Can't Smile Without You 2003-Present
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July 4, 2004 - Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire, England)
The familiar tune started and we waved the sign. Within a couple of minutes I saw Barry lip-reading my sign, then out loud. And before I knew it, Gill was pushing me from my spot and I was being guided up some stairs! Suddenly, my hand was being taken by Barry and I looked up. His eyes were so very blue and I felt the strangest feeling (I CAN do this!). It was so quiet up there and then I looked out and saw nothing... [Barry asked,] "Where are you from?" To which I replied "Berkshire, England" (Well, DURRR! Where are we??). I was sure, at this point Barry thought he'd picked a crazy woman. Then after a hug and a kiss on the cheek, one from me to him, one from him to me, we start to sing, and after Barry prompted how to hold the mike, I was singing with him, in the key of flat, but I felt this calmness descend on me, like there is nothing I can't do. And this is a girl who had never sung in a karaoke bar or even in the shower, let alone in front of 10,000 people! It was over too soon, and Barry said some lovely things, like I had 'beautiful eyes' (and I have to say, so has he!). I was rewarded with a lovely, gentle kiss. When Barry mentioned me later in the show, I nearly fell off my chair! I went home on cloud nine, and didn't stop smiling for days. I cried a lot too. As well as it being a wonderful experience, it has given me a resolve and a confidence I long thought I'd lost. I shall never forget how that short time up there made me feel and how Barry made me feel like a Princess for the night. I wish for you all, what I felt that night... Pure magic! Thank you, Barry!! (8/24/2004)
October 4, 2004 - Wachovia Arena (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
October 5, 2004 - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Uniondale, New York)
Well, when the music came up, so did the sign. Poor Barry had to call me 4 times... for some reason I didn't hear him at first. When he walked me to the piano, Barry said I had to give him a hug (oh, all right, if you insist). I was so at ease, the only thing that slipped my mind was where I lived (I'm still getting teased for that one). Barry is such a gentleman, and he really made me feel at home up there. When he hopped on the piano, I had a death grip on his knee (sorry, Barry), but all went well. It was definitely a wonderful experience that I will never forget! Thank you, Barry! (12/29/2004)
October 7, 2004 - Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
When I heard him read my sign and I knew I was going to be his "New York Babe" and "Miss Subways" that night, I dropped my half of my huge sign (which read "Hey Mr. Manilow, I'm your biggest fan ya know!") on the head of my best friend (and sign creator) and ran to the stage as fast as I could. The whole experience is like a dream. It was like another part of my brain took over my actions for the next few minutes. He asked my name and where I lived (which I screamed into the microphone - don't ask me why!). He then commented on my earrings and necklace ("with my little face on it", he said). I tried to show him my watch and he said that he didn't want to know what else I had (I guess he was afraid I had on a pair of Barry Manilow underwear). He commented on my Manilow shirt (you know, the one with the rhinestones). He said, "how can I resist someone with my name on her chest" (you can't Barry, you just can't). He asked if I knew the words to the song. I (yelling again) said OF COURSE!! To which he replies (to himself), "of course you stupid schmuk" as he retrieved a microphone for me. I kept my cool (somehow) and was very proud of the way I stayed calm. I sang every word (off key I am sure) but Barry didn't abandon me for a single note. He held my hand (very tight) the whole time (which I didn't mind for a second). His hands and arms were very strong. I even waved to people in the audience that were calling my name and giving me the thumbs up. I gave him a big hug when it was over. He took the microphone and lead me to the stairs and waved goodbye, I waved back, and that was it. It wasn't until I got back to my seat that I fell apart. I couldn't stop shaking and crying. It was one of the two most exciting experiences of my life -- the other having met him backstage via a Platinum package in my home state of Providence (RI) only five nights before "Can't Smile" -- and I am truly grateful to Barry for his kindness and his choice that night. If it was possible to love him even more after that night, I do. I was afraid that maybe he wouldn't be the sweet man I had imagined and I was really afraid of being disillusioned, but he was nicer than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams, and may I add, has the most beautiful blue eyes you will ever see!! I will cherish those moments I was able to spend with him on those two nights for the rest of my life. Barry, you are the best! You will always and forever be #1 in my book!! (12/26/2004)
October 9, 2004 - Wachovia Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
I have watched the video a few times, but want to get it converted to DVD ASAP so it won't get ruined. My tape is a little over 6.5 minutes long. [Following the Can't Smile montage] Barry welcomed the crowd back, said what a great crowd they are and how much he enjoys singing this next song, but not by himself, and the song is alot of fun. New rules: You have to have never stood next to him ("Virgins only"), and since he only had 10 shows left, he wanted "10 great women between his legs". I had a sign that said "Barry... 22 years & still trying" ... All during the first act, it appeared that Barry was looking right at me. Since my seat was at the back of the row, there was no one behind me to look at. I got the distinct impression that he was looking for either a familiar face, or he just liked my pink sweater! In any event, he saw the sign, circled the stage, then came back to it, and picked me. The security guards tried to stop me [as it was difficult] getting to the stage. Barry even said, "Darlin', I don't know how you'll get here", but I did. He asked me my name (Sharon), where I'm from (Washington, DC - but I had to think a minute, as I've lived in NY, CA and VA!). He then said "22 years - when was the first time you saw me?" I told him Binghamton, NY - November 2, 1982. The mike was away from me when I told him that it was my father's birthday. What he doesn't know is my father asked for my Barry ticket for his birthday and I said no way (ungrateful child that I am!). Barry said "Binghamton, ah Binghamton ... the places we've been..." [On stage] I couldn't see a thing except his eyes. I told him that he was just "wonderful" at the first show.
