As always Barry Manilow’s shows at the Paris in Las Vegas were phenominal. But before I tell you about them, I want to tell you why this weekend was especially, special.
Around the time I turned 40 birthdays became a signal; old age was just around the corner. My children were very young, so I felt young, but deep down I knew the years were swiftly ticking by. But a few years ago, a new attitude came with my new life. Birthdays are in fact a time to rejoice; for the obvious; we’re blessed to still be here. But it’s also a time to reflect on all we’ve been blessed with, all the wonderful memories we’ve accumulated. And a chance to look ahead at what’s yet to be, to dream, to plan, to see how many opportunities there are to become the person we want to be, and look toward the many more memories we’ll create. So now, like a kid, I get excited about my big day and embrace the joy of being.
This year my kids knew no gift they could give would mean more than a ticket to the show that’s guaranteed to make me happy… Barry Manilow at Paris in Las Vegas. I love them for it and couldn’t wait. Heck I hadn’t been to a show since July! My plan, as it usually is, due to a writers less than stellar funds, was to drive to Vegas for the show and drive home after. But fate stepped in and something amazing happened.
My Twitter and Facebook friends might know Marcus Mitchell @GuyNSinCity. If you don’t know him, I hope you will soon. His story is amazing! In memory of his beloved wife, who horrifically succumbed to cancer at a very young age, soon after the birth of their son, Mr. Mitchell began #PayItForward. In this he offers to strangers the fun of enjoying all the things he and his wife once enjoyed together. Hotel stays, tickets to shows, gift cards and the list goes on.
I’m so impressed with his unselfish goodness, I’ve tried to follow his lead in “paying it forward”. My ways are minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but the thought is ever present; don’t judge, don’t wonder, just help.
We became cyber friends and this past weekend I was thrilled and honored to be the recipients of his generosity by receiving two nights at the beautiful Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino in North Las Vegas, which gave me the opportunity to stay in Vegas for two shows. I always say, when it comes to a Manilow show, there’s never too much of a good thing!
Barry’s shows just keep getting better!
Friday, I had what may be the most perfect seat in the theatre. Sixth row, center. You’re close enough to see Barry’s facial expressions of emotion as he performs as well as his often funny expressions as he plays with the audience. Still you’re far enough back to enjoy the entire ambiance of the show. His amazing band, fellow performers, gorgeous art and sets that blend cohesively to showcase Barry’s tremendous talent.
It was added fun being seats away from Carrott Top. I’ve always enjoyed his humor. He was kind as I climbed over him, and accepted a compliment with graciousness.
You’d think after back to back weekends of shows in Las Vegas, a mid-week concert in Washington, DC, speaking before Congress on Thursday to advocate awareness for arterial fibrillation through the “Get Back in Rhythm” campaign, and various interviews with the press, Barry would be dialing back the energy meter. But those of us who know the consummate entertainer he is, knew that would never be the case.
He entered the stage with an exuberance that’s palpable. Looking gorgeous in a sparkly black jacket, arms outstretched, his smile lights the room as brightly as the huge neon MANILOW sign behind him. Before the first note is sung, the party begins, the audience bursts into tumultuous applause, as he gently holds us in the palm of his hand. The opening line of “Could It Be Magic”; “come, come, come into my arms…” seals the deal, we’re his for the next ninety minutes.
The world outside fades away. The 1,500 people bond as friends, gathered to share in the greatness of a musical genius. I can’t explain the feeling, you need to be there. But I can tell you, as I have dozens of times, I’ve never witnessed a show or a musician like Barry Manilow! The way his delivery of each lyric touches individuals as if it were a private performance. As if he knows just what you needed to find within yourself at that particular moment. Only he has a talent to reach into the heart and soul, striking an emotion you’ve had, perhaps not consciously, bringing them to the surface, making you feel, address and move on to a peaceful place.
In turn, as our emotions surface, it seems he reaches deep within himself to give validation to what he’s sharing. Always making the a songs fresh, genuine and relevant, with just the slightest change of inflection or expression, it’s the first time you’ve ever heard them.
His voice was extraordinary, as it always is, yet each time I hear him, it seems to grow richer. I have no knowledge of the mechanics of music, I just know what I like, but I’ll go out on a limb and venture to say some notes seemed deeper at a lower range and it was fantastic.
“Even Now” gets me every time. If you’ve seen Barry do this one live, you know what’s coming. I’m always moved to the edge of my seat, holding my breath as he turns, walks to the back of the stage and prepares for the songs finale. He always hits the mark without flaw, but Saturday, he again took the mark to a new level. Giving my goose bumps, goose bumps, he blew the roof off.
It’s a visual and auditory experience. As Barry steps forward, leans back, raises his arm with microphone in hand, the final “now” comes from a place deep inside him, with magnifcense, that’s unimaginable and indescribable. It’s intensity, depth and magnitude is an earthquake leaving the audience breathless, wondering how can the voice of one human being do what he just did. If for just that moment alone, I’d return again and again. It is breathtaking, yet he does it effortlessly. With no expected entitlement, Barry graciously accepts the audience reception, and moves on with the show.
Another lovely moment that always stands out, is watching Barry listen to the scratchy recording of “baby Barry” singing “Nature Boy”. His smile is that of pure bliss and nostalgia for where he was those years ago and where it’s all taken him. As he mouths along, and moves his hand for emphasis, almost signing the words, the meaning of the lyric defines the very essential message of what life truly is about “the greatest gift that we’ll ever know is just to love and be loved in return”.
