Can't Smile Without You 1997 (Part 2)

December 18, 1997 - Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, Oklahoma)

CSWY video snapshot provided by Connie Algoflah

August 14, 1997 - Pine Knob (Auburn Hills, Michigan)
> Carol Davies (Fenton, Michigan):  I'm 39 years old and have been going to Barry concerts for 20-some years.  My goal was to be on stage with him.  Some of you think it will never happen to you (which is what I thought), but IT DID and it was SO COOL!!  I attended the concert with my Barry buddy.  My 15 year old son and his friend made a banner for me that read, "I Can't Smile Without Carol".  Barry picked me from a crowded screaming audience and the rest is history!

If you ask Barry, he will probably remember that night.  I didn't lose control, I was just a maniac!  I have a "copy" of the video (the Original is 'in the vault').  My friends and family think I'm a bit obsessed, but who cares what they think anyway!  I've enjoyed Barry's music for a long time, and it was a thrill for me to share that night. (8/17/98)

August 16, 1997 - Deer Creek Music Center (Indianapolis, Indiana)
> Nette Josleyn (Merrillville, Indiana): Singing Can't Smile with Barry was the thrill of a lifetime. This is something that I've dreamed of for more than 20 years. He looked out into the audience and said I've got to pick someone from the back. I've just got to. He spotted my sign that said "Tickle Me Manilow". I headed to the stage with Steve's assistance. Once he looked into my eyes, there was no one else but the two of us. My fears disappeared. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when he said what beautiful eyes I have. We sang and danced. That night he made my dreams come true. It is a night that I'll never forget. Thank you Barry, from the bottom of my heart. (8/18/97)

August 20, 1997 - Harborlights (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Kathy Molten (Bradford, Massachusetts):  It was just wonderful!  I remember him looking out at the audience all the way over to my right, then he walked over to the left side of the stage where I was in the sixth row. There I was waving my neon orange sign that said, "PICK ME", and he did!

He was just awesome. We sang, talked, and joked around. After the song ended, he escorted me to the stairs where we embarked on our 10-second kiss. THE AUDIENCE WENT WILD!  And I almost fainted. It was the most incredible experience of my life. I watch my tape all the time! (1/15/99)

August 22, 1997 - Sand's Casino (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
> Michele McDonough-DeMayo (East Hanover, New Jersey):  I can honestly say it was a dream come true! As a life-long Barry fan, I always believed in my heart that he would pick me. My friends and family thought I was crazy, of course! My husband even threatened to stop taking me to concerts because I was always so disappointed when I didn't get chosen. But on August 22, my dream came true!!

When Barry asked if any young lady might like to join him on stage, I immediately jumped up and started screaming. I was on my seat, yelling "PICK ME...PICK ME!" He looked right at me and said, "How about you, in the black outfit, standing on your chair?" I looked around to make sure he was really talking to me. When I realized he was, I collapsed, screaming and crying in my husband's arms. Barry said, "Let him go and come to me!" I ran as fast as I could up to the stage and hugged Barry as hard as I could. I was crying, laughing and jumping up and down. All the while, Barry was holding my hand and jumping up and down with me. I just kept telling him I KNEW he was going to pick me!

When it was time to sing, I warned him I have a REALLY bad voice, but he said, "Just croak it out, it can't be bad!" Well, I think I have just about the worst voice he, or anyone else, has ever heard, but I didn't care! I was on cloud nine!! The audience was cracking up, and Barry kept petting my hair and saying, "You are so adorable!" Finally the song ended, and it was time to leave the stage. I gave him a huge hug, and thanked him so much for choosing me. He said, "Can I have a kiss goodbye?" Well, I had waited all my life for this moment... I grabbed him and gave him a 10-second smooch! I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Barry Manilow. It is a memory I will treasure forever!! (11/6/2001)

August 23, 1997 - Sand's Casino (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
> "Sue from Allentown, PA"

November 6, 1997 - Key Arena (Seattle, Washington)
> Deana Spence (Portland, OR): After discovering the Barry boards and learning that the Can't Smile opportunity was there for every concert, I became intrigued. I have always enjoyed performing and can carry a tune, so the idea of getting up in front of people didn't bother me. I wracked my brain to think of a clever idea for a sign, and I thought I had one. I made a sign that said "ME" spelled out with battery-operated Christmas lights...

