodies back from the stage was definitely an experience I would not mind doing again. When it comes to Clay Aiken, people, closer is *always* better.

So, we make the drive back to CT to first pick up FY's car at my house and then travel on to her condo which is further south. We take a break and then I decided to drive into the city instead of take the train. (Me thinks my buddy FY was a little skeptical, but damn if I didn't get us there and back again without mishap -or getting lost! Yay, me!)

We park and walk over to the theater - noting that there were no large public signs anywhere posted that Rubin and Clay were performing at that venue. If we didn't know the address and hadn't had our tickets in hand, I might have wondered if indeed this was the place. But it was and we waited to find out the details. A gentleman at one door pointed out a door a few doors away as where the box office was, so I stood over there ignoring the man sitting on the ramp asking if I needed a ticket. *g* Not likely. Anyway, eventually Jerome appears and calls out our first name and last name's initial. Of course I thought he said ST*B* and twice had to confirm if it was "B" or "P" - He's like, are you asking me? It's your name - at which point I finally say my name and he tells me to get on there with him. Oy.

There were 5 fan club M&G winners, 5 charity M&G winners, and 2 "Guests of Ruben". (Unfortunately, I can not for the life of me remember anyone's name or their screen name - so if anyone from our M&G is reading this, please don't take offense if I refer to you by location instead of name. I can't remember jack-shit!) Funny, one of the Auction winners was a woman who brought a young man as her guest. Jerome was all over that - declaring the fact that he was a guy was a rarity and that he was most welcomed! It was cute.

Anyway, we're brought into the venue and Jerome tells us that things are a little confusing and he needed to check with one of the venue's security. Eventually, they lead the Charity M&G folks through a curtain and the remaining 7 of us stand for about 15 minutes or so for Jerome to return. Well, Jerome is not the one to retrieve us, but Venue Security Guy and he leads us to the elevator. Understand now that I must be the most unobservant person in the world; I had not realized we were going up to the 7th (I think it was 7...see what I mean? *g*) floor, but there we were. It felt cool in the theater and Jerome had the two "Guests of Ruben" sit on chairs on the right side of the theater and brought us over to chairs on the left. I guess Ruben really wasn't allowed to shmooze with the OFC winners.

Well, suddenly we look at the stage and see the Auction M&G winners peeking out of the curtain. Okay, they're getting their tour and we figured it would be our turn to meet with Clay shortly. I figured Jerome would bring him out to us and he'd pull up a chair and we'd ask our questions and he would answer and then sign our stuff and then take pictures and it would be wonderful 'cause I couldn't wait to see him!

Not so fast, buster... Jerome eventually comes down and directs us to follow him. Okay - we go up steps and discover he's brought us to the wings of the stage - where all of the equipment boxes - very, very large boxes - are scattered about. No chairs. Very little light (that progressively became dimmer and dimmer till it got to the point that Cheryl was not sure if the photos would come out! oy.)

I'm wasn't sure why we weren't allowed to remain in the theater until later, when I realized that they'd opened the doors for attendees to get up those two...two? What the frell was that architect thinking when they designed that building to house only two lousy elevators...but I digress <t/m HH>. Anyway, Jerome goes to find Clay and Cheryl (tour manager) joins us. What a lovely woman she is! Personable, easy-going, and really quite sweet to make us all feel at ease.

