Can't Smile Without You 2001-2002

December 6, 2001 - Mark Lanier's Law Firm Christmas Party (Houston, Texas)
> Debbie Schreve (Houston, Texas):  Barry asked for volunteers to come on stage and sing with him. I couldn't believe he picked me! I ran up there, sang, danced, had a blast. It was a defining moment in my life. A wonderful memory that I will have even after Alzheimer's hits! I told my husband that if I die first, he has to talk about it at my funeral and show the video.

Barry also gave me an autographed CD of "Here at the Mayflower." It had just been released. He was so gracious and fun to "perform" with, and VERY complimentary I might add. All the people at the party thought I was a plant, and that the whole episode had been rehearsed. Just thinking about it now makes me SMILE!! (11/11/2002)

December 15, 2001 (late show) - Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Shari Davis (Chicago, Illinois):  When Barry sat down at the piano and took a sip from his mug, I'd HOPED he would do "Can't Smile Without You." I don't think I really believed he'd sing it since he hadn't done it during the first three shows in Vegas. But he said, "Gotta do something special... what can I do? I know... I'll do something very special that starts off with my tongue."

I grabbed my poster (which said "PUT ME OUT OF MISERY" and was folded 4 times to fit inside my purse) and was on my feet by the time he finished whistling. I looked around and only saw 2 other people near me with signs. I prayed very hard that he'd see my sign. As soon as Seth turned the house lights on, I knew the exact moment he saw my sign. He was looking in my direction and started laughing. He asked if we had been waiting for this "golden moment" all week � and the audience yelled and clapped. He looked back in my direction and said "Put me out of my misery, she says." He said it three times, but I was already halfway down to the stage, grabbing Steve's hand to be led to the stage.

The stairs were definitely an issue in this venue (Mandalay Bay's Storm Theatre) � they were very narrow and steep. Steve reminded me that the stairs were dangerous and to be very careful. I never looked up at Barry until I was climbing the stairs. I saw his hand, grabbed it, and climbed the last few stairs. I looked up into the most beautiful blue eyes... I just hugged him to me, and he hugged me back. I couldn't believe I was actually up there with Barry! Was I dreaming?

The first words out of my mouth were, "You are so cute!" He said, "So are you!" He asked me my name and where I was from (Chicago) as we were walking to the piano. We talked about how long I was in Vegas, what I do in Chicago, the doctors' names I work for, the Revue show that was in Chicago this past summer and early fall...

He got a microphone for me, and we began singing. After a couple of lines, he said, "You have beautiful eyes." I said, "You too." We both stopped singing for a couple of seconds and just laughed (I love his laugh!). Even though I couldn't hear myself singing at all, he said I was doing good. He never took his eyes off mine � and I didn't take mine off his either. It's like he has you in a trance. And he never let go of my hand. He really makes you feel like it's just the two of you � like those 1,200 people in the audience aren't even there!

We took our walk to the side of the stage. While we were walking, he said, "Shari's IN Las Vegas - ON the stage!" We made our way back to the piano. Having seen the show quite a few times, I knew what was coming. At least I hoped he was still going to do the "piano part". When he jumped onto the piano, I was so excited I couldn't sing! He turned me around and pulled me between his legs, and after I regained my composure (sort of), we continued singing. I had my hand on his leg (doin' a little strokin', too!). At one point he swung both of his legs up around me and I just burst out giggling! He laughed at my reaction.

When we finished the song, he got down off the piano and gave me yet ANOTHER hug! He said I was so brave. He led me back to the side of the stage - he was holding onto my hand tightly the whole time. As I got to the stairs, he pulled me around towards him. He leaned down with his lips puckered for a kiss (I can't believe I almost forgot about "the kiss"!). Well - I leaned towards him, put my lips on his (mmmm....mmmm......), put my hand on his head and held him to me, and kissed him like there was no tomorrow!!! I wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to lock lips with Barry Manilow!

As I was going down the stairs, he hung his tongue out of his mouth and pretended to swoon (Of course, I didn't know this until I watched the tape!). He continued singing while I was making my way back to my seat. My friend, Lyn Hultgren, was standing at the aisle. I just flew into her arms for a big hug! On the video, you can see when Barry sees us hugging � he points and chuckles. I turned around when he said my name, and he finished the song and blew me a kiss.

He tells how he must have done CSWY 5,000 times � with 5,000 different women � and he says, "And they call Wilt Chamberlain the STILT!" He signs my tape case � had some trouble with the spelling. He asked the audience how to spell my name, and although I could hear a few people on the tape yelling it out correctly, he couldn't hear them and misspelled it. Oh well....

He asked the audience to give me a hand. While they were clapping, he yelled out, "Thanks Shari! I love you!"

I went back to my seat and got another big hug from my seatmate, Jackie Kuba. I folded my poster and put it back in my purse. They brought me the tape, and I just pretty much sat there for the rest of the show shaking, and in shock! The "Barrynet" people came up to me after the show and said they were so excited when they saw my Barrynet button and knew it was "one of us" that got picked. The audience was so supportive, too! Looking back at the tape, I'm able to hear the reaction. I guess "the kiss" went over pretty well judging by the yelling and clapping from the audience.

I talked to so many people after the show � and I want to thank everyone for the congratulations, hugs and support. It meant so much to me that you were all there to share my CSWY moment with me. I love you all! (12/17/2001)

December 21, 2001 - Paramount Theatre (Seattle, Washington)
> Theresa Zanassi (Kirkland, Washington):  How do you describe an experience that is indescribable? I'm not sure, but I'll try. I've dreamed about the possibilities of this moment since the first time I heard "Mandy" and thought, "There's a man I would LOVE the chance to sing with." Little did I know....

Of course, it starts with the music, and Barry first singing "Can't Smile" by himself. The excitement builds until he gets up from the piano to start searching for his date (I loved being called his date). He asked Seth to turn up the house lights so he could see clearly, then started his search on the opposite side of the theater. He joked that it looked like LET'S MAKE A DEAL.

There were a lot of "pick me" signs and he commented on that, but kept looking, then walked to my side of the theater. He pointed to my sign and read it: "Waiting 25 years! Really? Waiting 25 years? How is that possible when I'm only 30?!" Of course by then I was already scrambling over people to get to the aisle (I'm sorry if I stomped on anyone's toes!).

Someone met me and lead me up the stage steps and behind the speakers. As I tiptoed over the cables I could hear Barry talking to the crowd, though I'll admit that I wasn't paying any attention to WHAT he was saying. I was too worried that I would trip over one of the cables and fall SPLAT at his feet (Thank heaven I didn't fall!). Then that magic moment when I came around the speaker and there was Barry waiting for me with his hand held out to me (Be still my heart!). What a moment! There are no words to describe the sensation. WOW!

Barry took my hand and walked me across the stage over to the piano. It took every ounce of restraint I have to keep from tackling him. I wanted to SO MUCH! But I didn't want to scare the poor man to death. But I put my arm around his waist so I was as close as I could be and still be decent. I put my left hand on his chest. Oh Heaven!

