Barry Manilow - Can't Smile Without You/Nineties (1995)

Can't Smile Without You 1995

December 2, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)

photo provided by Susan Lynskey

May 1, 1995 - Events Center (Casper, Wyoming)
> Kassy Carlston (Casper, Wyoming)
May 11, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Rita from California"
May 12, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Sandy from Delaware"
May 13, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Dawn from Virginia"
May 15, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Cheryl Hood (Jacksonville, Florida)
May 31, 1995 - Civic Arts Plaza (Thousand Oaks, California)
> Dorothy Sadick (California): I had not seen him in several years, so I had no idea what to expect. It was great! When he first came out and was in a turquoise jacket, I all most died. I was wearing a new turquoise dress my husband had just bought me, just to wear for that night.
I was so scared, I couldn't believe he picked me. But we were in the second row from the stage, and of course it was a sell out night. I sing in a band and host Karaoke shows three times a week, but not with THAT many people, and NOT with Barry Manilow! My husband looks just like Barry, and I - to this day - thank god for his looks! I will never forget that night as long as I live. It was the second happiest day in my life (the first being my marriage). (6/19/97)
June 2, 1995 - Civic Arts Plaza (Thousand Oaks, California)
> Francine Oye (Lake Forest, California): Barry gave me the gift of a lifetime. I could never thank him enough. It was so wonderful to be able to show him how much I appreciate him and show him that I truly can't smile without him and his music. (By the way Barry, how about that Chinese food?)
June 5, 1995 - Saroyan Theatre (Fresno, California)
> "Melissa from Fresno"
August 2, 1995 - Harborlights (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Donna Kelly (Peekskill, New York): This was probably one of the biggest thrills of my life. With a sign that said, "It's my turn", I knew from the second the tickets arrived I would be picked in Boston. He pointed at my sign, and I didn't hear or see anything else but him until I left the stage. I felt very calm and at ease. Just looking at his face...And THAT smile that melts my heart away! It was a lot of fun. The hug and kiss were definitely worth humiliating myself for. It is a lifetime memory that I can never thank him enough for, or will ever forget! (1/4/99)
August 6, 1995 - Wolftrap (Vienna, Virginia)
> Linda Boyle (Columbia, Maryland): It's taken many years for me to submit this, but several friends and co-workers have just finished watching the video of my experience singing with Barry for the umteenth time and encouraged me to send something in. At my previous Barry concerts, I always had great seats very close to the stage, but since this was a venue that Barry had never visited before I was late getting tickets and ended up pretty far back in the orchestra seating.
When they brought up the house lights and Barry started looking for someone to pick, I was sure he'd never see me, even though I was jumping up and down like a jack-in-the-box. I guess it was my hot pink outfit that caught his eye and I couldn't believe my ears when he said "you in the pink, come on down". I was out of my seat in a flash and was so excited that by the time I got to the stage I leaped into Barry's arms and wrapped my legs around his waist.
To this day, I wonder if that might have been the beginning of his hip problems. If so, "Barry, you have my apology". Singing with Barry was fantastic and a night I will never forgot! Thanks, Barry, for a great memory. (6/12/2009)
August 8, 1995 - Molson Amphitheatre (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
> Diane Garrington (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada): I had a huge sheet size banner waving wildly in the audience and was determined if I was chosen, it would accompany me on stage for Barry to sign (which he did, after the show!). The funniest thing was that when he asked me my name and where I was from I told him 'St. Catharines', and from that point on he referred to me as 'Katherine' instead of Diane. As my friends and I laughed at my lack of singing skills on the video, we also noticed that I was oblivious to the fact that Barry was calling me 'Katherine'. I seemed to respond to anything that Barry called me. It was so much fun!! (4/17/97)
August 12, 1995 - Meadowbrook Theatre (Rochester, Michigan)
> Debbie Schuster (Detroit, Michigan): It was great! I was sitting way up on the lawn with my son, and Barry chose me. I didn't have time to put my shoes back on and came running down to the stage barefoot'ed. He was wonderfully sweet to sing with. I didn't remember all the words. He did, so [he had to] help me remember the words to the song. It is four minutes in my life that I will always remember and cherish. I am a trainer at a bank, and I have shown the video many times in training, everyone seems to enjoy watching it. (3/28/99)
August 16, 1995 - Delta Center (Salt Lake City, Utah)
> Wanda Nowell (Brigham City, Utah)
August 19, 1995 - Caesar's Tahoe (late show) (Lake Tahoe, Nevada)
> Janet (Miami, Florida): What a thrill! I made a sign that said "DO ME", with battery-powered flashing Christmas lights on it to get Barry's attention. Guess what? It worked! Barry started to laugh as soon as he saw my sign, then laughed all the way across the stage (I knew he was going to pick me then). I was a wreck on stage - laughing, crying and shaking violently. Three times I wiped my tears, and worst of all I wiped them on BARRY's jacket (I could just die!). I was wearing white, and when I returned to my seat, Barry said, "Janet, you look like a princess!" After he signed my videotape, he said, "I love you, my princess." OOOOOHHHH! That night was so much more wonderful than I ever imagined!

