SIOUX FALLS - WOW!!

[CFCF]

Lily, you should have come with us, I never even thought about asking peeps who live here! LadyC, we looked everywhere for you hon, even under the sofas, just couldn't find you , lol :) Any time you want to bring MiniMe out for some New Mexico love, we'll all do it all over again :cheer1  So I'm ready for Clay to come back next week, how about you all?

[CFCF]

Lily, loved meeting you and your daughter, I'm so glad she got to go, my little one and I could easily become concert junkies :) I hear Bob and Linda are self employed, me too, but I wanna do what they do!

[LiftClayUp]

I got back home about 7:30  pm last night.  Had a great time and met so many fans from different areas.

I picked up Prissy on a street corner in Dallas about 6:15 Am Friday morning.  We made several stops on the way and arrived at the hotel in Wichita about 12:30 pm.  We signed up and paid to ride a really nice charter bus to Hutchinson.  The first one left at one but as we could not get into our room yet we opted to take the two o'clock bus.  While in the lobby we saw the infamous Bob of "Bob and Linda" fame..he was fixing (southern slang)  to get a haircut.  Also ran into Alice from Dallas (Cellcert receiver who Clay talked to during one of the conerts).  Sooo many celebrities, LOL.   The second bus finally arrived and we boarded  but Crafty 55 (the lady that organized the hotel, buses, and tent at the fair) had last minute glitches that had to be attended to, so our bus didn't leave until about 2:45.  We ate at a really nice food court (air  conditioned)
but by 5pm we were finished and wandered over to the grandstand.  I purchased some sugar  coated, roasted pecans and am snacking on them as I type this.  We talked to a lot of Clay fans while we waited on the gates to open at 6:30.  One bunch was in pink t-shirts that had Oklahoma clay fans in Hot pink on them (or something to that effect).  There was a young girl deparately looking for Jerome so she could audition.   Finally we got into the grandstand.  

Prissy had to go to the merchandise area to buy JoAnn Moody another shirt so I waited by the fence facing the infield.  You could see the buses and people wanderring around, mostly the crew.  The buses were lined   up facing the 3 & 4 turns of the track all next to each other so you could only see the whole first bus.  While I watched two guys came around the buses  and walked across to the center of the infield (there were some kind of really low buildings and a ramp that went underground).  I remarked on the one guy I could see --he has on some of those fugly shorts but it isn't OMC because the hair is the wrong color.  That was Nick.  Then Nick turned away and the other guy had some really fugly shorts and a hat..I almost broke my neck trying to get the binoculars out and on.  The proceeded to where the underground buildings were.

In a short time I saw Derek Wyatt (Clay's drummer) coming across the track.  I have never approached anyone for an autograph but I aproached him.  I had made a sign at the hotel that said DFW ioves Clay.  I had Derek sign it.  Several fans lined up after they saw me with him and one loaned me their sharpie so he could sign my poster. He was so nice and may I say he is the second hottest guy on that tour.

 Later we  could see the meet and greet - I guess that is what it was because they took a group picture.  As he walked off toward the buses everyone screamed and OMC turned and smiled and gave the grandstand a big wave.  Before the concert started someone took Clay's blue shirt and grey striped pants from the infield buildings to Clay's bus.  I read where he had requested five dressing rooms but was ony given four so I guess he used the bus for his dressing room and let the others have the ones provided.

There was a ramp that came up from the track that the performers used to get to the back of the stage.   The stage area was really small and tight for them.  Ben Jellen and his crew were really crammed in on the front of the stage and his back drops were not there because Clay's setup was already in place.  There was a handicap area right in front of the stage (on the same level) with  a lady on each side providing sign language for the hearing impared.  Ben's set was short by a couple of songs but he did perform the ones I have come to like,  Christine and Revolution.

Before Clay 's set a row of lights came on, on the track about where the ramp was and you could see Clay come across the track with the army that surrounds him.  Before he came across the crowd did the ususal "WE  WANT CLAY"  and later just "CLAY".  The lady on the left of the stage signed what we were shouting , just like we were shouting it.

