Barry Briefs - Archive 11

Crooner Andy Williams given honour - American crooner Andy Williams has been honoured by his peers in Hollywood. The famed singer, who has been making records for over five decades, received his very own ELLA Award from the Society Of Singers - a group which offers help with the emergency financial needs of professional vocalists worldwide. Speaking before a special evening of music laid on in his recognition, Andy, 80, said: "It feels very nice to be honoured by your peers, other singers, nothing can be better than that, to have the recognition from them that they enjoy the work you've done." Tribute performances by some of music's finest were laid on at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the singer - including acts like Glen Campbell, Pat Boone and music legend Johnny Mathis, who raved about Andy, calling him "a wonderful icon in the business" who "deserves all his accolades". Andy said he was particularly touched that one of the night's performers had come out in his honour, saying: "Barry [Manilow] said that he had been a fan of mine for a long time and that I had influenced him some, that's why he wanted to come pay tribute to me, which I thought was very nice." The Copacabana star said of Andy: "His vocal range is amazing, he still has that talent so I'm happy to be here and frankly it's a way for me to say thank you to him - without an Andy Williams I wouldn't be here." (The Press Association, 5/20/2008) http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jsQbhxO5x1-XIujKokuup4s4Ev9w A West End musical to Never Forget - Never Forget, the musical based on Take That's hits, is set to take the West End by storm. The show - about an aspiring boyband struggling to make it in the pubs of Manchester - has toured the country before securing a run at London's Savoy Theatre. The show features many of Take That's hits including "Relight My Fire," "Babe," "Pray" and of course "Never Forget," with a live children's choir singing the backing vocals. The musical's additional score and lyrics were written by Barry Manilow. Never Forget is showing Monday to Saturday with two shows on Fridays and Saturdays. (This is Nottingham, 5/21/2008) http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=244367&command=displayContent &sourceNode=244365&contentPK=20682864&folderPk=112383&pNodeId=188965 &returnNodeId=188965 Manilow makes instrumental gift - Come September, La Quinta middle and high school students will receive new musical instruments to the tune of about $10,000 for each school. Coachella Valley resident and singer Barry Manilow has donated about $250,000 worth of instruments to eight high schools and 12 middle schools in the valley. "It's fabulous," said La Quinta Middle School band director Joan Gubler. "Our school is 20 years old. Some of the instruments that I have kids using have been there for 18 or 19 years." The donations started with Palm Desert Middle School. A school parent notified Manilow there was a need for instruments, said Karen Dorn, Palm Desert Middle School's band director. Manilow came to the rescue by supplying about $10,000 worth of musical instruments. Manilow then helped other middle and high schools in the area, and formed a committee. Committee members assigned a point value to a variety of Yamaha instruments, and offered each school 100 points for instruments they'd select on order forms. (The Desert Sun, 5/7/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS04/805070334 Manilow's donated instruments a boon for schools - Next year, the Palm Desert High School band will have new sounds, thanks to city resident and singer Barry Manilow. There will be two new trombones, two euphoniums, two clarinets and a high-level synthesizer. Manilow is donating musical instruments to eight high schools and 12 middle schools in the Coachella Valley. "It's nice to see celebrities give back to the local community," Palm Desert High band director N. Guy Lake said. The donations started with a Palm Desert Middle School parent who notified Manilow there was a need for instruments, PDMS band director Karen Dorn said. Manilow gave the school $10,000 in musical instruments, including a baby tuba, a new drum set and a new keyboard. Afterward, Manilow decided to help other middle and high schools in the area by donating $250,000 worth of instruments. (The Desert Sun, 5/7/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS04/805070334 Tough Being 'The child of an icon" - Lorna Luft was 16 when her mother Judy Garland died of an overdose in London in 1969 aged just 47. Luft has since said that no one ever teaches you how to be the child of an icon. "My friend Patti Davis, Ronald Reagan's daughter, said I don't believe you get to know your mother or father until you are in your 40s," said Luft in Melbourne yesterday. Luft responded to this challenge by writing a book Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows. In addition, Luft began performing Garland's songs in a stage show Songs My Mother Taught Me. She recently released a CD of the same name; the musical producer was her husband Colin Freeman and the vocal producer her long-time friend Barry Manilow. Luft, who began performing as a teenager, says it took her a long time to feel able to tackle the songs her mother had made famous. "She had a powerful voice and she had a really large presence, and I knew when I was singing her, my performance had to match, had to come up to that level." Her efforts have been rewarded. Luft has received critical acclaim for her renditions of Garland standards. Lorna Luft: Live and Exclusive will be performed in the Fairfax Studio, in the Arts Centre, at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday. (The Age, 4/30/2008) http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/its-tough-being-the-child-of-an-icon/2008/04/30/1209234958416.html Forest Hills Eastern High School will present "Copacabana" this weekend at the Forest Hills Eastern High Auditorium, at Knapp and Pettis Avenue. Barry Manilow's award-winning tune will come to life on stage. "Copacabana" is fashioned after the Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and tells the story of Lola's climb to stardom, her kidnapping and rescue. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 1, 2, and 3; and 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3. Tickets, at $8 for adults and $5 for students, are available at the door or on the Web site, schoolcenter.fhps.us/ehstheater. (Cadence, 4/29/2008) http://www.mlive.com/cadenceadvance/index.ssf/2008/04/singing_on_the_stage.html Brian Culbertson plans to bring some new funk - Who would have thought that a native of Decatur would grow up to become a top new jazz artist, take a leap of faith to record an album entitled "Bringing Back the Funk," and then come back to his hometown area to play his music for his fans? That's exactly what Brian Culbertson did. Tonight, he will be the very first musical performer to grace the stage at the brand new Chaifetz Arena, located at St. Louis University Campus. Culbertson is the opening act for Barry Manilow. "This is gonna be a wild show all the way around for me," said Culbertson in a telephone interview. "A really unique night for sure." Culbertson's "Bringing Back the Funk" will be released on Tuesday, after the St. Louis date. "I am excited about this new album, because it's a little new for me to play (what he calls new old school)," said Culbertson. "I've wanted to record an album like this for many years. One where I could really cut loose." Culbertson has been holding down the gig as Manilow's opening act for the past year on tour dates. "I can tell you ... this is gonna be a great show. We have a lot of production in our part, and wait till you see Barry's. It's definitely gonna be a show that the fans will remember." Want to go? Who: Brian Culbertson (opening for Barry Manilow); When: 8 tonight; Where: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis University; Tickets: www.metrotix.com. (Belleville News-Democrat, 4/25/2008) http://www.bnd.com/entertainment/story/320773.html Brian Culbertson brings the funk to Manilow tour - Brian Culbertson, the opening act for Barry Manilow, has a new album out Tuesday. The opening act for Barry Manilow is categorized as a smooth jazz artist because he plays piano and favors melodic instrumentals. But Brian Culbertson sounds as if he'd be just as comfortable opening the Crossroads KC show with George Clinton Saturday night. His new album is "Bringing Back the Funk," and he calls his band Brian Culbertson and the Funk Experience. Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, a boyhood idol of Culbertson's, is the executive producer. Some of the guest players are Clinton's former bassist Bootsy Collins and guitarist Phelps Collins, former EWF keyboardist Larry Dunn, bassist Larry Graham, horn players Gerald Albright, Ronnie Laws, Maceo Parker and Tom Scott, and singers Ledisi and Musiq Soulchild. "I've wanted to record an album like this for many years," Culbertson has said, "one where I could really cut loose. Having Maurice involved from the beginning is what really sparked many others to participate. Once the cats found out he was producing with me, they said, 'Where and when do I show up?!'" (The Kansas City Star, 4/23/2008) http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/588532.html Passion is fashion in Manilow musical - Sideshow Youth exploded on to the Kenneth More stage last week with an effervescent performance of the Barry Manilow musical, Copacabana. This is the first "traditional" musical from the company which brought us the highly successful Seussical, Children of Eden and High School Musical, all mould-breaking in their own fashion. As musicals go, Copacabana is a somewhat derivative piece in terms of style and plotting - boy meets girl, they fall in love, girl is abducted, boy follows girl, boy saves girl, cue happy ending. There is the traditional second act opening in a foreign clime and the big show-stopper to close ... The big numbers like "Copacabana," "Just Arrived," "Dancin' Fool" and "Welcome to Havana" were beautifully executed and most enjoyable. Congratulations must go to director Phil Halpin for yet another great production. (Romford Recorder, 4/24/2008) http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/content/redbridge/recorder/whatson/story.aspx? brand=RECOnline&category=whatsontheatre&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory =whatsonnewham&itemid=WeED24%20Apr%202008%2010%3A09%3A07%3A687 The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund hosted its 23rd annual gala late last week New York City, raising US $5.2 million for its charitable work. The event was hosted by comedian Emmy and Tony-award winner Martin Short and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winner and "Copacabana" songster Barry Manilow (April 17, 2008). (KidScreen Magazine, 4/21/2008) http://www.kidscreen.com/articles/daily/20080421/oneliners.html Society of Singers (SOS) bestows lifetime achievement honors on Andy Williams, with its 17th Annual ELLA Award. The beloved crooner tells us he's had some favorite clips pulled from his vintage NBC variety show to share with the crowd that will be on hand May 19 at the Beverly Hilton. The event will be emceed by Steve Lawrence, with Johnny Mathis, Glen Campbell, Petula Clark and Barry Manilow performing. Notes Andy, "This probably means more to me than any other award, because it's from my peers." The ELLA Award event also draws attention to charitable activities of the SOS, which is led by President and CEO Jerry Sharell. (National Ledger, 4/22/2008) http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272620165.shtml Band directors laud Manilow's gift of instruments - Eighteen of the Coachella Valley's 20 public middle and high schools have met today's deadline for ordering materials from the Manilow Music Project. But the schools' band directors say they need more support to help their students compete for admission to the top music colleges. Barry Manilow said that's why he announced his offer this month to buy $250,000 worth of instruments, stands and sheet music for local public schools with band programs. "The reason I'm talking to you is not to brag about doing this," he said in an exclusive interview at his Palm Springs home, "I think everybody should do it. At your kids' school you can buy a clarinet and they would be very grateful for that clarinet. I thought the school system takes care of things like this. Well, they don't. Or they