Manilow Memories

It's been two years since I attended my first Barry concert in Vegas on March 29, 2006. Nostaligia has set in this morning and I can't think of a better place to share those memories than here on the blog that I began because of that magical night.

My first Vegas show
This is where it all began: a great show, a magical, unexpected moment with Barry and a new friend who grew up with his music and introduced me to the vast new world of Manilow.
At the dance with Mandy
My first ever "Barry trip" with my new friend, Mandy, and the night she danced with him to It's Not for Me to Say for what seemed like an eternity.
The scrapbook project
Bringing a group of fans together to create a scrapbook for Barry after his hip surgery. Everyone worked together to create the best "get well" scrapbook called, "Your Music, Our Passion".
Atlantic City
The first concert after the hip surgery; the anticipation; all the fans and the energy in the huge arena. Finally, Barry comes out on stage in a wheelchair and the crowd roars. It was my first arena show and a night I will never forget.
Madison Square Garden
New York City and a night to remember with Barry, Dave Koz, and one of my very best friends.
Starting I Am Your Child Fan Club
A dream that ensued between two friends and after a few short months blossomed into an officially sanctioned fan club, which was the start of new friendships and some great times with other fans.
May 2007
A last minute trip to Vegas where I had the time of my life at the concerts and experienced some memorable moments of frivolity, fandom and fun.
Philly
A girl's weekend with Barry and a road trip to Atlantic City resulting in some inspirational moments listening to the Greatest Songs of the Seventies.
Dallas
A night to remember with my daughter; her first Barry concert--sharing the passion that is Manilow.
The friends I have made along the way
These are friends that I've met, have yet to meet, and possibly might never meet. They have enriched my life and given me moments of great joy. They have shared heartache with me, celebrated and had fun along the way, and given me encouragement with I needed it the most. They come from all over the world and they speak the universal language: music. Our friendships have taken some unique paths and come full circle. They are the glue that holds me together and they are the reason that every time I walk through those doors (at the Hilton, at an arena show, or when they welcome me into their homes) I know what it means to be a Manilow fan.

2008 has barely begun and a day doesn't go by that I don't think of that magical night in March two years ago and how Barry, with a smile, a hug and a simple kiss took away a cloud of grief and put me on the path of discovering his music, his magic and the ability he has to impart unspeakable joy.

Looking toward the future and many more Manilow memories,
Texas Fan