I’ve been remiss in posting the story that follows, written by Millie, a lovely lady from Upstate New York who I had the good fortune to meet at Barry Manilow’s QVC taping earlier this year promoting his beautiful cd ‘Greatest Love Songs of All Time’. We’ve corresponded ever since.
In all honesty I’d forgotten I hadn’t posted this – apologies have been sent – came to mind a few days ago and I planned to post it that day. The irony is, that same day I learned Millie had won the T-shirt contest held by the Barry Manilow International Fan Club. Fans were asked to create and submit an original design related to Barry Manilow. The winner receives two tickets to Barry’s show and the honor of having their design on shirts that will be available for purchase.
Millie, Congratulations on winning. I could not be happier for you. You’re a very special lady and deserve the honor.
Here’s Millie’s story about her journey to see Barry’s show in Atlantic City, NJ on August 14th.
Enjoy!
You know, my heart was telling me “Go for it”, but my head was saying, “Take care of business at home.” If it weren’t for a Manilow Friend of mine that helped me change my mind, I would have missed out on yet another electrifying Manilow concert. Despite the weekend that my friends and I will NEVER forget, I will never regret going. So thank you, dear friend. You know who you are.
I also traveled with a friend that had NEVER seen Barry in concert, but always wanted to. We were seated in different sections, but after the concert we met at portal H so that we wouldn’t lose sight of each other. As soon as she saw me, she came running toward me, shaking her arms and hands in the air, and screaming, “OMG, OMG, OMG!!” So, I would say she enjoyed the concert. Wouldn’t you? J
Road Trip to A/C:
A friend of mine and I left on Friday and stayed in Philly for the night. We left Philly with more than enough time to get to the A/C, rest up, get ready for a Manilow friend luncheon, then on to the concert.
Well, it didn’t exactly turn out that way. I will not bore you with a lot details, but picture 2 women arriving at what they understood would be a 4-star B & B, but ended up (I’ll be nice) falling short of our expectations. Thinking that we were in the city, we’d have no problem getting a room, right? Wrong! It wasn’t easy getting a room and we spent most of our time at Caesar’s Palace going down a hotel checklist calling every hotel you can imagine for a room. Needless to say, we missed going to the luncheon we were very much looking forward to. However, even though I was told over the phone that they were sold out, I was able to get a room at the Sheridan. We lost so much time driving around and getting caught up in traffic. I also had to pick up another friend at another hotel. Compound all events with hunger, left us with a decision to “…..get out and get away to McDonald’s.” J (You honestly didn’t think I wouldn’t try to work Barry into this story, did you? J)
Where is the parking lot?
After we crammed down our healthy meal, we headed straight to Boardwalk Hall. I was hoping it wasn’t too late to park underneath the arena, so we headed straight to the underground parking. Would you believe we used our maps and GPS and got lost!! We found ourselves “going around in circles”. Where the heck was the arena!!?? Upon our third attempt to complete yet another 360 degree circle, I decided to stop and ask a police officer that was directing traffic before I started to lose my mind. Thank God he was there. I knew the parking was underground, but where the heck were the “outside” signs? Do you want to know where they were? Well, I’ll tell you. They were posted on the “ inside of Trump Towers valet parking driveway and could NOT be seen unless you DROVE under Trump Towers!!” Well, THAT made a lot of sense. J
Anyway, I found it and we managed to make it with just enough time to purchase the new T-Shirt (which is pretty cool), get a glass of wine, and meet up with several Manilow friends before the concert started.
Opening Act:
Gordie Brown was not only a handsome dude, but hilarious! He danced a bit and did voice impressions incorporating jokes and songs that included Obama, Hilary Clinton, Michael Jackson, George Bush and Willie Nelson to say the least. He opened by saying that he couldn’t come anywhere NEAR the great Barry Manilow. The crowd ROARED after he said it as if to acknowledge, “Ain’t that the truth!!” Actually, I believe he opened with a Manilow tune and said it while singing the song, but I cannot recall the song, because believe it or not, people were coming in late and being ushered to their seats. So, a lot of talking and standing was going on. (They probably came late because they COULDN’T FIND THE DARN PARKING LOT, either! LOL)
However, I was able to enjoy his performance and if ANY of you are EVER in Vegas and need to laugh your “A” off , I recommend seeing Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget. I don’t know what the ticket prices are, but he is definitely worth it. No wonder Barry picked him to open. He’s a bundle of non-stop laughs and a good time.
Prepping for Barry:
After Mr. Brown was done, the stage crew had to clear his props from the stage. So, there was a brief intermission.