OMC came on and it was the usual heart stopping experience.  As everyone  knows the songs for the short fair set I won't go into them except they were all great as usual.  

while Clay was performing, Ben Jellen went to where they were selling his merchandise.  I noticed him and a line formed.  It turned out if you bought his cd for $20 (it turned out to be two cd's) he autographed them and let you take a picture with him.  Come on Clay- we could take Solitaire through the roof if you would do that and we would pay a fortune for it.

At one point, before OMC came on,  I grabbed my disposable camera and ran down there and went to the front of the line and waited.  Ben turned and gave me a great smile and I took his picture.  I didn't have to buy a thing.  Nice guy.

I noticed that Clay's line was non existant. so I ran down and purchased two more Solitaire's .....like I really need them, and a program.
While waiting for my change ( which took forever) "Change of Fools" started and I raced back to my seat.  I grabbed my water bottle and noticed that it smelled like beer.  I did not investigate but later we discovered that some one behind us had spilled beer and it had run down.  Now my Texas Clay Fans bag smells like beer and is stained and since my Texas Clay fans shirt was in the bag it was stained also.  I washed it last n ight with a lot of Shout and Era and it is ok.  Now to do the bag.

The crowd was large and a little rowdy.  But, all in all, they really liked OMC.

Back at the buses (the ony way to go to a fair), we found that the girls in front of us were headed to Michigan.  One in the back had the brown lace up shirt, with spaghettti sraps (Clay Merchandise), and light pink pants.  She looked adorable.  She was from Ft. Lauderdale.  There were two girls with Clay Rocks shirts from St. Louis.  At breakfast yesterday morning I visited with two ladies, one from Springfield, Illinois and one from the Denver area.  A couple from Tulsa   who were in line behind me in Dallas were there also.  I probably have missed a bunch and I am terrible at names.

I went to move my vehicle closer to the front of the hotel  and iscovered  it had been Clayed (or thudded).  It wouldn't start.  I think it was mad that it didn't get to go to the concert.  It had been to Indy, Houston, and Dallas and had been good transportation and when it came to the last concert I didn't let it go to the venue.  It had Houston bugs all over it's hood but it had taken us to Wichita  anyway and I was so inconsiderate.

My insurance company sent a tow truck to start  us.  I had just about given up and the couple from Tulsa were going to try to jump start it for us when the tow showed up.  He barely touched the battery with his cable and she started right up.  We said our finaly goodbuys and went to Walmart to have the battery checked.  I turned the car off and the battery was pronounced dead. The guy seem to think it might be ok after some travel time. It started up immediately there and we decided not to shut her down until we stopped for lunch in OKC.  

I dropped Prissy off at the same street corner I picked her up at.( her husband was waiting for us)(aren't cell phones the greatest thing).   I refused to think how long it will be before I might be able to see Mr. Wonderful again or I will be in a downer.   I will have my memories of Indy, Houston, Grand Prairie, and Hutchinson, of the concerts and all the  great fans that I have encountered.

You better believe I will be glued to my TV Saturday night for the Miss America  Pagent.
 

[Prissy]

HUTCHINSON, KANSAS REVIEW

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY!

THE GOOD:
I met Carol about 6:15 am and we headed north to our destination.  We stopped for breakfast, made some other stops.  I even "shopped briefly" at my favorite gift store in Kansas, just north of Oklahoma.  

We arrived in Wichita checked in to the Four Points Sheraton where a  big group of Clay fans were also staying.  Two buses were taking  fans to Hutchinson for the concert.  One left at 1:15.  Carol and I took the second bus that left at about 3:00 pm.  

THE BUSES WERE A FABULOUS WAY TO TRAVEL TO THE CONCERT SITE.  We sat in air conditioned comfort with reclining seats, and best of all, a video of JUST CLAY from AI2 was shown on two TV monitors.  It was fun to get to our destination (Hutchinson) in such comfort and get to watch and hear Clay at the same time.