We started singing, and he was having a running conversation between every line about my eyes and how great they are, and what a great job I'm doing. We did a little walk over to the piano, [leaned against] the piano and then he jumped up. OH MY GOD! I was looking up at him, but couldn't tell what I was seeing.
He was so close, and all I could do was feel my knees about to give out from under me. I was shaking like MAD. I heard him say something like "you have great hair (or your hair smells great)." We finished and I panicked that I was going to fall down the stairs (again, the klutz gene). He hugged me. I thanked him again, then he told me to hang on to the railing, or better yet, hold on to "Adam". He signed the video, said "that will be $8", then looked for me at my seat to say goodbye, though I was already stopped in the aisle by friends. The cameraman found me, so the spotlight was on me. Adam was behind me [and said] he'll bring [the video] to me.
Everyone in the crowd was wonderful - people asked to touch me because I had touched Barry. Perfect strangers were coming up saying what a great job I did, and the funny thing was that I was not planning on going to this show at all, so it all worked out for the best. One of the articles I sometimes read in the Washington Post is a Dear Abby-type where people write in about "pennies from heaven". It's usually an every 3-or-4 month article that people write in their various "pennies" stories. I told one of my friends that I was so thankful to have been able to sing with Barry, but sad that people who "knew me when" were not there - some road crew, and some very dear dear Manilow friends who are not here (two in particular). When I came out of the hotel the next morning, there were two pennies on the sidewalk. Maybe my friends DID see me... I sure would like to think so! They would be thrilled, I'm sure. (10/13/2004, 12/29/2004)
October 15, 2004 - Gund Arena (Cleveland, Ohio)
October 16, 2004 - Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio)
This was my fourth concert and my first try at "Can't Smile Without You"... could not believe it! My sign was bright blue with white letters and read, "I'D BE THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD" ... that's an understatement!! The first half of the concert I was on pins and needles waiting to hear the intro to "Can't Smile". Finally, there it was... the first song after intermission. The screams were deafening (so great!) and what seemed like five hundred signs popped-up from out of nowhere! Some of them were HUGE, I was in the thirteenth row and it felt like mine was drowning in this sea of signs. I thought at that point that I had no chance at all... was so disappointed and almost gave up. Everyone was holding their sign up toward the stage. I was just frozen in place and wasn't holding mine up yet. Then Barry and his group of security came back into the arena to "Can't Smile Without You" and down my aisle. They paused halfway down. I turned around and he was only about three feet away from me! I thought, Oh My Gosh, what should I do? Maybe I should show him my sign now? Or would that be too aggressive? (He was so close it seemed like I would be shoving it in his face) Maybe I should wait until he is on the stage?? Okay, "you get what you get when you go for it", right?! I held up my sign. I saw him read it and then smile. Then I couldn't look anymore! The next thing I knew he was grabbing my hand -- and let me tell you, there are NO words or combination of words to describe THAT feeling!! Up on stage my main concern was not letting him down. My mind was spinning and I was trying to keep my emotions in check. There I was -- me -- with Barry Manilow! Unbelievable! Absolutely unbelievable!! I can't sing, but I did what I could and he was so nice to me... he didn't let me go it alone for too long and holding his hand was a great comfort. It was so much fun. I was having the TIME OF MY LIFE!!! My "in-check" emotions "checked-out" during the PIANO MOVE -- Oh My Gosh, I was having so much fun! I kept thanking him through the whole thing (kinda overdid that a bit!). After the song he gave me a great hug and then walked me to the end of the stage and I got a kiss. I was so afraid of kissing him too long that I kissed him too short! Then another great hug, and that was it. I went back to my seat, getting high-fives from everyone as I was going down the aisle... what a kick!! He finished the song, blew me a kiss and said, "Bye Sweetie." Awwwwww. I know he says that to everyone, but still... Awwwwww. I don't remember the second half of the concert at all! This was truly the most exciting and incredible thing that has ever happened to me. It made me enormously happy that night and still does today! Thank you again, Barry Manilow... you are simply the BEST! (11/2/2004, 1/18/2005)
October 21, 2004 - Allstate Arena (Rosemont, Illinois)