He asked my name and where I lived. I had always been afraid that when the time came, I would forget my own name (Over the first hurdle... I remembered both!). Then (bless him) he asked about an "unpronouncable" outdoor venue he played here about two years ago. I told him that it's pronounced "PEW-ALL-UP" (Puyallup). It gave me such a wonderful mental picture of him trying to figure out how to pronounce it that I've had the giggles about it for 3 days!

At the moment that he started to ask me what I do, I was waiving at my friend (Yolanda) who was in the 2nd row, smiling at me. Barry asked me if I have my own fan club. How funny! I did remember to mention my friends from The BarryNet! (2nd hurdle... done!) He joked about having his own "Net."

Then he asked if I knew the words to "Can't Smile Without You." YIKES! All I could say was, "Well, I did before I came up here!" And it was the truth! At that second, I couldn't remember a single lyric. OH HELP! But he gave me the microphone, and once the music started then I was okay. How wonderful to see the pleased looked on his face after about three notes when he realized that I was "reasonably close" (given nerves) to being able to carry a tune! Okay, so I muffed the lyric... He didn't seem to mind (Thank you Miss Johnson for the breath-control techniques). The song went too quickly, as did the stroll across stage where I could smile at my best friends who were enjoying my special moment with me.

Then back to the piano. Oh my God! That moment when Barry hopped up onto the piano and pulled me into that "magic zone." For a split second, my knees threatened to give out. Bless Barry! He held me up by the elbow (ever the gentleman). Then that last note! Without thinking, I reached up my right hand to the side of his face. I just had to touch that sweet face!

Then he hopped down from the piano, took the microphone and I finally got that hug that I've waited so long for! I didn't want to let go, but I got to tell him (in his ear), "Thank you for everything." That meant so much!

The magic was nearly over. He walked me back over the the side of the stage and then offered me that KISS. I put my hand on the back of his head, in that wonderful hair! I went back to my seat as he finished singing "Can't Smile." He gave me a thumbs-up and told me I sang great (He's such a kind liar!). He can't know how much that means to me.

In all, this has been an unbelievable week! Vegas to kick off the tour, my CSWY experience and then the signing the VERY NEXT DAY! I couldn't have written this if I were trying to script it. Nobody would believe it, including me. Thank you Barry! You are so special and mean so much more to your fans than you'll ever know. And for this fan, at least, you are a very special friend who has given me an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you again for EVERYTHING! (12/24/2001)

January 26, 2002 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
> Lyn Hultgren (Omaha, Nebraska):  As Barry sat down at the piano and got himself situated, I KNEW he was about to do "Can�t Smile Without You." I had just spent the afternoon with the worst butterflies I've ever had before a concert. I kept thinking that the knots in my stomach were a sign that I (or someone I knew) was going to be picked that night. My intuition kept telling me that this was going to be a magical night for me, but as a precaution for the possibility of being greatly disappointed I kept telling myself that it wasn�t going to happen to me.

As Barry starting playing the beginning notes to "Can�t Smile," he asked the audience, "Does anyone wanna give me some tongue?" I immediately jumped out of my seat and started to wave my sign (which said "I WANNA WALK W/ YOU BARRY"). As Barry started to whistle I saw a lot of people around me start to get up and wave their signs. For a moment I was truly afraid that he would see the sign two rows ahead of me and pick that one instead. I was determined to not let that happen, so I simply moved from my aisle seat in the center section closer to the aisle seat across from me, and held my sign as high as I could (and as still as I could) so Barry could read it.

Barry finally asked Seth to turn the house lights on, and as I watched Barry look around at all the signs in the 26 rows ahead of me I again had a moment of fear that he would not see mine. So I started to slowly wave my sign and then as I watched him look up to my sign I KNEW he was reading it. After about two seconds, Barry moved his hips from side-to-side as he called out, "I wanna walk with you, Barry." At first I thought he was talking about a sign behind me because I couldn�t believe that my dream was coming true. He called out my sign again and said, "Come on down, Darling." He didn�t have to say THAT twice! I threw my sign on my seat and took off running for the stairs without a clue as to exactly where those stairs might be.

Steve finally caught up to me and took my hand as he lead me to the stairs. As I was climbing the stairs I saw Barry put his hand out for me to grab, which I did without any reservations. He asked me, "What did your sign say?" as we walked over to the piano. So I told him (even though I knew he couldn�t have already forgotten). Then he said, "Like from the song 'I Don�t Want To Walk Without You'? Very clever."

He asked me my name and where I was from, and wanted to know how far away Nebraska was from Illinois. As he was asking me this, all I could think was I have no clue as this is my first time to Illinois, but I did know that it was an eight-hour drive so I went with that as my answer. He then wanted to know if I had been to any other shows because of the sign. I didn�t hear "because of the sign" so I told him about my trips to Las Vegas (December 2000 and December 2001) (Now if I had heard "because of the sign" I would have told him about my first show in Omaha, eleven years ago as my starting point for trying for "Can�t Smile").

Barry started to tell the audience about how intimate the shows are in Vegas and that they really should go to one of those shows. As he was talking to the audience I managed to get my hand inside his jacket and I started to rub from his chest up to his shoulder. He finished saying whatever it was he was saying and let me rub just a little bit more. Barry smiled and then asked me, "What was your name again?" I said in a flirty way "Lyyyn," then (not too loudly), "but you can call me baby!" He then said, "Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby, oh baby!" (OMG, I�m standing on stage flirting with The Man! This must be a dream because it can�t possibly be happening to me!!). He told the audience, "Well... Good night," as he held me closer to him.

Barry asked me if I knew the words to "Can�t Smile." As I nodded my head yes, he responded "of course you do." He went around the piano to get a microphone for me. As I waited for him to come back I looked out into the audience to see Sherry Eshein waving at me. I frantically waved back to her. Barry came back around the piano and gave me the microphone, then took a hold of my hand. We then started our duet.

As I sang off-key and going lower in key, Barry said, "Go, girl." After a few more lines he said, "very beautiful eyes." I wanted to say not as beautiful as yours, but I couldn�t get the words to come out of my mouth! We took our walk to the side of the stage. The entire time I was singing off-key and wanted so much to continue looking into those beautiful blues. We turned around and started our way back to the piano. Oh those eyes! They are the most hypnotic eyes anyone could ever have. So hypnotic that even though I knew we were making our way back to the piano I temporarily forgot that he was about to do the infamous piano part.

When he jumped on the piano and put me between those legs I screamed right into the microphone. Ooops! Barry responded by singing in a very high-pitched voice as I melted between his legs. I tried to take in every second of this, because I knew that my moment was almost over. After we finished the song. I finally got what I wanted from the moment I got on stage. He gave me one of the longest hugs I could have ever asked to receive from him. As he hugged me, he said, "you sounded great and looked great" (He sure knows how to make a girl feel good, even if he had to lie!).

We walked over to the stairs and he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. I tried for a longer kiss, but instead I settled for another hug. As I walked down the stairs I spotted my friend Sherry again and grabbed hold of her hand for a quick squeeze. Out of the corner of my eye I could see another friend, Shari Davis, running across the theater to give me a hug like I had given her just five weeks before in Las Vegas. As Shari and I were hugging I could hear Barry singing and laughing as he watched us hug. I could even see him pointing for people to take a look at us hugging each other like we hadn�t seen each other in years. I then waved at him and he waved back to me. I stopped hugging Shari when Barry said my name, and then he finished the song and blew me a kiss. I blew one right back to him and started hugging Shari all over again.