We arrived in Hutchinson at the Fair about 4:15/4:30.  All of the Clay fans met under a tent and practiced a song (that never got to be sung!) and signed up for drawings.

We made our way about 5:00 to a food court area where we ate, and then went over to the Grand Stand.  We were able to go in to this area about 6:30 pm.  I went to the merchandise and bought a t-shirt for a friend.  

This set up was a track with bleacher type seating and a huge stage.  We could see the buses just passed the track lined up.  At one point Jerome was down in the area inside the fence (our side) auditioning the singers.  He also talked to fans and took lots of gifts for Clay.  Every once in a while a security type person would look over a gift and give it back to Jerome.  

Because of the set up, everything was in full view:  Jerome, the merchandise, and the buses.  At one point Clay was escorted out, but I think I was still in line buyiing a t-shirt.

Our seats were off to the side, but I didn't mind, because I had already had the experience of being on a front row.  I mostly watched the big screen this concert, and it was fun to see Clay's expressions close up.

Ben Jelen did a short set and did not play the violin!  "Ben, I hope I have not discouraged you from playing the violin!  Keep at it.  Many people really enjoyed it.  And I see that you are able to play a number of instruments! "

After a short intermission, the Aladdin tape was played and then Clay made his appearance from the riser on stage.  He did the short program which meant only "Shine" and "Run to Me" were left out.  Also, there was no intermission during his part of the show.

Clay had on the electric blue shirt with the gray stripe pants, and shoes.
His other changes were the white outfit, and then at the end the Mr. Peppermint coat.

FUNNY MOMENTS:
 Clay started talking to the audience and mentioning that people had come from all over to the concert and he started naming cites.  He said he could name any city and it would get applause.  He asked Angela to name a city and she said California.
Of course, he said, "California is a state, not a city."  And he kind of ribbed her about that the rest of the concert.
He again mentioned being in Texas and that Quiana had that big Texas hair.  Quiana kind of put her hand to her hair and it stuck straight up in front on the side.  When Clay saw her, he started laughing and turned away.  While they were singing, he tried to pat  her hair down.
Clay also said that he knew there were people in the audience who had been to 38 and 75 concerts; that then they would go back and write their reviews on the message boards. He said he had read them!

HI, CLAY, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, I THINK YOU ARE A FABULOUS ENTERTAINER AND SINGER.  COME VISIT THE CLAYMANIACS SITE MORE OFTEN!!

The dancer was cute and kind of kept doing her own step over and over.  She hugged Clay.  We happened to meet her on our way out, later, and I asked her how he felt when she hugged him; thin?  She said, not thin at all;  he felt good!  ALSO, SHE SAID SHE KISSED HIM ON HIS NECK AND HE GOT GOOSEBUMPS!!

The singer was 61 and had sung with Christian bands.  She was great, and Clay seemed to really enjoy singing with her.

The songs were fabulous as usual.  He always gives so much at a concert. It feels like it's his first one each time.

For some reason, I felt emotional during this concert.  I don't know if I was exhausted or what, but when he started singing, "I Will Carry You," which has never even been one of my favorites, I started tearing up.  And felt tearful for quite a while!

Part of it may be that on the bus over, in videos I saw him back when he was just starting all of this adventure on AI2.  Thinking about how far he had come and what he has accomplished just overwhelmed me.  I wish Simon, Randy, and Paula could see what a performer he is and how the audience responds to him.  I think they would be in awe of our Clay!

At the end, I went over to the fence, and in a while Clay came out with his entourage, waved and headed for his bus. We did not wait to see if he would come out, but headed back for our own bus.  And we listened to Clay on our bus all the way back to the hotel.

The next morning, Carol and I left for Texas.

THE BAD:

There really wasn't much that was bad.  I'm not really a "carnival" type person, and I much prefer a setting like Nokia Live to the grand stand at a state fair.  It was hot and lots of walking to be done.  The Kansas gals could have been a little more organized, but the hotel and the buses were great!

