MERRILLVILLE: Recap

Clack

ClackUnlimted - Merrillville videos
Clayboard photo thread

From the CB's yaknelle:

There are moments in my life where all the elements come together to make a perfect moment, or as Oprah says that "Aha moment." Last night at the Merriville concert was a moment like that. On this board, I'm more of a commenter than a conversationalist. Something someone says hits me and I respond. Well last night the whole concert hit me. I was feeling bad that I only had one concert to go to this time, as I am somewhat of a concert whore, but I don’t think I could go to another one now, because for me it was the perfect moment. My seats were four rows from the stage way over on the left side of the theatre. Ethyl sat directly in front of me, so Clay tended to work that side a lot. Lucky, lucky me.

Clay Aiken walked out on that stage and there was a power surge. I looked at the hair for the one and only time, because after that I was lost in the power and charisma of the performer. His face, beautiful stubble, and eyes were so alive he glowed. You could see his brain in gear. He knew he was in control, and so did we. I literally enjoyed every moment. His voice soared. I mean the hair on the back of your neck soar. He was funny, and charming and very smart. You could see him take control of the audience. The married couple he singled out had never been to a Clay Aiken concert, after he sang to them they never took their eyes off of him. The older gentleman in front of me became enwrapped in the show, by the end of the evening, he was applauding and smiling and having a wonderful time. My own husband reached out several times and took my hand and held it very tightly, he was carried away with the music. Nobody talked in my little section talked. I mean nobody talked. Everybody listened.

The hands of Clay Aiken sing their own songs. Several times during the performance I was drawn to his hands. He would move them slowly, sometimes just a finger or two, contracting the muscles in them as he held or caressed a note. He used them to stroke the mike stand, yes it was sexual, very. His hands almost stole the show.

His humor was delightful. He was natural and comfortable. He was not mean, or demeaning , and he makes fun of himself as much as he pokes fun at us. The Tina and Anna bit was priceless. The word of the day, crescendo, was hilarious. My face hurt from smiling. It was a good hurt.

As you can tell this is not about how he sang the songs, but more about how the music and joy came out of him to me. I would be amiss, however if I did not mention “All Is Well.” We all knew he had struggled with that final note in Waukegan, and you could feel the moment of waiting for it. The voice started to build toward that note, and everyone who knew held their breath. Ethyl tensed up in front of me. The audience held their applause. The voice exploded, and he landed the jump, made the basket, and kicked the winning field goal. The audience went wild. We all jumped to our feet at once, we were hugging each other, and applauding and applauding and applauding. CRESCENO INDEED.

This time I do not need more than one concert. I’m truly afraid another one would never live up to that perfect moment I had last night. Those of you who have concerts coming I feel so happy for you. Those of you who took a pass on this concert, beg ,borrow or steal a ticket. Those of you who can’t go, I hope my words have helped.

From the CV's momof3boys:

Dear Clay, (and fellow fans)
I want to share a story with you from my experience in Merrillville.
If you recall Clay asked a show of hands from the men in the crowd. There was one man is section 2 that Clay noticed, and made mention that the man's wife pulled up his hand. Let me tell you Clay, the husband was the fan first. Here is the story.

We are in line waiting to be allowed to our seats, As we started talking to the people around us these two are very open to conversation. The husband was an AI fan and fell in love with Clay's voice, Called his wife to watch the show, she became a fan. OK, fast forward to December 2,2006. Never before has this couple seen a live Clay Aiken show, This couple has not followed Clay's career. Just by chance this couple happen to be driving along the road and they see the marquee, spot the beautiful picture of Clay, notice the show is the same night, they walk up to the ticket office and purchase tickets. It was that simple.

Now, the husband had a bit of reservation at first. Let me tell you Clay, the only reason for question on attending, He was dressed in a pair of jeans and did not think he was dressed well enough to attend a symphony Christmas show. We assured him you would not mind.

We fill the couple in on a few things, Tell them (after we found the husband to be a fan indeed) that he had his own "label" he was indeed not a claymate but that he now could be a part of the large group of male Clay Aiken fans. They just smiled.

As the show ended we went to ask them how they enjoyed them self. Well the man was so impressed, speaking high praise for Clay, He kept saying among praise for the beautiful voice that he hopes Clay stays true and humble, that he is a good guy, and we need more like him. The wife; Well she just walked out of her isle in full cry, not just tears, she was crying, If she said it once she said 15 times "I LOVE HIM" You touched her soul Clay, She was in awe.

Well, we didn't disappoint you Clay, At the end of the show we exchanged email addresses to follow up on sending a little Clack there way, And I just happen to have a copy of AIW. (after your statement on stage of saying they are gone I was not willing to give my copy up) Told them to look for that but they might not find it. When we asked if they had your CD the husband said no BUT WE WILL BE GETTING IT VERY SOON.

You are so right Clay, how we bond from the moment we meet, In the isle this woman reached over others to hug us all, As we walked out of the venue we were arm and arm. And I can tell you she was shaking with excitement, still saying I LOVE HIM.

Clay, I so hope you know what joy you bring to so many people, you indeed touch our hearts. As we walked out the couple thanks us, told us that they enjoyed sharing the evening with us, and that they will now keep an eye on what Clay is up to.

I just wanted you to know.
~~~~~~~~~~nancy

From the CH's Pink Armchair:

I wish you could all be here in this hotel lobby -- a lot of excitement, about 50 meers all drinking and laughing, and at least 10 laptops all humming away as everyone uploads.

I hope you don't mind a few quick impressions while they're still fresh in my mind...

This was an unbelievable show from beginning to end. The orchestra was fantastic -- it was a full pops orchestra as opposed to last night's chamber orchestra, the stage was a thrust (down, smutters! *g*) and much bigger (ditto! *g*) and the acoustics were vastly better. In short, last night's Sanka compared to tonight's freshly ground French roast. (Not running down last night's orchestra in the least -- it was just a different thing altogether.) The conductor was a cross between Victor Borge and Rodney Dangerfield if that makes any sense -- some high brow "classical music" humor mixed with some Vegas-y Borscht Belt schtick. Too bad he didn't get to interact with Clay -- that would've been a hoot.

Clay seemed much more relaxed and his voice was, too -- it sounded fuller and richer. As I said on the cellcert, he put extra flourishes on many things, and when he does that, you know it's going to be a good night vocally. And oh boy, was it! He seemed to be taking his time and relishing everything (and who wouldn't, with that incredible orchestra behind him?). And he seems far more comfortable with the concept of his fans and what they do for him and because of him, including (and maybe especially) the "clack," which he really seemed to enjoy snarking about. He seemed happy and proud of his fans, more than I've ever seen him.

I wonder how long he's going to milk the "king of controversy" thing -- it was very funny, and he's certainly making the most of it!

Re "All is Well:" Clay came out with his fingers crossed behind his back and he glanced back at Jesse, then brought his crossed fingers in front of him and looked at us as if to say...well, it was a cross between "Wish me luck!" and "Pleaseohpleaseohplease God, let me nail this!" Everyone all around me was leaning forward, afraid to breathe, almost willing him through it, and you could tell that he knew it. And when the time came, he grabbed the mic stand, planted his feet, squeezed his eyes shut and it just...came out. Wow. It was so gorgeous and so powerful. I heard a lot of gasps, and then everyone simultaneously jumped to their feet, screaming and applauding and jumping up and down (in high heels, no less!). He looked so overjoyed and relieved -- I guess you've probably seen the pictures by now. And we were so happy for him. I don't think I'll ever, ever forget it. Over an hour later, I still have chills.

Okay, so I guess that wasn't my official recap either. *g* Maybe tomorrow...