I finally made my way back to my seat and have been in a daze since then. For all of those hopefuls out there, don�t give up! I was getting ready to throw in the towel because I really didn�t think Barry would ever pick me. Now that he has I have a whole new belief in dreams coming true.

Thank you to everyone who congratulated me after the show and especially to my BarryNet family. You guys are the greatest! (1/29/2002)

February 7, 2002 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> Alan Charles (New York City, New York):  INCREDIBLE!! My wife got the tickets for us. I had always dreamed of doing this. I have been teased by all my friends growing up. It was tough for a guy to admit that he was a Barry Manilow Fan.

I decided to make a sign which read "TEASED For 27 Years...Help Me Smile"....sure enough, he picked me. The experience was awesome! The response from the audience was also tremendous with everyone calling my name during intermission and when my wife and I left. We couldn't wait to get home and watch the tape. Thanks, Barry! (2/8/2002)

February 23, 2002 - Verizon Wireless Arena (Manchester, New Hampshire)
> "Lisa" (of Salem, New Hampshire)

February 24, 2002 - Sovereign Center (Reading, Pennsylvania)
> Flossie Weller-Turpin (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania):  I couldn't believe I was selected by Barry to sing with him. I was standing and waving to Barry [with what he must have] thought was a white tissue and it was actually a pair of white panties wrapped around silk red roses. After years of watching other people getting up on stage to sing with him, I surely was surprised. Talking and singing with Barry was wonderful and sooo much fun!! Our dialogue together was very natural, sincere and so much fun. People in the audience even laughed when they found out my name was "FLOSSIE". The video tape that I received is very special to me as I share it with all of my family and friends. The next day in the Reading Times newspaper was an article about Barry's appearance and about the lucky lady named "Flossie from Philly" who was chosen to sing with Barry. It was a night I will never forget!! (4/22/2002)

March 1, 2002 - Orpheum Theatre (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
> Kathy Pheister (Portland, Oregon):  I had already had a wonderful night with my two best friends from college! I had travelled out to Minneapolis to see Barry and my friends. Jane (from Minneapolis), who arranged the entire "girls weekend", had rented a limo for us to ride to our dinner out before the concert. We hadn't ridden in a limo since my 21st birthday, many years ago! Karen, my college roommate of nine years who now lives in Wisconsin, drove all the way to see me, and of course, Barry Manilow in concert! We had all been fans for many years and this was Jane's first concert. I think I had been a fan the longest, probably 30 years, and this was my third concert. I had contemplated making a sign for "the song", but thought I would never get picked, so I didn't.

When Barry started whistling the tune, Jane pulled me out of my seat and pushed me into the aisle. I basically made a fool out of myself, screaming and waving my arms and jumping up and down. When he said "you in the striped sweater", I just about died!! I remember looking back at Jane and her saying "it's YOU"!! I immediately started crying and walking up to the stage. I was shaking so bad, I almost couldn't walk up there. I just remember thinking that I was having an "out of body experience!"

Barry took my hand and led me over to the piano. I remember him asking where I was from (Portland, Oregon), what I do (I'm a nurse), and why I had travelled so far out to Minnesota -- of course, to see him and my friends -- as well! When he handed me the microphone, I thought, "I can't sing", but somehow I made it through the song that I have sung for so many years!! At one point I remember not knowing where I was in the song, and I just looked over at Barry and remembered what words to sing. Not having gone to so many concerts, I didn't know the routine and the whole piano thing. That was incredible. The kiss was perfect to match the entire night!

It truly was a dream come true for me after so many years of being a fan. It was fun meeting people during intermission and after the concert that congratulated me and said I had sung so well, even though I was so bad! I remember I held onto that video all night and didn't want to put it down! I'll never forget that night, singing with Barry and having the most wonderful friends in the world be there with me to share it all with me. (3/15/2002)

March 7, 2002 - Coach USA Center (Elmira, New York)
> Cheryl Sanders (Elmira, New York): I was the Can't Smile girl that night! I never stopped trying even though I'm very shy. Barry made it easy that night. It was also a tribute to my mother who died 23 years ago, two days after this date. Barry's songs helped me get through it then. My sign said, "Change my life tonight," and in some strange ways, it did. Thanks to Barry for the opportunity and for picking me. Thanks to Mom too. Hope you were there... I think you were! (11/6/2003)

March 14, 2002 - Grove of Anaheim (Anaheim, California)
> Linda Bonar (Valencia, California): This was billed as a "low-key, intimate 'love songs' concert, BUT what made this night incredibly, wonderfully special was that, after waiting for 26 L-O-N-G years, I was FINALLY the "Can't Smile Without You" girl! It was the happiest, most incredible five minutes of my life, and I thank Barry from the bottom of my heart. It was certainly worth the wait! (3/28/2002)

March 23, 2002 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
> Connie Cleaves (Wayne, Maine):  How do I start? Where do I begin? I SANG WITH BARRY MANILOW!! I still can't believe it. And to think I wasn't even going to this performance! What was I thinking? I guess I'll begin this story with how I got to see this fantastic show...

We, my friends and I, arrived at Foxwoods early Friday afternoon (March 22). We couldn't get into our room so to kill time we wandered over to the Box Office to pick up our tickets for Friday night and the late show on Saturday. When I saw where we were sitting, I was so disappointed. Nose-bleed section both nights! YUCK! I asked about an upgrade. No luck.

When we came back later for the Friday night show, I inquired again about an upgrade. Still no luck but I decided to hang around the Box Office just in case. At the last minute, thanks to this wonderful person who works there, we got an upgrade. I must have looked so pathetic she took pity on me! We had no way of knowing where we were going to sit but anything was better than way up back. To our astonishment, we were seated in the 3rd row dead center. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

The Friday show was spectacular. Afterward, I went back to the Box Office to thank the lady who upgraded the tickets. She asked if I was going to any more shows. I told her "yes, the late show Saturday," but I really wanted to get a ticket to the early show, too. I also told her that I had a terrible seat again for Saturday and was hoping to upgrade again plus get a good seat for the early show (I know, I'm getting a little demanding!). She told me to come back the next night when she came on duty and she would do all she could to help me.

5:30 PM Saturday, I was at her counter. I seriously wondered if she would even remember me. She did! Yes, I got a seat for the 7:00 p.m. show and an upgrade for the late show. I'm feeling pretty good at this point. Smug, if you must know!

At the early show, I had no idea where I would be seated. Past experience at Foxwoods told me that arriving later is sometimes better. In this case, it was all that and more. When I was shown to my seat, I was surrounded by "civilians." Oh boy, I thought, this is going to be a totally different experience for me. Little did I know!

The lights went down and the concert began. I got my camera out and started taking a few pictures. When Barry went over to the piano, I thought, "No way, too much time has gone by." He started whistling and I went crazy! I threw my digital camera on the floor and grabbed my sign (Priorities you know!). I stood up and waved my sign amongst the civilians. My seat seemed even better now. There was no competition with other signs! Barry finished the introduction and asked for the house lights. I was shaking all over. He then asked Stevie to pick (Thank you Stevie!!).

