The Bay Area Clay Aiken CD Release party has come and gone, and it turned out exactly as all other Clay fan parties do: attendance being 90% women with an average age of 40, and the rest being their loyal spouses or sons. And maybe a couple of stray authentic male Clay fans, which needs special mention for the sheer rarity of it.

The party, which started promptly at 9:00 PM, was held in the Virgin Records Megastore in San Francisco, California. We arrived wearing our Clackwear, basking in the energy of Claymania, wondering if this party will be just like the one for Measure of a Man’s arrival, 3 years past. For the most part, it was.
 


 

 
Upon entry, we were greeted with American Idol Season 2 auditions on the store overhead television sets, projecting Clay’s younger visage. We came upon the “welcome table” with a bunch of stuff on it but what caught my eye were sign up sheets for information on the BAF (Bubel Aiken Foundation), which is Clay’s foundation for children with learning disabilities, as well as for general Clay fan news and information (Let’s all Stay Connected and such!). There was also a large placard of printed devotional haikus on the side, which you needed to read so you could vote for the best one. Whoever won got some Clay related surprise — usually a prized art piece by Laurie McAdam, noted Aiken portrait artist.
 

 
I spent most of the time schmoozing with new people though I saw many familiar faces as well. I met someone named “PinoyClayFan” who is a member of the ClayDawgs, a message board for male Clay fans (YES THEY DO EXIST!). His 14 year old son was cool enough to join him. I was particularly shocked to meet an old acquaintance who had emceed my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary many moons ago. In fact, I didn’t know what was more shocking — that I remembered who she was after seeing her once, ever(!), some 15 years ago, or that she was a Clay admirer. She handed me her real estate business card — apparently, real estate is still good business in California!

The minutes flew by and I noticed rather quickly that there were no refreshments within arms length. That was one huge difference from the last CD release party which had soda and tons of Krispy Kreme doughnuts (Clay’s favorite) for the likes of us ravenous fans. Aaargh. No chairs either. So we had to sweat it out. Mostly on the floor. I distracted myself from my hunger by purchasing a goody bag with various Clay embossed badges in various sizes as well as a kick ass Thousand Different Ways pin that looked like an expensive brooch that I can now wear at weddings. Seriously, it looked glitzy enough to pass for real jewelry to me.
 


 

 
Towards the end of the evening we were presented with the requisite raffle for Clay memorabilia with the ever present, highly coveted items being the aforementioned Clay portraits in charcoal, chalk and was it crayons? It’s what everyone who shells out $1 a ticket hopes to snag. But empty-handed, we called it a night in order to relieve our babysitter of her duties at 30 minutes less the witching hour. With work the next day, we couldn’t stay up for Clay’s official album release, but it’s all good; I just got my A Thousand Different Ways today through the mail, thanks to Amazon. I can’t wait to foist a copy or two upon my unsuspecting colleagues at work as I make my usual Clayversion (aka Clay conversion) rounds.

Another event down and more to go, here in the ClayNation. Can’t wait for the Hicks Chicks festivities next on the horizon.
 
 
 
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