THE MUSIC IN MY LIFE

Ah.... those eyes and that smile. I have listened to Barry's Music since the 70's, bought some albums, hummed along with the melodies, loved the lyrics, and watched his TV specials. And then, I got an opportunity to see him perform LIVE at the Mirage in Las Vegas. I was excited as I entered the showroom as I was finally having the opportunity to see a musician I had listened to at home for many years. One of my girlfriends who had previously attended a number of his shows kept saying... wait till you see the signs Donna.... wait till you see the "Can't Smile Without You" segment.... wait till you hear the music intro build and watch the fans (they're amazing).... wait till you catch his presence on stage.... I was HYPED and I was ready!! And you know what ~ I Wasn't.

I wasn't ready for the impact!! To this day, I can't tell you exactly what happened that night to me. Whether it was his delightful chatter and a story Barry may have told / a passionate delivery of a certain song he sang / his choreographed movements & black duster outfit during CIBM that he wore or all of the above which made the difference. But I do know that I walked out of that showroom knowing something inside me was different. A passion for this Man and his music is now a part of me and I will always "Stay True to Barry". To this day, I hold my breath and clutch my heart whenever I hear him play and sing "Weekend in New England." Come back stage for a sound check of Manilow Midi Files

Barry along with his friend and collaborator Bruce Sussman, have been working on a broadway musical entitled Harmony. Its based on a true story of an acapella singing group in Germany in the 30s. They originally debuted this project at the LaJolla Playhouse on Oct. 19/97 and ran until November 30th. The original Comedian Harmonists Ensemble It is with great hope and expectation that "Harmony" may still have its day on Broadway

If a picture tells a 1,000 words then Marcia's Pictures of Barry speak volumes. I am delighted to call her friend and am proud to showcase some of her wonderful photographs she has taken over the years.

MY REVIEWS OF THE SHOWS

Enter Here for Memories of the 1997 Reminiscing Tour

"I Go Crazy, when I look in your eyes I still go crazy, no my heart just can't hide That old feeling inside Way deep down inside Oh baby You know when I look in your eyes I Go Crazy" Paul Davis

Here's to The Man... Barry is my Frank Sinatra and this was My Dream Performance [Click here for a detailed review]

I had the opportunity see Barry perform in New York City at a place called the "Supper Club." It was my first chance to listen to him sing in a very small club with a full-piece orchestra. Because of the intimacy of that show, I know I'll never see him again in a way that moved me like that evening. I am sure from this day forward there will be other special evenings. But my night with him at the Supper Club will always be my most memorable experience. Onwards to the Tour of 1999 entitled "Manilow Live" I attended the August 13th. concert at Pine Knob MusicTheatre, Clarkston, Michigan and a friend, Nancy Veeneman captured this moment during one of his performances in Chicago, Illinois.