April 8, 1997 - Louisville Gardens (Louisville, Kentucky)
Well, I don't think I even realized I was quickly moving up towards the stage. I was so
excited. Then Barry took my hand as I came up the steps. I was actually holding his hand!
He said I had the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen! I was a nervous wreck but kept my
composure. I almost fainted when he pulled me between his legs!! I told him that "I had never
shook so hard" and he laughed. Well, it was the greatest night of my life and ever since then,
I cannot think of what my next goal in life is - how can you ever top being a Barry Girl!!! (8/28/97)
April 11, 1997 - Kirby Center (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
April 12, 1997 - Kirby Center (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
Barry came back out and THE SONG was in the background. He told funny stories of past girls chosen while a movie screen was showing past performances. The lights shined on the audience and I must have been jumping up and down about three feet above the rest. Barry slowly looked around, then he saw me. He looked around again and came right back to me. He said, "You with the blonde hair and the white outfit! Yes, you!" I went into shock, along with my family.
I finally made my way up to the stage and I was in awe of him. He asked the usual questions and it was all quite funny. Barry commented on my surprisingly in-tune singing while looking deep into my eyes and telling me that I had the most beautiful eyes, then telling the audience that we looked great together while calling himself an old fart. He was so sweet. He kissed me and hugged me when it was all over. I told him that I loved him and he said, "love you, too."
He watched me get back into my seat and said I was wonderful, and of course, he looked out into the audience and said, "Yo, Adrienne!" That was one of the best times in my whole life and I must say that dreams do come true, whether big or small. Thank you, Barry, for such a beautiful memory. I tell everyone that I am related to Barry Manilow. I hope we meet again. (1/20/2002)
April 16, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
April 18, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
April 19, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
To sing with Barry has been my plight
April 20, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
Valerie Engler (Bournemouth, England): A never-to-be-forgotten experience! Barry picked me AND a girl from Australia. I was wearing a red jacket and black shirt. Would you believe a girl in front was dressed in the same outfit? So when Barry pointed to our direction we both got up. That's how Barry had a Menage-a-Manilow that special evening! We had a very warm welcome from the New York audience. What a wonderful experience to feel the electricity coming from the Barry fans cheering us on, (so much that) I never felt nervous. In fact, I never have been so happy. Barry had us both between his legs and he made a joke saying he felt like "a wishbone up here". The audience loved the joke and it just felt like being at a Barry party. He made the audience laugh even more when he had said his "goodbye"s to us both with kisses and hugs, then he laid down on the stage exhausted!! Thanks Barry. (11/15/98, 11/20/99, 12/18/2005)
April 22, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
As the familiar strains sounded, I did the usual jumping up and down thing and then I heard Barry say, "You with the pink smiley-face sign." I was flabbergasted! I made my way to the stage feeling that I had just entered a parallel universe. Now, the first thing you need to know is that I am indeed able to sing fairly well. I was anxious to be able to share the experience of singing on stage with the man whose music I'd admired since the age of 12. Wouldn't you know it? Every bit of vocal technique I'd ever known went completely out the window! Didn't matter, though, because looking at his sweet face as we sang made it just as wonderful an experience as I'd imagined.
I hugged and kissed him and went back to my ecstatic friends in the audience, Debbie and Lisa. I went home that night with a very special memory. Thanks, Barry. Believe me, WE can't smile without YOU! (2/5/2001)
April 23, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
April 26, 1997 - Shea's Theatre (Buffalo, New York)
April 26th, 2001, was as sad a day for me as that date in 1997 was a happy one. My mother passed away on that date, at 67 years of age, after suffering so much during the last few years of her life. My father also passed on that year, on September 17th, 2001, and I am so glad that they were both still alive back in 1997, to see that my dream of being chosen by Barry finally came true. They both knew how much it meant to me. Everyone who's been [on stage with Barry] knows that there's nothing that compares to those few moments in time with Barry (unless it's doing a whole concert with him... one can only dream!). Thanks, Barry, for the past 30 years, and I'm looking forward to another 30, wrinkles and all!! (4/12/2004)
April 27, 1997 - Civic Center (Erie, Pennsylvania)
I had stayed up until 3:00 in the morning, the night before the concert, making the poster that caught his eye, clear up in the nose bleed section. On one side it said, "ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY" (so he would sing my song) and on the other, "ALWAYS IN LOVE WITH BARRY" (because I always have been faithful to him). It was neon pink on one side and neon yellow on the other, black letters, outlined in silver glitter.
