Mexico Flooding Relief and Donation Info At UNICEF Website

In yesterday's Clay's Daily Double article, Clay Taking UNICEF's Message To Mexico, we told you about Clay's planned trip to Mexico over the Christmas holidays. Clay will be spending Christmas with the families in Mexico who were affected by the recent flooding. If anyone can bring sunshine to this devastated area, its Clay.

One of the feature stories at the UNICEF website concerns the needs of children affected by this flooding. The story, entitled, Flood response targets immediate needs of children in Tabasco and Chiapas , by Richard Alleyne, tells us how the people have been affected and what UNICEF is doing to help. The story tells us:

The Ministry of Education reports that 400,000 students across the state have been affected and 2,500 schools damaged by the floods. Neighboring Chiapas has also suffered flooding, and UNICEF has sent two teams of experts to both areas to identify immediate needs.

Clay has said that the gift he would like from us at Christmas time is a donation to UNICEF to help the children who are suffering from the damage this flood caused. You can donate to the wonderful cause by going to the page at their website entitled, Support UNICEF's Work for the Children of Mexico. Just fill out the donation amount and donor information on that page. Any amount will help. Here are some ways our donations can make a difference:

What your money can buy

$3 can buy a large wool blanket to protect children from the cold during an emergency.

$22 can buy a First Aid kit containing items such as gloves, adhesive, bandages and gauze for use during emergency situations.

$101 can provide 10 families with Basic Family Water kits for use during emergency situations.

$244 can buy an Emergency Health Kit that provides basic drugs, medical supplies, and equipment for 1,000 people for 3 months.

Just as Clay is making a difference in these people's lives by traveling to Mexico, we also can make a difference by donating to this worthwhile cause.

"It's important that I make a difference in some way. It's not necessarily how I make a difference, but I want to make sure that I do." Clay Aiken

Williamsport Sun Gazette Interviews Clay Ahead of Tonight's Concert

Clay is set to return to Williamsport's Community Arts Center tonight. It will be Clay's 2nd time at the venue, after a sold-out show during his 2006 Symphonic Christmas tour.

The Williamsport Sun Gazette published this interview/concert preview article yesterday. Please give the full version, at the Williamsport Sun Gazette website some hits:

Clay Aiken returning to Community Arts Center

Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken will return to Williamsport at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.

This year’s holiday show, “Christmas in the Heartland,” will feature the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra.

In a recent interview with the Sun-Gazette, Aiken discussed “Christmas in the Heartland,” as well as how he’s grown since “American Idol.” Since being a contestant on “Idol,” Aiken said he believes he’s matured and learned the tricks of the trade when it comes to show business. When a performer is a novice in the industry, Aiken said it’s easy to be pushed around.

“Probably more than anything, I’m definitely more savvy when it comes to understanding how not be a pushover,” Aiken said. “When I was on ‘Idol,’ I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to anybody for anything. I think I’ve learned not to be taken advantage of.”

Aiken added that many members of the touring crew have returned to do the show all four years, so it’s become a tradition around the holidays and a family type of atmosphere. Having that bond is important when it comes to touring, and it becomes stronger each year.

Personally, Aiken said touring is something that he’s really gotten into, and he enjoys the consistency of being on the road and knowing exactly what lies ahead for the following day.

“When you’re not touring, you never know where you’re going to be the next day,” he said. “Somebody could call me and say, ‘I need you in L.A. tomorrow,’ and so I’m off to L.A. I like knowing where I am tomorrow — because nobody can change that.”

Aiken also looks forward to bringing the tour back to Williamsport. He said that Pennsylvania is always a great area for them to visit, and he refers to the state as a “microcosm of the country” — having big-city, urban areas, along with more quaint, rural areas.

“I’ve always enjoyed those smaller-town, Americana-type shows,” Aiken said. “The audiences are a lot more in line with what I grew up doing. I just really enjoy small-town audiences because I think they represent the country a little more.”

Morning Call: Clay brings "performance filled with warmth and sentimentality"

The Morning Call posted a constructively critical, but overall positive review to Clay's New Brunswick, NJ concert.

CLAY AIKEN

Clay Aiken's heart, if not his voice, was in the right place for his ''Christmas in the Heartland'' concert at the State Theatre Wednesday night. Backed by the Chelsea Symphony from New York and two female vocalists, the ''American Idol'' runner-up gave a performance filled with warmth and sentimentality.

