ClayManiacs.com
Archive => JNT 2012 => Topic started by: Marilyn on August 29, 2012, 08:54:06 PM
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December 1st, 2012--Trump Taj Mahal-Mark G. Etess Arena-Atlantic City, NJ
Venue: Trump Taj Mahal-Mark G. Etess Arena
Time: 8:00PM Eastern
Tickets: Ticketmaster presale: 8-30-12 at 10:00 am eastern
Public Sale: Saturday Sept 1, Noon
FROM OFC:
We are pleased to announce that Clay's show in Atlantic City, NJ at Trump Taj Mahal on December 1st will be having an OFC presale 8/30 at 10am EST. To purchase tickets through this fan club presale, simply log into your fan club account and visit the event page. You will see options to purchase tickets on that page.
Venue website: http://www.trumptaj.com/entertainment-clubs/venues.cfm (http://"http://www.trumptaj.com/entertainment-clubs/venues.cfm")
Venue Capacity: 5000
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone:
Seating Chart:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/toni7babe/TrumpTajseating.jpg)
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Holiday Greetings from Clay
Singer Clay Aiken rides his sleigh full of Christmas cheer to the Trump Taj Mahal
By Ed Condran
Posted Nov. 28, 2012
Christmas apparently isn’t as cool as it once was with recording artists. ?There are considerably less holiday albums released these days as there were a generation ago.
?But Clay Aiken reaches for Christmas music at this time of year. The pop artist doesn’t care if Christmas isn’t cool.
?“That doesn’t matter to me because I’m not cool either,” Aiken tells Atlantic City Weekly while calling from New York where he is taping a segment for the Dr. Oz show. “I can see why Christmas isn’t cool. It can be schmaltzy and cheesy but that’s fine for my personality. That’s why I’m out on another Christmas tour. I love it.
”?The American Idol alum (class of 2003, runner-up to A.I. champ Ruben Studdard), will perform Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Trump Taj Mahal. ?
Aiken says he will tour behind Christmas music each year in perpetuity. ?“I’m going to do it annually since I hope to become the next Andy Williams,” Aiken says. “I don’t think anyone else wants to be the contemporary Christmas artist and that’s alright with me. I would love to be able to be known as the Christmas artist.
”?Expect Aiken, who will be backed by an orchestra, to belt out an array of Christmas classics. Such seasonal favorites as “Winter Wonderland,” “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night,” which are on Aiken’s 2004 release Merry Christmas With Love, will be rendered.?“I had the greatest time making that album,” Aiken says. “From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a part of the holiday season every year. You don’t have to see me the rest of the year.
”?Well, Aiken is just kidding. “You’ll hear plenty of my non-Christmas albums in the upcoming years,” he says. ?But expect much of Aiken’s future material to be retro. Aiken was born too late and he knows it. The pop singer would have been perfectly at home during the 1960s singing hits from legendary Brill Building songwriters such as Neil Diamond, Carole King and Neil Sedaka.?
Aiken revels in singing love songs from a bygone era.?“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” penned by the aforementioned Sedaka, Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” and Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is some of the tunes Aiken loves to croon.
?“I have to agree with [the] ‘born too late’ line,” Aiken says. “I just hope it’s not ‘born too late, died too soon.’ I think my voice fits those songs from the ’60s and ’70s and I just love those songs. They are wonderful songs from a wonderful period. I feel like I relate to the songs from that period.
”?That’s why it was so uncomfortable watching the post-Idol Aiken be dressed up by the corporate machine into something he isn’t. You couldn’t help but wince watching Aiken in a leather jacket.?
“I think it’s so important to stay in your own lane,” Aiken says. “When I put out my first two albums, they were dressing me up like I was going to be the next Justin Timberlake or how Justin Bieber looks today. That image just doesn’t work for me. But there is a type of music that works for me, it’s Christmas music."