I was trying to think up something clever to put on my sign for the concert. I decided to put a picture of myself wearing my Barry Manilow T-shirt and holding my Greatest Hits Album from 1978 with Barry's face on the cover. Then I wrote "I've been waiting all my life!!" on the sign. I literally had been waiting all my life. When I heard the intro to "Can't Smile Without You," I got very nervous. My aunt Margie was with me. She bought me my very first Barry Manilow album. We were holding up the sign and I heard Barry say "I've been waiting all my life; that great big sign that says I've been waiting all my life." I couldn't believe it! Then he said, "If you've been waiting all your life how can I deny you now. Come on up here." I've sung "Can't Smile Without You" along with my records forever. I was ready for this moment. We talked and sang. He sat up on the piano with his legs around me and I was in heaven. This was truly a DREAM COME TRUE! I've shown the video to everyone I know!! Thank you, Barry Manilow, for being so wonderful to your fans! You've put a permanent smile on my face!! (10/24/2004)
October 22, 2004 - Bradley Center (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Alright, so I had plans to attend three concerts in a row: Rosemont, Milwaukee and Auburn Hills. My 32nd birthday present to myself. Checked in at the airport and boarded my plane, sat down, hooked my belt, and had the WORST PANIC ATTACK, so I bolted off the plane. There I sat in the terminal crying, heartbroken because I'd been planning this trip for MONTHS, so I did what any rational Barry loving girl would do... I jumped in my car and high-tailed it 9 hours to Chicago! During the trip there, I got lost, locked my keys in my car, had a flat tire, was stuck in Chicago traffic and ended up missing the first half of the show in Rosemont. But the second half was brilliant! So the next night (Milwaukee) was BOUND to be better, right? You have NO idea! I made it to THAT concert in plenty of time, sign ready, then it happened... I heard the whistle; I saw The Most Beautiful Man in the World on stage singing (He really is the most wonderfully handsome man!); I threw my HUGE sign up -- "Manilow Concert Virgin" -- when I heard him say from the opposite side of the stage, "Virgin, I want a virgin!" And then he started walking over to my side. I had been dreaming about this moment forever, playing it out in my head over and over, so you can imagine how surreal it was when I see him mouthing the words on my sign right before he picked me. Then Barry asked if I've ever stood next to him, if he has ever stood next to me, to which all I could do was shake my head No. Then he asked if I'd like to come up and sing with him... I don't think I took a breath from that moment on. Walking up to the stage I kept thinking to myself, "This can't really be happening ... Is this really happening? Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God"! When I walked onto stage I at LEAST had the sense to take my shoes off (I was wearing heels and would have fallen all over had I worn them). Then the Handsome One grabbed my hand and pulled me close, looked into my eyes and told me I was a beauty queen, asking what my name was... (like I could form a thought looking into those beautiful eyes of his!). Then he asked me where I was from and what I did. All I could do was stutter, "Christine, Kansas, I'm a mother to a 12-year-old boy." So we chatted a bit more and then he asked if I knew the words to "Can't Smile Without You", to which I replied "Right now? probably not!" He told me that was okay and he'd help me through, then he handed me my mic. But once the music started and Barry was holding my hand looking into my eyes, the words came back and I was actually living my dream! I couldn't get over it. I was singing with Barry Manilow. I was cuddling Barry Manilow. I was dancing around stage with Barry Manilow! Then he stops singing and its just me singing and he's presenting me to the audience. I was so scared, but I kept singing even though my voice was starting to tremble. I don't know how people do it. I have been theater-trained for over 15 years so being onstage normally doesn't phase me, yet I was shell-shocked. Then [it was time for] the piano move! I didn't realize it till after I watched the video that I didn't stop groping poor Barry's knee the entire time (Sorry Barry, couldn't help myself!) and then.... THE KISS! Oh My God! I didn't want that kiss to end. And Barry, being the suave gentleman he is, casually moved from the kiss into a huge "bear" hug, then I was lead away while he signed our "x-rated video" as he called it. I made it to my section when I was spotlighted again and turned around to see Barry still singing to me. We blew each other kisses and then he said, "See ya later." After that, I kept getting questions from some audience members asking if it was staged. So to set the record straight, it was NOT staged one bit, I was not planted in the audience. The women sitting next to me can attest to the fact that I began to shake quite alot after it was over, as soon as my nerves caught up with me. And to all of you wonderful BMIFC members who congratulated me and told me I did great, you guys are AMAZING, you made me feel so special. Finally, I wanted to say that not only is Barry an amazing musician, but he has the absolute BEST band and back up singers in the world. His entire crew is composed of nothing but charming, amazingly talented men and women and they are all absolutely WONDERFUL. But then, thats not so suprising considering who their boss is!! (10/26/2004)