Barry’s tribute to his beloved Granpa Joe was especially emotional on Friday. Maybe I was imposing my own feelings in watching Barry sing to someone very special in his life, without whom he might never have acknowledged his gift of music. I’d been thinking of my long gone parents. Every so often I send up some extra gratitude to them for their bringing me into this wonderful, crazy world..
Three months since release of Barry’s original album “15 Minutes”; the two cuts he performs live have captured audience attention. In the title song, “15 Minutes”, I loved seeing what seems to be a new level of confidence in the song. Since the first time I saw it, I’ve been intrigued by how proficiently Barry takes on the persona of the character. With guts and grit, he’s a young rocker begging fate to just allow someone to give him his “15 minutes in the spotlight”. But this weekend he not only became the character, he added his own experience of needing guts to succeed in making the song and story very real. Again, hearing it, I wanted the guy, a figure representing all the talents waiting for a break, to succeed and take his career to the next level.
“Bring On Tomorrow”, the ballad of the album, is touching, beautiful and so explicitly performed by Barry. You feel the love the character conveys to the love of his life, who’s sleeping and perhaps dreaming that this day will come. The lyrics, “they told us we’re crazy, they promised I’d lose, forgive and forget them, they’re yesterday’s news”, never ceases to bring me to tears, as I think of my own life experience.
Both songs were met by an appreciative, spell bound, audience, many of whom had not heard the songs before, who now appreciate them and want to hear more. Proven by people purchasing the album at shows end. Each of the sixteen songs that comprise “15 Minutes”, are well on their way of becoming Manilow classics for a new era of fans as well as the die-hards. If I could offer a request or a hope, it’s that one day Barry will perform another cut from the album “Trainwreck”. That song will bring people to their feet as it’s poignantly gorgeous, brilliant, and filled with so much hope. Get the album, hear the songs, you’ll see what I mean.
The finale, of Copacabana, which comes much too soon, in spite of the ninety minutes Barry has graced the stage, is such fun. Exuberant in white jacket, he takes a ride down an on stage elevator, soon rejoining us dressed in elegant white tie, top hat and tails, and most importantly still sharing his beautiful, ever present smile. He stands before a screen showing the flashy Copa jacket he once wore and jokes about it being a jacket “on acid”. Again showcasing the wit and natural humor we so admire. As his entire cast joins the fun, you see again, as is seen throughout the show, the deep love, respect and admiration they share as a family. And again, Barry bears no self imposed entitlement. He loves what he does, he takes his music seriously and gives his all in being the best he can be for those who have come to see him. He strives to please as much today as he did the first time he stepped on a stage and never takes the accolades for granted.
To.our pleasant surprise, even though the screen behind him says “The End”, it wasn’t. Barry returns for one final, clap along, sing along of “It’s a Miracle”, complete with a burst of streamers covering the audience and stage. Though he points to the audience in saying “the miracle is you”; we point back to him, because he’s the miracle.
A charming and beautiful, seriously they were, couple from Brazil sat next to me. Throughout the show, Vivianna would gently pat my arm to exclaim how fantastic Barry is. After the show, her husband, Fredrico, shared he’d always enjoyed Barry’s music, “he’s the music of our lives and a fabulous showman”.
To repeat what I said at the start. A Barry Manilow show is a party he hosts for an intimate group of thousands, the streamers are the perfect ending. Everyone leaves happy, basking in something special we’ve just been a part of. Strangers talk, smile, unanimously utter “wows” in acknowledging the musician who just left the stage. And for a that time in our lives, there is a sense of peace and unity. After Barry’s performance at the Noble Peace Prize gala in Oslo, the Washington Post said “In a world forever striving for peace, could Barry Manilow be the answer?”. Come and see a show for yourself. I think that statement might be truer than they thought.
Years ago Rolling Stone called Barry “a giant among entertainers… the showman of our generation”. It was true then, but it has even more validity now. Barry Manilow has proven himself the consummate musician and entertainer, thousands of times over. He can show others how to do it and if they follow his lead carefully, perhaps someday they might come close, but there will never, ever, in this generation or any other, be another Barry Manilow. When a masterpiece is created, the mold is tossed out, and he is a masterpiece.
I encourage every one to see the show. Barry says he’ll be at Paris through December. Selfishly, I want him to remain in Vegas. I’m spoiled with the ease of attending a show when I want to, and I’m far from ready to give that up. However, I hope whatever the future holds for Barry, it will be what he wants, that which brings him the happiness and fulfillment he so richly deserves.
In personal thanks for the joy and inspiration Barry has given my life, I sincerely wish, with all my heart, for success in all his future ventures. I hope the things he’s yet to accomplish, what he wants to see come to fruition, is just around the corner waiting. I’ll cheer him on every step of the way!
Thanks to Barry, my sons and Marcus Mitchell for a birthday weekend I’ll never forget!
Isabella
Helen, BRAVO, BRAVO!! Found a statement years ago about birthdyas and it totally applies to you. “I love birthdays because you don’t have to do anything special to earn them, you are special and that’s reason enough to celebrate” (This was from a Holly Pond Hills card (some of my favorites). And, yes, when he does “Even Now” (And “WINE”) live, it is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your weekend with us. jane
janetfauret
As always your words draw pictures and bring forth feelings. At the end I started to pick bits of streamers off my clothes.