Monday, December 6, 2010
Violets for your Furs
Another thing Barry does that I absolutely love is combining songs with one another. It's as if they were made to fit together and he finds the perfect harmony and syncopation that makes them flow so smoothly.
Barry's Christmas music reminds me of why I fell in love with his music in the first place. Every year when I pull them off the shelf and put them on I have to smile because those old feelings come back--the ones that stir up my memories and emotions; the ones that get me excited about hearing new music from him; the ones that remind me that it was and always is all about the music.
It always surprises me that some people can't see past the persona into the person and the talent. It's sad that in order to be received as a musician, someone has to create a marketable persona to attract fans. What does this say about the fans? And what does this say about how easily we are distracted from the music?
Something to think about,
Texas Fan
P.S. Congratulations to Barry for his Grammy nomination--next year it will be for his new album "Fifteen Minutes" (impatiently waiting to hear this masterpiece!)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Are you kidding me?
I just noticed it's been awhile since I've posted. What would cause me to pull my "I'm in denial about the Manilow world" head out from under the covers and shiver in disbelief? A reality show about Manilow fans.
First of all, after watching some of those tacky "Housewives" on Bravo, this show would probably get the ratings. Silly women falling all over each other to get a handshake, a glance, an opportunity to sing with him. Not to mention the cat fights that occur within the fan world and the outrageous behavior at the shows. It might make for some really good (and sickly perverted) television watching.
Secondly, what type of fan would be interested in going on this show--knowing full well they would not be painted in the most positive light? Oh right...I forgot that we're talking about Manilow fans.
In conclusion, if this is legit (and who knows if it is), any self-respecting fan should stay far, far away from this one. If you have a desire to be on television, find another venue. There is always an opening on Wife Swap!
Back to hiding under the covers,
Texas Fan
Sunday, August 22, 2010
To whom it may concern
"If you block everyone who is following you who has no life....does that make them lifeless?"
I thought it might be time to explain the whole idea of Twitter. Based on this tweet, he obviously doesn't understand how to use it. (He might want to have a chat with @BrianCulbertson for some tips).
Here are 4 reasons why he hasn't got a clue:
- The whole idea of Twitter is to gain followers, not block them. Since he's obviously a businessman, I would assume that he would want to portray a positive image and not use it for snarky remarks like this one.
- There's no point in using Twitter if you don't post tweets. It's rare that this gentleman posts much of anything noteworthy and even rarer that his posts are either helpful, conversational, or informational.
- Twitter is a social networking tool. But then again it's not surprising that he doesn't understand this because he has no idea how to maintain positive customer service relationships. The key word here is "social", and obviously it's not being social when you criticize your followers for following you.
- The people that choose to follow you do so because they are hoping you have something to say worth reading. However, it might be more appropriate for his "followers" to block HIS tweets and stop following him, because he rarely has anything worthwhile to say.
- Twitter, is a social site to be used to promote relationships. Perhaps this is where the breakdown in communication comes from. Every one of the people who follow me do so because they are trying to promote relationships (business or personal). He should take notes from @Starzbz and @Starzbz2 (these guys know how to be social and promote relationships).
And of course, as always, this is Just My Humble Opinion,
Texas Fan
Friday, July 23, 2010
The fast paced fan world of Manilow
Gosh...get involved in real life and you miss so much in the Manilow world. It's been months since I hopped on to the MMN. And even longer since I read the alt-fan site. I can't even remember the last time I looked at the Barrynet. Can I smile without it? Absolutely!
I've come to realize how time consuming fandom can be. If you truly want to immerse yourself in the Manilow fan world it requires hours and hours a day/and or night. Time that is scarcely there for me anymore. And time that seems, for me at least, to be a waste. Because, when it comes right down to it, what have I missed? After spending about 30 minutes browsing around last night, I realized that not much has changed. Fans are still fighting with one another. Fan gangs are still exerting their bullying tactics over the poor, innocent "newbies". The chickadees are still talking about how "hot" Barry is. :::Yawn:::
I did miss: the convention (although not much was said about it--I found more information on Facebook); some crazy women in an elite group were apparently outed for their lewd posts (not surprising); there was a FREE online convention (unsanctioned by the BMIFC--wow!). Barely anything to truly peak my interest.