won't. Anybody that wants these kids playing music, they can do it." Manilow formed a committee to help support local music programs. It assigned a point value to dozens of Yamaha instruments and offered each school 100 points for instruments they'd select on order forms. Manilow also got the Hal Leonard music publishing company to offer sheet music to the schools. The materials are expected to be delivered in September. "I hope it helps," Manilow said. "I hope it encourages other people to do it, too." (Desert Sun, 4/15/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/NEWS04/804150321/1010/news04 Australian pop star Kylie Minogue is planning to pay tribute to veteran singer Barry Manilow on her upcoming European tour. The Spinning Around hitmaker is reportedly working on a performance of Manilow's classic hit "Copacabana" for the KylieX2008 tour which kicks off in Paris on 6 May 2008 ... One of the key moments in the production is when Kylie sings a rendition of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana." It's very theatrical... (PR Inside, 4/15/2008) http://www.pr-inside.com/kylie-plans-manilow-tribute-r538818.htm Calling all Mandys! - Barry Manilow will play the Air Canada Centre on June 7 with tix, $149, $89, $79.50 and $59, on sale Monday at Ticketmaster, by phone at 416-870-8000, online at ticketmaster.ca or the ACC box office (no first-day sales). Manilow will be performing his hit Las Vegas Hilton show at the ACC and concertgoers will also have a chance to enter a contest to win a weekend in Vegas to see Manilow: Music and Passion where it continues at the Hilton through 2009. (Toronto Sun, 4/11/2008) http://www.torontosun.com/Entertainment/Music/2008/04/11/5254366-sun.html "Copacabana, the Musical" makes local debut - "Her name was Lola. She was a showgirl. With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there. She would merengue, and do the cha-cha. And while she tried to be a star, Tony always tended bar ..." If those lyrics trigger fond memories of Barry Manilow's perky ballads, you might want to want to check out "the hottest spot north of Havana" when "Copacabana, the Musical" comes to Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre this weekend and next. Tony and Lola will be there, along with diamond-sporting bad-guy Rico, who will go "a bit too far," kidnapping Lola and spiriting her away to his own night club, the Tropicana. "There always have been jokes about Barry Manilow music," director Cathy Alaimo said. "It's always light and fluffy. It's not challenging music. But this musical came from Barry Manilow himself, with partners Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman. So part of him is saying, "I've heard all the jokes. I'm allowed to make fun of myself, too - He's poking gentle fun at the song." The show's plot presents the story of Lola as imagined by a modern-day aspiring songwriter named Stephen who dreams himself into the role of Tony and must save Lola from the villainous Rico. The production pays homage to romantic movies from the 1940s, and one of the perks for Alaimo is working with a wardrobe worthy of Technicolor. When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. April 18-19 and 3 p.m. April 20. Where: Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, North Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA. Tickets: $18. More info: 570-823-1875. (The Times Leader, 4/11/2008) http://www.timesleader.com/entertainment/20080411_11plays_guide_ART0.html Barry Manilow attends luxury concierge service party - Luxury concierge service Homes Run celebrated its new expansion Thursday evening. The company, serving the valley since 2001, is branching out and includes luxury rental company Beau Monde Villas, home sales and fractional home ownership. On Thursday, about 250 clients and supporters, including singer Barry Manilow, enjoyed the cocktail party to celebrate the company's new venture ... Manilow said the ability to use a company that rents large homes with concierge benefits is "so much better than staying in a hotel. It's the same services that you'd get in a five-star hotel." (The Desert Sun, 4/11/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/NEWS01/804110370 A new era of Vegas acts - Since 2005, Barry Manilow has set up camp for extended runs at the Las Vegas Hilton, where he has drawn crowds for months on end. How does he do it? "Taxi drivers' word of mouth," Manilow quips. Actually, he's not kidding. Before launching his Manilow: Music and Passion show, the crooner put on a free performance for hotel employees and ... cabbies. But that little bit of old-school marketing aside, performers increasingly are seeing that playing for long stretches on the fabled Strip could be one of the safest bets in town. But there's a difference between who can sell out a few shows and the kind of performer who can fill thousands of seats year after year ... Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace, says artists with a shot at that crown must have impressive album sales, appeal to a global fan base and be popular among a wide demographic. "They have to have a proven commitment to producing true spectacles. You can't just stand up and sing. Because, really, you're competing with the (Mirage) volcano, the Forum Shops and anything else Vegas offers ..." It's not the spectacle itself, but the personality at its circus-like center, says stage veteran Manilow. "No matter how many light bulbs are on the stage, it always boils down to the talent of the star." (USA Today, 4/10/2008) http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-04-10-vegas-shows_N.htm?csp=34 Indian Wells Chamber of Commerce Sponsors Chef Masterpieces - Sample the award-winning specialties of Coachella Valley's best chefs and sample fine wines from Tulip Hill Winery and Barry Manilow at the Third Annual Chef Masterpieces April 5 during the 6th Annual Indian Wells Arts Festival at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. For more information, please call (760) 346-0042 or visit online at www.indianwellsartsfestival.com. (The Desert Sun, 4/1/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080401/GETPUBLISHED/804010327/1139 Performing Arts presents 'Copacabana' musical - Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl ... That's