It was not that his voice lacked strength -- the louder he sang, the more the loyal audience cheered -- but unlike the tight muscularity heard in his recordings, his midrange was harsh when pushed and his pitch often went flat. Some songs had awkward phrasing. There were some notable exceptions. ''Hark the Herald Angels Sing'' was delivered with heartfelt conviction, and he gave a medley of Christmas favorites, ending with ''Winter Wonderland,'' a neat Elvis-like touch.

BellaOnline Reviews Washington D.C. Concert

Michelle Anne Cope of BellaOnline has posted her "fan" review of Clay's Washington D.C. concert. Great review!

Clay Aiken & Christmas

This year, I had a chance to hear that Christmas spirit performed live by Clay Aiken at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. I went with my best friend, Kelly.

As part of Clay’s holiday tradition, he uses his God given gift of voice to share the Good News with his audiences. This year, he also shared the stage with his fans. Clay invited fans to send in personal stories about Christmas. He read, he laughed, he cried, and then he chose the best ones to be read on stage. Some stories were read by their original writers, others were read by friends or family. In Washington, D.C., we laughed about fruit cakes, shared the loss of a child, and marveled over the everlasting romance of a young couple separated by war. In between the fan stories, we heard stories told in song. Dressed simply and majestically in black, Clay Aiken, Angela Fisher, and Quiana Parler filled the theatre with music, song, and spirit. There were times I felt goose bumps because the message was so clear; the promise of God, the birth, and the Good News filled my heart.

Tidbits 12/15

• St. Louis Post Dispatch on the popularity of holiday music -

  "You would think, but no. I just love Christmas music," said Johnson, who owns 50 Christmas albums and has loaded his iPod with Josh Grobin and Clay Aiken holiday hits. "It takes me back to being a kid, opening presents and being with family. The memories and the music are wrapped up together."

• Detroit News - Barry Manilow getting back on the road with new tour - "Manilow, 64, has appeared twice on "American Idol," where he bonded with Clay Aiken."

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TBAF's Aron Hall on Radio This Weekend

The Bubel Aiken's Foundation Aron Hall will be interviewed on radio this weekend, the CB's claynov30 reports:

Aron will be on a public affairs program in the New England area this Saturday and Sunday morning. WPRO has been announcing our Wrapping for Inclusion project and have it listed on their Community Calendar. I am our state coordinator, and listed as the project contact, so they called me about a week ago to set up an intervirw to talk about the Foundation's work under their Citadel Cares program. Of course, I referred them to Aron , and they were able to connect and do the interview this week. In speaking with Bill Haberman at WPRO this morning , he gave me the airtimes.

WPRO-FM and AM- 92.3- program -The Score-airing 6:20 AM Saturday morning.

HOT 106- 106.3- airing 6:20 AM Sunday Morning.

I know it's early for the weekend, but if you live in the listening area, hope you'll tune in to hear Aron. It's great publicity for TBAF in this area.

Clay Taking UNICEF's Message to Mexico

In a blog posted today to the official fanclub and in an interview with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune, Clay announced that he will be spending Christmas with UNICEF in Mexico. While in Mexico, Clay will be UNICEF's eyes and ears as the country rebuilds in the wake of the devastating flooding that has hit the Central American country recently.

Clay will be accompanied by a UNICEF entourage and his mother Faye Parker, according the Star Tribune interview:

My mother and I are going to do a UNICEF trip to Mexico in the aftermath of the flood. I've done UNICEF trips to Uganda, Indonesia and Afghanistan. Possibly my brother, too. We may all spend our family holiday on a UNICEF field visit in Mexico this year. It'll be the first time that we've not done the same old thing for the holidays.

Morristown, NJ Gets A Clay Aiken Christmas

CLAY AIKEN'S CHRISTMAS IN THE HEARTLAND TOUR 2007
MORRISTOWN, NJ RECAPS UP!

Christmas tour blog | Morristown recaps

Photos

• Clayboard photos/video - Morristown, NJ
  

Videos

• ClackUnlimited
  

From the CB's Sue4AllYouDo:

