Name: BarryNet Message Board
Date/Time: 9/17/2021 3:20 AM
Subject: Ready To Take A Chance Again! Barry Manilow, 78, confirms the return of his Las Vegas residency

"Ready To Take A Chance Again! Barry Manilow, 78, confirms the return of his Las Vegas residency after COVID-19 pandemic forced veteran star to reschedule shows" by Jason Chester
Daily Mail, 16 September 2021

It wasn't exactly the Copacabana, but sunny Las Vegas was an adequate replacement as Barry Manilow confirmed the return of his hugely popular residency on Wednesday. The legendary American singer is returning to the stage at the International Theater at Westgate after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to postpone and reschedule all of his dates in 2020.

Confirming the news at a special event in Vegas, Manilow, 78, looked delighted to be back in the spotlight with his delayed show, appropriately titled 'Barry Manilow - The Hits Come Home!' The singer confirmed in August 2020 that all concert dates would be rescheduled after the venue was closed down due to safety concerns regarding the spread of coronavirus ("I hope this note finds you safe, healthy and wearing a mask. Just like you, we are dealing with the uncertainty of the future and processing information as quickly as we can. As you probably already know, the state of Nevada is currently operating under the Governor’s State of Emergency Order. That means that none of the state’s entertainment venues, including Westgate’s International Theater, are allowed to operate. Trust me, there is nothing that would make my heart happier than to be back home at Westgate and in the International Theater performing for you, my friends. But for everyone’s health and safety, that just has to wait. In the meantime, out of an abundance of caution and respect for all the plans that everyone has to make … and change … and make again ... we are going to postpone the planned Fall 2020 concerts.").

With the world slowly adapting to a 'new normal,' Manilow fielded questions from Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino President and General Manager Cami Christensen, who wore a face covering as she joined him outside the venue. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak Manlow performed more than 500 shows at Westgate following its original launch in May 2018.

Speaking to the Hoda Kotb podcast in June, he admitted to missing his band during lockdown, with the singer referring to them as his 'family.' 'The first thing I want to do is hug them,” he said. 'People don’t realize how close you get to your band.'

Manilow's current concert dates will run at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino from September 16 – 18, 2021, with further shows taking place from September 23 - 25, 2021.