the unforgettable opening lyric of Barry Manilow's Grammy Award winning hit song, "Copacabana." "Copacabana" plays at 7:30 p.m. April 5, 11-12 and at 2 p.m. April 6 and 13 at the Carson Community Center (Carson City, Nevada). Tickets are available at the door and at boxoffice@carson.K12.nv.us. Pre-sale ticket prices are $9 for general admission, $7 for children and students (with a Student Body Card) and $8 for seniors and students. At the door the prices are $8 for children and students (with Student Body Card), $9 for seniors and students and $10 for general admission. (Nevada Appeal, 3/24/2008) http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080324/COMMUNITY/98524598 Youth theatre goes totally tropical! - MALTON'S Milton Rooms take on the guise of the Copacabana and Tropicana nightclubs next week as the 70 talented young members of Ryedale Youth Theatre take to the stage for their Easter production. With passion and colour, flamboyant costumes and glamorous showgirls, Barry Manilow's Copacabana is directed by Angela Kirkham with Martin Dixon the musical director. The performers are aged between eight and 18 and they have been in rehearsal since just before Christmas. The show was inspired by Barry Manilow's Grammy Award-winning hit song, "Copacabana," about a tale of love and romance set in the heart of the swinging nightclub scene of the 1940's. Stephen, played by Will Gosnold, is an aspiring songwriter who is carried back to an era when "music and passion were always the fashion" at the world famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City. In his dream a hopeful showgirl, Lola Lamar, played by Elizabeth Haigh, is launched on the path to stardom as a Copa Girl with the help of a bartender with dreams of his own, Tony Starr, also played by Will. Captivated by Lola's performance, the villainous Rico (Benjamin Gill) whisks her away to the Tropicana nightclub in Havana. From this exotic, distant new world, a tale of old-fashioned love, jealousy and murder in the entangled lives of Lola, Tony and Rico unfolds amidst dazzling costumes and spectacular stage scenery. Manilow's tune was first adapted into a musical film for television and in 1994 it was expanded into a $3m full-length West End musical which originally starred Gary Wilmot as Tony/Stephen and Nicola Dawn as Lola. Behind its spectacular technology, elaborate sets and forties costumes, the production was founded on a series of showstopping songs by Barry Manilow - "Copacabana," "Dancin' Fool," "Man Wanted," "Who Needs to Dream" and "Sweet Heaven" to name but a few. The show opens at the Milton Rooms next Wednesday (March 26) for a four night run at 7.15PM with matinees next Thursday and Saturday at 2PM (March 27, 29). Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Malton Museum, Market Place, Malton, and cost L8 for adults and L6 for children and concessions. (Malton & Pickering Mercury, 3/19/2008) http://www.maltonmercury.co.uk/news/Youth-theatre-goes-totally-tropical.3889251.jp The Society of Singers Sets Lineup for ELLA Award Presentation to Andy Williams - Glen Campbell, Petula Clark, Steve Lawrence, Monica Mancini, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis and the Gregg Field Orchestra will be among the performers at the Society of Singers' (SOS) presentation of the 17th ELLA Award to the legendary singer and television host Andy Williams. The event will take place at the Beverly Hilton on May 19, 2008, and will include silent and live auctions along with dinner. Tickets are priced at $600, $900, $1,250 and $2,500, with all proceeds to benefit the non-profit Society of Singers Emergency Relief Fund and Scholarship Fund. For more information, please consult http://www.singers.org or call (818) 995-7100. (Press Release [Source: The Society of Singers], 3/18/2008) http://www.singers.org http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080318/latu080.html?.v=101 Barry Manilow Celebrates 300th Show at the Las Vegas Hilton - At the start of his career in 1975, Barry Manilow reached the number 6 position on the Billboard charts with his single that asked the question "Could It Be Magic"? On March 14, 2008 the showman received a resounding "Yes!" for an answer as balloons, champagne and a cake waited for the multi-platinum performer at Tempo Lounge following his 300th sold out show at the Las Vegas Hilton. Fans have a chance to sing along with all their favorite Manilow melodies at the Hilton Theater through the end of 2008. (LoveTripper.com, 3/18/2008) http://www.lovetripper.com/bridalstars/2008/03/32608-barry-manilow-celebrates-300th.html Image Entertainment Blu-ray Releases - Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, announced today that it has selected Sony DADC for the authoring and compression of the company's continuing output of high-definition Blu-ray releases ... An aggressive slate of Image's bestselling music titles will come to Blu-ray with titles such as Chicago / Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek, Heart: Alive in Seattle, Moody Blues: Lovely to See You Live, Roy Orbison: Black and White Night and Barry Manilow: Live all scheduled for release this spring and summer. (Press Release [Source: Image Entertainment, Inc.], 3/17/2008) http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080317/20080317005078.html?.v=1 Barry Manilow will perform as the inaugural concert at new arena at St. Louis University - Barry Manilow will perform his hit concert, "Manilow: An Evening of Music and Passion," as the inaugural concert at the new Chaifetz Arena at 8 p.m. April 25 at Saint Louis University. Manilow's last performance in St. Louis was in 2002. Chaifetz Arena will be the new home of the Saint Louis University men's and women's basketball, volleyball and also hosts concerts, family shows, trade shows and other events. The arena is located on the northwest corner of Compton Avenue and Market Street. Tickets for the Barry Manilow show are $9.99, $69, $99 and $159 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, March 17 at Manilow.com, metrotix.com, MetroTix outlets and at select Schnucks and Macy stores and charge by phone at (314) 534-1111. (Belleville News-Democrat, 3/13/2008) http://www.bnd.com/389/story/280258.html Barry Manilow to Play Chaifetz Arena - Legendary pop singer Barry Manilow performs at St. Louis University's Chaifetz Arena at 8 p.m. April 25, in the new venue's first concert. Tickets are $9.99-$159 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday (March 17) through MetroTix outlets. Manilow's concert, presented by the Las Vegas Hilton, is titled An Evening of Music & Passion. (STLtoday, 3/12/2008) http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/music/story/ B085ABEC13AA83338625740A0055F24B?OpenDocument