Just got back from Morristown and all I can say is one word....PERFECTION !!!!! Not only from Clay and the Girls, but from that wonderful venue. This is a venue that has been under renovation for the last 12 years, so I've been told tonight by the staff, but it was well worth the wait!!! The sound system was the BEST I'VE EVER HEARD, and when Clay opened his mouth to sing the first note, I just knew tonight was going to be his best vocal performance EVER!!!! And, IT WAS !!!! Not only did he sound magnificant, he looked magnificant and VERY HAPPY !!!! The bangs returned tonight along with the long jacket. Clay was VERY animated tonight when he sang. His very large hands and long fingers were very expressive tonight and he was clowning with Angie and Quiana a few times, especially during DSIAFCD. I am still in awe of the "Sound" of tonight's concert. I'm willing to bet that this is going to be the concert to get for the audio version for each and every song. I met a lot of fans tonight and we had a very fun time. The trip from Easton to Morristown was easy, but coming home was a bit tricky. I hope everyone gets home safe and sound and Clay has an easy trip to Williamsport. My vote is definitely IN for a return visit for Clay and Company to The Community Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey. This is one venue you have to see and HEAR !!!! Good Night Everyone!! Tonight was my last of 4 live concerts. I'll be joining you on the upcoming cellcerts again!!! This has been a wonderful year, and 2008 is looking mighty good, too!!! Safe travels to those of you going to Williamsport!!!!

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Good Morning, Guys!!! I'm back again first thing this morning because I just can't stop thinking about the way the show sounded last night in Morristown, NJ!!! I was SOOOO impressed that I'm considering joining their membership, and I don't even live close to Morristown!!!! As I was telling my husband about the show this morning, there was something I wanted to let you guys know. Last night, before Clay sang DSIAFCD, he introduced the Chelsea Symphony once again, and for the final time of the tour. He said "I'm losing these guys tonight" and he sounded as if he was dissappointed about it. I got the feeling that he really loved the Chelsea Symphony and the 4 (or 5 ???) times that they accompanied him this year and last. They stood up and faced the audience after Clay talked about them, and we gave them a standing ovation. Then, they turned to Clay and THEY all Clapped, bowed their heads, and their smiles at him were from ear to ear!!!!! Truly, very touching moment, and very sincere...one great set of professionals to another fellow professional. It was one of those moments that you will always remember. Clay is our shining star and we are very Blessed to have him. I want nothing but the best for him, and for him to sing to me for the rest of my days!!!! Once again, Bravo!, Morristown!!!! This perfection was tailor-made for our Star !!!!image

Minneapolis St. Paul Star Tribune Interview Reveals Clay's Christmas and Post-Christmas Plans

Clay will be playing two concerts in the twin cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, next week and the Minneapolis St. Paul Star Tribune has published a pre-concert interview for the two shows.

This is probably one of the most insightful interviews I've read recently, with Clay talking about his UNICEF trip to Mexico, his Christmas plans, how he got his new role in "Spamalot" and his close friendship with Ruben Studdard.

Clay Aiken is performing two holiday shows with the Minnesota Orchestra -- and taking his mom to the Mall of America.

Clay Aiken, the most famous "American Idol" runner-up, returns to the Twin Cities this week on his annual Christmas tour. We talked to him about his holiday plans, his Broadway debut in "Spamalot" in January and his "Idol" buddy, Ruben Studdard.

Q Minneapolis is the only city where you are doing two shows. Why are we so lucky?

A We couldn't stuff enough love into one day for Minneapolis. Hee-hee-hee. I really don't know. I don't make the tour; I go where they tell me to go. I like it up there. We're lucky enough to have a day off in Minneapolis on the 18th, and I think my mother's coming up from Raleigh [N.C.] and she's going to be at the Mall of America for the very first time.

Q What are your plans for Christmas?

A My mother and I are going to do a UNICEF trip to Mexico in the aftermath of the flood. I've done UNICEF trips to Uganda, Indonesia and Afghanistan. Possibly my brother, too. We may all spend our family holiday on a UNICEF field visit in Mexico this year. It'll be the first time that we've not done the same old thing for the holidays.

Q How did your role as Sir Robin in "Spamalot" on Broadway come about?

A They started asking me last year if I'd consider "Spamalot," and I didn't know anything about it. So I got tickets to see it in November of last year, and I thought this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen in my entire life. We were busy at the time so I didn't have the ability to do anything with them. So they asked again this summer, and I went and saw it again and I thought it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen in my life. It's not traditional Broadway at all, which is why I think people enjoy it. That's why we decided to give it a shot; it's something completely different than anything that I've done or people would expect us to do. We're excited about it

Q When was the last time you talked with Ruben Studdard?

A Last week. We keep in touch quite a bit. He's one of my best friends. Just last night, he did me a favor and performed at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball fundraiser in Los Angeles. I was on tour this year and couldn't perform so I called him up and asked him if he would.

Clay's "Grown Up Christmas List" on iTunes Top 44 Holiday Songs of 2007

Clay's version of "My Grown Up Christmas List" is included in iTunes' Top 44 Holiday songs of 2007 list, now available through some digging in the iTunes store. The song is part of Clay's "All Is Well" EP which was released to iTunes earlier this month.