”?Is it just a coincidence that Aiken is performing at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal after he finished second last spring on The Donald’s NBC hit The Apprentice?
?“That’s a funny thing, isn’t it?” Aiken offers. “I had a great time on the show. It was very hard work. We worked 18 hours a day, but it was all worth it for the experience. I enjoyed working on Lisa Lampanelli’s team. She is so hardcore and we have a similar absurd sense of humor. It was a challenge every day. I had a project to do that I could take ownership of. It was great. I enjoyed being around Arsenio Hall and Donald Trump was wonderful.
”?When American Idol alum precedes Aiken’s name, he can’t help but chuckle. ?“It’s been so long since I was on American Idol that I look through binoculars to see it,” Aiken says.
?“It’s been 10 years, but I appreciate the opportunity the show gave me. The show has gone through quite a few changes since I was on. Simon [Cowell] is gone and so is Paula [Abdul] and Randy [Jackson]. They were great judges, but they had to move on and the show is moving on. It’s still doing well.
ATLANTIC CITY WEEKLY (http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/Holiday-Greetings-from-Clay-aiken--181233451.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
THERE IS VIDEO WITH THIS ARTICLE
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Enjoy him serenading you tonight Marilyn. ;D Also I think Jill, Gwenn, Philly and Irene are going too. Micki also.
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What a great article! I am happy to know there will be a lot more music coming!
Have a great time, gals!!!
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The videos in the above article are from Clay's TV Christmas special. I haven't watched these in ages. Thank you for reminding me of them. That is Clay at his best IMO.(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Christmas/Minstrels.gif)
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The Winter Sweet thing is starting soon.
weet from the Boardwalk..
Joyful Noise 2012 ?@M2MEee
The stage on #AC boardwalk where @clayaiken will perform at 545pm #WinterSweet #ACPress pic.twitter.com/ZoSF6Gfi
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Gina Marie Lugo ?@ginamlugo
#AC #STANDBY 5:30 opening of the #WinterSweet holiday lights in Atlantic City #ACSTANDBY
Marshall ?@mubma
Warming up the stage for @clayaiken pic.twitter.com/7ITo2pu3
Do Atlantic City ?@VisitAC
The stage is set for the Winter Sweet debut. Appearances by @clayaiken and remarks by @mayorAC
Berman Travel ?@bermantravel It's Saturday Night what are you doing? Clay Aiken is launching the new 3D show at Boardwalk Hall at 6pm. We're going to the Irish Pub at 11
Joyful Noise 2012 ?@M2MEee
The crowd gathers on AC Boardwalk @clayaiken #wintersweet pic.twitter.com/nbP48TOH
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QUOTE (dancermom2 @ Dec 1 2012, 05:53 PM) *
Clay is here, he arrived in a little golf cart.
Another tweet about Light Show..
Do Atlantic City ?@VisitAC
Our friend @clayaiken is counting down to Winter Sweet pic.twitter.com/vlf2kH7i
Joyful Noise 2012 ?@M2MEee
Blurry but @clayaiken opening the light show pic. twitter.com/wEOnphru
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@ACWeekly ”?Will Aiken ever do another reality show?
?“I think I’ve done enough of those shows, don’t you?” Aiken says with a laugh. “I’m just happy doing this. I love to sing and to be on tour and to make albums. I’m right where I want to be. Right now is extra special since I get to do what I love most, which is to sing these Christmas songs every night.
?“Right now, I don’t think I would change a thing. Everything is going very well.”
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Black and white sweater jeans and gorgeous. He started the light show and spoke. There is a ton of video takers here.
Do Atlantic City ?@VisitAC
Our friend @clayaiken is counting down to Winter Sweet pic.twitter.com/vlf2kH7i
https://twitter.com/VisitAC/status/27501224...4872064/photo/1
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amra ?@Tamra4444
I just met @clayaiken I'm pretty much on cloud 9 #PerfectMoment pic.twitter.com/ven2mrgn
Awesome picture:
https://twitter.com/Tamra4444/status/275023...2589184/photo/1
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Several tweets from a fan going to the show tonight..