As I drove the 2-1/2 hours up to Seattle, I was practicing my singing as loud as I could. I had put the tickets in my visor for safekeeping. Singing "Daybreak" at the top of my lungs, I rolled down the window. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something swoosh by me. Yes, you guessed it, the concert ticket! I started to panic. I turned around and pulled off the freeway. Some construction workers helped, but to no avail. There was no sign of my ticket. A construction worker asked me if I had looked in the back of my van. There it was!

I started back up the freeway practicing what I would say to Mr. Manilow when I got up on stage with him. I KNEW I was going to be chosen that night. I didn't feel nervous, nor scared. A feeling came over me that I can't describe. You know when you know that this is it! I had the feeling.

When I got to my seat, my friends saw my sign and riddled me a bit about it. The fans behind me gave me the 'thumbs up' sign and had a good laugh. As the lights dimmed after intermission, I turned on the power and stood up on my chair as high as I could get. My emotions were going wild. "He is going to pick me," I said to myself. He glanced my way and I saw him read my sign. As he finished the first verse of CSWY and welcomed us all back, all I could think about was staying on my seat and not falling off before he has a chance to get back to my side of the stage. When he asked if there was any young lady out there who wanted to sing with him, I lifted my sign even higher and screamed until I couldn't hear myself anymore. When he pointed in my direction and said, "How about that sign that says 'ME', she's got twinkling lights on the thing, so come on down". My immediate reaction was "Oh my god, this is it".

As I walked up on stage his gorgeous blue eyes looking directly at me and his smile melting my heart, we exchanged "hello"s, and at that point everything that I had practiced on my drive up went out the window. Looking back at the video I didn't even answer his questions that he had asked me. I was looking at him, and hearing his voice and my voice speaking back, but not really listening. I just kept thinking to myself please keep looking into his eyes and remember this moment forever. We chatted briefly and then it was time to sing.

At first I was unsure of the key we were in, but quickly found my way and we were off. It was a great feeling of being in the spotlight and feeling that rush of excitement that you get from the audience. I could feel their encouragement. I knew that most women out in the audience would have traded places with me in a second, yet as I had experienced when I was sitting in the audience watching, I knew that they were having a great time watching too, many dreaming what it would be like to be up there. I can see why Barry has enjoyed performing all these years. As we clung to each others hands he led me back to the piano where he did his famous jump-on-top-of-it-and-hold-you act. He pulled me close and I had to take a deep breath and close my eyes for a moment and listen. Time stood still as I listened to his beautiful voice singing into my ear and his soft hand caressing my face. Then before I knew it, we were hitting the last note and then it was over. He took my mike and gave me a hug and a brief kiss and then lifted me off my feet! What a feeling of joy! Then he was leading me off the stage and I found myself in the center of the audience with the spotlight on me.

My experience was the best. Each person takes something away from their experience with him. What I took from it was his joy of performing. I could feel his energy and his excitement of being on stage, and I am so glad that he gets to live that every night. I have watched my video so many times I have lost count. When I am having a stressful or bad day, I flip on my video and think about what I got out of that 5 minutes. It has changed me forever. I can only thank Barry for his music and the opportunity to be in his company. (12/29/97)

November 8, 1997 - Kennewick, Washington (Tri Cities Coliseum)
> Wendy Kun (Richland, Washington) (12/20/2004)

November 10, 1997 - Memorial Auditorium (Sacramento, California)
> Jill Ratner (Sacramento, CA): I have been to Barry's concerts before and of course always wanted to be chosen, but what inspired me was this web site (The BarryNet) and reading about everybody else's experiences. I knew my seat was going to be close to the stage, but it was on the side, not on the floor level. I had been watching one of Barry's concert videos from England and had seen all the signs. That gave me an idea! I wanted to make my sign say something unusual that would hopefully get his attention.

I am Jewish, as is Barry, and I am taking a class to become a Bat Mitzvah, because I did not do it as a girl. Therefore I am learning Hebrew. So, on my big red poster board sign, I wrote in Hebrew and then English, "Shalom Baruch". I suspected that Baruch was his Hebrew name and most people know that Shalom means many things, including hello, so I was saying Hello Barry in Hebrew. I also drew a Star of David that said Thanks for the Memories.

After the house lights were turned on, he was looking around, he said he thought he'd pick someone with a sign, and then said something like 'How about you up there with the sign?'. I knew it was me and boy did I scream!

As I was walking on stage, he said that the sign was upside down. I started to turn it over and then he said it wasn't, saying it said "Shalom Baruch". He brought me on stage and put my sign on his piano and then asked me where I was from and asked if I had seen his shows before.

When it came time to sing, I thought I had died and gone to heaven -- He has the most gorgeous blue eyes!