August 24, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Jennifer Johns McCloy (Lansing, Michigan):
I sang with with Barry on my wedding/honeymoon.
I had been trying to sing with him since I was 7, and finally got the chance at the age of 24! It was a dream come true! He was SO nice and made me feel very comfortable.
His presence, however, did cause me to forget my new married name! My husband understood that Barry was the only one who existed at that moment! It was a night I will NEVER forget.

August 25, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Pauline from Tampa, Florida"
August 26, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Terri from Chicago"
August 27, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Lisa Baggio (Rancho Cielo, California)
August 28, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Beth Ballard (Enfield, Connecticut)
August 29, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Margaret M. Kelly (East Greenbush, New York): Barry asked for a "brave young lady" to sing with him at the Mirage in Las Vegas, so, of course, I raised my hand. Here I was in the American West for the first time in my life, sitting in a showroom with my very first fan-friend I had ever had (Candee) sitting several tables away. Years ago, Candee had made me swear that if I ever got picked as a "Can't Smile" girl, she would have to be the first person I called (after my Mom).
Barry said he wanted to pick someone who REALLY wanted to sing with him. I got on my chair. My travelling companions included Donna (who had just been picked for Can't Smile in Boston at the beginning of August) and Carol (who had just made a sign stating that it was Barry's "Last Chance" to pick her). My emotions were very calm as I waited for Barry to come over to my side of the stage, and then I was amazed when Barry quickly saw me through quite a forest of hands and said, "You in the green!" (I was wearing a green blouse).
Jumping quickly off my chair, and without a look at anyone, I flew down a small flight of steps, through a crowd of people in the aisle, and grabbed hand of the house manager (Victor) to be escorted up to the stage. [He] took me to the stairs at center stage, and handed me up to Barry, who was saying something about not stumbling on a lip at the edge of the stairs. So, of course, the toe of my shoe caught the lip, and I grabbed Barry's arm with both my hands, fearful I would fall onto his stage and make a bad start to my magic moment.
Barry led me to the piano, asking my name, and I scanned the audience to look at all my friends. That is when I discovered that Barry does NOT lie when he says he sings to Exit lights. The two large "Super Trooper" spotlights aimed at us made it look like someone had enclosed Barry and me in a little oval of soft white curtains. I couldn't see or hear ANYONE! I didn't mind - it gave me more time to concentrate on Barry's face!
Barry asked where I lived, and what I did. When I answered "Insurance Investigator for the State of NY" (state titles are always very LONG!), Barry seemed quite impressed and said "WOW, that sounds SERIOUS!" By then I had put my arm around so I could rub a spot on Barry's back, so my first reaction to his comment was to rub his back harder to reassure him. He continued, "You don't look serious." [Barry] forged on with "Do you know the words to 'Can't Smile'?" and I gave him a definite "Yes!"
So he went to get me a mike, dropping my hand he had been holding onto his piano. Returning with the extra mike, he told me the usual, about holding it with my left hand (which I was already doing), and singing into the top of the mike. Then he took my right hand and leaned back to look at keyboardist Ron Pedley. It seemed Barry had missed the cue in the song, and had to wait for it to come around again. Then we were singing!
I felt my face on his chest and heard him chuckle. I could have stayed in that position for the next 100 years! At some point, I heard only my own voice coming through the speakers for two bars of the song, and gave him a panicked look - sing, Barry, sing! He gave me a sexy look with his eyes, I feared I would faint, so I quickly broke eye contact and pressed my head against his chest again. Another chuckle came from Barry.
Next I heard him softly cue me with "let's dance" and I turned and glanced at his feet to see which foot was kicking when, and we were dancing! Such fun! ... I knew what was next in the song [as] he was pulling me toward the piano, [then] he was sitting on the piano behind me. I truly do not remember much of what happened next except I felt his hand on my hair, and I leaned back against his shoulder.