What does interest me? Radio interviews, articles about Barry, candid first-person stories, and pictures of him at celebrity events. The best place (and the only place as far as I'm concerned) to find this is Moonstone's blog: Shadows of Manilow. She keeps up with the news and information and these things interest me. I also enjoy reading Dana's reviews of the shows. Anything else is a yawn. And, you can have the fan drama, thank you very much!
What do I miss? The friendships. The good times. The excitement of Vegas. The music. But...I'll always have the music and the memories.
Signing off for now,
Texas Fan
P.S. The best news I've heard lately--Redcat's blog is BACK! Check it out--Redcat's Return.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
When the GOOD times come again...
But the words of this song express exactly where I am in my Manilow journey:
A pot of gold or dreams foretold
May not be there my friend
In this high and mighty world we live in
Some times we have to break
Some times we have to bend
Until the good times come again
Hope we both survive the world out there
You'll never know what wind will blow
So don't forget I care
And don't forget the way we felt together
Sometimes we have to hold
To all the good that's been
Until the good times come again
I'll see you then
When the good times come again
When you and I have made it back
From the people and the places we have been
I'll see you then
When the good times come again
The door that we go out of
Is door that we come in
When the good times come again.
For me, this world holds many wonderful memories and has brought me into the lives of some very special people. People who have become friends and people who have come alongside me during this difficult and yet exciting time in my life. And just because I'm not able to be with them right now, it doesn't mean that there won't come a time that I will again. Knowing this, somehow, makes this time in my life more bearable. For now, I have my memories and pictures of those good times to carry with me.
I'll see you then, when the good times come again,
Texas Fan
Thursday, July 1, 2010
An indepth look at the man and his music
I just read an article posted on Moonstone's blog (Up Close and Personal with Barry Manilow) that was so indepth and honest I had to sit back, wait a minute and read it again. It's been a very long time since I've read anything about Barry that was so incredibly open and vulnerable.
Take some time and read it if you haven't already. My favorite quote came at the end of the piece:
The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music.
If we could only see more of this guy,
Texas Fan
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
What a surprise...NOT.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Living vicariously through others
It's hard to stay amped up about the shows and related events when you feel so far removed from the excitement. I sympathize with all those who have never been fortunate enough to see him perform live and I understand how difficult it must be to read and hear about other fans' experiences, all the while wishing you could be fortunate enough to participate as well. But all you can do is live vicariously through others and if you're lucky draw from past memories.
And boy, do I have the memories. I'm blessed in that respect. I've made some amazing friends, had some wonderful experiences, traveled around the country and experienced many different concert venues. I've shared some special moments and witnessed my friends have moments of their own. It's been an amazing ride.
This month and next, I'll be reading the reviews and talking to my friends while they are having the time of their lives in Vegas. If they manage to make it to Atlantic City, I'll be remembering the trip I took there to see Barry right after his surgery and the day we spent there after the Philadelphia concert walking on the boardwalk. Lately, it's the memories, and living vicariously, that keep me going and hanging on to the edge of fandom.
Living in the memories,
Texas Fan
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Did I miss anything?
But I spent some time browsing around the usual fan sites tonight and found that I've missed quite a bit of drama, some announcements, a request to renew my membership, and even some new pictures of the Manilow store.
- The drama: I never miss that. It's always nice to live in a bubble and not get all wrapped up in the usual fan related incidents and melodramas.
- The announcements: those hold little significance to me any longer (except another dangling carrot of the new album 15 Minutes--that will ALWAYS interest me).
- Renew my fan club membership: let's see--I'll pass on that one. Honestly, I can read the announcements on the website and I don't need another BMIFC pin. As far as being able to purchase the best seats, that was never the truth. The Hilton always had better seats available than the fan club and I assume so does the Paris hotel.
- Pictures of the new Manilow store: it looks like a really nice place in a really nice hotel. I'm happy that Barry is now there and that he's receiving the publicity and recognition he deserves.
I have no idea when or if I'll ever get back to Vegas. But I still have my memories of some of the best times of my life. I'll remember them fondly and also remember that Barry was a part of them. But life is more than sitting in the front row night after night and wishing and hoping for a glance, a smile, or a handshake. I prefer to live in the real world, no matter how hard it can be at times, or how many difficult decisions I have to make. I prefer to invest in the future and not live in the past or wish for things that can never be.