Tara Delany ?@that_tara_girl
Literally the only thing that got me through this week was knowing I was going to see @clayaiken in concert tonight #foreverafan
Tara Delany ?@that_tara_girl
I forgot that the Taj Mahal was owned by Trump until I got here. @clayaiken
Tara Delany ?@that_tara_girl
Almost fell on the ground when I saw that @clayaiken retweeted me
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From deemer at the venue......
Wow OFC pre sale seats are poor. Stage is at 103. Sections104/105 are to the left of END of the stage
Goldarngirl found out pics no flash is OK acc to ushers
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Pi Kapp at Samford ?@su_pikapp
Just got @clayaiken to play at our formal!!!! #BESTNEWSEVERRRRRR!!!
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band is warming up. ben walked on stage. The loudspeakers playing muppets and Andy Williams Christmas songs
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The seats are attached with those plastic ties you can't open. Boy they are expecting all skinny people The seats are flush to each other
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Lights going down...!!!!!
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Hi Tiffany - thanks for doing this tonight
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Hey Barb, Thanks for keeping me company. :)
All Is Well....... huge ovation when he came on stage....
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Christmas Waltz
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I hope the people tonight get a good show but the layout of this place is different so the acoustics may be different too.
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Reported there is no curtain.....thus no "cassette player" opening.....
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Yeah and the place is huge like an arena.
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"A few songs from the Baptist Hymnal. We're going to go to church up in here. "
Oh Holy Night
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The two casinos I have seen Clay perform in have both been like a theater with stages w/curtains, etc.. Leave it to Trump to be different and try to make everything bigger.
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Away in a manger - Oh Little Town of Bethlehem - Silent Night
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True Never seen him at a casino before. You seeing him again next Saturday right?
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Yes, in Shippensburg, PA. It is a small theater in a college. Is your show next week or the one after?
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Hark The Herald Angels - Come All Ye Faithful
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That's like when I saw him at a college in Towson last year. Cool Wish I could see him more then once. A week from Wednesday. ;D
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First fan story.
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Hi Tiffany. Ive been wrapping Christmas presents. Almost forgot.
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Mary Did You Know
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I know you will enjoy it. He seems so happy and is really enjoying what he is doing and it comes through in his show. His voice is just getting better and better, if that is possible.
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Hi Marlene - I wish I had some to wrap ;D
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Hey Marlene, It is ok. I know people are busy.
Barb-I will savior my one show. Got 5th row. So true. I know he just keeps on getting better everynight. He's magic. ;D
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Someone in the middle who shouts when I get loud - are you from New Jersey - Ben's from New Jersey - Ben likes to make the songs difficult for him so he has to shout.
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Roger went with me and I am officially finished with my shopping. He spent most of the time in the car, but when I was finished in the stores, I would call him on the cellphone, and he would pick me up at the front door. Worked out great.
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For "whom" is the Christmas show the first.
Someone asked about American Idol: "I do remember American Idol. It did not end well. I went on to do Celebrity Apprentice. Really? Because that ended pretty crappy tonight. We're in a Trump hotel tonight. No, no we're not going to boo him....at least while I'm on stage."
What is this? A Q&A? LOL
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They may be hecklers they are in a casino and since there are tables may be drinking.
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Trying to talk about fan stories but, LOL, someone just noticed his fly was open. He's flustered. Said like the third time it's happened with those pants. Sounds like he's cracking up and trying to get back to the stories.
Bringing back two stories that were most impactful to him.
Now talking about JNT2005 tour. 25 headaches wonderful experiences a day. Scripted. Wrote a play (cheers) - didn't win any emmies or anything.
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Good point Marlene. ::) to them.
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Emmanuel!