After a "very brief" conversation with Stevie, Barry said, "I've been practicing forever." My sign! OMG! He read it again and said something like, "If she's been practicing forever, she must know the words. Come on down." At that point I was not with the program, but everyone around me was yelling, "Go, go!!" David came to lead me back stage. I repeated, "OMG, OMG!" and was on the verge of hyperventilating. He told me to breath. When we got back stage he told me to look at the floor and watch where I put my feet so I don't trip over the cables. Now I'm a real basket-case! I knew my time is here.

I heard Barry say, "Where's my date?" Me?? I finally made it on stage. What a thrill to actually be that close to Barry and hold his hand too. And, oh those eyes... He directed me to the piano and we "chatted". I was a woman of few words (First time for everything!). I had my arm around his back and I started rocking. He kind of chuckled, smiled and rocked right along with me while we were talking. I gazed into those gorgeous blue eyes like a lovesick puppy!

It was now time for the SONG. Barry went back to get the other microphone for me. I let out yet another "OMG!" and then we began. I didn't have a clue what was going to come out of my mouth. He said I was doing well (I think he's a good liar!). He guided me along and then stopped singing and let me carry on by myself. Again, he told me I sang well. Thank goodness he didn't let me do it for long. Those cat and dog noises he mentions would have come out!

We took the "stroll." Barry made a comment about being just like Justin and Brittany. I rolled my eyes, lost my concentration and had to listen to him for a second to get back on track. Barry led the way back to the piano. I was a little slow on the uptake and he had to gesture with his finger to get me moving in the right direction. He jumped up on the piano and I did another "OMG!" When he positioned me between his legs, I let out a scream. That did a lot for the song! I had a death grip on his knee. Did I leave bruises, Barry? I'm sorry.

Next thing I knew, the song was over. We hugged and I started to leave the stage. STUPID ME! Barry pulled me back for the "kiss". I know, you're all saying how could she leave before that? You all have to realize my mind was mush by then! I was led through the back stage area - although I don't remember it - and told to stop in the isle while Barry finished the song. He threw me a kiss and I threw him one too! It was over. Well, not really. The memory will last forever!

Anne Ogden was waiting for me in the isle to help me celebrate. Thanks, Anne! I made it back to my civilian seat after a fashion (I couldn't remember where it was!). What a reception I got. They were so supportive! They gave me congratulations and were genuinely happy for me. As for the rest of the show, I hardly remember it. To this day, I'm still in a state of shock. I can't believe I actually sang with Barry Manilow. But I have the video to prove it! (3/30/2002)

April 6, 2002 - Aronoff Center for the Arts (Cincinnati, Ohio)
> Missy Storm (Mason, Ohio):  My story starts way back in January 2002, when Manilow tickets were going on sale for the Cincinnati Aronoff Center. My friends and I all joked about getting our tickets as close as possible to the stage, and that we needed to get started on our signs for the show. I even joked about losing 20 pounds in case I got picked (which I now wish I would have done!) Everyone told me I should put "Sweet Melissa" on my sign, they thought that would catch Barry's attention. Anyway, we got our tickets for Thursday night, April 4, Row J, not too bad. Only about 10 or so rows back, we thought we had a chance.

Fast forward to April 4, 2002. I didn't get my sign finished, I had been remodeling my house and I just couldn't get it done. My son's 14th birthday had been the day before and we were out celebrating, life had gotten in the way of my dreams (and fantasies) about being on stage with Barry. I worked all day, and met my friends for dinner before the concert. We were all excited, finally the day had arrived. I work for a large medical practice, and our physicians were going to the concert on Saturday night as a group. I found out from my friend Debbie that a couple of them were not going to be able to attend, so there were extra tickets for Saturday's show. We decided that we would let everyone else have a chance, but we would definitely go again if no one else could make it.

We arrive for the show Thursday, and we have a great time. We are up dancing, singing, and trying not to annoy people around us. Barry puts on an excellent show, as usual. He has an awesome finale with "Let Freedom Ring!" He did not do "Can't Smile Without You" on Thursday. I was surprised, he had always done it at the shows I had seen previously. I just assumed he wasn't doing the song anymore, but I still had a wonderful time, so I didn't give it another thought.

I find out on Friday that I can have two tickets for Saturday night. I call my husband and ask him if he wants to go on a date. He says he will go, he has been with me to Barry's concerts before and he really does like Barry too, even if he won't come right out and admit it.

Saturday evening arrives, we are running late. I have to get film! I forgot my camera Thursday night, and I wanted to get some shots. We made our stop to get film and headed downtown. We arrived with about an hour to spare for dinner, so we went to the Bella Italian Restaurant next to the Aronoff. We had to sit at the bar because they were full. They were playing Barry Manilow on their background stereo system. I was kind of singing along with the tunes, and the waitress asked if we were going to the concert. I told her as a matter of fact, we were, and proceeded to tell her how much I loved Barry and his music. She said he had been in for dinner last evening, after his show. How cool!

We hurriedly ate dinner, I didn't want to be late for the concert. We arrived at the Aronoff at 7:40 p.m. Everyone was waiting in the outer lobby, they hadn't opened the theater doors yet. I chatted with some women who told me he had done "Can't Smile" on Friday night, but the girl he picked admitted to being up there with him several times before. I was shocked to hear that! What are the chances of being picked? One in a million? They said they didn't think he would pick someone again tonight, he seemed to be upset Friday night. They said he usually only did it once a venue. Okay, I have to admit, I was disappointed to think he wouldn't be doing it tonight.

About 30 minutes into the (again) fabulous show, he does the intro to "Can't Smile"! OMG, he's going to do it!! We are all on our feet in Row Q, and I'm thinking there's no way he will pick this far back. He's singing the song, then he gets up and sets some ground rules. He says that "Greedy Girl" was up here last night, that he picked her and she told him she'd been up there a couple of times before. He said he couldn't believe it! He understood why she would want to stand next to his personage more than once, but he needed to give the whole world a chance to stand next to him. We are all cheering and screaming now, we are so excited!! He says from now on, its first timers only, that he wants VIRGINS up here! LOL!

Then he says he really would like to have someone from Cincinnati, and starts scanning the crowd. He looks my way. OMG! He says, "Are you from Cincinnati, there in the black outfit with the blue top?" And I'm thinking, is he talking to ME? I point to myself and he says, "Yes, you there in the black, come on down!" Of course, I am now dying, and my friends are going crazy! He even says, "they're all wishing her well, like she's going on a hike!" I make my way down the aisle, and a man meets me part way down. He took my hand and led me off to the back stage area. I am now looking out at Barry onstage, and the man tells me to head right on out there, and not to faint.

I am now onstage with BARRY! He says, "Hi sweetie!" and I gush back "Hiiiiii!" He asks my name, and I barely get it out. Reality is sinking in. I am onstage with BARRY MANILOW. HE HAS HIS ARM AROUND ME! He asks where I live, and I say Mason, Ohio. Mason is a suburb of Cincinnati, just north of the city. I want to clarify that! I have lived here all my life, and whenever I travel, I tell everyone I'm from Cincinnati. He is chatting with me like we are old friends, out for dinner. He asks what I do in Ohio, and I babble off about my workplace. He asks if I've seen the show before, and I reply that I saw it Thursday night. I told him it was awesome! He then asks if I know the words, which of course, I do. I wanted to tell him I know the words to ALL of his songs!