October 29, 2004 - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena (Jacksonville, Florida)
It was a surreal moment, one you know you'll never forget and one you don't ever want to end. Kye had to come up and help with an extra microphone but it worked out fine. I stared at Linda and she stared at me because we couldn't believe what was happening. Barry's eyes were as blue as the stripes in his shirt and the scent of his cologne/after-shave was so fantastic I don't think I'll ever forget it. After our song, Barry told the crowd that he wanted a copy of the "m nage trois" video for himself. Even though we had been to every concert of his when he performed in Jacksonville, we had never made an attempt to get on stage but we pulled out all the stops since his farewell tour was our last chance. We still can't believe our good fortune, and it's been two years this week! We both got our hugs and kisses from Barry and left the stage. Once there, we had a celebratory hug for each other before we were given high-fives by everyone from the front row as we made our way back to our seats. After the concert, we were besieged by his fans in the lobby who wanted us to autograph their souvenirs and have their pictures taken with us and the now famous poster. It was a hoot. We ran into several couples from the concert at the restaurant we went to after the show so the excitement went on and on. It was a night that exceeded all expectations. We will never forget it. (10/25/2006)
November 12, 2004 - America West Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)
November 17, 2004 - Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)
Reading through all the previous posts from former "CSWY girls", I've been mulling this over for more than a month now, trying to think of clever ways to describe my "experience" -- however, I'm afraid you'll see lots of similarities!! After all, I had a little extra time to tweak my strategy, sign and outfit, since the Houston concert was postponed for 10 days... I was pretty determined, as I knew this may be my last shot at this, with it being the "last" tour and all. Knowing my sign had to be different, I chose my state flag for the background, knowing full well some of my fellow Texans would not be at all happy -- but obviously, I didn't care! Finally settling on the wording "Make Me Smile ~ I've Waited 30 Years!", and embellishing with red, white, blue and gold ribbons and a bit of sequined braid for sparkle, I knew in my heart I had one heck of something that at least Barry would notice, even if I didn't get picked! Three of my best buddies from work came with me, and we were SO excited when shown to our seats and noticed that the stairs leading up to the stage were in our section! I was more determined than ever -- my friends didn't have a clue what was about to happen. Since I've tried to keep up with what had been happening during the previous concerts on this tour, I sort of knew that "Can't Smile" would open the second half -- and I was ready. Hey, did anyone else notice the four cameramen "flying" above our heads? As the "whistling" started, I threw the other end of the flag down the row and said, "OK, girls, this is it!" and up we stood. After the video clips of past CSWY girls, Barry appeared at the piano on stage, singing the first verse and refrain; he then stood up and gave "instructions" to "any brave young woman, either brave or drunk; gotta know all the words (I don't want you to make an idiot of yourself!), and has never, ever stood next to my very personage..."; house lights went up and since he was facing our section, I think he may have seen my "sign" pretty quickly -- it was hard to miss. After perusing the rest of the arena rather quickly, he turned, facing our section and read my sign, saying "You made a whole flag, for God's sake!". I momentarily froze, then realized someone was reaching from the aisle to escort me to the stage. I kept thinking "this can't be real" (wrong song, I know!). I hope I told him "thank you" as we reached the bottom of the stairs, and before I knew it, Barry was reaching down to take my hand at the top -- I think that was the moment he literally took my breath away; I was holding the hand and looking into the eyes of someone I had admired and absolutely adored since I was a teenager. It was all totally surreal -- I've been dreaming about this moment for so long. And he gave me such a lovely compliment as I was climbing the stairs, telling me how beautifully dressed I was (any idea how long it took for that outfit to come together???). What threw me the most was that I could NOT hear anything he was saying to me, even though he was speaking into the microphone, and I was aware of the questions he was going to ask. Without the advantage of ear