Now, she was wearing the Timeless Tour badge around her neck, but she was wearing a second one. Since I knew from ForeverYoung's recap that it was kind of a kick, and there was someone she hadn't recognized in addition to Clay and Rube on it, I figured I'd better get a closer look. Cheryl, bless her heart, allowed us all to check it out. It featured Ruben who was dressed in a nondescript fashion, and it featured Clay, who was wearing something that was anything but nondescript. For lack of a better description, it was a leather corset of sorts with straps . I had no idea who the third person was either, and Cheryl wasn't sure at first either - she asked another woman with the tour who was nearby and that woman confirmed it was Snoop Dogg. My impression was it was a photoshop, but don't quote me. *g*

Okay, so after we learn that like one of the fan club winners, Cheryl had once lived on Long Island and loved it, Clay arrives. He's clean-shaven (oh well, no scruffiness for me!) He's wearing, I believe a striped polo shirt and the hair is all over the place with spikes, and he looks adorable. I'm wearing some small heals and he must have been wearing his sneakers (see, no memory for the important details - mea culpa!) so he didn't seem quite as tall to me that night. No shrimp, mind you, just he looked so casual that he wasn't an over-powering presence to me, like when I was lucky enough to have my photo taken with him during Spam's run and the Broadway Cares fund-raiser. I guess wearing a white tux with sequins makes you look taller. *g*

He immediately says hi, and asked the Long Island winner if he knew her. When she indicated no, he then asked if he'd ever met any of us before. I mentioned that I had a previous M&G a long time ago when it was like a bus line. He misunderstood and thought I was referring to having had met him on just a bus line, and I corrected him and said no, it was a M&G that included many more than the five standing today. He understood and said something to the effect, "That was a long time ago." I agreed.

He then asked for items to sign and the "LongIsland" says she has two things, if it was possible. One for herself and one for her Mom's birthday that she'd been holding on to for the last few weeks. He said that he really shouldn't - I opened my mouth and said for him to go ahead, we won't look. He then directed us to ask questions while he signed. "LongIsland" asked if he missed teaching. He said that he didn't miss it as much as he used to, and then admitted that he wasn't sure if he could deal with a teacher's salary anymore. The teachers present (there were three of us) murmured something akin to "amen." I then followed up and asked if he gets to visit classrooms and do the read alouds like he'd done in the past, to which he replied quite forcefully - "No." He then added, (Please put on your tongue and cheek hats, kiddies!) "I hate kids now that I have one of my own." I think the parents present murmured something akin to "amen." *g*

The next question was from a fellow New Englander and it was something she'd mentioned to us earlier that she was really curious about. Well, apparently, Clay loves himself questions on technology, because he proceeded to take a good solid 4+ minutes to respond to her question regarding the ear pieces that he's worn in the past but hasn't worn this tour.

FYI, they're not using ear pieces for this tour because they're not bringing along a sound engineer that deals specifically with making sure the sound mix is appropriate for each of the singers performing. (For example, Ruben might hear more piano and guitar while Clay might hear more piano and bass - or something like that...) He also stated that since he'd started playing with the orchestras he preferred to not use them; he much prefers to hear all of the sounds around him and that of the audience (which he can't if he's wearing the ear pieces.) Anyway, he went into some pretty good detail but, again, mea culpa, I'm old and the memory banks can only hold so much.

Ms. New Jersey offered something for signing, but to be honest if she asked a question I don't remember it. Then another woman offered her item but then said her daughter wanted her to have a second thing signed - the wedding bouquet that The Lady of the Lake throws from the Spamalot stage. He asked if the daughter had caught it, but she admitted that, no, it was she who'd caught it. Clay raised an eyebrow, but he signed a petal on the bouquet - all was well. I don't remember if she asked a question that didn't relate to her items.

Next was my turn; I pulled out the small Christian Magazine interview and asked him to sign on the page where it refers to a "Susan" - and told him that the nice Jewish woman it referred to was, in fact, me. He looked, asked me if I wanted him to sign right on it, and I pointed to below the sticky note. He asked if I got into trouble for talking to a Christian magazine, and of course I laughingly said, no.

Next, time for photos. It seemed to get darker and darker as time progressed. Clay mentioned that the flash was really bright, and Cheryl responded that it was because the camera was having a tough time focusing due to the lack of light. Jerome was standing behind her holding up a flashlight to try and cast some more light. Let's just say that if those suckers come out, it will be a blooming miracle.