Still believing that it is ALL about the music,
Texas Fan
Saturday, April 10, 2010
One Voice "with a Twist"
You can listen to the full song at Overstock.com along with the other wonderful songs on this album. These guys are talented with a CAPITAL T! And they were SMART with a CAPITAL S to do this song. It matches their voices AND it showcases one of Barry's masterpieces.
But then again, we all knew he was a genius--sometimes it's great to hear it once again.
Run don't walk to buy this album!
(Listening and re-listening to that song tonight)
Texas Fan
Friday, March 26, 2010
What I LOVE about Barry being at Paris Las Vegas
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"Copacabana" has got to be a bittersweet moment at any Manilow show. Some songs are just too good to be anything but finales.
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"I Write the Songs" gets the glowsticks going. http://tweetphoto.com/15983007
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Barry 1975 duets with Barry 2010 for "Mandy." Singing harmony with himself. Crowd, unsurprisingly, goes nuts.
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@p2nia2 it was a direct quote.
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"Even Now" gets the biggest reaction of the night so far.
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"If you can't ge
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The theme from Love Story is heartfelt, gorgeous & timeless.
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Impressionist art and Gershwin covers go together like gin and tonic.
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This is like a Quentin Tarantino Mexican standoff with pianos instead of guns. #manilow
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Manilow reveals a childhood photo. Entire crowd goes "aww" in unison.
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Yes the glowsticks are red. @copabams
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Clever use of digital "picture frame" drops to evoke a time & place. Perfect complement to #Manilow's storytelling about his songs.
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The jacket comes off. Barry means business. "I Want to Be Somebody's Baby" grooves like Bernie Taupin on his best day.
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One man, a piano and one spotlight. "Weekend in
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The whole crowd is swaying to "Can't Smile Without You." Big smiley face on the LED is swaying too. Huge pop from the audience.
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LED pinpoint screen behind the stage goes blue for the night's first ballad, "Somewhere in the Night." Crowd is waving glowsticks.
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Scrim rises, revealing a
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Stylized, digitized Parisian imagery, strobes & a standing ovation mark #manilow's entrance.
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By request, a shot of the showroom. Auditoriums & camera phones don't mix. http://tweetphoto.com/15974749
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RT @VegasBill: http://twitpic.com/1b5pxu - Look who I spotted at Barry Manilow's press night show @ParisVegas?! Yes, @DaynaRoselli
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Vibrant reds, elegant chandeliers set a mood for music and passion at Paris Théâtre. #manilow
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Was handed a glowstick at the door. Didn't realize it was this kind of party. #manilow
A million thanks to Paris Las Vegas and to Barry for sharing this evening with the Twitterverse,
Texas Fan
P.S. If you are on Twitter and want to read ALL the coverage of tonight's show with pics and videos check these out:
@Robin_Leach
@VegasBill
@Norm_Clarke
or you can follow my VegasNews Twitter list and see them all in one place
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The NEW Manilow show and social media
What's also great was the use of social media when the show had to be canceled. Paris Las Vegas got the word out quickly via Facebook and Twitter (letting everyone know just as soon as the decision was made). They also provided information about the rescheduling as well. Such a difference from the lack of communication when problems occurred at the Hilton.
You can find the links to the videos and pictures on the MMN today, but experiencing them LIVE was a real treat for me. And witnessing the way Paris Las Vegas used social media to communicate with the fans was even greater.
Kudos to Paris Las Vegas, Robin Leach and @SkiManilow...and....to Barry for providing a GREAT opening night of shows!
Texas Fan
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A note from AFAN
Why Are We Still Walking? Why EVERYONE WALKS?
AIDS Walk Las Vegas 2010 will be held on April 25th.
This year will be the 20th Annual AIDS Walk, twenty years of recognizing a disease that has grown to be a worldwide pandemic.
And we still walk. Contracting HIV at one time was considered a death sentence. But through research, new treatments are developed that not only save thousands of lives, but ensure their greatly improved quality. With nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes, consistent monitoring and proper healthcare, HIV/AIDS is now considered a “chronic disease” which represents incredible strides in disease management. Unfortunately, the infection rate is still rising. Each day, someone becomes infected every 15 seconds. In the next 10 years, 45 million adults and children will die of AIDS. In the next 20, 75 million will die. In Clark County, an estimated 8000 cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported. We walk because our job is far from over. Until humanity recognizes worldwide that we have to educate both children and adults about high risk behavior, how to protect ourselves, and how to take personal responsibility for our well being, we must continue to raise awareness.