I was the brave young woman out there who happened to be the luckiest to be chosen that night! Barry couldn't see the poster from the stage (told you--nose bleed) and he asked what it said, I told him and he asked what my name was. I can't believe I said--three guesses and he said, "Amy?". No kidding?! As he held me in his arms, I said at least three times, "This is my dream...." and also said I would become Jewish for him.
I was as nervous as anyone else ever to be on the stage with him (I've seen 7 concerts so I know!!), but I knew that I only had one chance to make my impression on him. So, I let go of him (sniff, sniff) and relaxed my shoulders, shook off my fears and just reacted to everything he said, every step he took, and every sparkle in his eye (by the way, did I mention he told me I have beautiful blue eyes?).
I could go on and on but my story is very similar to the other womens' lives he has touched at his concerts. THANK YOU, BARRY, FOR CHOOSING ME!! (5/19/99)
April 29, 1997 - Broome County Arena (Binghamton, New York)
April 30, 1997 - Pepsi Arena (Albany, New York)
I wouldn't trade that moment with anyone for any price. He told me I had
beautiful eyes and I just melted!! I came home and ordered tickets
for the Rochester show in August. I just cant wait to see him again! (5/3/97)
May 8, 1997 - CSU Convocation Center (Cleveland, Ohio)
May 9, 1997 - Savage Hall (Toledo, Ohio)
My parents are the ones to blame for our Barry Craze! They took my older sisters to his concert in the 70's and we've loved him ever since. I am so glad I have a video. I was so out of it when I went up there that I didn't even answer his questions, I just told him what I wanted him to hear from me, like "my Name is AMY!!" (because he had just sung "Once In Love with Amy"), and "My sister Loves YOU!!" The video was a scream!! (3/18/2000)
May 10, 1997 - Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
He asked my name,
what I do and if I knew the words. Of course I knew the words! Well at
least I did until I was looking into those wonderful eyes and thinking
"Oh thank you God"! I threw my arms around him several times and almost
knocked the poor guy over! I had no idea if I was singing or not. I just
kept looking at him. Singing in the shower is one thing, singing in tune
with Mr. Talent is another!
I started laughing at the "I can't sing, I'm
finding it hard to do anything" part, because that was pretty much the
case. I got my kiss, my perfect kiss, my tape and a blown kiss when I was
back in my seat. The amazing thing, besides being frazzled and
unquestionably thrilled, was the response from the audience. I couldn't
leave the Arena. People just kept saying "there she is, that's Karen" and
wanting to hug me and say "you did a great job". I believed them until I
watched the tape myself (Wow, I never knew I could sing (yell) so far off
key!).
His fans even followed me to the restaurant afterwards. I was a
celebrity for a brief moment! There was even a write-up in the Press
the next morning! Although the singing portion may have not stood up to
a critic, I gave it all I could with laughter, hugs and passion! I
loved every moment...the dancing, the excitement of him holding onto ME.