Grammy-winning singer Nancy Wilson finds paradise in high desert - In 2006, the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning jazz singer announced that, after a 52-year career, she was cutting back. Then she won her third Best Jazz Album Grammy for "Turn To Blue." Then she did a 70th birthday tour, including a date at Carnegie Hall. And now she's performing at the McCallum Theatre with Michael Feinstein. Fellow desert resident Barry Manilow is excited about the show Friday night (March 14). "That's a great billing," Manilow said in a recent phone interview. "I produced one of her albums ('With My Lover Beside Me,' 1991). What a great experience that was. She's beautiful to work with." (The Desert Sun, 3/9/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080309/ LIFESTYLES0101/803080324/1051/lifestyles0101 An Evening with Jodi Benson, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Frauenthal Theater (March 14-15): Benson, a native of Rockford, Ill., has received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim as the voice of Ariel in the Academy Award winning Walt Disney animated feature film, "The Little Mermaid," as well as the bubbly voice of Tour Guide Barbie in Disney's "Toy Story II," winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. For Warner Brothers, she created the title voice of "Thumbelina," a Don Bluth animated feature with songs by Barry Manilow. (Michgan Live - Muskegon Chronicle, 3/9/2008) http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/ features-0/120481651168940.xml&coll=8&thispage=2 Must-go: The showman is on - Geographically speaking, the Las Vegas Hilton may be to the north and off the Strip proper, but when Barry Manilow is in residence, it automatically becomes the magnetic center of the city. After a three-month hiatus, Barry Manilow took the stage at the Hilton's Showroom last night and showed this town how much fun and heart can be packed into 90 minutes. A true-blue spectacle, intimate and humanly scaled, Manilow's "Music and Passion" might just be the most effective antidepressant on the market ... The show premiered in 2005, and Manilow has signed to appear through 2009 at his custom-built, 1,700-seat jewel box theater ... A warm welcome back to the delightful Mr. M. (Las Vegas Sun, 3/6/2008) http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/culture/2008/mar/05/showman-must-go/ Culbertson entertains an enthusiastic NPAC - Smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson wow'ed the crowd at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center Sunday night with a performance that was both highly energetic and softly romantic ... Culbertson played the keyboard alongside guest artist, saxophonist Michael Lington. The band also included his father, Jim Culbertson, on trumpet. The elder Culbertson has been a band director in Decatur, Ill. for 36 years and had the pleasure of seeing his son start down his career in music. The artist and his band have been on tour traveling across the United States, opening for Barry Manilow. Every lady in attendance at the concert received a carnation, courtesy of the performer, to help make it a special evening. Culbertson performed songs from many of his CDs, including the top smooth jazz song of 2007, "Let's Get Started." (Time Bulletin (Van Wert, Ohio), 2/18/2008) http://www.timesbulletin.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=145723&TM=584.484 Spending Valentine's evening with Barry Manilow? - Southern California concert venues will be alive as usual this Valentine's Day, but few artists capture the spirit of the occasion quite like Barry Manilow, who, after all, writes the songs that make the young girls cry. And in recent years, he's sold millions of discs by covering other songwriters' romantic tunes from the '50s, '60s and '70s. Manilow's performance at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday is part of a short national tour before he resumes his residency at the Las Vegas Hilton on March 5. If you're going to this relatively rare Southern California appearance by the crooner, we'd like to know what you thought of the show ... You may register your opinion by sending an e-mail to entertainment@ocregister.com by 10 a.m. Friday. Please remember to put the word "Manilow" in the subject line and include your name and city of residence. Responses may appear online or in the pages of The Orange County Register. (Orange County Register, 2/12/2008) http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/ manilow-sending-california-1979304-valentine-southern Hallmark Strikes Gold with Exclusive Barry Manilow Album - Hallmark announced today that the Barry Manilow Christmas album, In the Swing of Christmas was certified Gold by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The announcement was made by Jill Rosen, Hallmark director of licensing. Manilow's In the Swing of Christmas was available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores throughout November and December, 2007 and featured ten newly-recorded songs selected by Barry, including a swinging rendition of "Silver Bells," with all 26 background vocals performed by Manilow. "Hallmark Gold Crown music is a commercial success and embraced by top music artists who are given creative freedom when selecting songs for their album," Rosen said. Each artist is chosen by Hallmark only after careful consideration of the consumer's genre preference and taste. Hallmark is the only specialty retailer to achieve Platinum and Gold RIAA certification of CDs sold only at their Hallmark Gold Crown retailers. Teri Brown, president of T.B.A. Network, Inc., has worked with Hallmark since 2003 to craft music partnerships and played an integral part in securing Manilow's participation for this CD. (Press Release (Source: Hallmark), 