AIKEN NEWS NETWORK AUGUST 22

[aikenseeker]

I was getting the shakes without the ANN this morning so I thought I'd help out. LOL.

Entertainment
Achin' for Clay
 Rockford fans can't wait to see idol perform here




ROCKFORD -- They're known as Claymates and Clay maniacs, the scads of devotees who dote on all things Aiken.


They scour the Internet for the latest kernel of information on the TV contestant-turned-pop music phenomenon. They flock to as many of his concerts as their budgets and schedules allow.


They range in age from prepubescent to post-retirement. Mostly, they're women. Guys dig him, too, but they're a rare breed and generally more subdued. The founder of www.theclaydawgs.com -- a "male haven" for Aiken addicts -- reportedly lives in Roscoe, but attempts to contact him through female fans were unsuccessful.


Whatever their stripe, Aiken aficionados will be out in full force Monday when the skinny North Carolina teacher and second-place "American Idol" competitor takes the stage at the MetroCentre.


More than 100 fans -- some coming from as far as California -- are expected to descend on the Capri restaurant for a private, preconcert party and fund-raiser.


Fans began the Penny Lane charity drive with the start of Aiken's first solo tour in July. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring change to the parties; the money goes to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to assist children with disabilities.


The effort depends on a volunteer organizer stepping forward in communities on Aiken's tour schedule. Beth Riffle, a 32-year-old stay-at-home mother of four, accepted the challenge here.


"Clay is living out my dream," said Riffle, a former wedding singer, reflecting one of the keys to Aiken's appeal.


Local fans told us they're also drawn to Aiken because he's clean-cut, self-deprecating, earnest and unaffected. But as much as anything, they're bowled over by his raw talent.


"I have the tape of him singing 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters,' which was his last song on 'American Idol.' It sends chills up my arms when I listen to his version of that song," said Linda Galbraith, a 55-year-old office worker at a Rockford manufacturing firm.


Galbraith saw Aiken perform at the United Center in Chicago with 2002 "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson in March. Before that, she hadn't bought a concert ticket since her senior year at Guilford High School in 1966, when she saw The Doors in Las Vegas.


That's another common thread among Aiken fans. Few ever have been infatuated with a music star before.


"Not since Elvis," said Carole Dolan, a development officer for SwedishAmerican Medical Foundation.


"But Elvis didn't have the personality Clay has. Clay's the whole package. He's got the voice, the brains and the personality."


As Aiken fans go, Riffle, who's in charge of the Capri party, considers herself low-key, more mainstream. But she's met the kind who "jump over chairs to get to the stage. The ones who find out what hotel he's staying at and camp out in the lobby just to get a glimpse of him, that's extreme."


Contact: mbonne@registerstartower.com; 815-987-1389

Whoops sorry didn't realize this one went up yesterday. LOL

[aikenseeker]

Radio Disney marks two years in area.
The Flint Journal
Link to Source
8/21/2004


Clay Aiken isn't the only hot singer coming to the area this weekend. JoJo, the 13-year-old with the big voice, is headlining Saturday's "Radio Disney 910 AM 2 Year Birthday Blast" at the Birch Run Expo Center.
Her "Leave (Get Out)" is not only a smash hit that's all over the airwaves, it has introduced to the world a powerful voice that was cultivated singer gospel when she was younger. The song and video suggest a girl in her late teens, not in early adolescence, but there's nothing tawdry or tasteless about it.

That's in keeping with Disney's squeaky clean image. The birthday party (the children's radio station signed on in Flint on Aug. 15, 2002) is actually in two parts, a family fun fair from 1-5 p.m. in the parking lot and a concert, also featuring Greg Raposo, Jerry Reid and Jag Star, at 6. There's no admission for the fair, which includes bounce houses, a dance contest and other fun things to do, but concert admission is $12 general admission, $24.99 for reserved seating on the floor.

Last year's bash was held in Genesee County, but station manager Lesley Howe said she decided to move it this year to a location that could draw from the Flint and Saginaw areas.

"We go all over. We're not just a Flint station," Howe said.

The station's owners, ABC Radio, hope to make that even truer than it is now. ABC has filed an application with the FCC to transfer its license and operations eventually to the Detroit area, though its signal would be boosted to cover the entire southeastern/mid-Michigan region.

Speaking of moving, the station (WFDF-AM, 910), recently moved from its office on Hill Street in Grand Blanc Township to new digs in the Grand Mall in Grand Blanc.