THE UGLY:

Behind us were people that talked while he was singing some of the time.  I gave them some looks, but it didn't seem to faze them. There was a young girl down in our view line of the screen who kept holding up a sign that there was no way Clay would see it.  She was too far away.  Finally an usher asked her to take it down!  Then when we were getting ready to leave, we realized that someone had spilled beer on our row and our purses and bags were soaked in beer!!!

For the most part, this has been a wonderful week.  Seeing Clay in concert three times was such a treat.  I think I am sufficiently Clayed for a while!

Prissy



.

[Pamela]

Prissy, you have been Tri-Clayed!  Congratulations!

Just think, you hooked up with a new friend jclay, made JoAnn happy with a cellcert and got to spend some time with some great Claymaniacs.  You've been sung to, you laughed, you cried, you probably even sang along a little bit (admit it!) Sounds like a great week, one for the scrapbooks!

Your reviews were awesome, thank you so much for sharing the experience with us!

I eagerly await a poetic rendition of your adventure.  (hint hint)

[Lily LePew]

Yep I'm ready for an other concert.  The day after we went back to the fair, so my daughters could enjoy it.  They had fun.  I have been living here for 9 years and I still have not gone thru highway 14. I will soon.  Maybe next time my sister visist I will take her. She would like it.

[CFCF]

Lily, let me know when, and I'll get you some discount coupons for the gallery :)

[Lily LePew]

Ok I will Thanks

[CFCF]

Sufficiently clayed? HoHoHo, there IS no such thing!

[KSChristian4Clay]

This was my first Clay concert and I definately want to see more! I missed the KC Concert w/ Kelly. I was at the fair grounds @ 3:20 a.m the day tickets went on sale. I couldn't stay the night because I had to get ready for the March of Dimes walk the morning the tix went on sale.
My friend, Jeannie, yelled "Clay, Melissa needs a husband," and pointed at me after he sang "Solitaire." He turned around and smiled.  

[MelissaM]