2/8/2008) http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080208/20080208005672.html?.v=1 http://newsroom.hallmark.com Win The New Barry Manilow DVD - On January 29th, Rhino Entertainment released the Barry Manilow: Songs From The Seventies on DVD. To celebrate, 411 is giving away copies of the DVD to some lucky fans. Performing live in his old Brooklyn stomping grounds, Barry Manilow's latest DVD is the best sort of homecoming. An entertaining television special, "Barry Manilow: Songs From The Seventies" was filmed in September 2007 at the old Navy Yard in Brooklyn, "right down the block from where I grew up in Williamsburg," as Manilow explains onstage. The special premiered on PBS stations across the nation in early December, and is now available on DVD. The set captures the artist's triumphant return to his old neighborhood where he sings his biggest hits -- and some great covers -- from the decade that made him famous. The two-DVD set includes the television special in 5.1 Surround Sound on the first disc, plus a bonus disc featuring an unaired mini-concert of alternate performances, along with behind-the-scenes footage. Barry Manilow: Songs From The Seventies is available in stores and at rhino.com. An excellent companion to Manilow's latest smash album, The Greatest Songs of the Seventies - which debuted in the Top 5. All you have to do to enter is send an email to ask411music@yahoo.com with the subject "Barry Manilow". Two lucky winners will be chosen randomly upon the contest's completion. The contest will run until midnight, February 8th. Meanwhile, check out this Songs From The Seventies E-Card or visit Barry Manilow's Official Website. (411Mania.com, 2/4/2008) http://www.411mania.com/music/news/68376/%5BCONTEST%5D-Win-The-New-Barry-Manilow-DVD.htm Upcoming Concert: Barry Manilow - Let the American singer/songwriter, known for his songs "Mandy," "Weekend in New England" and "Copacabana," croon you and your loved one on Valentine's Day. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets are $9.99-$250. Staples Center, Los Angeles. (Orange County Register, 2/7/2008) http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/music-family-art-1975261-concert-dance Manilow wine debuts at Jensen's - Barry Manilow has chosen the Coachella Valley-based Jensen's Finest Foods chain to premier his new Pinot Grigio from the Manilow brand of wines. Customers at Jensen's Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Arrowhead locations will also have the opportunity to win a trip to see "Manilow: Music & Passion" at the Las Vegas Hilton, when they buy the wine through the month of February. The prize includes two tickets to the show, a two-night stay at the hotel and an autographed copy of Manilow's CD, "The Greatest Songs of the Seventies." Jensen's Vice President Adam Zack said Manilow has been "a loyal Jensen's customer for years." Manilow is on an on-again-off-again national tour between Vegas shows. His concert on Feb. 9 in Washington D.C. is sold out. Tickets still remain for his Thursday Feb. 14 concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and his Friday Feb. 15 show at the HP Pavilion in San Jose (Information: www.manilow.com/tickets). (The Desert Sun, 2/7/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/LIFESTYLES01/80207031 Make Way for The Showgirl - One level beneath the Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace, a five-room, two-bath dressing room is undergoing a renovation, and the new resident is the divine Miss Bette Midler. After wrapping a two-year Kiss My Brass world tour in Australia in 2005, this is where Midler will get herself gussied up five nights a week for the next two years, performing her over-the-top, 90-minute The Showgirl Must Go On. Before this stint, the longest Midler had ever spent in Sin City was a one-week gig in the '80s alongside Johnny Carson, but she has been able to put her "reservations" aside and is hopeful that she will eventually grow to feel at home. Longtime pal Barry Manilow is also in town regularly to perform at the Las Vegas Hilton. "Barry says this is the best gig he ever had in his life ... he loves it!" she says. (USA Today, 2/6/2008) http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-02-06-bette-midler_N.htm?csp=34 Spend Your Valentine's Day with Barry Manilow: Online Auction to Benefit Starlight - This Valentine's Day give your special someone a night to remember with one of Starlight's Barry Manilow romance auction packages. The first auction includes two VIP seats to Manilow: An Evening of Music and Passion at Staples Center, an opportunity to meet Barry after the show and have your photo taken with him, a special dinner for two at Roy's Restaurant, as well as an overnight stay at the Hilton Checkers hotel in downtown Los Angeles - complete with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries! The second auction package includes two VIP seats to the concert and a post-show meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Barry, plus an elegant dinner at the Palm Restaurant. All proceeds benefit the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation - so that is something you can really warm your heart over! Get your bids in today (auction ends February 7) by visiting www.ebay.com/starlightstarbright. http://www.ebay.com/starlightstarbright http://www.starlight.org