I am still way past cloud nine and
will be there forever with my Manilow memory! Thank you Barry, not only
for your extraordinary music, but also for making a die-hard fan's biggest
dream come true! Your music has meant so much to me and now I have the
memory of a lifetime to accompany it!! (5/11/97)
May 12, 1997 - Embassy Theatre (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
May 15, 1997 - Brown County Arena (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
May 16, 1997 - MetroCentre (Rockford, Illinois)
We had bleacher seats that were really far away, so I knew my chances were slim, but I knew the instant he saw my sign and said, "How about you with the sign that says 'ME'? Can you come down here?" To my embarrassment, they have me on tape running down the stairs and nearly getting mauled by a woman who wanted to be going instead! What a show!! But it is something I will treasure my whole life, and I feel so fortunate to have done it. I wouldn't change a thing! Barry continues to inspire me to this day, and I will remain a true and devoted fan. He is such a blessing! Thanks Barry!! (1/22/2006)
May 22, 1997 - Northrop Auditorium (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
I wore a bright lime green blazer to hopefully catch his attention. At intermission I asked my mom if she was glad she came... she whispered to me "The only way this will be worth it is if you get up there and sing with Barry"! What pressure!! Like I had any control over that? The first song after intermission was "Can't Smile." What could I do to get picked? We were in the 12th row, so not very close and TONS of people had signs (I was NOT one of them). I started jumping... as high as I possibly could with my arms high up in the air. JUMP! JUMP! Barry went back and forth across the stage many times, until finally he said "How about you back there in the green and black?" ME?? No way!! I looked at my sister... could it be true? It was!! I walked/ran up to the stage. Was this really happening? He asked me where I was from and what I did... I work for Ford Motor Credit, so I asked him if he wanted to get rid of his Range Rover. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to explode! He gave me the mic, held my hand, and we were off, strolling across the stage and singing together. I do some singing professionally, and I think he was surprised I could hold a tune, even while being so incredibly nervous with so much adrenaline running through me. My sister said that my mom was crying and watching me on the JumboTron (she couldn't stand up). She was so very proud! I am so glad I got that videotape, because when I sat down I wasn't sure if I was on tune, if I sang the words right, or anything. It was such a dream come true! Not only for me but for my family who shared in my excitement too. I think they were all as excited as if they were up there themselves! It was such a special gift to my mom... she died about 19 months later, and was still talking about it and watching the tape. It is a memory we will always have. THANK YOU, BARRY!! (5/31/2002)
May 29, 1997 - Bradley Center (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
May 30, 1997 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
Hands appeared from everywhere to walk with me to the stage. Barry waited with
outstretched hand. He talked to me, leading me to the piano, asking the usual
questions: what's your name, where are you from, what do you do? He said I smelled
good (well, we can be grateful for that!!). He kept looking into my eyes and I was so
flustered, I could hardly think.
Singing was easy. You're so fixated on him that it doesn't matter. When I got to
"If you only knew what I'm going through", I rolled my eyes and the crowd laughed.
Pulling me back across the stage to the piano, he said, "...beautiful eyes" -- doesn't
he know you're dying????? He jumped on the piano and I was there between those long
legs, hanging onto his right leg and knee while he sang in my ear. Hey, talk about
"Sweet heaven, I'm in love again..." - that would be me!!
At the end of the song, holding on to me he says, "Give me a hug!" Well, heck, I
figured I just had to - didn't want to hurt his feelings or anything. But, the kiss.
I'm afraid the video tells all. I had my hand on his cheek and was certainly
attempting to coax him into just a bit longer - some fans near the front were giving me
the "I'm not worthy" bow. When I left the stage, the guy walking with me asked if I
wanted to walk or if I'd prefer to float... I'll never forget it! (6/6/97)
June 1, 1997 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
I have been going to Manilow concerts since the late seventies and have been trying to get Barry to pick me just as long. It was always frustrating to me when people would wave a sign and Barry would always pick someone with a sign. So I finally decided, Hey Girl, you want to sing? You better make a sign! So I did! On the brightest florescent green poster board with the letters big and bold enough that you could see them a block away. Brief and to the point it said "BEEN TRYIN' 4-EVER". I could not believe that I was going to resort to a sign, how embarrassing!
I could not believe the amount of people who were standing up. Signs were all over the place. It really did look like "Let's Make a Deal". Barry paced the stage back and forth saying, "Oh my God, you really want to do this!" Yes, I really wanted to do this! And when he came back to my side of the stage, I knew - I just knew he was going to see my sign.
It worked, I could not believe that my dream was about to come true. As I was running down the aisle, I kept saying (actually screaming) "I can do this, I can do this!" I climbed those stairs one step at a time and as Barry took my hand, my heart was jumping out of my chest. I was saying, "Oh my God, this is really happening!" When he turned and I looked into those eyes I almost forgot my name. Thank God I was able to spit it out. Barry knew how excited and nervous I was (who didn't!). But there was something in the way he held my hand that made me relax and I was able to get through it.
