Can't Smile Without You 1997 (Part 1)

August 9, 1997 - Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua, New York)

CSWY video snapshot provided by the Manilow Mavens!

April 8, 1997 - Louisville Gardens (Louisville, Kentucky)
> Jean Shewmaker (Louisville, Kentucky): It was the ultimate night of my life! I have been a Barry fan since the 70's. I have gone to his concerts for many years and always dreamed that he would call me up to the stage! Well, on my 8th concert on April 8 while sitting in the eighth seat in Row H, my dream came true. I had made a sign and when he said he needed someone to come up and he spied my sign, it was me!

Well, I don't think I even realized I was quickly moving up towards the stage. I was so excited. Then Barry took my hand as I came up the steps. I was actually holding his hand! He said I had the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen! I was a nervous wreck but kept my composure. I almost fainted when he pulled me between his legs!! I told him that "I had never shook so hard" and he laughed. Well, it was the greatest night of my life and ever since then, I cannot think of what my next goal in life is - how can you ever top being a Barry Girl!!! (8/28/97)

April 11, 1997 - Kirby Center (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
> Charlene (of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania):  Absolutely incredible. I have been a fan of Barry's for 20+ years; saw my first concert in 1978 when I was 12. Moments before he picked me, during the intermission, my friend asked me what I would do if I was picked. I told her I would tell him that I waited 20 years for this moment. Not 20 minutes later I was hugging him while in a temporary moment of disbelief. It was truly a dream come true for me. When I watch the tape (a copy of course as the original is too precious), I laugh as I can't stop hugging him and there is one moment when I begin to rub his leg while singing. He stopped singing, the audience chuckled, but there I was, singing away, loving each and every moment. Truly one of the best memories a Barry fan could ask for. (3/15/2000)

April 12, 1997 - Kirby Center (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
> Adrienne Mullery (Pringle, Pennsylvania):  This was my third concert and I just had a feeling that I was going to be picked. My family and friends were there also, and my sister especially told me that "No way are you going to be picked!" I ignored her, reapplied my lipstick and had a breath mint during intermission.

Barry came back out and THE SONG was in the background. He told funny stories of past girls chosen while a movie screen was showing past performances. The lights shined on the audience and I must have been jumping up and down about three feet above the rest. Barry slowly looked around, then he saw me. He looked around again and came right back to me. He said, "You with the blonde hair and the white outfit! Yes, you!" I went into shock, along with my family.

I finally made my way up to the stage and I was in awe of him. He asked the usual questions and it was all quite funny. Barry commented on my surprisingly in-tune singing while looking deep into my eyes and telling me that I had the most beautiful eyes, then telling the audience that we looked great together while calling himself an old fart. He was so sweet. He kissed me and hugged me when it was all over. I told him that I loved him and he said, "love you, too."

He watched me get back into my seat and said I was wonderful, and of course, he looked out into the audience and said, "Yo, Adrienne!" That was one of the best times in my whole life and I must say that dreams do come true, whether big or small. Thank you, Barry, for such a beautiful memory. I tell everyone that I am related to Barry Manilow. I hope we meet again. (1/20/2002)

April 16, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> Christine Tonge (Bolton, Manchester, England): It's been a long time since I sang with Barry! If anyone has photos of my "Can't Smile" experience, [please e-mail me]. (7/6/2002)

April 18, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> "Maureen from England"

April 19, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> "Margaret Shaw (West Yorkshire):  I DID IT MY WAY (9/30/97)

To sing with Barry has been my plight
Ten years or more I have tried to get it right
Sign at the ready, hoping to catch his eye
But he didn't pick me, why oh why?

Off to New York to see Barry again
Radio City this time, such a hall of fame.
Should I take my sign, oh why not
I'll try again, such is my lot.

For some reason, I didn't take it to the first show
I guess I was 'miffed', the photos, you know
By the Saturday night I had warmed to his charm
So I walked up the street, sign on my arm.

At the appropriate time, I raised it on high
Would he pick me or would I again utter a sigh
'IT MUST BE MY TURN' said my sign printed on yellow,
Yes - he picked ME - let me get to my fellow.

I walked to the stage, though I wanted to run
His hand holding mine, this was such fun,
We chatted, we sang, I did my best,
The eyes, the hugs, the knee and all the rest.

Thank you Barry for picking me at last
So many shows I've seen in the past,
Wondering how it felt to be close to you
I'll remember that night and hope you will too.

April 20, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> "Valerie from England" AND "Diane from Sydney" (a threesome!)

Valerie Engler (Bournemouth, England):  A never-to-be-forgotten experience!  Barry picked me AND a girl from Australia. I was wearing a red jacket and black shirt. Would you believe a girl in front was dressed in the same outfit?  So when Barry pointed to our direction we both got up. That's how Barry had a Menage-a-Manilow that special evening!