Lorna Luft: Songs My Mother Taught Me - Judy Garland remains one of the most famous actresses of all time. Now her daughter Lorna Luft is paying her own tribute to her with a stage show. The production - Songs My Mother Taught Me - was a Broadway and West End hit four years ago but now it's heading out on the road. Luft was encouraged by her close friend Barry Manilow to pull together the tribute. "'You have to do this', he'd tell me. 'It's your great mission in life to continue her legacy'. Well, for a long time that legacy was just too overwhelming, just too personal for me, her daughter," admits Luft. "But a few years ago I had reached a point in my life where I did become a little more comfortable with the comparisons and the legacy. I felt I had come full circle and might be able to undertake the challenge of celebrating her legacy - so I called Barry to tell him I thought I was finally ready to attempt it. He was ecstatic." Manilow put her in touch with two writers - Ken and Mitzie Welch - who penned the show. "He's worked with them for years and trusted that they could find the right framework to celebrate my mom." Luft's musician husband, Colin R. Freeman, produced the music and Manilow worked on the vocals. Songs My Mother Taught Me is at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Tuesday (February 5) at 7.30 p.m. The box office number is 01492 872000. (icWales, 2/1/2008) http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2008/02/01/ lorna-luft-me-and-my-mom-91466-20421995/ Shelby Lynne shows her many sides with new CD, "Just A Little Lovin'" ... Lynne's Dusty Springfield-inspired CD was actually inspired by another local music star, Palm Springs' Barry Manilow ... Manilow is the '70s adult contemporary hit-maker from Brooklyn who became a superstar Las Vegas showman. Lynne is a sensitive song stylist from Alabama who's flown so far below the mainstream radar, she won the Best New Artist Grammy of 2001 after recording for 10 years. Manilow and Lynne met at a Grammy function several years ago and became friends. He'd been a fan since her 2001 CD, "I Am Shelby Lynne" and her follow-up, "Love, Shelby." "Both of them became my two favorite CDs of all time," Manilow said just before this week's release of "Just A Little Lovin'. You would think we came from two totally different musical styles, but in my opinion, if the work stands out, it doesn't really matter what the genre or style it is," said Manilow. "She gets the heart, the passion I put into my work and that's what I got when I heard those two albums." Manilow recalled his love of Dusty Springfield's "Dusty in Memphis" and thought of Lynne. "I e-mailed her and said, 'You guys are a perfect match. I know you're a wonderful songwriter, maybe there's an audience out there for you,'" Manilow said. Lynne ruminated about it for a year. Then a Capitol Records marketing man said he didn't know what to do with her no-frills CD, "Suit Yourself," and Lynne blurted out in frustration, "I'm just going to call Barry Manilow and cut the Dusty Springfield songs!" Surprisingly, the Capitol guy liked the idea. Lynne and Manilow decided not to collaborate, but Manilow continued to encourage her. "I didn't have any involvement with him after I really dedicated myself to doing it," Lynne said. "He said, 'Just run with it.' I said 'OK. I'll call you when it's done.'" Lynne's pick to produce "Just A Little Lovin'" was Phil Ramone, who not only recorded Frank Sinatra's "Duets" albums, but Manilow's "Manilow Sings Sinatra." Manilow likens Lynne to Edith Piaf and Judy Garland. "She is a true artist," Manilow said. "She won't give in to anything she doesn't believe in. I have done that compromising thing with the pop world - even though I struggled to fight for my own sound, my own thing. She won't do it. She won't compromise. I really do respect her so much." (The Desert Sun, 2/2/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/LIFESTYLES0101/802010344 Palm Springs Valley remembers Earl Greenburg - Earl Greenburg liked to recall his first attempt to help the Palm Springs International Film Festival. "I said, 'You know, this awards thing is interesting to me, it's something I might be good at,'" Greenburg said, laughing, six weeks ago. In the wake of his death Friday at age 61, Greenburg is remembered as a man who sustained Bono's vision of turning Palm Springs and the Palm Springs International Film Festival into the "Cannes of the West" ... "He was one of the pillars of our community. He did incredible things for everybody in the valley. We're going to miss him." - Barry Manilow. "It was that twinkle in his eye. It's the first thing I noticed so many years ago when we first met. It was infectious. And then I couldn't help being blown away by his commitment to those he loved." - Suzanne Somers. (The Desert Sun, 2/2/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/OBITUARIES/802020316 http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/OBITUARIES/802020315 Barry's coming to South Florida for two shows later this month - Feb. 23 at the BankAtlantic Center and Feb. 24 at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami (this one will be an intimate theater setting). Barry Manilow's An Evening of Music and Passion will draw from every aspect of his career (except for maybe the McDonald's jingle You Deserve a Break Today -- yep, that was him). Expect to hear the big ones -- I Write the Songs, Mandy, Can't Smile Without You, Looks Like We Made It, Even Now, Weekend in New England and, of course, Copacabana. Tickets for each show ($9.99-$200) are on sale now. (Miami Herald, 2/1/2008) http://www.miamiherald.com/275/story/400596.html Barry Manilow is very generous with his vast fortune by dedicating his time and savings to a number of good causes. Manilow has loaned his name to charities benefiting the victims of AIDS and Hurricane Katrina, and has performed at benefit shows for a number of charitable causes. He even has his own foundation, The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, which hands out millions to those in need. Speaking ahead of a performance at an amFAR Aids gala in New York on Thursday (1/31/2008), Manilow explained his philosophy: "When I was younger, I tried to hoard my money, but as you get older, you realise you don't need it, and it's better off helping other people. I now give away as much as I possibly can." Barry is also planning a busy 2008: "I'm releasing two new albums this year. One is the greatest hits of the 80s and the other is new material I've written." (PR-Inside, 2/1/2008) http://www.pr-inside.com/manilow-the-philanthropist-r417379.htm http://www.pr-inside.com/manilow-plans-two-new-albums-in-r417371.htm The American Foundation for AIDS Research - is honoring Julian Schnabel, Bobby Shriver and Carine Roitfeld for their work raising money for AIDS research. The trio were to receive amfAR's Award of Courage at a star-studded, black-tie dinner Thursday (January 31) featuring a performance by Barry Manilow and presentations by Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs and Lou Reed ... AmfAR was started as a non-profit organization in 1985. It has raised millions of dollars for AIDS research, prevention, education and advocacy. (USA Today, 1/31/2008) (WCBS-TV New York, 1/31/2008) http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-01-31-amfar-awards_N.htm?csp=34 http://www.wcbstv.com/local/aids.research.julian.2.642582.html The Foundation for AIDS Research's New York Gala - On January 31, amfAR will honor Julian Schnabel, acclaimed artist and film maker, Carine Roitfeld, editor in chief of French Vogue, and Bobby Shriver, founder of the RED Campaign, for their vital and distinctive contributions to the global struggle against AIDS. The event will also feature a special performance by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Barry Manilow. The black-tie dinner and awards presentation will take place at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. (amfAR News, 1/15/2008) http://www.amfar.