monitors, there was nothing coming back to me -- so I had to ask him to repeat everything -- everything! How embarrassing -- he must've thought I was unbelievably hard of hearing or maybe just a total dork at that point! Then, to make matters worse, the section of the stage we were standing on was very close to the middle where the piano was -- the part that rotated -- and stepping back slightly to balance myself, my left heel got caught in the separation and I nearly took him down with me -- ah, another Kodak moment. I recently had knee surgery and was already paranoid about falling! He had no clue what I had just done, so I tried to recover as quickly as possible without too much commotion! After asking the standard questions (what's your name, where are you from, what do you do), he came in really close, putting his right arm around me, asking if we'd really been "together" for 30 years; when I said "yes", he asked where I first saw him (of course he had to repeat). I totally blanked, although I KNEW where it was, I couldn't remember the name of the venue since it had changed several times (back then, it was called The Summit). I told him the Compaq Center (which was what the name was changed to and is currently being transformed into Lakewood Church). "I played a place called the Compaq Center? Oh, God, I'm so old I'm forgetting EVERYTHING!" At this point, I was able to put both of my arms around him and give him a squeeze; he asked if I knew the words to the song, and all I could answer was "Oh, God, I hope so!" Still unable to actually believe where I was and what I was doing (and getting ready to do), he placed the microphone in my right hand (while telling me it was my left hand). Music started up, singing began -- suddenly there was no one in the audience -- just Barry and me -- although, after viewing the video, it looked as if I had to keep reminding myself to look at him -- don't lose the moment, it's going by too fast! He stopped at one point, saying "God, you're really pretty" -- well, I think I just pretty much lost it then! "...look at me the way I'll remember every single day from now on..." "Lori's doing great, right? Come show 'em your pretty face" he said while leading me to the other side of the stage. Since I've been singing this song for years on end with him (in the car, of course), I just "naturally" kicked in singing (very bad) harmony on the refrain the second time around -- oh, my God... it was absolutely horrible!! I sure wish the mic had not been on at that point -- my choir friends have had many a laugh at that part of the video, let me tell you -- my soprano diva reputation has been shattered! And the singing from that point just gets worse. But I digress... As he jumped up on the piano, I couldn't wait to have his arms around me; but from that point, I really have no recollection of what happened -- I just remember him singing in my ear as I reached up and held onto his left arm -- yes, that's right, I did NOT grab his leg -- what the heck was I thinking?? I suppose I just wanted his arms around me as close and for as long as I could keep them there! We will NOT even talk about the last note(s) of the song -- however, I'm convinced the Houston 2004 CSWY girl will be on the blooper clips from now on -- it was SO off-pitch, but I'm sticking to my "can't hear, can't breathe" excuse... He very gently repositioned me so he could jump down from the piano, turned me around and hugged me, rocking back and forth to the music -- we apparently exchanged words, but I truly have NO idea what they were! He lead me to the top of the stairs and bent down for "the kiss", where I held his face in my hands and gave him a big smooch. I managed to make a point of telling him "Thank you for a lifetime of beautiful music" -- I can only hope he heard and understood how heartfelt those words were -- there was so much more I wanted to say, but that was all I could get out! It was over too quickly! Another hand was reaching up to help me down the stairs as he finished the song; my escort had to turn me around as Barry blew me a kiss, which of course, I returned right back to him, and he waved, saying "'bye, sweetie!" as I floated back to my seat. He then went into telling everyone about making the video, and even though he said he didn't know how I spelled my name, he did it correctly -- thanks, sweet Barry -- you are so smart! He then finished the set by saying "Thank you, Lori! And she said such nice things to me, too...". I was handed the video case upon returning to my seat and was told not to leave (like I would!) because they would bring me the video in a few minutes. If there is ANY "downside" to the whole experience, it's that I was totally numb for the rest of the concert! One of my friends kept leaning over and asking if I was alright, and offering me something to wipe my eyes, as I guess I was crying during some of the songs (who doesn't do that anyway?). Again, the evening was over much too soon. The lights went up after the encore and I was "rushed" by lots of fans -- I shoulda charged for all the hugs I gave out -- it