Then we reached those horrible last two notes of the song, and I completely panicked! I suddenly realized I had been singing in Alto, and I am a Soprano. I destroyed the first of the two notes, and then tried to sing the second note in my proper register and (as Barry oftens says) sounds of "dogs and cats in the neighborhood" came out of my mouth! Totally embarrased, I turned completely around to Barry and blurted out "I'm supposed to be a Soprano" ... but was too late. Barry jumped down and said "a Soprano?" He hugged me, then escorted me to the edge of the stage. I knew I was going to kiss him there ... I was determined to get Barry right on the lips - which I did! Then I reached up as high as I could and gave him one last hug!
Next, I was being handed back to Victor, and running back to my table. I found Carol waiting in our aisle to give me my first congratulatory hug, and Donna [for] the next hug! Then I ran to the next table and hugged my friend from Utah, Daunna. I ran back to my aisle to get my wave from Barry, and blew him a two-handed kiss. As he signed my souvenir video, "Siegfreid Manilow", he called me "very brave." I didn't come out of my coma till the middle of the concert during "Moonlight Serenade." At the end of the show, Candee came to my table screaming with joy, and I said, "I just want to tell you, Barry picked me for 'Can't Smile' girl!" (5/24/2002)
October 13, 1995 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
> Alyson Sterzinger (Lake in the Hills, Illinois): I was picked the second night Barry was opening the Rosemont Theatre. I presumed since I was not at the opening night that he had picked a gal from stage right as there were stairs there. On Friday (the 13th) he went to the other side and said, "Okay, (how about) 'Pick Me Please'?" I had just arrived in the theater with my Barry friend Sharon and we were shown to our seats in the 7th row. I had put down my camera and picked up my sign just in time for him to see it as he looked our way! I couldn't believe my ears! It was finally my turn after 10 years of waiting and wishing! I had dreamed about it so-o-o many times...what I would say, what I would do...and here it was happening!
As I rushed to the stage to MY MAN and my big moment, there were no stairs to get to the stage! No time to lose...I saw an empty seat a few seats over in the first row, so I crawled over, put down the seat and climbed up onto the stage! All this time Barry was frantically shouting, "Where are the stairs?...Can we get some stairs out here?...Dont climb up, darlin'!" But by that time I was on my knees on the stage and he took my hand to help me up and said, "My kind of woman!...on her knees!" What a great ad lib line!
When he asked if I was married, I answered, "Yea-h-h-h" with a groan. He laughed with the rest of the audience (I love when Barry laughs - I was glad it happened!). Then with him on the piano, I squeezed his right knee with my hand (what else can you do?). And the kiss and hug were heaven! He smelled so good! The whole experience was the most exciting thing for me... I still get goosebumps whenever I get to play (the videotape) for the very few that haven't seen it. Barry, you're the best and thanks for allowing us to take pictures again, so the current CSWY gals can have the same memories to take with them to show their friends. (8/5/99)
October 14, 1995 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
> Pat Dugdale (Radcliff, Kentucky): This was a night to remember for me! The show was great and Barry was in a great mood ... It took me 70 shows but I finally got up there and it was five minutes I'll cherish for the rest of my life! I know that the experience is just as special to everyone who is lucky enough to be chosen, so I won't go into details of the event. It's pretty much the same story every time, except to the person up there. To us, OUR night is the most special of all. I wish this wonderful experience for all of Barry's fans, and I hope Barry has some idea of the joy he brings by keeping this in his show. (11/8/97, 11/15/97)
October 24, 1995 - Kirby Center (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
> Marylou McCrone (5/25/98)
November 11, 1995 - Orpheum Theatre (Memphis, Tennessee)
> Tamela Thomas (Thomaston, Georgia) (11/8/97)
November 15, 1995 - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa Bay, Florida)
> Janice Styblewski (Holiday, Florida): When I got picked to sing Can't Smile it was a dream come true! I had seen Barry in concert 21 times. I was in the 15th row and I had a banner that said, "I REALLY WANT TO DO IT!!!" (Barry always says he's looking for someone that really wants to do it). So no one around me stood up and he picked me!
I was so nervous, chewing my gum. Barry made a comment that I really must like my gum. Well, I can't sing well so when I started to sing, Barry laughed! I really didn't have a care in the world - I finally got to meet my idol! Then Barry got on the piano and he started stroking my hair. I thought I was going to lose it! Then it was all over. Barry kissed me and hugged me!
When I left the stage, so many nice fans took pictures of me - about 50 - and I was on the front page of the newspaper. This is one of the highlights of my life and I will cherish this moment forever! (1/3/2001)