Yes, we still walk because our lives and the lives of people we love have been forever touched by HIV/AIDS. We still walk because HIV/AIDS is non-discriminatory. It is blind to age, race, religion, gender, heritage, level of intelligence, financial status, or your living condition. It is an equal opportunity infection that knows no boundaries.
We must walk to protect our youth, the world’s most precious commodity. At least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under 25, according to the CDC. Every effort has to be made to safeguard our children and young adults through commitment, determination, and compassion. We walk in defense of cherished generations.
We proudly walk because it’s our opportunity to stand up and be counted. Humanity is threatened by the HIV pandemic. All of us, at some point in time, will likely have our lives forever changed by this disease. Las Vegas and Southern Nevada is at greater risk of the spread of HIV simply based upon the tremendous growth in population. As the numbers of new residents rises, so does the per capita rate of HIV infection potential. Nevada has more HIV/AIDS cases per capita than any other western state, including California.
We walk with dignity in memory of those whom we have lost over the years, those remarkable individuals who have forever impacted our lives, minds, and hearts.
Yes, we walk with purpose, determination and compassion. We walk in a show of solidarity, and of support for our families, friends, colleagues and individuals we have never met, who need our understanding and kindness, as much as our vital services. Through the financial support of the AIDS Walk, we are able to provide life enhancing and health supportive programs for our community.
We will walk until that point in time, when AFAN is no longer effective; our services no longer needed and our purpose no longer essential to the solution.
Walking in the AIDS Walk is not about us, individually, it is not about AFAN, per say as an AIDS Service Organization, nor is about political agendas. It is about making a difference within the HIV community of Southern Nevada. The AIDS Walk offers the opportunity to collectively affect change in the lives of many through real activism in raising funds and awareness. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Together We Make A Difference!Here's the details:
For a $25 donation http://www.afanlv.org ...you will receive:
- RED HARMONY T-shirt
- a glow in the dark LOVE-HOPE-HARMONY bracelet
- a raffle ticket for a grand prize
Plus, they have set up an online store as well where you can purchase items with the Team Harmony logo on them. The red shirt, however, is reserved for those who donors and team members only.
Walk the walk,
Texas Fan
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Manilow fans: Put your money where your mouth is
You know the drill. Barry encourages us to give to charity. He does it by leading by example, not just giving it lip service. There is a group of fans that have been participating in Aids Walk Las Vegas sponsored by AFAN (Aid for Aids of Nevada). Team Harmony is once again participating and need your help. Let's show Barry that we can "walk the walk" just like he does and give to this worthy cause.
Here's the details:
For a $25 donation http://www.afanlv.org ...you will receive:
- RED HARMONY T-shirt
- a glow in the dark LOVE-HOPE-HARMONY bracelet
- a raffle ticket for a grand prize
Plus, they have set up an online store as well where you can purchase items with the Team Harmony logo on them. The red shirt, however, is reserved for those who donors and team members only.
Here's how you can help:
- Click the link above to donate
- Purchase something from their online store
- Sign up to participate in the Aids Walk on April 25th in Las Vegas
- Spread the word to other Manilow fans and encourage them to participate
In 2009, The AIDS Walk’s top fundraiser, Judith Domingo-Vicerra, raised $16,415 in support of the cause. Her team raised $17,475, making it the second highest team fundraiser last year. They hope to exceed last year's totals and show everyone that, like Barry, they know how to "walk the walk", not just "talk the talk".
Forward this link, tell all your Manilow friends, send it to your family, and get involved.
Go Team Harmony,
Texas Fan
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Where do I begin? Manilow on Kimmel
Since Jimmy Kimmel live is on at 1am in my neck of the woods, I recorded the episode for later viewing. Imagine my shock and surprise when my DVR malfunctioned and I was unable to watch it the following day. Luckily, it was HuLu to the rescue and I was able to see the "chat" and both song performances this morning. (better late than never!)
There's no way around it, Kimmel makes Barry feel relaxed. He gives him time to talk, asks some cute questions and uses his unique form of comedy to take jabs but make it all in fun. Something I learned: Barry followed Ozzy Osbourne years ago. Now that's an interesting tidbit of information. Was anybody there that remembers it???? (I'd PAY to see a clip of that show!)