As we were getting ready to take our photo together, I mentioned that I had a short newspaper article to give to him (it was interesting - about research being done with robots and how it helps kids with autism relate better,) and Clay said to give it to Jerome. Oh, well; I thought he would have found it interesting. *g*

And with that, it was done. Clay said thank you very much, he turned and touched my shoulder and repeated "Thanks again" (awww....that was nice *g*) and he was gone. I swear , it seemed like thirty seconds, but I wrote enough for six days. Sorry 'bout that.

We were led back out of the darkness and I saw there were some people in the venue, but again had not connected that they were sending people upstairs via the elevator. I had gone down in the elevator thinking I would meet friends to fill them in. Then I caught a glimpse of the line. Okay, so I turned right around and got back on the line to go up in the elevator. I made some phone calls to let friends know they needed to skip the coffee and get on over to the venue; especially ForeverYoung because I knew her seat (mezzanine) 'disappeared' in the great seating debacle.

Well, I found my seat and thought I was in shit's creek without the proverbial paddle. Not only were the seats not raked, but instead of being staggered like a 'brick' pattern, they were positioned in perfect lines. The gentleman sitting in front of me was tall and, unfortunately for me, had perfect posture. *g* I was so screwed. A lovely young woman came a short while later and filled in the single seat next to me. Her seat was no better, but at least the person sitting in it was shorter. My neck was starting to hurt trying to see around the person in front of me, but luck was on my side that night. I'd looked over to the center seats and noticed that in the next row from me, in the center, there were several empty seats.

They remained empty the entire time I was straining my neck. I nudged "SingleLady" next to me and whispered, "Did you notice the empty seats?" She replied she had and I suggested that if she wanted to move, I'd be right behind her. We were both up and all over those seats like two cheap suits! I was in heaven because I was on the aisle and I could get up, dance, and not block anyone behind me. It was very freeing. *g* The only downside was those two women who were constantly shouting out at any (inappropriate) time they wanted were in the very row we to which we'd moved. They were going back and forth so many times for drinks and whatnot that it was amazing they were even able to see the concert, much less take the time to interject - loudly - their own personal touch. *g* But, all in all, it was a small price to pay for being able to *see*, partake in, and just flat out feel the joy of that concert.

And the whole experience really was a joy! Seeing Clay and Ruben interact and just flat out enjoy one another, along with Quiana and Casey and da band! Oh, it was wonderful seeing Clay perform with a band again. And the icing on the cake - getting the chance some mighty wonderful friends. Good times, y'all; good times!
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #101 on: August 14, 2010, 09:56:35 AM »
aikim at CV

 Hammond Recap:

I think I mentioned we only live 30 minutes from the venue so I figured leaving at 5:00 we give us plenty of time to walk around the casino, look for fans, etc....well...the best laid plans, etc. Hubby decided not to take the expressway because of the time of day and thinking it would be backed up so we ended up taking a back road through southern suburbs into Indiana. Bad move...road was under construction all the way and a 30 minute trip took an hour and 15 minutes.

First people I saw when we got to the venue were Ashleysgram, Kwhite and Claikendee; had sat in front of them in Sterling Heights so it was nice talking to them again! Momof3boys and another friend showed up soon after and we entered the theater. Talked to P'ivy and Jazzgirl briefly..it was great seeing them again! We had pretty good seats...left side with a jumbotron right to my left.

The show did start late...do not remember hearing the opening intro in Ashville so that was new to me. Good crowd, not sold out but they made up for in enthusiasm.

Someone mentioned Clay looking tired...I did not notice that and I only saw him cough once during Mandy.

Ruben sitting on his lap was cute and the limping and talking about his "broken leg" was a joke and Ruben did not put all his weight on Clay.

They were both in fine voice and this show seemed to have much more energy than Ashville, but then you didn't have the heat issue.

Quick kiss to Casey during DGBMH but they were facing away from me so I really didn't see it; just the back of Clay's head but I could tell it was a kiss.