The next thing I know, I have a microphone in my hand, and they are keying up the music. OMG--I have to sing? There is no way! I have sung over the years with my church choir, and I am always singing at work and in the car. But--LIVE? With Barry Manilow? In front of countless people? Oh well, here goes! We start singing, and my voice is cracking. I am so nervous! But he says, "You go Girl!" and I just keep singing. He is holding my hand, and he tells me I have beautiful blue eyes. I am now melting!

We take the stroll, still singing away! Somehow, I hear my friend yell "GO MISSY" from the audience, and I start to laugh. He says, "don't fall apart" and gets me back on track. We go to the piano, and he jumps up on it and pulls me to him! I am in heaven now! He is looking in my eyes, and I am looking in his. There is no one else in the auditorium now but Barry and me. That is how he made me feel! Too soon, the song is over, we hug again, and we are walking off stage. Then he pulls me back for the kiss. How am I still standing? I have loved this man for what seems like forever, and now I am kissing him!

There are no words to describe how he made me feel. I am sure I will never feel this way again as long as I live. Barry, you gave me the most exciting night of my life. Do you know what you give to the women you bring on stage? I certainly hope you do, and that you keep "Can't Smile" in the show. I will never forget it, I will always cherish it, and I will tell everyone who will listen about it. I have played my autographed video over and over again, just to make sure it was real!

He finishes the song, and proceeds to comment that I had no nerves! If he only knew! He talks for a couple of minutes about other women who have been onstage with him, and then he goes to sign my video, and sings, Missy, missy, bo bissy, banana-fana-fo-fissy! What a hoot! I go back to my seat, high-fiving people along the way. I get back to my row, and I have to hug every one of my friends and my husband, who is beaming! I am almost in tears now! The rest of the evening is kind of a blur. He put on an excellent concert, standing ovation after standing ovation! He made my night complete when he sang "Could it be Magic", and put "Sweet Melissa" back into the lyrics. I have seen several shows, and he has never sung Sweet Melissa.

Barry, if you are reading this, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Your words and music have helped me and inspired me through some tough times and happy times in my life. I have loved you forever, even more so now that I have been face to face with you. You are a very special man. Don't ever let anyone make you think differently! (4/14/2002)

April 19, 2002 - Fox Theatre (Atlanta, Georgia)
> Annette Church (Gastonia, North Carolina):  Being face to face with Barry Manilow was a most joyful event for me. Reality was even better than my dream. Mr. Manilow was a gentleman. I remain grateful that he allows us the opportunity to share a precious bit of time with him. Being on stage wasn't the origin of the blessing. It was finally having some conversation and some wonderful memories shared with someone that didn't know me from Adam, but took the time to make me feel special.

When I initially hit the stage, I ran right into his arms, and wrapped myself around him. Instantly, I was embarrased and regretted wrapping my legs around his waist. I didn't plan for that to happen. I prayed I didn't hurt his back. The thought ran through my mind to be like the Olympic ice skater that slipped on the ice. She quickly arose from the ice and completed her event. This was a rare opportunity and I was determined in my heart to "go for it" and seize the moment. I did regret the "body hug." I hoped it wouldn't frighten Mr. Manilow and discourage future "Can't Smile Without You" experiences, for what a treasure it was for me.

I didn't even think of the crowd. I was, for a few moments, singing, quite off-key, face to face with a musician I had admired for 28 years. A most handsome one at that! He was so gracious as to guide me along and seemed to enjoy my excitement. I sang my heart out to him! He was gentleman enough to even notice. I had hoped for a time such as this. I remain grateful and I am still floating from the experience!

Conversing with him, singing and a bit of dancing carried me right into having the absolute time of my life with Mr. Manilow. It was there in Georgia, the state I was born in, that I had confirmed in my heart, that he is a caring person. Mr. Manilow is a thriller to my heart. He's quite unselfish to share those moments in "Can't Smile." Thank you, Barry Manilow. I am still smiling. That time with you at the Fox in Atlanta, was a gift! You allowed me to share with YOU, as you so often have with others, that "I feel glad when you're glad." May you have much gladness in your heart always. (4/22/2002)

May 4, 2002 - NEC Arena (Birmingham, England)
> Elaine Steel (Southend, Essex, England): After waiting 2� years for Barry to return to the UK I was excited enough about opening night, but little did I know just how exciting it would be! After hearing that Barry was not always doing "Can't Smile Without You" in the States I debated whether to bother making a sign, however, I'm very glad I did! I decided I wanted to say how long I had been trying for "Can't Smile", for 18 years since I first saw Barry in 1984 when I was 15! I also decided I wanted to show that I was a first timer. I finally settled for "18 years - still a virgin". It was simple and said it all!

As soon as the music for "Can't Smile" started, everyone jumped up and began waving signs, etc. Two women in front of me were waving feather boas so I held my sign right at the bottom and stood on tip-toe to lift it as high as I could so Barry could read it. Being only 4-feet 11-inches, I needed all the height I could get! Barry said he wanted virgins only but I never noticed him look my way at all. Then all of a sudden he says, "18 years, still a virgin." I stood there in shock for a moment wondering if I was hearing correctly: "18 years, still a virgin. Come on down." Well, he didn't have to ask me again! I quickly discarded my sign and started running down the aisle! As I reached the stage I quickly glanced up at Barry who was looking back at me. He gave me such a sweet look and smile as he said, "Here she is" then I was lead to the steps. A few more paces and I was hand-in-hand with Barry Manilow! I still can't believe it!

Barry asked my name and where I was from. I said "Elaine from Southend in Essex." Don't ask me how I kept it together but somehow I was completely calm. He told everyone to say "Hi" to me and I gave him a gentle hug; my head rested nicely in the middle of his chest! I could have stayed there for the longest time! He asked if I had done "Can't Smile Without You" before. I said no. Then he said I must have seen the show before since I had a sign, and I said I had been touring with him for 18 years. Barry asked how long he had been coming to the UK and I explained that his first tour here was in 1978 but that I first saw him in '84. Barry laughed and said "1884, that's what it feels like," and I gave him another little hug. He said it was nice to meet me and asked what I did. I replied that I'm training to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Barry exclaimed that he loved that then chuckled that he could use me. I chuckled back, "Anytime!" Barry asked if I knew the words and I said that I did. He got me a mic and took my hand very gently; his hands are so soft! It was now time to sing!

Barry sang a few lines with me then told me I was doing great and kind of left me to it. I guess I must have been singing in tune though I couldn't hear anything. Barry told me I had beautiful eyes and I managed to blurt back that he did too! Just before we went strolling, I said, "I love this man!" It was all too much! As Barry jumped on the piano and pulled me between his legs I was thinking self-control don't fail me now, and I let out a pathetic little yelp! I could feel Barry pull his legs in tighter around me as he told me I was doing great yet somehow I still managed to keep singing!