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did he say he would charge an extra $50 to one of the ladies looking at his crotch? rofl_2.gif
That's the third time he's left his fly open on that changeover. "Who puts button flies in a fast change?"
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Welcome To Our World
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It is a shame if there are hecklers there. There were a lot of new people in Durham but the whole audience was so respectful which made it nice for everyone.
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Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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Sleigh Ride (that sleigh's going at a fast clip!) - Jingle Bells (jazzy)
That is great to hear Barb. Hopefully they can be that way for the rest of the tour unless there is another casino he is going too. Think it is somewhere in NY.
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Most Wonderful Time - Winter Wonderland.
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Fan Story about family waiting for son to return from Afghanistan.
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Hey Barb, Want to ask you when are you getting your pic with Clay?
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Merry Christmas With Love
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I actually got it today. As usual I take a terrible picture but everyone else in the picture, particularly Clay looks good. I have saved the e-mail and I'm going to be sure to save the picture on my hard drive tomorrow. Maybe I will post it here tomorrow night.
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Awww I'm sure you look great with him. Looking forward to seeing it. Glad it didn't take long. BTW You deserve another Meet and Greet next tour.
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When we come up into Northeast there are some very energetic people here. Talking to men in audience. Husband and wife Joan from New York. Talking to George and Carol from Staten Island. They come to the Trump a lot. Another Staten Island person with wife Rose. There are a lot of guys in the front! Did celebrity apprentice and now more men in audience - maybe they just wanted to watch him punch Penn Jillette. Asking guys what they play in casinos. If you're a gentleman here tonight and did not want to come - this next song is to help you get lucky - and not just with the slots....
What Are You Doing New Years Eve.
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Thanks, but there were two of us in this group just having their first M & G. I think the OFC should not let anyone who has already had one get another until everyone gets a chance. I don't know if they have kept good enough records though.
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Tough to remember the words to the songs. Who here likes singing Christmas Carols. You right here. You're good at them? Come here, come right here Mr. confident. Michael's coming up. We're going to challenge Michael.
Seems like more men are playing this game so far.
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Agreed I remember reading the 2nd time they did it they said in the rules that people who have won for the JBT concert shouldn't enter for the Christmas concert that year. And for your it's weard they said Clay will be doing a Q&A along with soundcheck. Guess that is why I haven't seen that many recaps if it is fast. Guess he doesn't have time.
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like that sweater - like one I got. (cellcerter said it's light green). We're going to get you started - $100 gift card to Macy's. You need to really successful complete this challenge.
O, Christmas Tree.
Just one verse - all the lyrics.
Clay gave him the first line.
Guy is having fun with the words "If you love Clay Aiken,then you'll clap for me."
(I think Clay gave him the card. )
Give him a round of applause.
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The first Christmas song I ever recorded. The 1st Noel
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That fellow was pretty clever :laugh:
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Are Gwenn, Jill & Marilyn there tonight?
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Is this the venue with the tables, or is that another venue?
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LOL Yeah Funny
Marlene-Yes and Micki, Philly and Irene are too.
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I assume so. Gwenn posted this morning that she was going to see Jill and Micki today.
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Marlene-That might be the one in NY. Not here.
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Faye's Christmas memory.
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Marilyn also took her sister.
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I'll Be Home For Christmas.
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That was the only story I couldn't understand. I need to look it up in the little book we received at one of the Gala's
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Marlene-I think there is clack on it too.
This is going by fast tonight.
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The Christmas song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
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This show does move really fast
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wonderful trumpet solo - fan applause)
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My Grown Up Christmas List
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I was telling Roger about some of the concert on Thursday night, and was telling him about the story of the women's son who died in the car wreck, and then that Clay sang Mary Did You Know and I started crying..ffelt very foolish but that just touched my heart. Unfortunately we were in a restaurant but no one seemed to notice. Roger just held my hand and let me cry.
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Awwww {{{Marlene}}}
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Clay only has Monday and Friday off next week.