We had a very warm welcome from the New York audience. What a wonderful experience to feel the electricity coming from the Barry fans cheering us on, (so much that) I never felt nervous. In fact, I never have been so happy. Barry had us both between his legs and he made a joke saying he felt like "a wishbone up here". The audience loved the joke and it just felt like being at a Barry party. He made the audience laugh even more when he had said his "goodbye"s to us both with kisses and hugs, then he laid down on the stage exhausted!!  Thanks Barry. (11/15/98, 11/20/99, 12/18/2005)

April 22, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> Wendy Valdez (Briarwood, New York): I had hastily bought a VERY bright pink piece of posterboard and tried to figure out something short and clever to write on it. Finally I drew a simple but cute smiley face and left it at that. I figured it would be like all the other times and I wouldn't get picked anyway, so what did it matter?! WRONG!!

As the familiar strains sounded, I did the usual jumping up and down thing and then I heard Barry say, "You with the pink smiley-face sign." I was flabbergasted! I made my way to the stage feeling that I had just entered a parallel universe. Now, the first thing you need to know is that I am indeed able to sing fairly well. I was anxious to be able to share the experience of singing on stage with the man whose music I'd admired since the age of 12. Wouldn't you know it? Every bit of vocal technique I'd ever known went completely out the window! Didn't matter, though, because looking at his sweet face as we sang made it just as wonderful an experience as I'd imagined.

I hugged and kissed him and went back to my ecstatic friends in the audience, Debbie and Lisa. I went home that night with a very special memory. Thanks, Barry. Believe me, WE can't smile without YOU! (2/5/2001)

April 23, 1997 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
> "Liz": It was my 27th birthday and the tickets were a last-minute surprise from my wonderful roommate. After 21 years of loving Barry, it seemed to be the most appropriate night to see him. I had no idea what fate (and Barry) had in store for me. When he said, "You in the black top, jumping up and down waving your arms...", I felt like I had won the lottery!!! When he took my hand as I hit the last stair to the stage, he said, "Look at this pretty face." I KNEW I was gonna be in trouble. I was a lot more nervous than I looked (I sing as a hobby and go to karaoke all the time, so it wasn't stage fright that got me...it was being FACE TO FACE with BARRY!!!). Through the whole song, he was telling me I sounded great - I could barely think, never mind HEAR myself. Thank you a million times, Barry. I love you too and you gave new meaning to 'you never forget your first'!!! (4/27/97)

April 26, 1997 - Shea's Theatre (Buffalo, New York)
> Lisa Markajani (Rochester, New York): About two weeks after that show, I had my first date with Bob, the man who would turn out to be the love of my life (I was 41 years old at the time - my life's theme was "Some Sweet Day", and that's what I used on my tattered sign - "Some Sweet Day I Know You'll Pick Me"). As it turns out, Bob is one of the few men I've ever known who are not afraid to admit that they LOVE Barry's music ... I'll always be thankful to Barry for helping to bring Bob, and his little dog, Boots (Bootsie), into my life.

April 26th, 2001, was as sad a day for me as that date in 1997 was a happy one. My mother passed away on that date, at 67 years of age, after suffering so much during the last few years of her life. My father also passed on that year, on September 17th, 2001, and I am so glad that they were both still alive back in 1997, to see that my dream of being chosen by Barry finally came true. They both knew how much it meant to me.

Everyone who's been [on stage with Barry] knows that there's nothing that compares to those few moments in time with Barry (unless it's doing a whole concert with him... one can only dream!). Thanks, Barry, for the past 30 years, and I'm looking forward to another 30, wrinkles and all!! (4/12/2004)

April 27, 1997 - Civic Center (Erie, Pennsylvania)
> Amy Adams (Kennedy, New York): Everyone experiences their "15 minutes of fame" and I am so happy mine was spent with Barry! What I will remember most is how he smelled, Terrific!! I have watched my tape of "US!!" over and over...but until smell-a-vision is invented I can't truly relive it!!

I had stayed up until 3:00 in the morning, the night before the concert, making the poster that caught his eye, clear up in the nose bleed section. On one side it said, "ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY" (so he would sing my song) and on the other, "ALWAYS IN LOVE WITH BARRY" (because I always have been faithful to him). It was neon pink on one side and neon yellow on the other, black letters, outlined in silver glitter.

I was the brave young woman out there who happened to be the luckiest to be chosen that night! Barry couldn't see the poster from the stage (told you--nose bleed) and he asked what it said, I told him and he asked what my name was. I can't believe I said--three guesses and he said, "Amy?". No kidding?!  As he held me in his arms, I said at least three times, "This is my dream...." and also said I would become Jewish for him.