For those of you at the show, feel free to send me corrections or add-ons. When Barry performs, I tend to go off into my own zone, which renders me vulnerable to short-term memory loss. I have no idea how to get around that, but I KNOW there are MANY OF YOU that experience the same when you see Barry. There is just something about that man that pulls me right in. I am very much aware of what is going on, but recall? Forget it. So, this is the best I can do and I hope you will enjoy this review.
Here he comes:
The arena lights dimmed and musicians from the NY Pops walked onto the stage in an orderly fashion. You could tell the crowd was starting to get excited. It was obvious that in a few moments, we were going to see our Barry walk out on that stage. The anticipation was so exhilarating, my heart started to race. Then, the band members joined them on stage and then Ron. He was the Conductor. And what a Conductor he was. Ron did a fabulous job. As for the NY Pops, I was beyond impressed. I really enjoyed listening to them enhance Barry’s songs with their musical genius.
The show opened with a brief melody of Manilow tunes (or at least it sounded that way to me) that eventually lead into “Could It Be Magic”. The music was absolutely beautiful. Then the spot lights turned downward toward center stage where Barry emerged at the top of a platform with steps leading down to the stage. At the end of the stage was a runway, which was a really nice addition to the show.
The crowd went wild! Barry was wearing his black tux pants and white jacket. His face was beaming and smiling ear-to-ear. You could see he was touched by the reception the crowd gave him when he appeared at the top of the steps. You could really feel the love that night!
He walked down the steps and began to sing. He not only looked gorgeous, but there was an angelic glow around him. And when he sang, he sang like an angel. His voice was absolutely beautiful and he had no trouble blending with the orchestra, nor did they with him. Barry, his voice, his band, backup singers, Straight No Chaser, and the NY Pops were the perfect combination of an unforgettable night of Manilow music.
This man is brilliant in everything he does. He is a maestro who has shared his life stories and passions with us. He’s filled our lives with beautiful music, concerts, and shows that continue to outshine and evolve with each passing year. He uses his talent by producing a product out of love that always has and always will continue to endure the test of time. How does he do it? Well, he exclaimed that evening, “It’s the only thing I know how to do.” But, I’d like to add that he does is so DARN WELL, because “he does it with love and passion to perfection”. This to me says a lot about this wonderful man.
During the concert, Barry made very good use of the stage and runway. The lighting was a bit bright for my camera. I did manage to get several great shots, but mostly close-ups. I’m not complaining, because I love taking the close-ups, because I can see more detail in his facial expressions and his eyes. I just love those eyes. J
The stage was vertically draped with purple drapes on each side of the stage. They weren’t like you’d see at the Paris, but they added a nice touch of color to the setting. In the background, there was a screen. Or at least I think it was a screen. I saw a lot of lighted pixels (that’s the best way I could describe it) that changed color and design during the show.
Of course, we saw the big yellow smile face when he sang, “Can’t Smile Without You”. It was terrific. He told everyone to “Get up and sing with him!!” I was so happy he said that, because during the concert, I got a “tap” on my back and a very tall man behind me asked me to sit down. So, I politely explained that I couldn’t see either and asked him to stand up. If I sat, I’d be looking at the back of 2 heads. There were two guys in front of me and OMG, were they TALL sitters!! I was sitting on the floor, 10th row, section one and I kept moving from side to side so that I could see Barry. My neck started to hurt. I’m sorry, but it’s a concert. People stand during concerts. However, I didn’t have to stand that often, because of the runway. Barry was so close when he came down it. It was great. I know the 10th row isn’t far, but it’s not the best seat when the chairs are all on the same level and Barry is on the main part of the stage. You do become victim to the tall and/or big haired people. LOL LOL Sorry, I just had to throw that one in. J But, when that happens, you have to make the best of the situation. So, I stood like everybody else. However, I’m so GLAD Barry made very good use of that runway and that man that asked me to sit, ended up complimenting me on several pictures I took as I raised my camera in the air trying to catch a shot without heads in it. So, I guess he understood.
Some of the songs that I recall that were sung along with a little background:
Could It Be Magic, Everything is going to be Alright, Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed, Mandy, Weekend in New England, Once Voice, I am Your Child, Even Now, Memories, Can’t Smile Without You, Copa, When October Goes, NYC Rhythm, It’s a Miracle, Old Friends, Forever And A Day
Barry sang a nice combination of upbeat music and ballads. Early in the show, he commented that he was going to sing an angry song. J He said that he’s known for his love ballads, but mentioned he doesn’t usually do this song and then jumped right into “Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed”. We all shot out of our seats and started singing and swaying along with him.
When he sang Weekend In New England and came to the “…when can I touch you” verse, almost EVERYONE screamed, “NOW BARRY!” He replied, “It’s nice to know I still got it.” We all laughed. It’s refreshing to know he has a great sense of humor and enjoys playing along with us as we do with him.