JoJo, by the way, returns to the area Sept. 18 at The Palace of Auburn Hills to sing at the 2004 Rock & Roll Gymnastics Championships, featuring Olympic gold medalist Paul Hamm.

[aikenseeker]

Aiken's ClayMates have reason to cheer
FLINT JOURNAL REVIEW
CLIO
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, August 22, 2004
By Doug Pullen
dpullen@flintjournal.com*810.766.6140
QUICK TAKE
Set list

1. "Where the Streets Have No Name"

2. "Shine"

3. "When You Say You Love Me"

4. "Kyrie"

5. "I Will Carry You"

6. "This Is The Night" (sung by Connor Foley, 10, of Fenton)

7. James Taylor medley

8. "Measure of a Man"

9. "Run to Me"

(intermission)

10. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

11. "Perfect Day"

12. "I Survived You"

13. "Still the One"

14. "Rosanna"

15. "You Were There"

16. "This Is the Night"

17. "Invisible"

(encore)

18. "Solitaire"
 
CLIO - Clio, or Clayo as some called it, was the ground zero of the Clay Nation this weekend.

Clay Aiken, the "American Idol" star-turned-pop music phenomenon, rolled into town for two sold-out concerts before nearly 6,300 fans - who call themselves ClayMates - Friday and Saturday at the Clio Area Amphitheater, the first time an artist has sold out consecutive shows there.

Teenaged girls, middle-aged moms and grandmas (with a few reluctant and some not-so-reluctant males in tow) streamed in from all over, wearing their souvenir T-shirts and waving their devotional signs. There were so many women on hand that amphitheater staff had to convert the men's bathroom in the Clio Arts Center into a women's potty and haul in portable johns for the, ahem, overflow.

Extra merchandise stands also were set up to accommodate the adoring hordes, who snapped up everything from tour shirts to thongs (yes, you read that right).

Some made the trek from as far north as Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, as far east as New York state and as far west as California. They're like some wholesome version of the Deadheads, those neo-hippies who followed the Grateful Dead around the country like nomads, only ClayMates' high is natural.

Now that's devotion, and completely understandable. Every generation needs its lovable geek. Aiken is one who crosses generational lines, a spikey-haired heir apparent to the throne once occupied by the Neil Diamonds, Barry Manilows and Celine Dions of the pop music world. In a pop culture landscape where stars act like spoiled brats and worse, the 25-year-old Aiken is a breath of fresh air, and a refreshing upgrade from the plasticene product-as-music of the boy bands who preceded him. All he needs now is some better material to challenge that soaring voice.

Aiken backs up his TV-fueled fame with the goods with an approachable nature and warm, clear tenor perfectly suited for the big, soaring ballads he does so well. Particularly impressive Friday were his feisty (for him) reading of the kiss-off song "I Survived You," which featured a rare but welcome touch of anger, a rousing encore of Neil Sedaka's lonely "Solitaire" and stirring, inspirational songs like "I Will Carry You" and "You Were There" that allow him to hit those tall, sustained notes (fans call them glory notes) and inject his spirituality ever so subtly.

Friday's energetic performance - which was preceded by an upbeat but perfunctory half-hour set from 19-year-old French newcomer Cherie - was a little less surprising, but more well-rounded than the one he gave last March at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena with first-year "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson.

Aiken is an even more assured performer now, shedding a trifle of the aw-shucks humility for a more polished presentation that included video screens, a multi-tiered stage, a five-piece band, three backup singers, a sign language interpreter and an infomercial for the forthcoming "Aladdin" DVD, which is the tour's sponsor.

Aiken's show was divided into two 45-minute sets and was built around both his engaging personality, a powerful voice (that is only going to grow in character as he gets older) and his abundantly generous spirit. The set list drew heavily from last year's triple platinum debut album, "Measure of a Man," and a handful of covers ranging from U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" (the show opener was not well suited to Aiken's music theater stylings), a tasteful James Taylor medley that showcased his impressive trio of backup singers and a version of Toto's "Rosanna" that gave his unobtrusive band a chance to get its funk groove on.

He also shined the spotlight on his audience, pulling one woman out of the crowd to dance with him on the forgettable "When You Say You Love Me" (turns out he unwittingly plucked the same woman out at his previous show near Syracuse), then sharing the spotlight with 10-year-old Fenton resident Connor Foley, who sang his signature hit "This Is the Night"(see related story), much to the delight of the crowd, which grew more boisterous as the show progressed.