My chance had finally come and as soon as the music started, with Barry holding my hand, I knew my dream was about to come true. As we swayed back and forth I never once stopped looking into those eyes. As we went for our little stroll to center stage and his arm pulled me closer to him, putting my head on his shoulder was simply a reflex, my eyes still looking up at that gorgeous face. As we walked over to the piano, even knowing what was coming next, I didn't miss a beat (well maybe a note or two, especially that last one!).
His strong hand, warm embrace, and that wonderful kiss simply added to the best part of all... I had "BEEN TRYIN' 4-EVER" and finally sang with Barry! My sign is retired now, but when I watch my video tape and see the smile on my face and the happiness it brought me I wonder why I waited so long to use a sign. (11/8/97, 8/31/99)
June 3, 1997 - Five Seasons Center (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
During intermission, my friend and I bought a rose to give to Barry. We wrote our names and addresses and phone numbers and stuffed them inside the plastic around the roses. Then before we had a chance to give Barry the roses, "Can't Smile Without You" came on and I was holding my sign proudly.
We were having a good time, singing and bopping, and then the moment happened.
Barry couldn't read what the sign said as we were on the second risers to the side ... But when he asked who would like to sing with him, it took me no time to stand on my chair and hold my poster. When he said the one with the sign, I was so happy.
Something I just can't explain went through my body. It was my dream come true! I sure believe in miracles. It's a miracle, a true blue spectacle a miracle come true! I was so excited all the way down to the stage. Once I was on stage, everything came so natural. My singing wasn't the best, but who cared at that point! So I sang and did the stroll dance, and he told me I had beautiful eyes. I melted, then he put me between his legs and I melted more. After everything was done, he gave me the biggest hug. I didn't want to let go! And the best? A big kiss, right on the lips. I thought I going to faint!
They videotaped my dream and Barry signed it and they gave it to me. Everytime I see it, it makes me very happy!
After the concert I was interviewed by a radio station from Cedar Rapids, and also on the next day. It was neat having everyone come up to you and say, you're the one who sang with Barry Manilow! I am proud to have been a part of this program and to be a Barry Manilow fan! I love you Barry!! (1/30/1998, 11/10/2010)
June 4, 1997 - The Arena (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
June 14, 1997 - McKay Events Center (Orem, Utah)
June 18, 1997 - Symphony Hall (Phoenix, Arizona)
"I've been MANILOWED!"
June 18th, the day after Barry's birthday, turned out to be the second best day of my
life (the first being the birth of my one and only son)! I have loved Barry and his
music for over 23 years ... I had never seen Barry "live" after all these years. How
could I have been lucky enough to get picked at my first concert? You'll have to take
that one up with God!
The day finally arrived and I began to realize that I was going to see and hear Barry.
My 13 year old son and I drove all the way to Phoenix. Before the trip we had made
several "on-line" friends who were going to meet us at the concert. I had made a sign
which said, "I NEED YOU...MANILOW ME!" I never totally believed I had a real chance of
getting picked, but when you have breast cancer, you aim high!
During the beginning of "Can't Smile", I stood up and held my sign for Barry. I didn't
jump up and down or scream and yell. Just stood there, smiled, sang, and prayed. The
next thing I knew my son said, "Mom, you got picked, GO!!" He said it twice before it
kicked in. I found myself running and being led down to the stage, heart POUNDING!
There he was! All I could do was look into those baby blues and try to forget there were
3000 people in front of me, even though I could hear their cheers of support. Barry was
so wonderful to me. I was shaking like a leaf, but I totally trusted him. He asked me
what I was doing there and I told him I came to see him. "You came all the way from
California to see me?" I nodded and he said, "Isn't that nice? Hello Lisa, Yeah Lisa."
He made sure I knew the words to "Can't Smile". I DID! He laughed, but I think I really
scared him. He was about to find out it was part of my life!