Ruben held Clay's hand during the My Buddy song.

I think "When I See You Smile" was done with a much rockier beat than when he sang it on the last tour..maybe because of having a band rather than an orchestra? Anyway I really liked it...there was even a bit of growl towards the end.

MTAF was amazing!

Footloose have everyone up and dancing...one encore and then Clay stopped to talk to Arnie? and asked him how old he was and he said 73 and Clay talked about him dancing and he was "breaking it the hell down!"...then a reprise of Footloose!

End of the Road is another of my favorites from the show,,,when Ruben was doing his diva moment...Clay was timing him on his watch.

There was a lady behind me...white hair...probably in her 70's who laughed through the whole Revival. Unfortunately, I had a hard time hearing what Ruben was saying at times...he was holding the mic close to his mouth and a lot of it was muffled...so the audience would laugh at something and I had not idea what.

Mixed crowd...older people and a quite a few younger people...two girls in front of me had homemade shirts...one said "If I was Invisible I'd Sneak Backstage" and the other said "I support Clay's "?"...never saw the rest but I assume it was something about the Foundation (or not).

It was a fun evening and I enjoyed it more than Ashville. Unfortunately my husband did not...no Clayversion; although he did say he enjoyed Casey and Quiana. So guess he won't be going to anymore shows with me...but I tried.

Funny thing is my husband loves that kind of music and as soon as we got in the car he turned on the oldies station...first song we heard "Shotgun" and then a BeeGees song, LOL!

We took the expressway home and were home in about 20 minutes.

A couple of more things:

During the theme song bit someone mentioned "polka" and Clay said "Ruben's not that white"

First time I had seen the new hammer pants, LOL!...Clay said "when he decided to come out of the closet...he brought everything out"

Those were probably some of the best lines of the night.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

Marilyn

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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #102 on: August 14, 2010, 06:48:12 PM »
siclayfan at CV

I saw Ben, Sean and his Mom at the bar area in NYC before the concert. Also saw Jerome and Devin briefly when I was on line at the ladies room on the 6th floor. I've missed a lot of pages this last week, but did anyone mention Devin leaving the stage door at Lancaster folllowing a group of women and videotaping them as they went down the stairs and into the bus area?? It wasn't Faye and her group, I just wondered if anyone knew who the ladies were.

DD loved her one concert at Lancaster. What a nice theater--comfortable seats, lots of leg room, good sightlines--then there was the Hammerstein.  Despite the fact the seating was awful and the whole thing was a fiasco, the concert was still wonderful. I was just thankful my knees held out going down those flights of stairs.

I got home from Verona about 6 P.M. yesterday. We ran into lots of construction so it took quite abit longer to get home. I have to admit I was really depressed last night and I guess my fatigue had something to do with it. I loved my concerts and hate to see this tour end. The show just got better and better each time I saw it. I had a great seat at Turning Stone. I was right in front of the 3 dancing girls. I sat next to a CV'ers DH. He was such a nice man and seemd quite happy to take his his wife to Clay' s shows. He and the couple of young men sitting next to him (not sure who they were) really seemed to enjoy the concert.

It's been such a joyful tour, I feel like they just have to do more with this. I loved everything about it--though I still think Superstar should be shortened a bit.  One of the things I always get a kick out of is how Clay interacts with everyone on stage. When he's not performing you can often see him smiling and making bits of off-hand conversation with different band members, as well as Ruben and the girls.. Ruben has done a great job and I've been really impressed with his singing and his comic ability, but I still find it very hard to take my eyes off Clay when he's on the stage no matter what he or anyone else up there is doing.

After Clay tours in the winter-- and by the way I do not like winter tours---hate having to worry about weather-- but I will still try to get to a few  -- I'm hoping they put together another Clay/Ruben tour for the summer. Then to round off the year I'd love Clay to do a Christmas tour. Is that asking too much, is it, is it?? tm Spam--I think.