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I personal like the stories and how they are incorporated with the song that follows.
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Introducing orchestra - introducing Joe from New Jersey.
Picking someone from Atlantic city to try to pronounce Joe's name.
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Poor baby.I hope he rests his throat.
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I see a lot of people feel the same way.
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Yeah! Just don't talk much on his days off. LOL
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Trying to explain Faye's story to New Jersey. We country folks do things a little different down there. In some ways we're like five or six different countries but Christmas brings us together. Nice that Christmas comes after election so that it can bring us together.
Met Ruben Studdard 10 years ago this week. Thanking fans now. "It's been humbling to have opportunity to do this. Amazed at how incredibly inviting and warm everyone has been." Talking about kindness of fans to fan from Japan.
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Him and Ruben should do something next year for their 10th anniversary.
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Hug your neighbor.
Don't save it all for Christmas Day!
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We can only hope Tiffany.
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Almost over. Boo! HOO! Great job Tiffany.
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If he does any interviews about it I'm sure someone could ask him. Thanks
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Merry Christmas, New Jersey!
Encore! All Year Long!
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Tiffany, that is a great idea. Now all we have to do is convince Clay.
I love DSIAFCD -- I particularly like the way he ends it.
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Thanls Barb. I know. Me too. Gives me chills. I watch clack from it with all the concerts so far.
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Another night of his voice being close to perfection.
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If you guys come tomorrow it starts at 7:00.
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Tiffany - thanks for doing this tonight. After seeing the show you can almost picture it in your mind as it goes along.
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You are welcome Barb. I usually say after I see him I'm still there. LOL
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That's true
Thanks for the info on the time. I'll try not to forget it.
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Welcome and thanks again you guys for keeping me company. Can't wait to hear what Marilyn has to say. Her next concert is Thursday in CT and the Meet and Greet she paid for NIP.
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These pics are from earier. Try this link to see. http://theclayboard.yuku.com/topic/38556/OFFICIAL-Atlantic-City-NJ-Winter-SweetCellcerts-Red-Re?page=3#.ULrGymcwbv0
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Heading out. Night gals. If I see anything else I'll post it tomorrow.
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Good Night, Tiffany
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This is video of Clay starting the lighting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggYv0bE_pUE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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Scarlett's Youtubes, This banter is really funny. You can see other videos on the page to click on too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUXCwOXijU4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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Pics at this link. http://theclayboard.yuku.com/topic/38556/OFFICIAL-Atlantic-City-NJ-Winter-SweetCellcerts-Red-Re?page=3#.ULuuE2cwbv0
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@MCiaccia22: Thank you @clayaiken for the gift card to Macy's!
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SCARLETTS YOU TUBE LINKS
"The First Noel."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z_McXVg-Wk
"My Grown Up Christmas List."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2yGrBP-1M4...eature=youtu.be
"Remember The Lyrics" Contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WZBPkPTejg...eature=youtu.be
"Sentimental Medley."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbK88Riae0E...eature=youtu.be
"Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" Banter aka "Idol, TCA, Wardrobe Malfunction and Pantomiming; Clay is Hilarious" Segment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUXCwOXijU4...eature=youtu.be
"Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j14PYU_3GN8...eature=youtu.be
All links can travel.
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tamra ?@Tamra4444
I just met @clayaiken I'm pretty much on cloud 9 #PerfectMoment pic.twitter.com/ven2mrgn
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ROADNOTTAKEN AT CV
i was there -- and yes, it did go by way tooooo fast.
His voice had a very few little cracks during the first song or 2 and then was smooth as silk from then on. (See Clay, that's why singers usually warm up their voices a bit before the show begins... )
We were 15 rows back, so I could only see his face well when I used my opera glasses, but he looked really great. That haircut is worth every penny he paid for it, and I hope he has that person on retainer!
