We mentioned that KERA will be airing the documentary A Surprise in Texas about the Van Cliburn piano competition named for Fort Worth’s own acclaimed gay pianist this Wednesday. But the channel brings a little more gay to their September programming. They listed the following two specials as part of their September music programs.
Clay Aiken: Tried and True Wednesday, September 15 at 8:00 p.m.
American Idol star Clay Aiken hosts and performs with Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard in this PBS special from his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Tune in for tickets to Aiken’s March 1, 2011 concert at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Live from the Artists Den – Ani DiFranco Thursday, September 23 at 10:00 p.m.
Songstress Ani DiFranco performs fan favorites and new songs from her recording Red Letter Year from the stage of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
Even if it was unintentional, bravo to KERA for some diverse programming (you should see the other stuff). Yeah, Clay Aiken is a punchline at times but he’s always carried himself as a class act. I can appreciate that. Plus, I like the scoop on his show at Verizon next year. DiFranco has been a bit more fluid about her sexual identity, but she still holds a strong lesbian following. I’ve seen clips of this show and it’s worth a look.
I never got why Clay was so trashed by the media. Was it because he wasn’t out fast enough or was it that he is so unbelievably talented that he needed “leveling”? He was always a class act.
Clay Aiken concert at Verizon Theatre is on Tuesday, March 8.
Clay Aiken IS a class act…thanks for saying so…
I have never understood the trashing either…but I will say one thing it hasn’t affected the talent. The voice is as strong as ever!
Ani DiFranco has been a bit more fluid? Nope- actually she has been a bisexual the whole time. Are we only counting the B part in GLBT if she is with a woman… regardless of what she has done for the GLBT community and the fact that she was never even in a closet?
As a UNICEF ambassador, Clay has recorded a video asking fans to help Pakistan with the flooding disaster.
https://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/08/clay-aiken-makes-unicef-psa-for-pakistan-flood-relief/1
I could never, ever understand why Clay Aiken has been the punchline of so many jokes and media blurbs either. He is mad talented, his concerts are fun and entertaining, and he’s pretty darned good looking too. I’ve seen him in concert several times and can hardly wait for his next tour next year. I was at the PBS taping and he was incredible – the PBS special is great but it just doesn’t compare to seeing him live.
what everyone has said above this comment is so true. Why on earth are the media ignoring Clay Aiken and his wonderful singing voice and clarity on every word. His range and volume is amazing! Only afew people in the industry pick the songs to be played on the radio stations around America. So Clay has been black listed or something?? Do not understand as Clay is the most underrated Idol.\
Everyone must see Clay live in concert saw Rueben and Clay in Reno NV but cannot afford to go to many concerts, but this on is so good and the PBS special was so great also. Thanks Clay for awesome work in music and philthanorpy work.
Clay Aiken has handled himself with class – he has taken a lot of (negative comments), and he responds with a kind heart and unbeliveable voice.
Great voice,Great concerts. So much talent and lots of class.
Clay is amazing live and the best voice out there. Best singer to come out of American Idol.Don’t miss an opportunity to see this man live and in action, you won’t regret it. .
@Sandra I interviewed DiFranco for another publication a couple of years back and I said (not asked) that she identified as bisexual (it was leading to an actual question). She balked at that and was very reluctant to answer despite her music, her fan base, etc. That alone just made me wonder about her and if she was pulling say, an Anne Heche, all this time. She recognizes her LGBT fans for sure, but I have to admit, her hesitation on my comment was curious to me and even made me begin to doubt.
Overall, that’s neither here nor there regarding her talent and I do think her music has been important to the community over time.