With fewer gimmicks and a more focused performance, the second half was much stronger, bringing the enthusiastic but relatively restrained crowd on its feet. The intimacy of the venue, where there isn't a bad seat, fit perfectly with the personal touch Aiken bring to his audiences. He must have welcomed the chance to sing to 3,140 people who were almost in his lap.

His biggest weakness is some of the material he's been given to sing. About half the songs, from "Measure of a Man," like "Run to Me" and "Perfect Day," are fluffy, assembly-line pop that are beneath his abilities. Though his voice has held up well after all the touring he's done, it did sound a bit flat and tired on the rare occasion, notably a version of show closer "Invisible" on which he sounded a bit flat (not to worry, he rebounded impressively on an encore of "Solitaire").

It may not be cool to like Clay Aiken. Neither Aiken nor his adoring fans care. Clay Aiken is living a dream and it's easy for his fans to live that dream through him.

After all, he was a college student studying special ed just a couple of years ago. A Clay Aiken concert is a celebration of the inner geek in everyone. There's nothing wrong with that.

***
© 2004 Flint Journal. Used with permission

MLIVE

[aikenseeker]

It was Clay's concert, but Connor's night
FLINT JOURNAL REVIEW
CLIO
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, August 22, 2004
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Friday was the night for Connor Foley.

The 10-year-old Fenton Township resident auditioned in advance, so he knew Clay Aiken was going to pick him out of the crowd of 3,140 people to sing his hit "This Is the Night" onstage Friday at the Clio Area Amphitheater. That explains why he wore a tie to the concert.

But he didn't know how it would feel to be onstage with his American idol.

"It felt pretty good," the Linden Central Elementary student said after the show, fresh from signing his first autograph.

Young Foley did have butterflies shortly before one of Aiken's security guards escorted him to the stage, but he handled his moment in the spotlight like a seasoned pro, receiving a huge ovation from the crowd and a ringing endorsement from his hero, who knelt beside him and sang harmony.

"In 15 years I'm gonna come here and see you on this stage," Aiken predicted.

"It felt like I was dreaming," said the young star-in-the-making, who said he sings mostly at Fenton Church of the Nazarene.

Aiken makes a practice of singling out a young singer at each of his shows. A member of his entourage conducts auditions the afternoon of the concert.

Foley found out about it from an aunt, who'd seen information posted on Aiken's Web site. He practiced the song just in case. Foley's mom, Jill Ridenour, had a feeling he'd get picked.

"He prayed the night before," she said.

When he wasn't singing, Foley enjoyed the concert with his mom, stepfather Jeff Ridenour, sister Hannah Foley, 14, and friend Sam Henderson, 14.

- Doug Pullen

MLIVE

[Pamela]

Thank you Susan!  Yes, I slept in this morning and Deanna is vacationing.
Your gracious assistance is much appreciated!  

This is from today's Raleigh paper --

Did someone say 'Clay Aiken'?

By MATT EHLERS, Staff Writer

Even the people running the contest can't believe it -- Clay Aiken as the country's sexiest singer? And we quote, from the September issue of In Style: "Clay Aiken (yes, Clay Aiken) beat -- uh, make that killed -- the competition."

The magazine counted 40,000 online votes in its 2004 "sexy" poll, which also crowned a sexiest leading lady (Jennifer Aniston) and the sexiest actor over 40 (Johnny Depp).

In the singer category, Raleigh's own trumped Justin Timberlake and Usher, neither of whom have a coordinated band of followers like Aiken's. These people are bent on Clay-styled world domination.

The guy has a Christmas album coming out this fall. Think they can push it to No. 1?

NEWS OBSERVER

[Pamela]

Fundraiser Held for [Knoxville's] Bijou Theater

The show and fundraising efforts go on at the Bijou. Saturday night, the Mark Hollow Band filled the theater with Folk n' Roll and Americana music. No word yet on how much the event raised, but earlier in the week, management for pop star Clay Aiken donated $3,400.00.
That means since the benefit concert series started August 1st, the Bijou's come up with nearly $5,000.00. It remains some $75,000.00 in debt.

VOLUNTEER TV

[ACcountryFan]

The guy has a Christmas album coming out this fall.Think they can push it to #1?

============
is he kidding? of course we'll push it to #1!