 
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #103 on: August 14, 2010, 06:55:07 PM »
QUOTE (Mandler at GCA@ Aug 14 2010, 11:01 AM)

Safe travels to laughn and bottle and ldyj! Since we drove 7 hours yesterday, we're going to hang around town today and head home tomorrow. Since I had time, I put down some thoughts and tagged some pics. 

The title of this should be a line from Rupert Brooke: “Oh! death will find me long before I tire of watching you.”

As I thought about writing a recap, it hit me how long it’s been since I’ve done a recap. Raleigh was some otherworldly experience that belongs in its own category, so I don’t count that. And thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve done a recap is fitting because all night I kept marveling at seeing the man up close, realizing how long it’s been since I’ve been close enough to him to see every nuance of his expression, every twitch of his fingers (more on that later), the light in his eyes, the hair on his arms – close enough to feel my stomach flip-flop when he makes fleeting eye contact.

As I said in the text message last night, I could look at him forever. And over and over, I just kept thinking that he was the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Oh, I know that other men are more classically handsome. And based purely on physical features, I could admit that someone else is “more attractive.” But for me, there’s just no one better. It’s something beyond his hair and face and body, although those are pretty much my ideal in every way. It’s something outside the physical, something that shines from inside him. I don’t mean some angelic goodness, though I think he’s a good man. But there’s some kind of energy about the man that utterly captivates me (and many others, obviously). I know part of it is just spotlights, but spotlights were on Ruben, too, and I didn’t see/feel it in him, but there’s a light in Clay’s eyes, a way that they shine, that just feels good. The best way I know to explain what I mean is to quote a line from My So-Called Life: “Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart.” Clay’s not saying anything, but somehow, what he does and who he is just fits into a little spot in my heart.

So while I tried to be a good concertgoer and give Ruben/Quiana/Casey my due attention when they were singing, I kept dragging my eyes back to Clay. I looked for him in the wings when he wasn’t on stage. I stared to the point that I felt guilty for never looking away. I believe that may be the definition of captivating. But anyway, whilst I was staring, I was fiercely reminded why I had/have a love affair with his hands. It hadn’t waned, per se, but it had been on low simmer, I suppose. Well, it’s boiling again. So expressive. Snapping his fingers, making a fist, dragging his hands up the mic stand, holding his hands out to the side in classic belting pose, fidgeting with his fingertips while singing, fingering the hem of his jacket. I was torn whether to watch his hands or his face.

Because that face. *sigh* I could write a tome about that face. Again with the expressiveness. He is such a ham, and his put-on expressions cracked me up. But the little ones in between skits or when he stepped back for a second were the ones that stole my heart. And then he smiles. *again with the sighing* I’ve seen criticism of "When I See You Smile" as a throw-away song or being out of place. And I see that. But yeah, it’s perfect in terms of content. When I see him smile, I tell myself the money and the time is worth it to travel however far I have to travel to see him.

It sounds odd to say, but last night I kept thinking “he’s really real.” It was a similar feeling to when I saw him in Cincinnati for the AI tour after so many months of following/talking about him. Obviously I know he’s real, but it hits me from time to time that the guy I spend so much time talking about is a living, breathing human being who is flawed and wonderful at the same time. It puts a lot of things into perspective, like all the talking we’ve done about his relationship status/love life lately. I’m not saying seeing him makes me feel like it’s wrong to talk about those things, but it does bring things into perspective by making me realize very acutely that the person I’m speculating about is not some different kind of person, some celebrity species who is somehow above or separate from the rest of us. He’s just a guy who’s almost 32 years old who was singing and dancing on a stage last night. He’s amazingly talented, captivatingly beautiful, wickedly funny, and yet I know he messes up and regrets things just like we all do. And yet he’s out there doing what he clearly loves to entertain us. I guess I mean that he didn’t seem so far away last night. I don’t mean any con.nec.tion took place (I wish!), but that he didn’t seem like Clay!Aiken! to me last night. He was just Clay.