We began singing and he said, "Go girl! Very nice." He encouraged me to sing louder with
a hand gesture. He then told me I had "beautiful eyes" and I lost it! My voice wavered.
He smiled. We began to stroll and he said, "Aren't we cute?!" At one point I almost
passed out, but I just couldn't let that happen now. After he said I was doing great,
we ended back at the piano. He got up on the piano and put me between his legs and I
melted into his chest. He cuddled me close and I almost forgot to put my hand on his
knee. When I finally remembered, he gave the audience a very "approving" nod.
After we finished the last note, he jumped down and I gave him a HUGE bear hug. He
replied, "OOOH it's a bear hug!" We walked to the end of the stage, he turned me around,
and I gave him the sweetest kiss I could. Heaven, I'm in heaven!
Then came "the moment". I accidentally knocked the mic from his hand and he grabbed it
before I had a chance to (Where's the nearest rock!). Since this would be my one and
only chance to do this, I turned around and gave him a kiss on his cheek and smiled. As
I left him, he reminded me to be careful on the steps and said, "Bye darlin'". He
"thumped" his heart on the outside of his jacket, then again on the inside. He strutted
back to center stage while I got back to my seat. I turned toward him, waved, blew him
a kiss, and thanked him. Then I sat down and cried!
"Lisa was so 'together', didn't you think?" OOOOH Barry, if you only knew! While
signing my video, he and the audience sang, "Lisa Lisa bo-beesa, banana fana fo fisa,
fee fi moesha, Lisa!" I loved it! (10/4/97)
July 11, 1997 - McFarlin Auditorium (Dallas, Texas)
He read my sign out loud and said, "Come on down...whoever has that sign." Well,
it didn't take me any time at all to get to the aisle and up those steps. After
watching the video...I actually ran up the steps...I don't remember doing that. I was
so nervous. It's been a dream and a goal of mine for about 10 years to actually get on
stage. When I first started going to his concerts 17 years ago, I never dreamed that I
would ever get on stage with him...But tonight, my dream came true.
His eyes are really THAT blue. He really is THAT good looking. He really does smell
good and yes, he really is THAT sincere! I felt my heart in my throat but once he looked
into my eyes, I knew I was among friends. He was so sweet. I got through the first part
OK except I really had a twang when I told him I was 'Luanne Bessee'. I really don't talk
that southern but for some stupid reason it came out sounding really "hicky"! When we got to
the part where he sits on the piano, I just lost it. I quit singing because I was so
overwhelmed and then I heard him singing in my ear. That got me back on track but then
I totally hosed up the last note. I went way too long on the note before.
He's a great hugger. I must have hugged him ten times. I knew I had to behave for the
kiss at the end and boy did he tighten up those lips. I sure don't blame him for that.
I kept it nice and short and then he looked at me and our eyes locked for just a split
second. In his eyes I saw, "Thanks for being here tonight and all those other nights."