The venue was almost full on the floor level; the back upper level I don't think was full. But there were a TON of men there tonight. I'd say maybe close to 1/3 of the audience??? Definitely at least 1/4. Lots...
The "singer" did a great job of being comfortable on stage and adlibbing funny lyrics -- and he hugged Clay twice before he left the stage!
I'm so happy that the stream was clear for all of you. I hope I'll be able to d/l it and make a CD of it once I have my iTunes loaded onto this new computer.
I swear his voice has gotten better over the last 10 years. It's warmer and more nuanced. Unlike most people, I'm not enamored of the glory notes (though I can appreciate them) -- my favorite Clay vocals are the quiet tones. I melt when he sings softly, like in most of "My Grown Up Christmas List" and "Welcome To Our World" and I LOVE the last "oooooooh" at the very end of "Mary Did You Know?". I left the theater well-melted tonight!
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CRAVING CLAY AT CV
The concert last night was great! The venue and seating, not so great. The chairs were tied together with nylon ties so you couldn't move them at all. And they were chairs for skinny butts!! We were crammed in like sardines until a couple of people moved to empty seats in other rows. Our seats were in Section 105, Row 7 which was to the left of the stage. The rows were turned somewhat toward the stage, so I could still see but not close when he was in the middle or over on the other side. And then it seemed like every time he came over to our side somebody was coming or going in the aisle and blocked him from sight.
Clay had a couple of minor vocal bobbles early on that he covered well, but was mostly in great voice. He could not do the opening schtick in front of the curtain because there was no curtain. The guy he brought up on stage to sing the lyrics to a Christmas song had a really good voice and made up really good lyrics to O Christmas Tree (even though they were completely wrong) and won the Macy's card. Then he proceeded to hug Clay at least twice. I think he said he was there with his wife but that he was the fan. Very excited!
My DH was with me, so I asked him afterwards what he thought of the stories. He said that people who didn't know what they were (before Clay explained) might have been confused and a little bored. Thought they were too long although they tied into the songs well. I found Faye's story a little hard to understand (or maybe I was letting my mind wander at that point).
Anyway, back to the singing. "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" is my favorite and I think I was grinning all through it. When he was done people all around started to leave, but THEN the orchestra started playing All Year Long and suddenly there is Clay out in the audience right smack dab in front of us. I'm not sure I even heard the song because I was just drinking in looking at him so closely. Many people were trying to get to him and then he was gone -- like sucking the air out of the room.
I'm so glad I get to go to Easton on the 12th to see the show in a theater from the 2nd row. It will certainly be a different experience than last night. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but there's something to be said for comfort, better acoustics, and a less distracting crowd.
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M& G REPORT-CAGNEY
Meet and Greet Red Report from vjm's computer.
This was my first Meet and Greet in ten years and to say I was a little excited, well yeah.
When I heard about the boardwalk event for Clay I thought there might be an adjustment in the time and I went looking for an email, and there it was noting the time change to 4:30. (I don't check that email account because it is so filled with junk mail). I am glad I did because when 4:30 came, the ebay winner had not shown up. I suggested to Lauren (his manager) that perhaps she didn't get the email but Lauren got the second email about the time change-more on that later.
Lauren told us that we would have an opportunity to sit in the back of the venue and he would come back to say hello and sign one item. I met tuliptime
who originally is from Atlantic City and discovered she first became a fan in 2009- I love hearing new conversation stories. It was AI Rewind for her and the opportunity to see him sing BOTW which she said she wore out a VHS tape listening to.
We got to hear Clay sing MCWL and Emmanuel and sang it in full force-his voice was magnificent and it got me even more excited (if possible) for the upcoming concert. He then left the stage and strolled down to where we were sitting. I tried to take every moment as I knew the M&G would be brief and I wanted to maximize the experience.