I was as nervous as anyone else ever to be on the stage with him (I've seen 7 concerts so I know!!), but I knew that I only had one chance to make my impression on him. So, I let go of him (sniff, sniff) and relaxed my shoulders, shook off my fears and just reacted to everything he said, every step he took, and every sparkle in his eye (by the way, did I mention he told me I have beautiful blue eyes?).

I could go on and on but my story is very similar to the other womens' lives he has touched at his concerts. THANK YOU, BARRY, FOR CHOOSING ME!! (5/19/99)

April 29, 1997 - Broome County Arena (Binghamton, New York)
> "Karen from Allentown"

April 30, 1997 - Pepsi Arena (Albany, New York)
> Lenita Sherwood (Rotterdam, New York): I can honestly say it was the greatest experience of my life!!! I was so nervous and Barry made me feel so comfortable (He smells great!). I must have watched the video about 400 times; I just couldn't believe he picked ME. I've been a fan since I saw him at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the 70's. He's always done a fantastic show.

I wouldn't trade that moment with anyone for any price. He told me I had beautiful eyes and I just melted!! I came home and ordered tickets for the Rochester show in August. I just cant wait to see him again! (5/3/97)

May 8, 1997 - CSU Convocation Center (Cleveland, Ohio)
> Judy Knolhoff (Elyria, Ohio) (10/5/98)

May 9, 1997 - Savage Hall (Toledo, Ohio)
> Amy Massell (Toledo, Ohio):  I couldn't believe it was me. For years, my sisters and I along with our parents would practice singing "CSWY" on the way to the concert and talk about what we were going to wear to be sure we stood out. My sister Lori really should have been the one he picked but she had given up on wearing something bright that year. She wore a black shirt and I had on a bright pink shirt. I wasn't prepared to be on stage. My hair wasn't done nice, I had sandals on with my jeans, it was a nightmare in that area.

My parents are the ones to blame for our Barry Craze!  They took my older sisters to his concert in the 70's and we've loved him ever since. I am so glad I have a video. I was so out of it when I went up there that I didn't even answer his questions, I just told him what I wanted him to hear from me, like "my Name is AMY!!" (because he had just sung "Once In Love with Amy"), and "My sister Loves YOU!!"  The video was a scream!! (3/18/2000)

May 10, 1997 - Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
> Karen Michele Pyrett (Grand Rapids, Michigan): It has only been about 20 hours since I sang with Barry. I have been practicing that song for 20 years but never really imagined I would be called up on stage! As with most fans, Barry has touched my soul with his music. Barry scanned the audience for his choice and because I was not on the floor of the Arena I never thought that choice would be me. I did my best at yelling and waving my arms and in one magical minute his finger was pointing at me.

He asked my name, what I do and if I knew the words. Of course I knew the words! Well at least I did until I was looking into those wonderful eyes and thinking "Oh thank you God"! I threw my arms around him several times and almost knocked the poor guy over! I had no idea if I was singing or not. I just kept looking at him. Singing in the shower is one thing, singing in tune with Mr. Talent is another!

I started laughing at the "I can't sing, I'm finding it hard to do anything" part, because that was pretty much the case. I got my kiss, my perfect kiss, my tape and a blown kiss when I was back in my seat. The amazing thing, besides being frazzled and unquestionably thrilled, was the response from the audience. I couldn't leave the Arena. People just kept saying "there she is, that's Karen" and wanting to hug me and say "you did a great job". I believed them until I watched the tape myself (Wow, I never knew I could sing (yell) so far off key!).

His fans even followed me to the restaurant afterwards. I was a celebrity for a brief moment! There was even a write-up in the Press the next morning! Although the singing portion may have not stood up to a critic, I gave it all I could with laughter, hugs and passion! I loved every moment...the dancing, the excitement of him holding onto ME.

I am still way past cloud nine and will be there forever with my Manilow memory! Thank you Barry, not only for your extraordinary music, but also for making a die-hard fan's biggest dream come true! Your music has meant so much to me and now I have the memory of a lifetime to accompany it!! (5/11/97)

May 12, 1997 - Embassy Theatre (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
> "Julie from Indiana"

May 15, 1997 - Brown County Arena (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
> Barbra J. Schoknecht (Two Rivers, Wisconsin): I Love (Barry)!!!!! (3/29/99)

May 16, 1997 - MetroCentre (Rockford, Illinois)
> Sheri Barbee (Lansing, Illinois): I have been a huge Barry fan since I was a young teen in the 70's! I have gone to so many concerts I have lost count, but the one thing I had been trying for all along finally happened for me on that night! On a whim, my sister-in-law (Sue) and I arrived at the motel early with plenty of time before the show, so we decided to go to Wal-Mart, get a poster board and a black permanent marker, and we bought the brightest neon orange poster board they had and a great big fat marker! We took it back to the motel and in huge letters that we sat and colored in, we wrote "ME" -- that was it!

