2003-08-08
11:03 p.m.

BEVR: SassyGram/Charlotte

Broad's Eye View Report: SassyGram/Charlotte

8/8/2003

If I tell you the best part of the whole night happened in the parking lot, you'll think I'm crazy, but it did! I wanted to get there early, so my daughter, 2 granddaughters and I left to arrive by 5:30. Got there at the appointed time, and met some other internet fans, shared glow bracelets, and then wondered over to the KISS radio van. We listened for a short time and then decided to get in line, since it was already long. We were walking onto the ramp, when a group of about 15 staffers from the coliseum started down from the top. Jerome was in the middle of the pack. My daughter asked if I could see Clay, but I couldn't, but she could! She just had time to say, "There he is" when they were right in front of us, not 4 feet away. I hang my head in shame to tell you that I was so surprised that we stood there like petrified idiots, mouths hanging open, eyes buggin' out, and cameras in our bags! Clay saw us, couldn't help but see us since we were right in the line of march, waved and smiled, and then was swepted on by. When my brain unfroze, we ran after the group to see where they were going. They went to the KISS van, Clay got in, and did about 2 minutes talk with the DJ, then back out and into the coliseum. They needed the 15 staffers, it was bedlem there. The best part is that it was natural Clay, every freckle there to behold, hair soft and beautiful, no stage makeup yet. I must admit, I love the spikey hair, it suits the stage Clay so well. But natural Clay is soooooo nice!

What can I say about the show that hasn't already been said? During the Clay and Ruben dialogue leading to TGIM, Clay picked up bright yellow boxers with a slightly depraved smiley face on them, and put them on. The crowd loved it. He really knows how to connect with the audience. His TLS was enough to make me cry, it was so beautiful. TITN was perfect. (Dark purple tie, and gorgeous in the black suit). He has been holding out on us, his dancing is fine.

You already know he wore the UNCC basketball jersey, with t-shirt, not a button-down, this time. There were shirt clutches that drove us crazy, and "Invisible" is great. If you ever read this, Buttercup, I will just say one thing: just let the music take you. You don't need to plan anything, just DO IT! You're a natural up there, just move to the beat and let your feelings take over!

Summary of everyone else:

Charles-great dancer, and in good voice tonight. Lot of fun to watch.

Julia-still has some work to do on the stage fright, maybe Slimon is to blame for that.

Ricky-very good dancer, but I couldn't understand the words he was saying.

Kim C-very energetic and good singing in the alto range.

Carmen-does not have much rhythm, but sang fine tonight.

K-Lo-outstanding on every number. She is one classy lady.

Ruben-Two of his numbers did not come across well, the new hip-hop number and the Luther V song. All the others were very good and well received. I can't understand him when he is talking, so that was a problem. He does not have Clay's stage presence, but no one does, so I can't hold that against him.

I'm going to try to get the silly smile off my face and go to bed. Best night I've had in years!!!

SassyGram

-

Note from Nelle: You, too, can participate in the LBFCA Summer Series, and have your Broad's Eye View Report, or, for any other Brude's out there, your Summary of Clay, about Clay's Summer Concert Tour on the LBFCA Main Page. Just send it to Nelle via email, and she'll post it ASAP. (If you are a lurker, or otherwise wish to remain anonymous, just let me know that in your email). Don't worry about your BEVR not being the same size or looking the same as anyone elses. Here at LBFCA we celebrate diversity. Every BEVR is unique. This is your personal experience of witnessing what Katynka so gloriously described as "a little hockey-jersey-clutchin,' white-leather-wearin,' DTTR revealin,' mic-flickin,' thigh-strokin,' eye-f***ing, smokin,' jokin,' singin,' hunk-o-burnin' libido."