Clay looked great-what you saw for the boardwalk event but I think with less product then we saw later. His hair was a strawberry blonde and I think maybe close to his natural hair color. it looked soft and fluffy. He asked us our names and where we were from. When he heard I was from Lancaster- he said something like - oh-Amish Country. He said he was surprised that Lancaster had such a state of the art venue-although he wanted me to know that he wasn't putting Lancaster down. When he heard my name, he said -oh like Montana- and I said I pronounce it differently. And then my mouth wouldn't stop and I said my mother called me another name but the nuns changed the pronunciation and mom just stuck with it. Clay looked mocked outraged and said "And how did your mother feel about that!"
The M&G was maybe 15 minutes-but fun nonetheless. More later about the ebay winner.
cagney
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JCAIKENHEART@CV
Wow! Totally Awesome x-mas concert in Atlantic City today. Totally beautiful vocals & hitting those all high notes! Clay just take my breath way every time when his gorgeous long lock of hair falls over his face and he gently brush his hair back. Clay was as entertaining as usually with his interaction with the audience. It was great seeing everyone! On my way home from Atlantic City. Looking forward toward St George x-mas concert tomorrow night!
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DANCERMOM2@CV
The concert last night was wonderful for a wounded soul.
The "arena" is um....a concrete unfinished floor...and just a huge warehouse like space. The floor was absolutely flat. There were risers in the back. I walked in and was immediately reminded of the TT in NYC and the seating fiasco. The seats on the far edge were really in boondockville on the floor. Clay tried to play to the sides a lot because I think he realized that they were in outer Mongolia. This didn't of course work well with "All Year Long". He went over to the far side and I could hear him but all I could see from where I was in the middle section in Row 11 was spotlight and some hair and now and then if I strained a face. Everyone stood up because they had given him a SO for "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" and stayed standing. It didn't work well for anyone who wasn't sitting in the far side.
He looked AMAZING. Happy...snarky...and so on. He was having a blast up there. I think the show is tighter now. They rerecorded some of the stories and the person telling the story is reading it faster and the reading has life. It's not a flat reading but something that has life which is important. It's also important that he explained the stories and why he included it.
The orchestra was fantastic. The sound balance? See warehouse like setting. The accoustics sucked donkey balls.(Thanks Trump) Clay riffed on Trump and TCA and about it not ending well and that we couldn't diss Trump while we were in his show but if we wanted to later we could. HA!
The roughness?? There were some places but he saved it and I don't think it sounds so rough in person as it does on the stream. He fought for those rough spots and never totally went wrong on the note.
I cried during MCWL. I mean I cried. Too close to life right now.
The button fly pants were by far the funniest thing I have ever seen him do. He mimed the people who were trying to tell him his fly was open...and it was HILLARIOUS! He was pointing and making faces and gesticulating.
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VJM@CV
Yes, the arena was unattractive and uncomfortable, and yes, the crowd was 'colorful,' but those influences disappear when Clay starts to sing. He sounded fabulous and was his usual warm and engaging self on stage. My first time seeing Clay live was JNT 1 at the Sewell concert, which I totally loved. I've been to all of his Christmas tours since that time and had them in mind last night. Since it's been so long since he did a Christmas show, I was able to appreciate the growth in terms of his style and nuances in his voice. What a gift!
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JASR9203@CV
My thoughts about the show.Yes the acoustics were not so hot. And the seats less than comfortable. But we were fortunate to be in the center section, albeit 18 rows back. I found his voice to be, while not on par with Durham, pretty darn close. I heard no bobbles or rough edges. His control of the lower tones is magnificent and the softer tones sublime. His is as smooth as silk. I don't think I have heard him sound better.A couple of notables for me. The Away in a Manger Medley is a sheer work of vocal artistry. Brought me to tears. And I love how he is using his hands to interpret "All Is Well". Beautiful to the eyes and ears alike. And finally on "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day", he finally gets the emphasis on certain words without shouting them. Whatever adjustments he has made. wow, all I can say is that I wish I could be there every night. It sure as heck was a beautiful end to a beautiful day spent with my DH. DH enjoyed the show very much and actually hopped to his feet after Clay hit THE note in "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day". And may I add he looked f*^$ing gorgeous. I took some pics at the boardwalk thing and I am trying to upload them now
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MY PERSONAL RECAP OF ATLANTIC CITY
When my sister and I arrived at Taj Mahal, we were trying to find the parking garage, so I drove down the street by the side of the structure- an lo and behold we came to a dead end. As I was making a u-turn right THERE was Clays bus- I am like- o crap, I hope I don’t hit it!!. It was parked- and I did turn around without any mishaps.