We had bleacher seats that were really far away, so I knew my chances were slim, but I knew the instant he saw my sign and said, "How about you with the sign that says 'ME'? Can you come down here?" To my embarrassment, they have me on tape running down the stairs and nearly getting mauled by a woman who wanted to be going instead! What a show!! But it is something I will treasure my whole life, and I feel so fortunate to have done it. I wouldn't change a thing!

Barry continues to inspire me to this day, and I will remain a true and devoted fan. He is such a blessing! Thanks Barry!! (1/22/2006)

May 22, 1997 - Northrop Auditorium (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
> Lisa Cressy (Woodbury, Minnesota): WOW! What an amazing experience!! I attended the concert with my mom, dad, and sister (Lori) - a tradition started many many years ago. My mom had breast cancer that had recently metastasized to her bones and wasn't feeling like she was up to going. Thank God she went! We ended up borrowing a wheelchair from an elderly neighbor to get her from the car to her seat. All day I joked with my co-workers that I was going to sing with Barry that night. I even asked if anyone had any messages for me to pass on the Barry when I sang with him!!

I wore a bright lime green blazer to hopefully catch his attention. At intermission I asked my mom if she was glad she came... she whispered to me "The only way this will be worth it is if you get up there and sing with Barry"! What pressure!! Like I had any control over that?

The first song after intermission was "Can't Smile." What could I do to get picked? We were in the 12th row, so not very close and TONS of people had signs (I was NOT one of them). I started jumping... as high as I possibly could with my arms high up in the air. JUMP! JUMP! Barry went back and forth across the stage many times, until finally he said "How about you back there in the green and black?" ME?? No way!! I looked at my sister... could it be true? It was!!

I walked/ran up to the stage. Was this really happening? He asked me where I was from and what I did... I work for Ford Motor Credit, so I asked him if he wanted to get rid of his Range Rover. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to explode! He gave me the mic, held my hand, and we were off, strolling across the stage and singing together. I do some singing professionally, and I think he was surprised I could hold a tune, even while being so incredibly nervous with so much adrenaline running through me. My sister said that my mom was crying and watching me on the JumboTron (she couldn't stand up). She was so very proud!

I am so glad I got that videotape, because when I sat down I wasn't sure if I was on tune, if I sang the words right, or anything. It was such a dream come true! Not only for me but for my family who shared in my excitement too. I think they were all as excited as if they were up there themselves! It was such a special gift to my mom... she died about 19 months later, and was still talking about it and watching the tape. It is a memory we will always have. THANK YOU, BARRY!! (5/31/2002)

May 29, 1997 - Bradley Center (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
> Debbie Riley (Marengo, Illinois): I was so shaken up and surprised that I got on stage with Barry that I when he asked me where I lived, I couldn't remember and I could not make eye contact with him. (11/21/99)

May 30, 1997 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
> Ann Underwood (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): It was a fantasy that had played and re-played in my mind for years. I saw my first concert in 1975 in Las Vegas and have been totally hooked ever since. But, opening night in Chicago, for reasons God only knows, Barry looked up the aisle and saw me there with my "Please Pick Me!" sign.

Hands appeared from everywhere to walk with me to the stage. Barry waited with outstretched hand. He talked to me, leading me to the piano, asking the usual questions: what's your name, where are you from, what do you do? He said I smelled good (well, we can be grateful for that!!). He kept looking into my eyes and I was so flustered, I could hardly think.

Singing was easy. You're so fixated on him that it doesn't matter. When I got to "If you only knew what I'm going through", I rolled my eyes and the crowd laughed. Pulling me back across the stage to the piano, he said, "...beautiful eyes" -- doesn't he know you're dying????? He jumped on the piano and I was there between those long legs, hanging onto his right leg and knee while he sang in my ear. Hey, talk about "Sweet heaven, I'm in love again..." - that would be me!!

At the end of the song, holding on to me he says, "Give me a hug!" Well, heck, I figured I just had to - didn't want to hurt his feelings or anything. But, the kiss. I'm afraid the video tells all. I had my hand on his cheek and was certainly attempting to coax him into just a bit longer - some fans near the front were giving me the "I'm not worthy" bow. When I left the stage, the guy walking with me asked if I wanted to walk or if I'd prefer to float... I'll never forget it! (6/6/97)

June 1, 1997 - Rosemont Theatre (Chicago, Illinois)
> Kathy Hicks (Lemont, IL): It was Sunday, the last night of Barry's three shows at the Rosemont Theatre, a show that I was not even planning on attending up until a few weeks before. The Reminiscing Tour is wonderful and Barry was absolutely perfect all three nights. It would be hard for me to pick which concert was my favorite had it not been for my sign.