I can't believe how cocky I was! When he asked me if I knew the words, I said, "Oh yes I do". I think he thought that was funny, because he kind of made fun of me. I sang so off key, I was so nervous.


Barry and Jill

The best parts of the experience is when I finished singing, he grabs the microphone from me and says "Give me a hug!" and then "The Kiss"! I am driving my friends crazy talking about the experience and showing off the video, but it was a once in a lifetime experience that I will NEVER forget. (11/16/97)

November 12, 1997 - San Francisco, California (Bill Graham Civic Auditorium)
> Janice Dressler (Pleasanton, CA) (7/3/98)

November 18, 1997 - Municipal Auditorium (San Antonio, Texas)
> Rachel Theora Sapyta: This concert was my 4th or 5th. I had seen Barry's show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1977. [At the time] I was 15 and a Manilow "nut", posters jammed my walls, songbooks sat on my piano, his tapes played me to sleep each night. Like so many others at that age, I was lonely, self-conscious and disappointed with how my life was. Barry was my comfort. I dreamed of meeting him, singing with him, having a chance to tell him "Thank You" ... Who says that dreams don't come true?

I went to the show with flowers, elaborately prepared yellow roses, with lights and a blow up of my only Polaroid photo from that 1977 concert (me with a homemade "Manilow" t-shirt) ... Determined to make some connection, I tossed that 2 dozen roses across the orchestra pit and onto the stage. They landed at his feet. "What is this?", he asked. "What a beautiful bouquet of roses! And there is a picture here, 'A fan for 20 years ... me at Saratoga Performing Arts in 1977' from Rachel ... Well thank you, Rachel!"

I was thrilled. He had seen my picture ... The bigger thrill came later. Let's just say that I was wearing a very sparkly shirt and I looked desperate. Yes. He picked me. [As others before me, next was the] blur of the walk on stage, the complete feeling of walking in a dream, the realization that (yes) his eyes are THAT blue, and the amazement at how strongly he gripped my hand.

"What is your name?" (he asked). "Rachel", I said, "Rachel with the flowers". "What do you do, Rachel?" This one was a tough one for me. Along with other things, I do modeling ... however, I was just ending my 3rd month of pregnancy, and all that I could think was that I was just sick all of the time... "I'm pregnant", I said. Makes me cringe.

The rest is a blur too - my singing off-key (even though I am an accomplished musician and take voice lessons), his holding my bloated hands (and where did that extra chin come from in the video?), his being so nice...so interested...so real. Truthfully, I only remember bits and moments. Finally, it was over. I looked at Barry and said, "thank you for being there for me for so long, and for making me so very happy". He then kissed me on the lips. I expected a kiss on the cheek. I think that I even turned my head. But he said, "no, how about a kiss on the lips?". It was short, but oh, so sweet. And then HE looked at me with an expression that said, "thank you". How wonderful!

I was nauseous as hell after that, and in desperate need of some Tums. But when I walked outside, I was mobbed. "IT'S RACHEL!" "Was he really good looking?" "Is he tall?" (I'm 6 ft, so I know he was at least that tall), "Are you going to name your baby after him?". As I walked to the car, women rolled down their windows and said, "Hi, Rachel". At the Stop-n-Go, as my husband went in search of some antacids, the women in the truck next to me, said, "It's Rachel....how was Barry?" The local society columnist wrote a piece on me. There was fanfare.

The truth is that it all seems like a dream. A dream that started 20 years ago. [The video is a] reminder of a lifelong dream came true. [But what I remember most is] that moment when I got to say, "thank you" ... the kiss, his lips, his expression afterwards, and his humanity ... He treats us like friends ... like we are real and special. He doesn't have to. I think that he does it because he wants us to know [that] inside of us are dreams. And he fulfills that dream. Not because he has to, but because he can, and because he wants to. What a glorious gift to give to someone you don't even know. It is truly amazing. (2/4/98)

November 26, 1997 - Moran Theater for the Performing Arts (Jacksonville, Florida)
> Kathy Sutherland: It's been four days and I'm still "...finding it hard to do anything..." - Will my feet EVER hit the ground again? I'm supposed to return to work tomorrow, and they'll expect me to be productive... I don't think so!!! I hope Barry knows how much happiness he gives... his music, his charity work, his concerts, and, of course, the CSWY experience!!! (11/30/97)

November 29, 1997 - Sunrise Musical Theatre (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
> Sherry Mishoe (Wellington, FL): Talk about reaching ecstasy!! Never before and never again will I feel the way I did the night I sang with Barry! I'm 29 and have been a fan since I was 8 years old. I remember seeing his concert on cable when I was 11 or 12 and seeing him pick someone to sing with him. At that very moment, I wanted to be up on stage with him one day! Well, about 20 years and 20 concerts later I made it!