You can't fake that kind of sincerity. He makes me proud to be a fan. (7/11/97)
July 14, 1997 - Starwood Amphitheatre (Nashville, Tennessee)
July 16, 1997 - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre (Birmingham, Alabama)
July 18, 1997 - Bryce Jordan Center (State College, Pennsylvania)
Barry was standing in the spotlight scanning the crowd, shielding his eyes from the brightness. As he looked in my direction I jumped up and down and yelled, but to my disappointment he turned back to the other side of the audience. Within minutes, though, he was looking back to my side. "Okay... lesseeee... What's that sign say? Barry? Rome? Well, whatever it says, c'mon up here..." My mom and sister were yelling something about my being picked as I was whisked away. The souvenir video shows that I must have been shocked, putting my hand to my mouth in disbelief as I walked up the steps to the stage. "My, aren't you a pretty thing..." Barry took my hand and guided me to the piano. Wearing a teal suit that brought out his eyes, he was looking amazing, and smelled wonderful. His strong hands held my small ones the entire time, with the exception of the times his arms were around me... After some small talk ("Do y'all know about this young lady? She gave up a trip to Rome, Venice, and Switzerland to come to this concert tonight. Was it worth it?"). He went to get me a microphone. "Do you know the words to this song?" I assured him that I'd figure them out. He laughed. "I'm sure you will." I sang my heart out, not caring that there were 10,000 people beyond that blinding light, their eyes trained on me. I was holding Barry's hand, and he was gazing into my eyes, guiding me around the stage as he sang, "Can't smile without you..." while he looked at ME. Part way through the song he motioned me towards the piano, told to wait a minute, jumped up onto the piano, and situated me within his legs. I just smiled and kept singing as he placed his face next to mine, and stroked my hair... ...I never woke up from that dream. It really happened. That night the one thing I wanted more than anything, really happened. Once I was offstage I was hysterical. Only after 3 songs could I even begin to breathe normally. After the show I was invited backstage. When Barry walked in the door of the dressing room I was waiting in, I leaped up and hugged him. All I could say was "Thank you, thank you so much..." I couldn't understand why he was thanking me, but it seemed really great of him. After hugs, autographs, and photos, he left. That's all I needed. That five minutes, combined with the singing, made me believe in the power of my dreams. Nothing is impossible. (1/9/2006)
July 19, 1997 - Classic Amphitheatre (Richmond, Virginia)
July 23, 1997 - Wonderland Kingswood (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
As I ran towards the stage, my sister chased after me. When I got on stage with Barry, he asked who was down below, after stating it was my sister, he said come on up. The two of us sang, danced, hugged, and kissed Barry, etc. - the dream of a lifetime. I knew it was going to be! It was KISMIT!!
This is something I will never ever forget. I have make it through the rain many times with Barry's help, and can only thank him for his music and the strength it provides not only to me, but to the many millions of fans around the world. This concert was #6 for me, the most memorable ... I only wish for everyone to -- at one time in their lifetime -- have a special wish come true. Mine did! (my licence reads "I Love Mnilow") (2/22/2002)
July 30, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
This was it! I was ready! I stood up screaming and waving my arms like a middle-aged fool, and he picked me! It was almost like he knew. I was so excited, I could feel the blood pumping through my entire body. At first I was afraid to look into his eyes, but once I looked it was hard to look away. Whenever and whatever he sings, I always feel like he's singing only to me (as I'm sure many feel the same way).
When he asked me where I was from and what I do, all I could think of was "who cares". All that mattered was I'm here now! However, I answered the questions.
As horrible as my voice is, I sang my heart out and loved every second of it. When I got the big squeeze at the piano, I was ready to melt but I kept my composure. I didn't want to forget a single second, and I haven't! I couldn't stop smiling. At the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I was in heaven! I wouldn't sell this memory or the video I received for all the money in the world. Thank you Dennis and Barry. Dreams do come true! (8/8/97)
August 2, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
August 3, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
August 9, 1997 - Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua, New York)
When the familiar music for "Can't Smile" started, Barry asked if anyone wanted to come up and swat the bugs with him! I had never seen him pick someone from the lawn before, but I was going to try anyway. Needless to say, when he picked my sign, I was shocked and had to ask my Mom if he really was picking ME!
Once on stage, Barry asked the usual questions, my name and what I did for a living. My response was usual too: AAAhhhhhh! (I was speechless). That changed though when he asked about my sign. I had drawn a person and attached the veil from the "Sister Act" costume [used at the BMIFC Convention lip-sync contest]. On the torso it read, "I've been praying for this". When I tried to explain that the Manilow Mavens were Nuns and lip-sync'ed the song "I Will Follow Him" with Sweet Life books in hand (instead of Bibles) and glow sticks around our necks (instead of crosses), he confirmed what my family and friends have said all along - "I'm INSANE!" That may be true, but at least I'm having a blast!!
The rest was pretty typical. I sang off-key, stepped on his feet when walking to the piano, and yes, even screamed when I got between those knees!! This was definitely the ultimate experience a Barry fan could ever have, and a thrill that I will never forget. Barry's music has brought so much to my life. I can't thank him enough. His words are encouraging, his lyrics inspiring, and his music is "too magic to end"! (8/20/98)
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