November 19, 1995 - Bob Carr Performing Arts Center (Orlando, Florida)
> Sandy Lapiska (Orlando, Florida): By the time Thanksgiving Day arrived, I had MUCH to be thankful for!! I was finally a Can't Smile girl after 66 concerts!! My sign (which was bright orange) had a crepe paper turkey stapled to the middle of it but Barry thought it was a chicken!! As I was walking up the steps to the stage, he said "Come up here Miss Chicken." I certainly wasn't afraid of him. I felt like I was with an old friend. When he asked me where I was from, I said "Orlando", hugged him tightly and told him he felt good. He said "I feel good, hey, thanks!" He reached for my right hand (after he gave me the mike in my left hand) and we did a little fumbling. I noticed right away that he has eyes only for you and so I made sure I NEVER took my eyes away from his.
Barry told me I sang good. He must have been tone deaf that night because I do sound flat on my video. We bumped thighs as I didn't know what direction he's start in for our little dance. He crooked his index finger at me to follow him back to the piano. I nodded thinking I'd follow him ANYWHERE!! As soon as he jumped up on the piano, I snuggled up against his chest. He must have liked the way I was stroking his knee because he looked down & said "Yeah!" When he jumped off the piano he said, for my ears only, "Give me a hug" to which I replied "But of course!" As I was hugging him, I remembered the kiss was coming up! I went right for his lips, which were very soft and warm. The song ended much too soon!!! My heartfelt thanks to Barry for making Nov. 19, 1995 a day I'll remember for the rest of my life!! (10/3/97)
November 24, 1995 - Sunrise Musical Theatre (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
> Kathy Judge (Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania): It was the greatest time of my life...... It pulled me through a hard time in my life. I hope every fan gets a chance.
November 25, 1995 - Sunrise Musical Theatre (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
> Deanna Lindberg (Plantation, Florida)
November 30, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Sharon King (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): A night I will never forget! My fortieth show, he finally picked me. He told me I was pretty and I melted! I was EXTREMELY nervous but he thought I held up well and was calm and "cool". Whenever I think of 11/30/95 it will always bring a smile to my face until the day I die!
December 1, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Kay Hardin (Las Vegas, Nevada): I'll never forget that night. I've always admired (well more like envied) Barry, not only for his musical talents, but his ability to move an audience. I grew up wishing I had the voice to do exactly what Barry gets to do night after night. Take an audience WHEREVER he wishes to take them. And then... Here I am on stage taking that last deep breath before singing a duet with a man I have admired for 16 years. Then (oh no!) I realize I can't hear myself singing (ACK!). Am I on key? Is everyone laughing? Oh well, what the heck. I just started singing and hoped for the best.
In the middle of a line, Barry looks into my eyes and says "You're doing Great" ("I'm doing Great??") I know Barry was just being nice. I can sing okay, but GREAT?? (Little does he know I can't even BREATH much less Sing!) Every time I watch the Video and listen to myself, "You know" (breath) "I Can't Smile" (breath) "Without" (breath) "You" (LOL!). But Barry just held on, looked me straight in the eye as if to say, "You can do it, come on, I'll help you!" And sure enough, I actually did alright. Well, I wasn't GREAT. But at least he wasn't bent over laughing so hard HE couldn't breath.
It was one of the Best nights of my life, and I know that is will always be one of my greatest memories!! I just wish there were enough nights, and enough shows that EVERY fan could be where I was...in the spotlight with Barry! (4/29/98)
December 2, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Susan Lynskey (Middletown, New Jersey): When I think back I can still feel the excitement, happiness and energy that propelled me through those five minutes. I truly believe it is something that will always stay with me ... It was a perfect night. I could not have asked for anything better. When Barry picks a real fan he gives them a gift that will last a lifetime.
December 3, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Julie" (Oh, Julie!)
December 4, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> "Gina from Rancho Cucamonga"
December 5, 1995 - Mirage Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Chris Olson (San Diego, California): Ten years, 11 months later (after my first show), I can't believe it finally happened. It couldn't have happened at a better time!

This Page Created April 24, 1996 (Last Updated August 30, 2015)

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