We got to the theater and I was VERY disappointed- I had sixth row tickets, which I thought would be great- and it turns out they were in section 104-the left half not being in front of any part of the stage at all, and there was even a section 105 which was even further off to the side! I was on the aisle seat and my sister was next to me. We actually had to turn sideways in our seats to be able to see Clay and the orchestra. The seats were VERY uncomfortable, and as others have said, narrow and tied together with plastic tags. I felt sorry for those in the front part of section 105.
Clay did try to come over to the left side of the stage (his right) but he could only go so far. The fellow that got picked for the lyrics was in the second row of our section, but a little toward the middle.
What can I say about his voice? I am loving the various nuances, the deep vibrating tones, the powerful glory notes- I love them all!! He delivered in his inimitable way and we drank it all in and were temporarily sated (because you can never get enough Clay Aiken). There was an older gentleman sitting behind me that was singing along on the medley –“I’ll be home for Christmas/Christmas Song/Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Not too loud, but it was somewhat distracting. And that is the drawback of having a casino crowd- people talk during the show. No, there were no tables, just rows and rows of hard seats on a concrete floor- almost like a high school gymnasium setup (only gyms have better floors!!). Yup- at the Taj Mahal- very classy, only NOT!!
The guy who sang the lyrics was delightful, and had a great voice- Clay was cracking up and gave him the gift card even though the lyrics were totally wrong. At the beginning, when Clay read the name of the song, the guy said “SH**”. Quick witted Clay said- “I don’t think SH** is part of the lyrics” then he leaned over Ben’s piano and looked at the sheet music and said “No- it isn’t”.
When the person called him out on the unbuttoned fly, and he pantomimed how they were trying to let him know it was undone, the whole place was laughing hard. He is so funny, and the audience really appreciated it.
At the end, when he went offstage, some people started to leave, and we in the know stood waiting. Then I saw a darkened figure come around to the area in front of section 105. It was Clay, and he came and stood in the aisle right in front of us, and sang “All year long”- people pushed forward to shake his hand, but luckily they were not very tall, and I saw him so close. People, those eyes sparkled with joy- I swear they were illuminated from within. His voice was so wonderful, and then the soft last sentence, and as he was finishing, he turned around and sang the last two words as he walked away. I swear he came to that side because he knew the view was limited, and that section missed so much.
I love the way he is with his audience. I love the way he finally understands us, his fans, and how much we care about him. I love how he never ceases to thank us for our support and our caring of him.
I love Clay Aiken- always and forever.
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"The First Noel."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z_McXVg-Wk
"My Grown Up Christmas List."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2yGrBP-1M4...eature=youtu.be
"Remember The Lyrics" Contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WZBPkPTejg...eature=youtu.be
"Sentimental Medley."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbK88Riae0E...eature=youtu.be
"Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" Banter aka "Idol, TCA, Wardrobe Malfunction and Pantomiming; Clay is Hilarious" Segment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUXCwOXijU4...eature=youtu.be
"Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j14PYU_3GN8...eature=youtu.be
"Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" Banter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_vOcJjVWQ
"Don't Save It All For Christmas Day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIScP9vNrQs
All links can travel.
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Great recap Marilyn but sorry you had sucky seats. Awesome though he came near you for the encore. At least you can see him again.
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