I have been going to Manilow concerts since the late seventies and have been trying to get Barry to pick me just as long. It was always frustrating to me when people would wave a sign and Barry would always pick someone with a sign. So I finally decided, Hey Girl, you want to sing? You better make a sign! So I did! On the brightest florescent green poster board with the letters big and bold enough that you could see them a block away. Brief and to the point it said "BEEN TRYIN' 4-EVER". I could not believe that I was going to resort to a sign, how embarrassing!

I could not believe the amount of people who were standing up. Signs were all over the place. It really did look like "Let's Make a Deal". Barry paced the stage back and forth saying, "Oh my God, you really want to do this!" Yes, I really wanted to do this! And when he came back to my side of the stage, I knew - I just knew he was going to see my sign.

It worked, I could not believe that my dream was about to come true. As I was running down the aisle, I kept saying (actually screaming) "I can do this, I can do this!" I climbed those stairs one step at a time and as Barry took my hand, my heart was jumping out of my chest. I was saying, "Oh my God, this is really happening!" When he turned and I looked into those eyes I almost forgot my name. Thank God I was able to spit it out. Barry knew how excited and nervous I was (who didn't!). But there was something in the way he held my hand that made me relax and I was able to get through it.

My chance had finally come and as soon as the music started, with Barry holding my hand, I knew my dream was about to come true. As we swayed back and forth I never once stopped looking into those eyes. As we went for our little stroll to center stage and his arm pulled me closer to him, putting my head on his shoulder was simply a reflex, my eyes still looking up at that gorgeous face. As we walked over to the piano, even knowing what was coming next, I didn't miss a beat (well maybe a note or two, especially that last one!).

His strong hand, warm embrace, and that wonderful kiss simply added to the best part of all... I had "BEEN TRYIN' 4-EVER" and finally sang with Barry! My sign is retired now, but when I watch my video tape and see the smile on my face and the happiness it brought me I wonder why I waited so long to use a sign. (11/8/97, 8/31/99)

June 3, 1997 - Five Seasons Center (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
> Mary Grant (Dubuque, IA): I have been a Manilow fan since high school and have been at a lot of Barry's concerts. I always wanted to be that girl who was so lucky to be called up on stage with Barry to sing and dance with him. My four daughters knew how much I liked Barry and gave me a ticket to his concert for my birthday. A friend, my sister, and I headed to Cedar Rapids to see his concert. I had stopped and got a bright orange posterboard, drew a smiley face and wrote "I Can't Smile Without You, I love you Barry." Our seats were on the side up on the balcony.

During intermission, my friend and I bought a rose to give to Barry. We wrote our names and addresses and phone numbers and stuffed them inside the plastic around the roses. Then before we had a chance to give Barry the roses, "Can't Smile Without You" came on and I was holding my sign proudly. We were having a good time, singing and bopping, and then the moment happened.

Barry couldn't read what the sign said as we were on the second risers to the side ... But when he asked who would like to sing with him, it took me no time to stand on my chair and hold my poster. When he said the one with the sign, I was so happy.

Something I just can't explain went through my body. It was my dream come true! I sure believe in miracles. It's a miracle, a true blue spectacle a miracle come true! I was so excited all the way down to the stage. Once I was on stage, everything came so natural. My singing wasn't the best, but who cared at that point! So I sang and did the stroll dance, and he told me I had beautiful eyes. I melted, then he put me between his legs and I melted more. After everything was done, he gave me the biggest hug. I didn't want to let go! And the best? A big kiss, right on the lips. I thought I going to faint!

They videotaped my dream and Barry signed it and they gave it to me. Everytime I see it, it makes me very happy!

After the concert I was interviewed by a radio station from Cedar Rapids, and also on the next day. It was neat having everyone come up to you and say, you're the one who sang with Barry Manilow! I am proud to have been a part of this program and to be a Barry Manilow fan! I love you Barry!! (1/30/1998, 11/10/2010)

June 4, 1997 - The Arena (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
> "Michelle from Minnesota"

June 14, 1997 - McKay Events Center (Orem, Utah)
> Lisa Ross (Spanish Fork, Utah): What an experience!! One I will NEVER forget! I had been joking with my husband for months before the concert about singing with Barry on stage. I didn't even know that he actually sang a duet with someone from the audience. He picked me!! I was jumping up and down on my chair (It's A Miracle that I didn't break my leg!). He makes you feel very relaxed - I soon forgot the audience was even there. I've watched my video a thousand times! Thanks Barry!! (7/27/97)

June 18, 1997 - Symphony Hall (Phoenix, Arizona)
> Lisa Pare' (Glendale, California):

"I've been MANILOWED!"