"Spamalot" TV Commercial Featuring Clay YouTube'd

Finally, after 3 days of waiting, someone has capped and uploaded the Spamalot TV commercial featuring Clay that has been airing in the New York market the past week.

Hilarious!

Thanks to Anew and Afresh for the heads up!

Tidbits 12/14

• Christmas tour mentions:
• Minneapolis St. Paul Star Tribune -

  For each of his four holiday tours, Clay Aiken, "American Idol's" most successful runner-up, has come up with a special wrinkle. This year, he invited fans to write letters about their Christmas celebrations, and four have been chosen to read their words as the Minnesota Orchestra plays behind them. Read an interview with him in Sunday's Arts section. (7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thu., Orchestra Hall, $35-$77.) (J.B.)
  

• Southtown Star -

  Star Plaza Theatre - Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Ind.; (219) 769-6600 or (773) 734-7266. Lineup is: the Temptations, Saturday; Clay Aiken with an orchestra, Dec. 22; Styx, Dec. 28.
  

• MTV Canada News - this week in Music history - "In 2003...American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken was named the Best-Mannered Person of 2003 by the National League of Junior Cotillions."
• Philly Burbs - article about Christmas CDs and the compilation "Crooner's Christmas" which features a track from Clay -

  “Crooner's Christmas” rounds up male singers Clay Aiken, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Nat “King” Cole, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Andy Williams.

• Citizen's Voice - outstanding musician Lee Vincent passes away ...

  Vincent performed with many of the greatest musicians of modern times. Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra Jr., Jerry Vale, Bobby Rydell, Danny Thomas, George Burns, Eddy Arnold, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, the Dorseys, the Temptations, the Four Aces, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marie Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Glenn Miller, Aretha Franklin and Clay Aiken.

• Belleville News-Democrat reviews Blake Lewis' album -

  The second string (heck, even the third string) has been good for "Idol"dom. (See Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson for reference.) But this time, the pickin's aren't so lush.

• Foxes on Idol - poor first week sales for Blake Lewis -

  Blake Lewis’ Audio Day Dream hits the Billboard 200 this week, entering at #10 (Hot Shot Debut) with 98,000 copies sold. This is the same spot in which Jordin’s CD debuted with 119,000 copies sold. Blake’s first week sales are a little lower than last year’s runner-up, Katharine McPhee, whose self-titled debut entered the Billboard 200 at #2 with 116,000 copies sold, and also lower than Bo Bice (227,000) or Clay Aiken (613,000). But he did better than Justin Guarini (57,000) and Diana DeGarmo (47,000), which is definitely a good thing. Audio Day Dream also shows up on the Digital chart (#3) and Internet Album Sales (#23).

• Inside Pulse on "American Idol Rewind", which is currently broadcasting Clay's season of American Idol in syndication nationwide:

  Currently airing, American Idol Rewind is highlighting Season Two. This is the season that really got the ball rolling for the show. We all remember the final battle between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Who would become the next American Idol? It was a close vote, but we all know that Ruben eventually won. Now you can relive the exciting journey that Ruben and Clay took to the finals. You will also get to chance to catch up with all the "Top 12" contestants from that year as there are over 30 exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from the second season of American Idol presented on American Idol Rewind.
  

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Want to Snuggle Up With Clay? Check Out The New Blanket at The OFC Store

Let's see a show of hands. How many of you want to snuggle up with Clay? Yeah, that's what I thought. Well, how about the next best thing...snuggling up with the "Snuggle Up With Clay" fleece blanket that is now available for pre-sale at the OFC store.

The OFC public home page says this about the blanket:

Keep warm all winter long with the "Snuggle Up With Clay" fleece blanket currently available for pre-order! The blanket is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out on a chance to get cozy with Clay! Visit the Official Clay Aiken Online Store to order yours today.

The price of the blanket is $48.00.

Okay, so we can't snuggle up with Clay when we are home sitting by the fireplace. But now we can at least wrap the "Snuggle Up With Clay" fleece blanket around us. Not as cozy, but still not so bad!! Head over to the OFC store and pre-order yours today.

Christmas Tour 2007 - Easton, PA

CLAY AIKEN'S CHRISTMAS IN THE HEARTLAND TOUR 2007
EASTON, PA RECAPS UP!

Christmas tour blog | Easton recaps

Photos

• Clayboard photo/video thread - Easton, PA
  

Videos

• ClackUnlimited