was so much fun -- the request to touch my lips was kinda weird though... lots of questions -- did he have lots of makeup on, did you know you were going to get picked (duh, NO!), what did he smell like (remember I wasn't breathing very well), how tall is he (the answer to that question is relative to me -- I'm only 5 feet tall; EVERYONE in my world is taller than I am! My husband is 6'5", and both children are taller than me, so...). You are ALL such good liars, telling me how great I did -- remember I've watched the video a few times! Entering the parking garage, horns started honking -- I felt like a star -- well, maybe just the one HE hugged, kissed and sang with! I've had many wonderful experiences in my lifetime -- I married my best friend, have given birth and raised two of the most incredible children (watched the oldest graduate last week from college), have sung in Carnegie Hall (ok, so it was with a 200-member choir), have led a productive life and am generally well-liked by most people. But absolutely nothing will ever compare to my five minutes with Barry Manilow -- he is truly one of the most gifted and generous people I've ever known, if only from afar. It was a thrill beyond measure and I'm so glad he picked me. Thank you, Barry, from the bottom of my heart ~ for the generous gift of allowing a total stranger up on stage with you, for making me feel so special, like there was no one else in the world, for making the dream of a 30-year fan come true. Not only did I get to meet "Barry Manilow", the star and performer; for a few moments, I also met Barry Manilow, the person, the regular guy, a true gentleman with beautiful, kind eyes and genuine smile. Barry, you indeed made ME smile ~ a smile that will forever and always be on my face and in my heart. You have given so much of yourself in so many ways for so many years ~ thank you for sharing your music, your life, your dreams with all of us, with the world ~ you are a true inspiration and give us all HOPE! For all of the joy, the music, the years of hard work that you have given, may it be returned to you a thousand-fold and may you and yours continue to be blessed as you have blessed others. "There are times you live as if in a dream, drawn by your heart to a distant door; one that opens for a moment to a world that you've never known before..." (12/23/2004)
November 20, 2004 - American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas)
April 21, 2007 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Since appearing at Las Vegas Hilton Barry picking someone from the audience was not part of the show, so imagine my surprise when the intro to "Can't Smile Without You" started and Barry was asking for someone to duet with him. I never thought it would be me! I sat in my seat and waved and then he walked over and said "do you want to do it?" and reached his hand out to me to get on stage. I thought I would be nervous, but I wasn't at all. Barry made me feel so much at ease. He gripped onto my hand whilst asking my name and where I was from. I could not stop looking at those beautiful eyes and big smile. He then gave me a microphone and still gripping my hand for reassurance with a smile on my face I started the song, taking in every moment, looking at the man I had liked since I was fourteen years old. He said I was in tune and doing great. We then went into a little dance and I looked out at the audience and saw three of my friends smiling back. I then turned back to Barry to not miss the moment of being so close. He was smiling at me and then because the piano was at the back of stage he said we would do it 'doggy style' and pulled me close to him. I then started gently stroking his leg. The audience was cheering. I could not see the expression on his face but now looking back at the video I saw, he was having fun and the look was priceless! He gave me a big hug and kissed me as I stepped off stage. I realised my dream had come true and Barry was lovely. Barry - a big THANK YOU for all the years your music has given so much happiness to so many people, and to all the friends we have met along this journey... A CONSUMMATE SHOWMAN! (5/4/2007)
September 14, 2011 - Warner Theatre (Washington, DC)
Barry Manilow is my idol - I love him and all his music. His song, "I Made It Through The Rain" is my theme song and when I heard him sing this in concert it helped me to make a major career change to leave a job that didn't give me the flexibility I needed to care for my three kids and to start over with a new career so I could be with them more. The words to that song helped me through a very difficult time in my life and for that I will be forever thankful. Barry, I can go on and on about how so many of your songs have touched my heart in so many ways... Just know that I love you and will be forever thankful for the beauty you put to music. You are amazing, and I was so proud to bring my family to your concert tonight. The Land family are your fans forever. (9/15/2011)
July 4, 2013 - "A Capitol Fourth" (Washington, DC)
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