June 18th, the day after Barry's birthday, turned out to be the second best day of my life (the first being the birth of my one and only son)! I have loved Barry and his music for over 23 years ... I had never seen Barry "live" after all these years. How could I have been lucky enough to get picked at my first concert? You'll have to take that one up with God!

The day finally arrived and I began to realize that I was going to see and hear Barry. My 13 year old son and I drove all the way to Phoenix. Before the trip we had made several "on-line" friends who were going to meet us at the concert. I had made a sign which said, "I NEED YOU...MANILOW ME!" I never totally believed I had a real chance of getting picked, but when you have breast cancer, you aim high!

During the beginning of "Can't Smile", I stood up and held my sign for Barry. I didn't jump up and down or scream and yell. Just stood there, smiled, sang, and prayed. The next thing I knew my son said, "Mom, you got picked, GO!!" He said it twice before it kicked in. I found myself running and being led down to the stage, heart POUNDING!

There he was! All I could do was look into those baby blues and try to forget there were 3000 people in front of me, even though I could hear their cheers of support. Barry was so wonderful to me. I was shaking like a leaf, but I totally trusted him. He asked me what I was doing there and I told him I came to see him. "You came all the way from California to see me?" I nodded and he said, "Isn't that nice? Hello Lisa, Yeah Lisa." He made sure I knew the words to "Can't Smile". I DID! He laughed, but I think I really scared him. He was about to find out it was part of my life!

We began singing and he said, "Go girl! Very nice." He encouraged me to sing louder with a hand gesture. He then told me I had "beautiful eyes" and I lost it! My voice wavered. He smiled. We began to stroll and he said, "Aren't we cute?!" At one point I almost passed out, but I just couldn't let that happen now. After he said I was doing great, we ended back at the piano. He got up on the piano and put me between his legs and I melted into his chest. He cuddled me close and I almost forgot to put my hand on his knee. When I finally remembered, he gave the audience a very "approving" nod.

After we finished the last note, he jumped down and I gave him a HUGE bear hug. He replied, "OOOH it's a bear hug!" We walked to the end of the stage, he turned me around, and I gave him the sweetest kiss I could. Heaven, I'm in heaven!

Then came "the moment". I accidentally knocked the mic from his hand and he grabbed it before I had a chance to (Where's the nearest rock!). Since this would be my one and only chance to do this, I turned around and gave him a kiss on his cheek and smiled. As I left him, he reminded me to be careful on the steps and said, "Bye darlin'". He "thumped" his heart on the outside of his jacket, then again on the inside. He strutted back to center stage while I got back to my seat. I turned toward him, waved, blew him a kiss, and thanked him. Then I sat down and cried!

"Lisa was so 'together', didn't you think?" OOOOH Barry, if you only knew! While signing my video, he and the audience sang, "Lisa Lisa bo-beesa, banana fana fo fisa, fee fi moesha, Lisa!" I loved it! (10/4/97)

July 11, 1997 - McFarlin Auditorium (Dallas, Texas)
> Luanne Bessee: This was my 45th concert and I had a bright yellow sign that said, "44 CONCERTS...NO DUET!!! PLEASE DON'T MAKE IT 45!!" I had had the feeling all day that my Mom was going to get picked. I guess I was a little off the mark, huh? When he started asking for volunteers, I naturally held up my sign. He put his hand over his eyes to shield the lights and started to [mouth the words on] my sign. My friend Teresa screamed, "HE'S READING YOUR SIGN!!!!" at the very top of her lungs...Time just stood still (my memory was really gone until I got home and watched the video a few thousand times).

He read my sign out loud and said, "Come on down...whoever has that sign." Well, it didn't take me any time at all to get to the aisle and up those steps. After watching the video...I actually ran up the steps...I don't remember doing that. I was so nervous. It's been a dream and a goal of mine for about 10 years to actually get on stage. When I first started going to his concerts 17 years ago, I never dreamed that I would ever get on stage with him...But tonight, my dream came true.

His eyes are really THAT blue. He really is THAT good looking. He really does smell good and yes, he really is THAT sincere! I felt my heart in my throat but once he looked into my eyes, I knew I was among friends. He was so sweet. I got through the first part OK except I really had a twang when I told him I was 'Luanne Bessee'. I really don't talk that southern but for some stupid reason it came out sounding really "hicky"! When we got to the part where he sits on the piano, I just lost it. I quit singing because I was so overwhelmed and then I heard him singing in my ear. That got me back on track but then I totally hosed up the last note. I went way too long on the note before.