All in all, it was a great guest appearance and two good performances of songs from the new album. He looked good in that blue suit and black shirt and his band looked amazing as well on that stage with him. It's so good to see familiar faces when he performs--there is comfort in the familiar.
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Alert! Personal opinion to follow:
I watched the clips several times and I can't for the life of me figure out why people thought he was lip syncing the songs. It's obvious he was actually singing. The only answer I could come up with: it's the botox that keeps his face from moving. I'll add my comment to YBA's: it's time to age gracefully and own your years. Trust me, I know what it's like to look in the mirror and see those wrinkles and gray hair. But seriously, how many of us would LOVE to see Barry look "natural" again??? Save some bucks and take the Robert Redford route--you've earned every one of those 60+ years!
If you didn't get a chance to see the show or the clips, here are the links:
I can't give you anything but love
Where do I begin?
Barry or Ozzy?
Interview
All in all, a GREAT appearance!
Texas Fan
Friday, February 5, 2010
Moving on up--it's #5 for Manilow's GLSOAT
It's official. Barry's new album entered the charts at #5. I'm a "believe it when I see it" kind of girl, so the early reports that it jumped from 13 to 5 on the sales charts did not convince me until I saw it for myself. According to Robin Leach, it may even climb to #1 next week. That would be a noteable feat, but one that wouldn't surprise me.
This album seems to strike a chord with so many of the fans and it's release date just in time for Valentine's day was definitely perfect timing. As always, Barry's arrangements make classic songs come to life again and this album seems to be no exception. If you're a romantic, you might want to snatch one up for someone special in your life. Heck, "Where Do I Begin" might just be worth the price!
Congratulations to Barry,
Texas Fan
P.S. Now...it's time for "Fifteen Minutes"!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Barry and Rachel chat it up
Things we learned from the questions and the interview:
He actually seemed interested in the 5 ingredient meal Rachel cooked before he came out on stage (pasta, broth and spinach) and said he thought he might be able to cook that (I'm for that since it had spinach in it--high in iron content)
Barry and his band go bowling on their days off (call me crazy but that was the LAST activity I would expect him to be doing in his leisure time)
He uses his first Emmy as a doorstop to his studio (the reasoning behind that is he wants everyone to see it--hmmm...guess putting it there is a place of honor for him since the studio is his mecca)
Before the show he and his "gang" get together, amp the music up, and get pumped up to go out on stage (Lady Gaga????)
His favorite song "today" was Could It Be Magic AND his least favorite used to be Can't Smile Without You until he started singing it with the fans
About the music today:
I have to admit that I love when he performs songs live. It's when I fall in love with them for the first time (just like I did with Islands in the Stream). The theme from Love Story (Where Do I Begin) is taking on that life for me. I loved it on Conan and now today, it's growing on me even more. This is one of those songs where the arrangement is the star. Then Barry works his magic with the lyrics and the delivery. Love Story was THE movie when I was a teenager and the music brings back all kinds of memories when I hear it. Warm fuzzies all around!
Great show!
Texas Fan
Here's the BIGGIE: log on to Rachel's website and win a chance to go to the show in Vegas (once you sign up as a member)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Manilow Media Frenzy
Watch Barry perform songs from his new album on the following shows:
Wednesday, January 20 - Entertainment Tonight
Thursday, January 21 - The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien
Monday, January 25 - The Today Show
Friday, January 29 - Rachel Ray
Friday, February 5 - Jimmy Kimmel Live
I'll be watching,
Texas Fan
Friday, January 15, 2010
The excitement builds-Manilow at The Paris
Is everything truly sexier in Paris? You bet it is! The excitement is building as the signs are up, the press releases are flowing, and the Manilow packages are being offered online. Tonight in our email we got a little preview of Barry at his new home, talking to us about the QVC special. I don't know about you, but I'm love the connection. What could possibly be better than Barry Manilow and The Paris Las Vegas? It's going to be an exciting next few months as the anticipation of opening night builds and the release of his new album jump starts the media frenzy. I won't be there, but I bet the energy next week at the QVC show will be astounding and it will only build until the opening in March.
Music...love...passion...and Barry,
Ooo...la...la!
Texas Fan
QVC Preview--don't miss him Tuesday at 9PM EST!