All too soon, it was over. After the last note Barry exclaimed, "Yeah, Elaine, good on you!" During the applause, Barry told me it had been great and we gave each other a big hug. We walked hand-in-hand back to the steps and I must have been in a daze. There was so much I wanted to say to Barry but I said nothing! As we reached the steps I turned back to Barry for the kiss. I wasn't going to forget that! Barry was bent down all puckered up ready and waiting, for a split second I thought Oh My God! I leaned forward resting a hand on Barry's right shoulder, my other hand was still in Barry's hand, and tried to give Barry the gentlest most heartfelt kiss I could muster! It was brief but wonderful; his lips seemed relaxed and beautifully soft! As we pulled away, Barry gave me a very seductive "MMM" kind of look, I about died! Barry smiled and said, "Bye sweetheart," as I went down the steps.

I walked back to the aisle and waited there until Barry had finished singing. As Barry started the last line, he turned to look at me. I blew him a kiss then hand-signalled, "I love you," and we blew each other a final kiss in unison. It was perfect. Barry was grinning at the end and said "My favourite." Then he said he never knew who he was going to get and thanked me for doing a great job. He explained about the video and said he was signing it "To Elaine, Big sloppy kisses." He thanked me again and said he loved having me between his legs! The feeling's mutual Barry! I bounced back to my seat being hugged by friends all the way!

Thank you to all my friends and even strangers who came up to congratulate me for making my night so special. I'm so glad that some of my US friends were there to share my moment! It was great to be part of the UK tour bash and celebrate into the night. Thanks to Lynn for playing the video!

Thank you so much, Barry, for giving me a magical evening full of wonderful memories to treasure for a lifetime. I really wish there was some way I could give something back to you, -- a simple thank you doesn't seem enough -- but I meant what I said, I'm available anytime you need me! (5/26/2002)

May 5, 2002 - NEC Arena (Birmingham, England)
> Lesley Wilkinson (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK): A friend once described my face on the video as someone whose Christmas, Easter, Fireworks Night, and Birthday had all come at once! And yes that's just how I felt. Oh my, what an experience! One of the stewards was telling me to get down off my seat but I was going nowhere. I screamed and shouted at this vision on the stage to pick me. Barry went over to speak to Steve and he said "pick the sign that says "I'm Begging for it!" And Barry did! My best friend Jan kept saying "it's you, it's you!" I was off like a wipet after the hare!

Got to the stage and there he was... I looked into his eyes and I was gone (they are so blue!). He started to talk to me as my eye's got bigger. I lost any knowledge of how to speak. The only word I knew was "yeah!" The music started and then it happened, where did this voice come from? I can't sing! From then, on it was, just me and him singing along together. Never mind that I was on stage with BARRY MANILOW and on Two Big Screens in front of hundreds of people!

I managed to get through nearly all the song but lost it as he wrapped his legs round me (while on the piano)! Ah, but best was yet to come... he kissed me as he got down off the piano, then walked to the edge of the stage and kissed me again. This time I was hanging on for dear life! By then I was in a total daze (you don't know what day it is or what planet you're on). It's not till you see the video your realise what's going on.

Got back to my seat, Jan in tears, and me in shock. 19 years and yes yes yes, I'd done it. The rest of the show was a blur. As you can imagine I was high as a kite. Does this Man realise how good he can make another human being feel!? Floated back to the Metropole and straight up to the room to phone my son and daughter, who had been sat with eye's skyward at their crazy mother colouring a sign again! The fan club had got a tour bash on the go, as I walked into the room there was a loud cheer. Thank you to everyone! Also, thanks to my dearest Barry friends who get constantly reminded of the event, and of course, to the man himself for making my dream come true! (10/6/2006)

May 10, 2002 - Wembley Arena (London, England)
> Barbara de-Vos (Essex, England):  My very first concert was Blenheim Palace in August 1983, a few days before my 16th Birthday. I'd been a fan for a couple of years before that. Every tour (and I mean EVERY tour!) I got up hoping to be picked for "Can't Smile Without You." Twenty years later when I had gotten to a point that it was never going to happen to me - it did!

Barry must have looked at me at least 4 or 5 times. I knew he'd seen me [and] I was sure he wouldn't pick me, but he did. My initial reaction was Oh My God, then my friend screamed and held me so tight I didn't think she was going to let me go! I was so nervous that I forgot where I lived initially and had to control my breathing before I could speak properly. Somehow (well, I know how!) I gained my composure and enjoyed every moment. It was Barry who got me through it - I'd heard other Can't Smile girls say the same. He definitely does, he has a real calming effect.

I have been written about, amongst a review of the tour, in two London papers, one of them a national paper. And only today I've been interviewed by my local paper in Essex, and they have taken my photo. So for me the experience has gone on and on. I have been overcome by the reaction of my family and friends who are so very pleased for me. One friend said it was inspirational, trying to do something for 20 years and not giving up. I guess I was really fortunate (Mind you it will make me keep doing the Lottery!!). Thanks, Barry. You are wonderful! (5/23/2002)

May 11, 2002 - Wembley Arena (London England)
> Jenny Hodge (Ealing, London, United Kingdom):  Last night, Barry picked me out from the crowd at Wembley Arena, and I still can't quite believe it! I went nuts, jumping up and down, and he noticed me - so I'd recommend that course of action for anyone who REALLY wants to get picked!

I was so nervous - you can't quite imagine it until you're actually there. I really wanted to say something intelligent, but the words just wouldn't come out. He told me to hold the microphone in my left hand, and hold his with my right, but I just stood there holding the microphone with both hands for about 10 seconds - I couldn't take in what he was saying to me! Talk about feeling stupid! I could hear the audience laughing at me, but I couldn't see a thing. All you can see is a huge white fog of dry ice and bright lights.

I played my video when I got home, and it's so strange to see myself on there - it just doesn't seem real! Thanks to those guys who film it all - you're great! I'll never forget my Barry experience! - it was amazing to get that close to him, and I just want to thank him for making it such a special night. THANKS BARRY! You're wonderful!! (5/12/2002)

May 16, 2002 - Clyde Auditorium (Glasgow, Scotland)
> Alison Green (Canvey Island, Essex, United Kingdom):  Finally after 23 years waiting (almost) patiently my dream came true! It was the 13th night of the UK tour and I was in the 13th row, seat 33, even my room number was 331 (Who says 13 is unlucky??).

The day started like any other of the tour except one thing: I wasn't nervous! You see I am always so jittery before a show armed with my packets of Polo mints, hoping, praying, promising all sorts of things to all sorts of people if Barry would just pick me! But [this day] was different. Why? "Well if I get picked I get picked; if I don't, it wasn't meant to be. I'm just going to enjoy the show. In fact I'm not going to take my banner. It's rubbish, it won't get picked, and I think I'll make a new one tomorrow!"

I wore a shirt I had bought in Cardiff the week before for my birthday. I remember commenting [to my friend Sue] that it would be a good shirt to get picked up in ... I put on my boots, which frankly cripple me but make me look a little taller. Just as we were about to leave, Sue said I should take my banner or I might regret it, agreeing I did.