He's a great hugger. I must have hugged him ten times. I knew I had to behave for the kiss at the end and boy did he tighten up those lips. I sure don't blame him for that. I kept it nice and short and then he looked at me and our eyes locked for just a split second. In his eyes I saw, "Thanks for being here tonight and all those other nights." You can't fake that kind of sincerity. He makes me proud to be a fan. (7/11/97)

July 14, 1997 - Starwood Amphitheatre (Nashville, Tennessee)
> Pat Garton (Fairbury, Nebraska): What a thrill it was to be that close to Barry. I couldn't take my eyes off of him even after he sat on the piano with me between his legs!  What a high that it was BMIFC Convention night and I had bought a bright green sweater so that Barry might see me!! (We were supposed to wear our convention T-shirts!). Since the concert was outside, Barry saw me earlier and pointed to me during his "Dance With Me" song. I knew he had seen me!  My husband (who always takes photos) moved over into the other person's place so that Barry would see me better when CSWY began!  It happened and I'm very excited to this day!! (12/25/99)

July 16, 1997 - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre (Birmingham, Alabama)
> "Celia" (Montgomery, Alabama): I can not tell you how exciting it was to meet him, and sing with him. What an entertainer!! ... Since that wonderful night, I have people ask me if I was "the Celia" who sang with Barry Manilow? I proudly answer "yes". I have been interviewed on the local radio and TV stations. You would think that I had become a celebrity. I know that it will be an event I will never forget. I look forward to being able to see Barry again in concert, but I know it will be hard to beat the excitement that I felt on that hot and humid summer night in Birmingham. (7/27/97)

July 18, 1997 - Bryce Jordan Center (State College, Pennsylvania)
> Tiffany Earnest (Penn State, Pennsylvania): "Do I have any brave young ladies out there, who'd like to help me sing this song?" Barry asked the screaming crowd of 10,000. This was the moment I had waited for. Reaching under my chair, I pulled out my neon pink posterboard with the hand-drawn glitter letters. "Barry or Rome? No Contest!", it proclaimed.

Barry was standing in the spotlight scanning the crowd, shielding his eyes from the brightness. As he looked in my direction I jumped up and down and yelled, but to my disappointment he turned back to the other side of the audience. Within minutes, though, he was looking back to my side. "Okay... lesseeee... What's that sign say? Barry? Rome? Well, whatever it says, c'mon up here..." My mom and sister were yelling something about my being picked as I was whisked away. The souvenir video shows that I must have been shocked, putting my hand to my mouth in disbelief as I walked up the steps to the stage.

"My, aren't you a pretty thing..." Barry took my hand and guided me to the piano. Wearing a teal suit that brought out his eyes, he was looking amazing, and smelled wonderful. His strong hands held my small ones the entire time, with the exception of the times his arms were around me... After some small talk ("Do y'all know about this young lady? She gave up a trip to Rome, Venice, and Switzerland to come to this concert tonight. Was it worth it?"). He went to get me a microphone. "Do you know the words to this song?" I assured him that I'd figure them out. He laughed. "I'm sure you will."

I sang my heart out, not caring that there were 10,000 people beyond that blinding light, their eyes trained on me. I was holding Barry's hand, and he was gazing into my eyes, guiding me around the stage as he sang, "Can't smile without you..." while he looked at ME. Part way through the song he motioned me towards the piano, told to wait a minute, jumped up onto the piano, and situated me within his legs. I just smiled and kept singing as he placed his face next to mine, and stroked my hair...

...I never woke up from that dream. It really happened. That night the one thing I wanted more than anything, really happened. Once I was offstage I was hysterical. Only after 3 songs could I even begin to breathe normally. After the show I was invited backstage. When Barry walked in the door of the dressing room I was waiting in, I leaped up and hugged him. All I could say was "Thank you, thank you so much..." I couldn't understand why he was thanking me, but it seemed really great of him. After hugs, autographs, and photos, he left. That's all I needed. That five minutes, combined with the singing, made me believe in the power of my dreams. Nothing is impossible. (1/9/2006)

July 19, 1997 - Classic Amphitheatre (Richmond, Virginia)
> KaSaundra Jiggetts (Richmond, Virginia) (7/28/2023)

July 23, 1997 - Wonderland Kingswood (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
> Nancy (Cambridge, Ontario, Canada): My sister and I are Manilow fans to the utmost. We had shirts made, and I announced to everyone I knew, "I was going to be picked!" I made a sign out of a king-size waterbed sheet that read "Can't smile #6, hope it's me Barry picks" Well, it worked!