I had a feeling all day that he was going to pick me. I told the man next to me that Barry was going to pick me to sing, and he laughed. I said, "no really, I can tell this is MY night!" Five minutes later he picked me! I was jumping at least 3 feet off the ground!

He was so sweet and kind to put up with me hanging all over him. He made me feel special in every way. The way he said my name (SHHHHHerry)! I pressed my body against his the minute I got up there. He was a bit surprised but very responsive. He allowed me to be very close to him which I am so grateful for. He fulfilled a life-long fantasy which was everything I ever dreamed of. I didn't want to let him go. I was a bit forward with him and he was very sweet about everything!

We started singing and I pulled him close to me, then he pulled me close (on the piano). Our lips were an inch apart! We sang on. I was about to pass out! We were cheek to cheek. He jumped down and I hugged him. He thought I was finished, then I 'slammed' my lips against his. I couldn't resist. I really shocked him! We laughed. I gave him one final hug before I left the stage.

Once I was off stage he took his hand, thumped his heart in his jacket, and waved his hand in front of his face. I felt the same way ten times over! Later in the concert he said he was feeling romantic and was going to sing a romantic song because I had gotten him all excited! (If he only knew how excited I was!!)

The feeling from that night will be in my heart and mind forever just as his music has been most of my life. Barry is a remarkable man and entertainer and I thank him for all the joy he's brought me in my life! Barry touched me in a way no one else ever has or will!! (12/4/97, 12/22/97)

December 2, 1997 - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa, Florida)
> Jessica Whitlock (Sarasota, FL):  Wow - what do I say about such a potent experience? It's amazing, because that night I had this overwhelming feeling that I was going to get picked to sing with Barry. I even told my friend that I felt that way. Barry was so wonderful. At one point he said, "Jessica's a Star" (actually at several points!) and needless to say I totally flipped out.

Have you ever thought about how wonderful Barry is to do this for his fans? It's incredibly sweet of him...he understands that we all want a chance to be near him...and he gives us that opportunity! It really is spectacular to know that he cares about our wishes...no matter how silly they may seem at times!

I just want to say "Thank You" to Mr.Manilow for EVERYTHING he's done! He's been an inspiration, a role-model, a teacher, and above all, a wonderful person (and influence). (8/4/98, 9/26/98)

December 3, 1997 - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa, Florida)
> Barbara (of Murfreesboro, TN):  The night I got picked I was 48 hours from moving, trying to get over the shock of three days of Manilow in Ft. Lauderdale (kind of a nice shock!) and two days in Tampa. I was very tired to say the least. Having been a fan of Barry's since 1975 and having attended 54 concerts since 1978, I had almost given up hope (of ever being picked). I once wrote Barry and told him that by the time he picked me, we'd both be so old that neither one of us would be able to remember the words...

My friend (Pam) was running late that night and didn't pick me up until 6:30 p.m. We still had 60 miles to drive, but made it (to the show) right at 8:00 p.m. During the second half of the show, I turned to Pam and said, "I'm standing on the chair - it's now or never!"  So I did, and Barry points right to me: "What about you in the red sweatshirt jumping up and down?"  My immediate thought was, why did I wear my scuzball clothes and why didn't I go to the bathroom first!  Anyway, I "Oh my God"ed all the way down the aisle and up to the stage, stepping on everyone's toes.  "She's 'Oh my God'ing" (Barry commented).

The best thing was not the hugs or the kiss (well, they were great, mind you), but it was when Barry said (after I told him who I was) that "Barbara is an old fan-friend of mine!". That still blows me away. There'll never be another Barry.

I still get goosebumps when I watch the video! Not only did I not let go of him, but he even changed the words to the song ("If you only knew, what I'd like to do..."). It was the best Christmas gift I ever received! Thanks Barry for EVERYTHING! (9/27/98, 9/28/98)

December 6, 1997 - Orange County Convention Center (Orlando, Florida)
> Jill Prince (Kingsport, TN): After 67 shows I was ready to give up! Thank God I didn't! My friends made me leave my sign behind, but I WAS wearing a Santa Claus hat. When Barry said "Okay, you there in the Santa Claus hat...", I couldn't believe it! I nearly knocked him down when I ran on stage, and got in as many hugs as possible.