As soon as Barry sat down at the piano and [we heard] the first bar of "Can't Smile Without You," we were up on our feet. Then a wall of people and banners seemed to come up in front of me. I couldn't see Barry from where I was standing! It wasn't until Barry walked across [the stage] that I could see him, and there was this clear path between him and me. I waved my banner and called "Barry" (Okay, I was jumping up and down and screaming "BARRY!"). I couldn't believe it when he read out my banner. For a split second I stood there taking it in at the same time Sue said "IT'S YOU!" We just screamed at each other and I threw my banner. My camera was still around my neck and Barry was saying "BRING IT WITH YOU, SWEETIE." [But] I took off my camera and gave it to my friend Mark who was sitting in the aisle.

Some guy from Barry's crew met me halfway saying that I could hold his hand for support, and another guy at the stairs gave me instructions on how to climb them (Sounds silly but you forget your name at times like this!). When [I got to] the top Barry came towards me hand-outstretched. This was the moment I had waited for and I was going to make the most of it.

His hand was so soft and almost cool to the touch. He led me to the piano. I hugged him so tight and buried my face in his collar (glad I wore those boots now!) and took a large breath in. He smelt heavenly, a woody musk I'll never forget it (I could smell it even the next day!). He asked me the usual questions: name, where I came from... He seemed stumped by Canvey Island, asking if I had seen the show before? "Yes, all of them." Jewish guilt had got the better of him but I assured him it was my pleasure and I was having a great time.

Sue and I had been talking earlier that day about the things we would do if we got up there. The first was a pact that whoever got picked would remember the other. Guess what? I FORGOT! It wasn't until Barry said you must have made some friends on the tour that I remembered SUE!! I asked Barry to say "Hi" to her, which he did. He went to get me a microphone and told me to hold his piano for support. The problem was now I had to sing. Well, I love to sing and am always singing at home but no one had ever heard me. And here I was about to sing in front of about 4000 people...and my hero. Even at home I can't sing "Can't Smile." It's in the wrong key! Luckily you can't hear yourself up there but to everyone there that night, SORRY!

Barry was talking to me throughout the first verse telling me I was doing great. He looks you straight in the eyes and smiles. We started walking across the stage singing and I didn't want to take my eyes off him. He asked if I wanted to go on the road with him (Ummm...okay!). On the way back to the piano Barry was almost dragging me (It's okay, Barry, I'm willing!). As Barry leaped up on the piano, I faced him hugging him tight. He hugged me back then slowly turned me around between his legs. I grabbed his knee for support and buried my head back on his chest with Barry's cheek against my hair and his hand stroking my hair. We finished the song and he leaped back down hugging me and telling me how well I had done. I just kept thanking him. He led me over to the stairs for a short sweet kiss (NO WAY, it went on for ages!).

After the show everyone was so nice to me taking my address to send me pictures, people I didn't even know. Sue had been taking pictures for me and was [helping] write my address, as I was too dazed. People were sniffing my clothes, touching my hands, asking me to touch their banners for good luck, [asking me questions like] "What does he smell like?" and "Can he see me in the 5th row?". I felt like a star. Thanks to Sue, Mark, Eileen, Kath and Margaret for taking the fantastic pictures of my duet with Barry.

My greatest memories from that night are the touch of his hand, his gorgeous smell, his BLUE eyes, his soft warm lips... I could go on forever! Never give up hoping to sing with Barry. If it can happen to me, believe me it can happen to you.

THANKS, BARRY!! You made me feel so relaxed. It was well worth the wait! (8/21/2002)

May 19, 2002 - Manchester Evening News Arena (Manchester, England)
> Angie McPhie (Kettering, Northamptonshire, England):  I have dreamt of this moment since I was five years old - am now 31 and last night it finally happened!! He picked me out of the audience from my sign which just said "Angie" and I screamed and RAN as fast as I could to the stage! I wasn't nervous, I just couldn't WAIT to get up there!! He smelled really clean and fresh and his eyes were so blue and twinkly - I tried to stare into them as much as possible while I was there. I am back at work today and I still can't believe it - thanks to Barry for giving me a tape of the special moment - which is going to be watched over and OVER again!! (5/20/2002)

May 21, 2002 - Nottingham Arena (Nottingham, England)
> Gill Smart (Wolverhampton, England): This was the night I asked Barry to turn me on anytime! And he did. It was 9:05 pm 21/5/02 when I got onto that stage I had the most wonderful 10 minutes of singing (completely out of tune) and frisking him to make sure he was every bit a man (he was!!). I didn't care that the arena was full and my hubby was sitting watching me. I was there to have a good time. For all of us lucky women who are chosen to join Barry on stage, it is a moment that stays with you forever. He makes sure you have a wonderful time and the video I was given to remember the occasion will be treasured always. Thank you, Barry, for putting up with ...the grope! (2/19/2010)

July 28, 2002 - NTELOS Pavilion Harbor Center (Portsmouth, Virginia)
> Gia L. Sams: I began planning to sing on stage with Barry as soon as I heard that he would be in our area again. My sister and I sat down and [came up with] the best way to get Barry's attention. I knew I wanted to make a collage of some sort, so in proper Manilow fan fashion; my family helped me make a banner sign that read "Ebony & Ivory. 23 Years of Waiting" with a cute little heart in the middle made of a collage of pictures of Barry and me.

I had purchased my ticket as a BMIFC member so I had a great seat in the third row center, right on the aisle (Did I mention that this was also my first concert?!). Even if I hadn't got to sing with Barry, the show in itself was amazing. Well, Barry came out electrifying as usual and my head was already in the clouds by the time the "Can't Smile" music began playing and he asked to have the house lights turned up I was a little hesitant when it came time to hold up the sign, but the woman next to me urged me on and, as I saw a gentleman come and roll a set of stairs up to stage very near to where I was standing, I knew then that tonight would be my night. Barry came closer to my end of the stage; I waved my sign around until he had no choice but to pick me.

Everything from that moment on was surreal. I heard through a fog in my head Barry reading my sign, "Ebony and Ivory, yeah let's see what that's about." Someone came from somewhere and escorted me up to the stage. Another person took my sign and put it aside for me (I didn't remember any of that until I reviewed the tape). Barry took my hand as I came up on stage and asked me what the Ebony and Ivory meant. I said "You and me!" and he said "Oh, of course."

Now, I'd been practicing what I would say to Barry for years if ever I got the chance. I would tell him I was a fellow New Yorker, born and bred in upstate. I would tell him how I'd recently sang "When October Goes" to my son at his going-away party when he entered the military. But, before I could say anything Barry said I was beautiful and had beautiful eyes � and I couldn't think after that. When he began asking me questions all I could respond with was, "yes... yes... um... yes." I was able to get out where I lived and where I worked but after that he gave up and suggested that we just start singing.

He took my hand and we began singing and walking. His hand was warm and I could swear I felt sparks coming from it the whole while we sang! After a few verses he said I was doing real well, and I was... until he led me over to the piano and sat behind me. I totally stopped singing for a few seconds, and then began singing again.