Oh my gosh where do I start? (I warn you this will be long).  Okay well this past Monday(Sept, 13) at 5:30am in the morning my mom, my cousin and I left our house to go see Clay in Evansville, Indiana on Tuesday.  We left for our originally supposed to be 12 hour drive and ended up being 14 hours, man were our butts sore.  But (no pun intended) it was worth it.  We got to our hotel finally and their were other Clay fans there and when we got their we talked to the clerk about our rooms and he mentioned the Claynation! :)  Oh yaa and in the parking lot some of the Clay fans cars had Clay written all over them.  My favourite was the one that said "Concert Bound Thud Mobile".  At the concert thudding was definetly going on.  
  The next day the three of us went shopping around and later a 3:30 we went to the pre-concert party.  It was soo much fun watching videos of Clay and talking to all the wonderful Clay fans.  While talking to them we found out that Faye had flown in to Evansville to see the concert. :)  At 5:20 the three of us left so that my cousin could audition for Jerome.  Well we got there and waited with everyone else, meanwhile a lady who just got her tickets at the booth found out she got 1st row!  She was dancing like a maniac.  Anyways when Jerome came out he said that there was a change, Faye was going to pick the singer! :)  Faye and Brett were both there and my cousin got to sing to her.  We also got our picture taken with her. :)  Although my cousin didnt get to sing with Clay it was still amazing meeting her.
  Okay on to the concert.  Ben Jelen was pretty good.  We had second row floors on the left side of the stage and surprisingly they were right beside the catwalk.   The chairs were moved quite a distance from the catwalk but thats okay!  Faye and Brett sat on the same side as us just up where the seats started to rise.   Clay OH MY GOSH!  He was amazing beyond amazing.  His voice was PERFECT!  No cracks or anything NONE, I was a little worried that his voice would be tired but it sounded like he hadnt been touring at all. PERFECT!   He comes out and we start to go insane.  First of all it was my cousing first time seeing him in concert,  she was blown away.    I was completely blown away yet again! :)  WOW!  The dancer he picked was none other than the lady who just got 1st row seats!  She was hilarious.  Angela, Quiana and Jacob couldnt dance or sing because they were laughing so hard, she was just dancing all over the place.  Clay was laughing hysterically and couldnt sing, it was sooo funny.  Even after she left she was dancing and holding up her sign and they ended up talking to her for a few more minutes.  She said she was 50 and that her birthday is the day of Clays last show in Raleigh so he should call her and get her to come.  Clay said he thought she was on Prozac and that she could just run there herself! (haha he is so funny) and he said she was the best dancer they have had.  Angela won the note holding contest just beat Clay (he was holding up his leg to try and hold it longer).   Chain of Fools is amazing, I survived you( oh my gosh I heard the growl, WoW)  Oh yes Clay wore sandals when he first came out, what cute feet and changed into shoes later.  I think his hair was just done because he had blonde tips.  The singer Faye picked was really good and Clay shined the spotlight on Faye and Brett and said Brett just got out of Marine boot camp.  Clay grabbed someones cell phone and was talking on it.  Hmmmm what else.  He looked at my cousin and I a couple of times( WAHOO) and read the signs we had.   He played his air guitar (so cute) and during Invisible he came over to our side of the stage and did the shirt tug! :)  LOVE IT.  You could just tell by the look on his face that he was finding the right moment to do it (many screams).  The concert went by sooooooooo fast and I wish it wasent over.  Solitare was beyond words.  It was amazing.  When he sang " a little hope goes up in smoke just how it goes, goes without saayying"  Everyone in the audience including myself all went silent and you could tell were taking a deep breath preparing themselves for it.  I was in tears for Solitare, This is the night (AMAZING) and You were there(Holy cow, soooo powerful, soo amazing).  Also during intermission we got Faye's autograph on our program (she signed it "Clays mom Faye").  Sorry this isnt in order.  After the concert when we got back to the hotel I was sooo blown away I couldnt even speak, all I could think about how amazing he is and how flawless his voice was.  The way home seemed to go by faster since we had Clay thoughts in our heads.  This is the first chance Ive had to post this since Ive been catching up on the homework I missed.  Clay was sooo amazing.
OH YAA before I forget during the concert when Clay was talking about where he was going next he said that he was going to be performing on Miss America on Saturday!:)  Straight from Clays mouth. And what a cute mouth that is.

Question:  Was there a cellcert for Evansville?  I couldnt find it.

[HavinaClayAffair]

I am glad you had such a wonderful time! Did your cousin agree - he is great?! How could she not?

Your cellcert is on page 2 of Got Clay thread! Enjoy reading it but I am sure it is nothing like being there!

How cool that you got to see Faye and received her autograph! Did Brett seem to be enjoying himself??

Glad you arrived home safely! When you get out of your Clay fog...finish the rest of your homework! If you already did it, I would suggest looking it over! You may have answered everything with the word "Clay".

Lora-Ohio

[MelissaM]

Thanks Lora, I just read it and it reminded me of a few more things I forgot! :)  I still need to finish my homework and I cant stop thinking about the concert!! :)  We got home safely and in time to watch Canadian Idol.  Wahoo our favourite won!!:)

*When Clay was on the runway he say a girl in the 3rd row who had binoculars so he called her over and she brought her camera with a zoom.  He leaned over and she took a picture.  Clay said "Did you see up my nose and into my head? She said yes and he said " Yeah well its empty".  
  Oh Clay your head isnt empty!! :)  Its certainly cute though! :)

[LadyC]

"

Did you see up my nose and into my head? She said yes and he said " Yeah well its empty".

LOL!   He is such a charmer!  Sounds like you had the time of your life, Melissa!  Meeting Clay's mom - too cool.  I'd probably have hugged her until her eyes bugged out.  

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Melissa.  I really enjoyed reading your review.

Love ya,
LadyC

[MelissaM]

Thanks LadyC! :)  I had sooo much fun!  Faye was so nice!  :)

[Prissy]

Pamela issued the challenge:

Prissy, you have been Tri-Clayed! Congratulations!