The whole thing was very surreal -- I just remember his blue eyes locked in on me and his hand firmly holding mine. I held my composure FAIRLY well until he jumped on the piano and pulled me between his legs -- then I completely forgot to sing!! He had to nudge the mike back up to my mouth. Too soon, it was over - a great hug at the piano, and then he pulled me back around for that fantastic KISS. Then it was back to my seat and my screaming hysterical friends Laurie, Betty, Joy, and Billie!

Barry saw us as he was finishing the song and started laughing! It was an amazing incredible experience that I will never forget -- and worth every second that I had waited for it! Thanks Barry!! (And all of you who think you'll never get picked...DON'T give up!) (7/11/98)

December 11, 1997 - Civic Center (Providence, Rhode Island)
> Lorelei Walton (Haddam, CT): December 11th, 1997, is a day that I will always remember as long as I am on this earth. That is the day when all my dreams for 20+ years came true. I sang and danced with my one true obsession Barry!

My sister-in-law, Ellen, and I attended the concert that evening and I was dressed in a bright yellow blazer as well as having a sign that I had made, 3'x4', with silver glitter letters and battery powered white lights. When he started singing CSWY he looked in my direction, but there were several signs. Then he said, "How about that sign with the lights on it? Do you want to come down?"

I ran down the stairs screaming and almost crying from happiness. I was escorted to the stage where Barry was there to take my shaking hand. I couldn't look at him at first I was so nervous! He asked me where I lived and how long I traveled to get there that night and thanked me for coming to the show. Then he handed me my microphone and we started to sing.

My voice was shakey but I was in tune until he told me I had beautiful eyes and I sang good. Then I forgot how to sing! We danced across the stage and he asked the audience, "aren't we cute?" Then when he jumped on the piano and held me close I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I never dreamed that I would ever meet him let alone be held in his arms. Before I left the stage he gave me a soft kiss and a look that I will never forget. I hope everyone's experience was as good as mine. I have and will always love him forever! (12/16/97)

December 18, 1997 - Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, Oklahoma)
> Connie Algoflah (Coweta, OK): I was on the 20th row...last row on the floor! I did make a sign that said "BARRY ME" in blue glitter...and had 6 packs of Battery operated lights going around it and some streamers of Blue and Silver. My best friend (Carolyn Miracle) was supposed to go with me to this concert. She had to have emergency surgery the day before and couldn't go! I was so down that I almost stayed home. The 2-1/2 hour drive to get there was NOT the same without her. So when I arrived at the concert there was a lady sitting one row up from me who had a cell phone. I asked if I could call my friend in the hospital and let her hear the first song when he came out. She said sure! Carolyn started crying and said how much she wanted to be there!

When I got picked I took the lady's cell phone with me on stage. I asked if we could call. Barry said "yes". The lady had helped with the phone the first time I called, so Barry was a little impatient with me. I told him he was making me nervous! Couldn't remember the number! Barry said why don't we do this song and then we will go backstage and I will call her! [Being a bit stubborn] I said "I want to call her now" OH MY GOD.....What is wrong with me? [Turns out] the phone lines to the hospital are turned off at 9 p.m.!! I did remember to take Barry a gift ... Jockey underwear!! Okay, I figured it would be FUNNY ... not meant to be a serious gift. He showed the WHOLE PLACE what I brought and it got a good laugh.

Now I am not a small person, but I am trying hard to lose weight and have lost 23 pounds dancing to Barry's CDs, however, watching the video I feel pretty bad for Barry. How he maintained himself while dancing with SHAMU I will never know!!

Would I do it again ? YES! Would I take a cell phone ? NO!! Woke up today and a FAMILY of frogs have moved into my throat. Ive got Barry Fever! Thanks for the memories!! (12/22/97)

December 21, 1997 - MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Mary A. Boicken (Homewood, IL): Saying I was thrilled to be picked as a CSWY girl is an understatement! But there was Barry saying, "I'm going to pick one of these signs, this 'REAL LIVE GIRL' sign, Right There". I flung my sign behind me in the air and screamed (I hope I didn't hurt anyone!). He said, "Wow! She's got a nice outfit on there. This may be marriage material! Hold on a second!"

As he led me to the piano, I felt like I was floating in the air. "Tell me your name darlin'" he asked. "Mary" (I squeaked). "Mary from where?" The audience laughed. They could see my mind had gone blank! I managed to say I was from Homewood, IL. Where was my sophistication, my composure? I MUST HAVE LEFT IT BACK IN...WHERE DID I COME FROM? DAH!