Barry sat on his tall stool at the end of the runway in front of his electric piano and began to talk about the Manilow Music Project. He informed and urged people to take interest and if they were able to, to please contribute or donate instruments to their schools. He told them the story about how his music class affected him and commented on how he wondered what would have become of him had he not had a music class to go to. It was during this talk he commented on music being the only thing he knows how to do (I mentioned above). It was sincere and heartfelt. He was trying to get across to everyone that music could play an important role in a child’s life while keeping them out of trouble. Barry also said that if anyone had any broken instruments laying around in the attic to send them to him. He would repair them and make sure a child would receive it. The audience was so moved by his appeal and story. You could feel and hear reaction from all over. It was at that moment Barry put his hands on the piano and began to play “I Am Your Child”.
At one point, the backup singers changed into their Paris gear, dancing, posing, singing, and flipping their can-can dresses. Of course, Ky was looking handsome as ever in his matching suit. They are the perfect complement to Barry’s performances. It is no wonder Barry has them in his show. They’re terrific performers in their own right.
When he sang Mandy he didn’t do a duet with the 70’s Barry that always entertained us while watching the replay of a video clip of Barry performing Mandy live on the Mac Davis Show. Nonetheless, it was just as beautiful and moving as any other time he has performed that song, with or without the 70’s Barry.
Once again, he walked out to the end of the runway and told the story about a song he sings that came to him in a dream. Of course, for those of you who know Barry’s stories, you know it’s, “One Voice”. Barry started the song and then all of a sudden, Straight No Chaser came out on stage to accompany him. I have to tell you, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The harmony backed by orchestra music was breathtaking. I had goose bumps during that song. (Well, to be honest, I had goosies pretty much throughout the concert.) But one thing stood out between the harmony and the music. It was Barry’s voice. He blended in with Straight No Chaser perfectly, but still kept the lead vocal throughout the song. It was so quiet in the arena during that performance. I think it took everyone back when that piece came together the way it did. I didn’t know they were going to be there, so for me, it was a nice surprise. Those guys are so talented. Their CD does not do them justice. All I can say now that I heard them live is, WOW!
Barry gave two encores at the end of the show. How could he not? The crowd went wild and the sound became deafening toward the end. We just didn’t want to let him go. We wanted more, so he gave us more. Barry proceeded up the stairs, turned and bowed his head with arms stretched out to his side. The screaming and whistling got even louder. He looked overwhelmed and flattered. He stood on the step and looked around the arena in amazement. He was soaking up every single drop of love, appreciation, and respect we continually gave him that night. He started to walk back down the steps and said, “I can’t leave without doing this song” and quickly went into Copa. It’s the latest version he’s doing at the Paris. I REALLY like that version. Although, I’m not sure if there’s a version I don’t like. I don’t recall the heart or floral displays on the screen that I’ve seen at the Paris, but I remember colorful designs. I also remember seeing a light design, shaped sort of like a daisy reflecting on the ceiling!! Barry closed with “It’s a Miracle” then gave us his, “1, 2, 3, Go!” and out shot silver streamers and white confetti.
At the end, he walked up the stairs, turned, bowed again, blew kisses, and disappeared. But he left us wanting more. Louder and louder the crowd became then suddenly, Barry appears yet, again on stage. You couldn’t help but to get caught up in all the excitement. Everyone was on their feet shouting out for Barry.
Emotional, yet humble was the expression on his face. He walked down to the end of the runway and began to sing, “OLD FRIENDS”. At the end of the song when he sings, “Here’s to us, who’s like us, damn few”. Well, let me tell you, everyone who knows the lyrics to that song, shouted out along with Barry, “DAMN FEW!!” All of us who knows the meaning behind those words were on the same page with Barry. It was so moving and emotional.
Then, he said he wanted to sing something that he wrote for us and lead right into a song that brings tears to my eyes every time he sings it. As a matter of fact, I’m tearing up now just thinking back to that evening. He ended the show with, “Forever And A Day”.
Throughout the song, each WORD he emphasized was for US. He was speaking to US through his lyrics, expressing his GRATITUDE and LOVE for US. He belted out each word while pointing and holding his arms out to US as if he were trying to embrace the arena while thanking us for being there throughout the years. He was magnificent and there is no doubt in my mind that BARRY did feel the same love and gratitude from US.
After the song, he turned and walked to the end of the steps. Looked around and we all cheered at the top of our lungs. His facial expression is something that I cannot put into words. I can only tell you that that look he had will be embedded in my mind forever.
Barry walked up the steps for the last time, tuned to face us with arms stretched out to his sides and blew kisses toward us. Then, turned and walked down the back steps out of our sight.
So Barry, once again thank you for giving us the “best of you”. J
Love, Millie From Buffalo