Just think, you hooked up with a new friend jclay, made JoAnn happy with a cellcert and got to spend some time with some great Claymaniacs. You've been sung to, you laughed, you cried, you probably even sang along a little bit (admit it!) Sounds like a great week, one for the scrapbooks!

Your reviews were awesome, thank you so much for sharing the experience with us!

I eagerly await a poetic rendition of your adventure. (hint hint)

So, although the tour is not officially finished here is my poem about:

CLAY'S SUMMER TOUR

Clay's Summer Tour is history,
And it remains a mystery
How this young man can do so much
Night after night! (He's got the "touch!")

So many cities, state by state,
With each of us, he made a "date"
To sing for us and make us cry
And laugh and cheer! (And that's no lie!)

His wardrobe sometimes made us "stare,"
And wonder why he chose to wear
A "paisley" jacket, of all things!
The plaid and striped? (Don't care; just sing!)

At each concert, Clay got to dance
With someone chosen, just by chance;
And also with someone he sang.
(Our Caramel danced! Our Sarah sang!)

The songs he sang just gave us chills!
His voice so strong and rich, it thrills!
Our sweet coy boy is now a man!
(Forever, we will be his fans!)

As well as singing, Clay's chit-chat
Proves he's an entertainer that
Can hold his own when he's on stage
With anyone! (He's all the rage!)

After each concert, at the fence,
We gathered; (no coincidence!)
Hoping to touch or glimpse our Clay!
(Even a bus "wave" made our day!)

Some of us traveled to see Clay
And met Clay fans along the way.
Claymaniacs we "know" online,
We got to meet and spend some time!

At concerts, we learned that your seat
Might "change" to one that can't be beat!
A few of us managed "front row."
(Now, we want that row every show!)

In October, another chance
To see Clay sing, talk, even dance!
In Charlotte and Raleigh, it's true!
(I can't wait to see all of you!)


Before the tour started, I wrote the following poem and posted it May 25:

SUMMER TOUR, 2004

Clay's summer tour will soon begin.
Pam's given us the where and when;
Across these great United States.
(How can he do so many dates?)

There's Appleton and Lexington
And Charleston and Hutchinson.
We know that Clay will give his best,
(But why is he not in the West?)

Atlantic City and New York,
There's Mashantucket and Bismark.
He'll even brave the Texas heat!
(How do I get a first row seat?)

There's Jackson, Portland, Evansville,
Columbus, Fort Wayne and Greenville.
This tour is really quite a quest!
(Will our Clay ever get to rest?)

I plan to travel to see Clay.
It doesn't matter where I stay!
I look so forward to each song.
(Will hubby even know I"m gone?)

I hope my hubby understands,
I've got to see that trav'lin' man!

Prissy

[BOZENA]

PRISSY
I LOVED YOUR POEM

GREAT JOB

PAMELA WILL BE PROUD

[Marilynn Andrews]

Whoa!  Don't lose that "Clay's Maine Squeeze" clip!  HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

I recently had the biggest pleasure of seeing my first Clay concert in York, PA last week!  It was amazing, HE was amazing, and now I'm hopelessly hooked!!!!!!!  Can't get the guy out of my mind!  He sang beautifully and it was especially nice just to get to hear him speak.

[Pamela]

Clay's Summer Tour is history,
And it remains a mystery
How this young man can do so much
Night after night! (He's got the "touch!")

Prissy, bravo!    Bravo!  

You make me with your lovely way with words.

[Marilynn Andrews]

This was my first Clay concert and it was EXCELLENT!  I had no idea what to expect but Clay didn't let me down!  Coming out from rising steps was fitting and awesome!  LOVED the way he sang AND the way he just simply "talked" and interacted with everyone.  So much fun to see how far he has come from his very first appearance on Idol to the entertainer par excellance that he is today.  He is a quick learner!  He hit those notes and gave everyone goosebumps!  I'm still on a Clay high!