As I ran towards the stage, my sister chased after me. When I got on stage with Barry, he asked who was down below, after stating it was my sister, he said come on up. The two of us sang, danced, hugged, and kissed Barry, etc. - the dream of a lifetime. I knew it was going to be! It was KISMIT!!


Nancy, Barry, and Linda

This is something I will never ever forget. I have make it through the rain many times with Barry's help, and can only thank him for his music and the strength it provides not only to me, but to the many millions of fans around the world. This concert was #6 for me, the most memorable ... I only wish for everyone to -- at one time in their lifetime -- have a special wish come true. Mine did! (my licence reads "I Love Mnilow") (2/22/2002)

July 30, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
> Diane Vasko (Leominster, Massachusetts): I'm 34 and have been a diehard Barry Manilow fan for many years. Due to several obstacles in my life, it ONLY took 20 years to finally see him in concert. Well thanks to Dennis' - my husband's - persistence, I made it! I knew somehow that I would meet Barry face to face, but not this way. I never saw the show before, so I had no idea why everyone was starting to scream until he said he wanted a volunteer to sing with him.

This was it! I was ready! I stood up screaming and waving my arms like a middle-aged fool, and he picked me! It was almost like he knew. I was so excited, I could feel the blood pumping through my entire body. At first I was afraid to look into his eyes, but once I looked it was hard to look away. Whenever and whatever he sings, I always feel like he's singing only to me (as I'm sure many feel the same way).

When he asked me where I was from and what I do, all I could think of was "who cares". All that mattered was I'm here now! However, I answered the questions.

As horrible as my voice is, I sang my heart out and loved every second of it. When I got the big squeeze at the piano, I was ready to melt but I kept my composure. I didn't want to forget a single second, and I haven't! I couldn't stop smiling. At the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I was in heaven! I wouldn't sell this memory or the video I received for all the money in the world. Thank you Dennis and Barry. Dreams do come true! (8/8/97)

August 2, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
> "Donna from Massachusetts" [Manilow TV episode #151]

August 3, 1997 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
> Stephanie Eisley (Groton, Connecticut):  The first Barry Manilow concert I can remember going to was with my parents when I was three. Since then I have been a born and raised MANILOONIE!!  Since then Barry has been a musical inspiration in my life, and as a singer and performer myself I respect his musical talent in a way I can't express. So singing with him was beyond what words can describe, not to mention it was also my 16TH BIRTHDAY!  The ticket was my sweet sixteen present from my parents (It was the last ticket!!). After Barry heard me sing he said, "Wow a star is born!", and sang "I Am Your Child" for me and my parents. Now I'm 18 and as I look back on August 3rd, 1997, and read the (video) recording signed by him, "Stephanie, Happy B-Day, Best Wishes - Barry Manilow", I smile and think my sweet sixteen couldn't have been any sweeter!! (1/4/2000)

August 9, 1997 - Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua, New York)
> "Sister" Carol Phillips (member of the Manilow Mavens):  Having recently returned from the BMIFC Convention in Memphis, I should have had my fill of Barry, but I never seem to reach that point.  At the last minute, three of us decided to drive to Canandaigua for one last concert before Barry left for the West Coast.  Tickets had been sold out for weeks, so we thought we would try for last minute House seats or the lawn.  After a 4-hour drive and 6-hour wait in the heat, we had to settle for lawn seats.  On the bright side, security let people sit on the side lawns as well as the back lawn, so when the doors opened, I ran and managed to get down front, up against the railing, piano side.

When the familiar music for "Can't Smile" started, Barry asked if anyone wanted to come up and swat the bugs with him!  I had never seen him pick someone from the lawn before, but I was going to try anyway.  Needless to say, when he picked my sign, I was shocked and had to ask my Mom if he really was picking ME!

Once on stage, Barry asked the usual questions, my name and what I did for a living.  My response was usual too:  AAAhhhhhh! (I was speechless).  That changed though when he asked about my sign.  I had drawn a person and attached the veil from the "Sister Act" costume [used at the BMIFC Convention lip-sync contest].  On the torso it read, "I've been praying for this".  When I tried to explain that the Manilow Mavens were Nuns and lip-sync'ed the song "I Will Follow Him" with Sweet Life books in hand (instead of Bibles) and glow sticks around our necks (instead of crosses), he confirmed what my family and friends have said all along - "I'm INSANE!"  That may be true, but at least I'm having a blast!!

The rest was pretty typical.  I sang off-key, stepped on his feet when walking to the piano, and yes, even screamed when I got between those knees!!  This was definitely the ultimate experience a Barry fan could ever have, and a thrill that I will never forget.  Barry's music has brought so much to my life.  I can't thank him enough.  His words are encouraging, his lyrics inspiring, and his music is "too magic to end"! (8/20/98)

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