The song ended and he led me off stage, but of course not before I got a nice big kiss and a Barry hug (Boy, did he smell good!). The only thing that kept me focused through the whole event was Barry's bright blue eyes. He stared into my eyes the whole time and I will never forget, nor have I ever seen since, that wonderful shade of blue. I went back to my seat, and Barry made the night even more special by making a few comments to me even after that. Someone threw a pair of underwear up on the stage and he asked if they were mine!

After the show, it took almost an hour for me to leave the Pavilion because I spent so much time talking with other fans. One woman gave me a roll of film she had taken and quite a few people gave me email address and phone numbers so we could keep in touch. I went home and watched the tape over and over until my family made me go to bed. I went on-line that same night and chatted with several people who had been at the show and kept that Barry feeling going until the wee hours of the morning.

I've had three children, been to London and watched Shakespeare performed at the Globe theater, and I've even touched a Van Gogh at the museum in Amsterdam. But nothing will ever compare with the joy and wonderment of singing onstage with Barry. Unfortunately for me, my story ended sadly when three days later a house fire destroyed everything I owned including my Barry tape. Nothing, however, can destroy the memory of those deep crystal-blue eyes. (8/30/2002, 6/23/2004)

July 31, 2002 - Jones Beach (Wantagh, New York)
> Kelly Block (Dallas, Texas):  Barry came out looking terrific, as always. After the opening medley, the intro music for "Can't Smile Without You" started, and I took my folded up sign out of my tote bag, just in case. Then Barry said this song was the greatest sing-along of all time since "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and began singing it. I figured it would be a sing-along all the way through, so I joined in and just enjoyed the moment.

Then, part way through the song, Barry said, "Okay, who wants to come up and sing it with me?" I reached down, grabbed my sign, unfolded it, and held it high. It was on pink poster board with black lettering, and said "Trying Since October 1982", since that was when I attended my very first Barry concert and it was the very first time I'd seen him do the song as a duet. The house lights came up and he walked over to my side of the stage. He stopped, pointed at my sign and picked it! I think I screamed, and THREW my sign down and practically jumped over the people between me and the aisle!!

Someone on Barry's crew was there to grab my hand, and he led me to the front of the stage and stopped. I wondered where the stairs were, and they told me to step up on the chair the security guard had been sitting on, and then step up to the stage. I thought, "Okay, if you say so!" and stepped up onto the chair. I then saw Barry's hand reaching down for my hand, so I grabbed it, and reached my foot up to the stage. It was a bit of a stretch, but Barry pulled me up, and the next thing I knew, I was standing next to him! He said "Hi" and "well THAT was a real graceful way of getting up - really, what are they doing to you?" and we walked to the piano.

When we got to the piano, he asked my name and where I was from. When I said Dallas, he seemed really surprised, and asked if I had come all that way just to see the show. I told him I had and he hugged me and said "Aw, thanks Kelly." He went around the piano and grabbed the microphone for me, and asked me what I did in Dallas. I started to answer into my microphone, but it wasn't on yet, so Barry continued to share his with me. When I told him I was a music teacher, he was so sweet.

He asked what instrument I played, and I told him piano. He then said, "Alright, come on," and playfully started to pull me around to the keyboard. Aaackkkkk!! I literally stopped dead in my tracks and said "No, no!" and Barry stopped and grinned and we both had a good laugh. Now, don't get me wrong, I would have LOVED to play the piano with him (I've been playing since I was seven), but I was so startled at that point that I doubt that I could have remembered how to even play "Chopsticks"!

He then asked me what grade I taught, and I told him elementary music. He commented on that, and seemed pleased. Then, it was time to start the duet! He checked my microphone, and it was on, and after a quick countdown, we started. I started to sing (realizing then that I had [forgotten] to tell him that I'm an instrumentalist, not a vocalist, so he wouldn't go running for the hills when he heard my voice), and I realized that I couldn't hear myself singing over the band. Bless Barry's heart, he jumped up an octave at the beginning so I could find the pitch, and then dropped back down when he realized I'd found it. We started singing, and I remember him breaking into the sweetest smile (where his eyes crinkle up). I also remember at one point while we were singing, he said, "Your kids are gonna love this," (referring to my school kids). At that point, I was simply in heaven.

I remember him holding my hand very tightly at the piano, and then he tucked my arm under his, and we walked across the stage and sang facing the audience. I glanced at the audience and it was just a sea of pitch blackness, which was probably a good thing - otherwise I might have passed out! Then it was time for the walk back to the piano.

The next thing I knew, Barry was on the piano behind me with his legs around me and I was leaning back against him. My absolute most favorite memory from this whole experience was hearing him singing into my ear - not hearing his voice through the microphone and speakers, but hearing it directly in my ear. That moment alone is priceless. I remember him touching my hair at one point and squeezing his legs around me. When the song was ending, I literally forgot to sing, then realized it and joined back in for the last note.

Barry got off the piano and hugged me and was talking to me. I don't remember what he said, or what I said back to him (although I think I was saying "thank you" over and over). Then he walked me over toward the back of the stage where there were some steps, and stopped and motioned to me to kiss him! I put my hand on his shoulder and we kissed (...boy, was I glad I had popped a Listerine Pocket (breath) Strip into my mouth before the show at that point)!

As I was being led down the stairs, the stage manager told me to go back to my seat and he would bring the tape to me. They took me down a different aisle than the one I came up in, and it was dark and I wasn't familiar with the venue, and I couldn't find my seat! So, I just stood there while Barry finished the song and blew me a kiss! I blew him a kiss back and then someone from the venue must have realized I didn't know where my seat was, because they came and got me and took me back to my seat. Everyone along the way back was congratulating me, and my seat mates were too! I don't remember much of the show after that... it was pretty much a blur!

Thank you so much, Barry, for this wonderful gift you gave me that night. Thank you for making me feel so special and comfortable up there with you. It meant the world to me, and I will be forever grateful that I received this gift from you. (8/25/2002)

August 3, 2002 - PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, New Jersey)
> Michele Brettholtz: It was the day after the rains in "biblical proportions." Having survived that, I thought back to all the years I've been a fan, and all the other adventures we experienced -- the road trips, long weekends, all nighters -- over a span of 27 years. I had long since given up the dream of being called up for "Can't Smile Without You." Barry's eyes seemed to be finding "younger" fans lately. But these last few shows, as the tour was coming to an end, Barry was selecting people with signs as though he were looking for TRUE FANS. So, this day, I was going to make one last effort. I made a new sign to add to my collection of others that never got noticed. It read "137 SHOWS, STILL BEGGING!" Somehow it worked! He actually saw MY sign.

I was probably never more excited in my entire life than when Barry called out the words on my sign. I ran onto the stage and couldn't contain my enthusiasm. I know I startled poor Barry, as he almost didn't see me coming. But he picked me up off the ground. I kissed him several times while hugging him and holding his head (After all, I had 27 years to replay this fantasy in my imagination!). I was just grateful I remembered my name (although it does appear on the video that I seemed to have some trouble recalling the difference between countries and continents!). All I can say is it was so very exciting. Persistence paid off. Dreams really do come true!

P.S. My husband announced, upon learning I'd finally been picked, "Now I can start going to the concerts again. I used to get too upset when you weren't picked." All the men in my life are wonderful! Thanks, guys!! (9/5/2003)

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