Some highlights/bits and pieces:

*Loved him limping off stage to get Ruben’s stool after Ruben sat on his knee.

*Kind of embarrassing how hot it was when he broke into “This is How We Do It.” I’ll be watching that one again.

*Dude needs to shut up about his dancing ability. I thought he did great. He actually shocked me at times at how good he was. I know it’s not high-brow professional dance, but as we’ve known for a while, he does have rhythm.

*As perfect as Ruben’s voice is for Marvin Gaye songs, I’d give a kidney to hear Clay sing that style of music. God, he would kill it.

*Biggest musical surprise for me? “Eye of the Tiger.” I LOVED how Clay sounded on it. I have a long history with the song. My college mascot was the tigers, and I have an odd love for the Rocky films, so the song has been strangely important to me for a while. And I thought he killed it. He can knock so many genres/styles of music out of the park.

*STO. *sigh* :heart Pure joy, that one.

*"Mandy." He's the only man who could make me wish I actually went by that. So lovely. It was one of only two times I heard a crack/blip in his voice, but somehow, on that song, it worked. It made it sound more heartfelt.

*I hadn’t watched much clack, so I didn’t know Clay didn’t sing “Oh Girl.” *pout* I wanted a reprisal of it from the sparkly vest days.

*A few people have told me and I had read that LLVL wasn’t as campy as it was during the JBT and that it was actually pretty steamy now. I must agree. Whew. I expected that kind of smolder with the Casey bit during “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (and was let down with that; it was cute, adorable, but not really smoldering. The lead-in was nice, but then he gave her that little playful smooch, which changed it), so I was caught off guard by LLVL. It makes sense, though. He’s in good-fitting jeans, a tucked-in white shirt, and a belt and he’s practically undulating up there. :brows

*Clay’s reaction to Ruben’s impromptu theme song writing was priceless. He was cracking up and grinning like a fool. And then Clay’s reggae styling was the cherry on top, combined with his “I feel like I need incense and a bong.” :giggle

*Quiana. Girl can SANG. I STILL do not understand why some label has not snatched her up. I’d pay to see her alone.

*Ruben. It’s so nice to not have hard feelings anymore. I haven’t for a while, but it was nice to see him in concert. He is very funny, and Clay and he play off one another perfectly. And his voice sounds great. Can’t say I’d pay to see just him, though. Lovely voice, even lovelier personality (wish we had been able to see more of that when he was on Idol) but I don’t get the spark I get from Clay. My only teeny tiny complaint was that he didn’t ever introduce Clay as warmly as Clay introduced him before “Everything I Do.”

*Casey. During “Natural Woman,” my mom leaned over and said, “If she smelled a doughnut, you could see it on her.” If she weren’t cute as a button, I’d hate her guts. In terms of her voice, I thought she sounded fine. I wasn’t blown away, but I think it’s more because her voice doesn’t sound like I expect it to sound. She has a grittier voice than one would think for a thin, petite blonde woman, so there’s something of a cognitive dissonance when she starts singing.

*I saw Devin in the wings twice, once on each side. I only recognized him b/c he was a shortish white dude with a baseball cap on. Looked to be working both times. Never saw him near Clay when Clay went back stage. When Clay went offstage after “Mandy,” I saw him (Clay, not Devin) take his jacket off before he disappeared. ;)

*One of the photographers was right in front of us. He, I suppose fearing we’d be upset because he was in front of us, told us he’d only be there for 3 songs and then he’d be out. Someone asked him who he worked for and he said he worked for himself. He may be responsible for the wireimage pics since they’re all the hyper Something About Mary hair, which Clay sweated down by the end of the show.