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/press.html?record=187 Heritage Players take on 'Copacabana' - While many suburban theaters are dark this time of the year, the Heritage Players, who perform at Bethel Park Community Center, are keeping the lights on with the Barry Manilow musical "Copacabana" which starts in May. Jason Stiteler will co-direct the musical "Copacabana" in March with his brother, Scott. Although they have yet to choose a cast, Mr. Stiteler said he's looking forward to the challenge -- especially since he got to choose the show. "I've always really liked it," noting that he saw the musical when its American production premiered at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in 2000. Based on the Barry Manilow song, "Copacabana" follows showgirl Lola as she's pursued by the nefarious Rico and her true love, Tony Starr. "It's a throwback to the musicals of the 1940s. Lots of big dance numbers, lots of jazz. It's reminiscent of '42nd Street.'" He added he expected a cast of about 35. "Copacabana" starts May 8. Bethel Park Community Center, 5151 Park Ave., Bethel Park. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 1/31/2008) http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08031/853453-55.stm?cmpid=entertainment.xml Shelby Lynne revives a timeless style, classic songs - Eight years have passed since Shelby Lynne released her breakthrough album. Critics praised "I Am Shelby Lynne" ... At times her sound was an appealing, updated blend of '60s pop and soul. It seems odd, then, that until recently no one suggested to her that it might be a good idea to record music associated with Dusty Springfield, the blond princess of sunny '60s soul. Lynne says she hadn't considered the concept until Barry Manilow recommended the idea two years ago. She agreed. Last year Lynne went into a studio with producer Phil Ramone and a quartet of musicians and, in five days, recorded the 10 tracks on "Just a Little Lovin'," her tribute to Springfield. The album is officially released today. (KansasCity.com, 1/29/2008) http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/music/story/464268.html New Shelby Lynne CD channels Springfield - More than two years after Barry Manilow suggested the theme, Shelby Lynne's Dusty Springfield-inspired CD, "Just A Little Lovin'," hits stores today. Coincidentally, Manilow's new 2-DVD set, "Songs From the Seventies - Barry Manilow" also drops today. Not coincidentally, Lynne and Manilow both live in the Coachella Valley. Manilow, of Palm Springs, suggested Lynne record an album of Dusty Springfield covers in a cross-town e-mail. Lynne, who lives in Rancho Mirage, has been receiving rave reviews for that album. (The Desert Sun, 1/29/2008) http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/LIFESTYLES0101/801290302 Shelby Lynne: Just a Little Lovin' - It takes guts to go after a songbook associated with someone as iconic as Dusty Springfield, but when have guts ever been a problem for Shelby Lynne? So here is her unlikely but lovely set of songs, the end of an odd journey that started with a suggestion from Barry Manilow and ended with legendary producer Phil Ramone in the hallowed Studio A of the Capitol Records recording complex. (Rocky Mountain News, 1/29/2008) http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/29/welcome-to-springfield/ Just a little Dusty Springfield by Shelby Lynne - For years singer Shelby Lynne had heard the comparisons with Dusty Springfield. Although flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as the late singer, Lynne never thought of covering any of her songs. But her friend singer Barry Manilow suggested it might be a good move. "He's a smart guy, and probably he had read all these ... comparisons, which I don't believe in, nor do I like," Lynne said in an interview. "He thought maybe I could do them (the songs) justice, and I never really thought about ever doing a cover record, period." But Lynne was ready to do another album and thought people needed to be reminded about how great a singer Springfield was. The result is Lynne's new album, "Just A Little Lovin'" (Lost Highway Records). (Reuters-UK, 1/29/2008) http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx? type=entertainmentNews&storyid=2008-01-30T010108Z_01_N16298805_RTRUKOC_0_UK-LYNNE.xml Shelby Lynne takes on Dusty Springfield's music - Give Shelby Lynne credit for nerve. On her new album, "Just a Little Lovin'," out Tuesday, the rootsy singer claimed an Everest-high goal - to plant her own flag in songs best associated with one of pop's most revered vocalists, Dusty Springfield. Lynne cut the album at a bracing pace: just five days. The genesis of the project wasn't quite so quick. Nearly three years ago, friend and fan Barry Manilow e-mailed Lynne and told her she should cover the Springfield songbook. That planted a seed. But at the time she was promoting a new album and her record company didn't know what to do with her... But when she brought up the idea of an all-Dusty collection for her next CD, it seemed to provide a good media hook. (New York Daily News, 1/27/2008) http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2008/01/27/ 2008-01-27_shelby_lynne_takes_on_dusty_springfields-1.html?ref=rss

[ More Barry Briefs | Return To Previous Page | Click Here for Articles and Reviews ]

This Page Created September 24, 2008 (Last Updated February 8, 2009)

Barry Manilow International Fan Club and the BarryNet, ©2008-2009