I'm sure Barry must have thought I came complete with an air valve attached to the back of my neck! I gave him a NICE hug and he asked me if I was ready to sing with him. He sang and I just breathed heavily trying to pass it off as singing. I managed to get through the song with Barry's help. He is a Prince. I think he thought I had stage fright. Well, I did (a little), but I just couldn't believe that I was up on stage with him. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world!

We ended the song and he walked me over to the stairs. We kissed and he said, "bye bye darlin'." Steve was waiting for me at the stairs when Barry handed me over to him. I really felt like Cinderella leaving the ball too soon!

Meeting Barry was wonderful! Warmth and goodness just seem to flow from him to whomever he comes into contact with! Thank You Barry for making this such a special Christmas! This "REAL LIVE GIRL" will always be smiling when she thinks of you! (1/17/98)

December 26, 1997 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Beverly Abeshouse (Hamden, CT): I travelled 3,000 miles to see Barry's show and it was worth every mile! Being in the audience many times, watching the excitement build toward picking the Can't Smile Without You woman, I often wondered what it would feel like, never dreaming that I would have the opportunity to find out for myself!

I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT even as they whisked me up on stage. I WAS COMPLETELY NUMB!

In my mind Barry has (along with many other wonderful qualities and attributes) three C's: Charisma, charm and connectability. When I looked Barry straight in the eyes I felt I would lose what little composure I had, but Barry's charm and charismatic magnetism made me feel special and more at ease. His squeeze of my hand, his smile, and "go girl" made me feel good just being up there, even if I couldn't sing a note! He has the ability to connect (with you as the CSWY woman), and this connection radiates to the entire audience. That's what makes him so special.

I want to thank Barry for those "magical musical moments" he shared with me on opening night in L.A. "It's A Miracle" and I will cherish this experience forever. (1/30/98)

December 31, 1997 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Leigh Clay (Glendale, CA):  Singing with Barry on New Year's Eve?  What a thrill, one I'll always treasure!

I'm originally from the Seattle area and saw Barry every chance I could (which in Seattle, is not that often). But now that I live in the L.A. area I took the opportunity to see all four of Barry's shows after Christmas. I took my husband and two kids to the first night. It was great! So great that I had to go again and again. Anyway, after seeing the first three nights I decided it was time, after 22 years of waiting, to meet Barry and sing "CSWY".

I taped 20 of my Barry albums together into a huge wall, velcro'ed a hockey stick handle onto the back and headed to Universal City. The security guards at the gate wouldn't let me pass. They said only small signs or soft signs were allowed. I couldn't believe it! There was no way I had just taped my precious album covers together just to leave them at the security gate! I quickly raced through my options and then pulled off the velcro hockey stick and started folding the wall down to the size of one album, accordian style. This all fit into a book bag I was carrying my binoculars in. I handed the hockey stick to the guard and walked on in!

Once inside the theater I unfolded the wall and checked for any damage. Luckily there was none. Since I was alone that night I knew I would be using the help of people I'd never met before. It turned out that the three people to my right had never even been to a Manilow concert before, and barely even knew who he was! (They would be perfect helpers!!)  During the first act I kept sharing my binoculars with them, which put them in a friendly mood.

As Barry walked off the stage (at the end of Act One) I waited to see if the lights would stay out, which meant no intermission. They stayed off, so I turned to my new "friends" and said, "I need your help. I am going to go up and sing with Barry. When the house lights go on, hold this up as high as you can!"  They said "okay" and then saw the wall of albums!  They looked like they didn't know what the heck was going on, but they soon got the idea as the (CSWY)-intro-video started playing.

When Barry finally came out and sang, and then asked for the house lights to be turned on, I saw all my competition. I obviously wasn't the only one who had decided that New Year's Eve would be their night!  But Barry took his time looking at all the signs, "Looks like 'Let's Make A Deal' out there."  It certainly did! Then he looked up toward the back and put his hand above his eyes to shade them from the bright lights.  "What the heck is that?  It looks like all of my albums and a sign that says 22 something... Whoever that is with all that paraphernalia, come on down!"

What a thrill!  I ran straight for the stage, into the most exciting and exhilarating five minutes of my life!  Thanks Barry!!  The evening was topped off by all of the fans congratulating me afterwards. For the fans that came and talked to me, I thank you too!  You really made an already incredible night even more special. (7/26/99)

This Page Created April 24, 1996 (Last Updated May 20, 2007)

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