[clayMaine-iac]

Well----it is quite obvious I am not needed here!!!! :  :  :

Big THANKS to Susan and Pamela!!!!!! :  :  :

Now I just need to go back and read about everything I missed!!!! :roll:  :roll:

It's good to be home!!!

Deanna

[Pamela]

Deanna, welcome back!!  And trust me, you ARE needed here!!
Very very very much.   :   Hope you had a great weekend!

And while I'm here, just a notice that I updated the audio/video download links in the Member's Corner.  Thread is stickied at the top of the forum.

Audio mp3s for Clio and Erie Chain of Fools and ISY for your listening pleasure!

And it is very pleasurable, those guys are jammin!  Enjoy!

[heater]

Thanks Susan and Pamela for the days news.

Welcome back Deanna!  We missed ya!

Are they joking asking if we are gonna get the Christmas album to #1?!!?  :roll:  :?  Of course we are!!!   :D

[Pamela]

Concert menu for this year's State Fair is sure to be a hit with fans

Rather than shoot for today's stars, the Colorado State Fair seems to have taken a down-toearth, nostalgic attitude when booking this year's music lineup.

Many familiar names made the cut, but the performers seem to be mostly old favorites or newer artists with old-fashioned values.

Absent from this year's list are more daring choices, such as Ashanti, who was scheduled to perform at the fair in 2002 but never showed up. Even acts geared toward younger crowds (Clay Aiken, Stacie Orrico, Nickelback and Puddle of Mudd) rest on the safer side of their genres. Although those looking for artists that test boundaries may be disappointed, many fair-goers, including most of those who come with their children, will be delighted.

(snip)

Clay Aiken

Events Center, 8 p.m. Sept. 2, $23-$33

Clay Aiken may have earned second place on the TV show "American Idol." He may be thin and a bit awkward, and he may not have planned on stardom, but when it came to his sweet voice, America just couldn't resist his charms.

Aiken, the darling of housewives and preteen girls, is sure to get a warm welcome at the State Fair, where he will perform material from his album "Measure of a Man."

The album is a collection of lukewarm melodies that do little to showcase Aiken's voice, but that hasn't slowed sales. Since the release of the single "This Is the Night," fans have been quick to show their support of Aiken's freshman effort.

COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

[bisi]

Of pop culture and punditry

By DAVID MENCONI, Staff Writer

When Raleigh's Bob "Bobzilla" Davis shows up in the papers, it's usually in the guise of Tour Manager to the Stars telling stories on Metallica or some other client. But on Tuesday, he was quoted in USA Today in the role of concerned citizen -- in a story about "The 9/11 Commission Report."
"I have every intention of reading it from start to finish, yet I'm afraid it will be the most depressing book I've ever read," Davis told the newspaper. "It hurts to imagine those people on the airplanes. I've never read a book like this. ...This is real, depressingly real."

Davis says he came to USA Today's attention by registering online to be on the paper's "pop-culture panel." Every few weeks, he'll get a culture-related question in his e-mail. If his answer catches someone's eye, he'll get a follow-up phone call. When USA Today's reporter called him for this story, he was in Des Moines, Iowa, on the Clay Aiken tour.

[CT loves Clay]

Welcome back, Deanna,

Thankyou girls.  What excellent reports.  They keep getting better and better.  I am so proud to be a Claymaniac.  I feel like we belong to an elite group of people.  I love the fact that reporters are starting to realize the amount of followers and to what lenth we will go to support him.


Linda

[lorraine]

THANK YOU PAM AND SUSAN.  I HAD TO LEAVE BEFORE THE NEWS WAS POSTED AND I AM JUST CATCHING UP ON IT NOW.

THE REVIEW WAS QUITE GOOD.  THEY ARE STARTING TO REALIZE WHAT A FOLLOWING OUR CLAY HAS.  YES OF COURSE HIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM WILL MAKE IT TO NUMBER 1 NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.

WELCOME BACK DEANNA. YOU WERE MISSED.


LORRAINE

[STEPHANIE1130]

Thanks for all the articles & the news! :D

[ClayBuf]

I just have to say that I think the Clio review in the Flint Journal is the best overall review of Clay's show to date. The author obviously attended the whole show, paid attention and LISTENED. His observations were on the money; his criticisms fair. Not necessarily being an actual fan himself, he still GETS IT.

He called Clay a breath of fresh air - I think this review was one as well. Bravo! :)

~Buffi