It was a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as the entire crowd seemed to as well. As always with Clay’s shows, it was over too fast. And as always, I walk away feeling like I’ve fallen in love with him all over again. Seven years into this, I still keep finding new layers of beauty and happiness. That, I think, is pretty amazing.


Some of my fav shots:








 
« Last Edit: August 14, 2010, 07:07:02 PM by Marilyn »
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Re: TIMELESS TOUR FAN REVIEWS AND RECAPS
« Reply #104 on: August 15, 2010, 10:03:34 AM »
texwriter at CV

BILOXI M & G

We were told to report to the box office prior to 6:00 to pick up our passes, then wait near the box office at 6:00 for Jerome. I went to the box office at 5:00. The ticket agent said they didn't have the passes yet, but the meet & greet would be at 6:40, so I should come back then. Well, I was not about to wait until then, so I showed up a little before 6:00. Still no passes. I walked over to the area in front of the theater and identified the other fan club winners. Only one of us had ever met Clay before, and hers was only a group picture at last year's gala, so we were all very excited! There were also some folks who'd gotten a meet & greet through the casino. (waves to Royal!) Jerome showed up a little before 6:45 and, after having us identify ourselves, he began apologizing for being late. He said the bus had only arrived about 30 minutes ago, so they would be a bit rushed. He took the charity winners in first, and verrrrrry quickly came back for the five of us. He then proceeded to lead us into a stairwell, that was literally under a seating portion of the theater. There were stairs going down and stairs going up, and very little room. to stand, much less sit. Jerome disappeared and came back very quickly with Clay. He went down the line shaking our hands and asking our names. But the only light was from the stairwell going down, so I could not even tell what color his shirt was. Jerome had to hold a flashlight so that he could see what he was signing. He asked for questions and we didn't immediately reply. (Not only were we suffering from the Aiken fog, but I think we were a little disconcerted by the strangeness of our surroundings. Here is what we learned:

- He has the newest iphone.

- They came up with the Pastor Ruben routine one day during rehearsals when Ruben just started doing it and everyone thought it was hilarious. The challenge was in figuring out how to work it into the narrative of the entire concert.

- When asked if he was doing a Christmas album, he said he was a little busy right now.

- Between this tour and the next one he is planning to find a cave and hibernate. When asked where the cave would be, he said "Now telling you that would sort of defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?" (I think he winked after that statement, but it was so dark, I can't be positive.)

- When I asked him what his favorite song to sing on this tour was, the had to think about it. While he was thinking, someone suggested More than a Feeling. He said "NO, that is NOT my favorite song to sing." When asked why, he said he had to be kicked in the crotch in order to hit those notes. He made one of the other ladies laugh so hard at that comment, that they had to retake the picture. (It amazes me how he can multi-task during these events, and remember everyone's name!)

- He said the Tried and True tour would have more songs than the Raleigh concert and more talking.

It's so darn cold in the casino that I had on a sweater, so when it was my turn to have my picture with him, I quickly shrugged out of the sweater, and dropped it on one of the sets of stairs. He said, "OH Lord, she's stripping." so I'm sure that I was laughing when the flash went off. After it was over and we were back out in the casino, one of the other ladies told me my sweater was on inside out. Isn't it amazing how that man can so discombobulate us that ordinary tasks become a challenge.

The item I took to be signed is a clipboard that another fan made for me during the NAT. It has an assortment of small Clay photos framing the outside edge. Then it has what looks like notebook paper lines and says Lu W****'s things to remember. He signed it, "Lu -Don't forget...." Well, there's not a chance in hell that I will ever forget this night!
After the photos, he quickly went down the line, gave us each a hug and thanked us for coming. And then it was over.

This morning, I had told my DH that I wasn't planning on signing up for any more fan club M & G's, since there were so many fans that had never had one. I'm regretting that decision, just a bit, because I never imagined a meet & greet where I wouldn't be able to see him. Darn it, if I had to meet Clay in a dark stairwell, why couldn't it have been alone! 

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