Viva Las Vegas

After a month of traveling all around, it's good to be home. At the end of May, I decided to hop on a plane to Las Vegas with my Barry buddy. I had a ticket to one show and was going to stay two nights and hop on the red eye back to Texas after the show.

I had a ticket to the Tuesday night show and let me just say his voice was as strong as I have heard it in quite awhile. Which is strange because he was getting sick. He belted out I Am Your Child and Even Now with gusto and as I listened I was reminded that it really is the music that brings me back time after time. I don't think there is another performer that can interpret the music with such passion and emotional depth.

You leave his shows saying, "wow...he did it again". And your feet carry you to the box office the next day to see if a good seat is available, just to experience another night of inspiration from the the man who connects with every emotion we have ever felt.

Thanks Barry for once again reminding me that there is nothing like a Manilow moment.

Looking forward to the next trip,
Texas Fanilow

Some kind of fans you turned out to be...

I've been thinking and have come up with a theory: there are TWO subcultures of Manilow fans:

Subculture #1-The fanatics
These are the women that live, eat, breath, sleep, talk, chat, post all things Manilow and meddle into every other fan's business. These women (and yes, it's the women) send hateful emails to people, report them to the BMIFC, harass fans if they even have an opinion contrary to theirs, and can't fathom that other people actually have lives apart from Barryland. They are irrational, out of control and obnoxious. They seem to be the majority...until you come in contact with....

Subculture #2-The balanced fans
These are fans (men and women) that have lives. They enjoy the music of Manilow. They are inspired by his life principles. They support his charities. And they attend his concerts when possible. They don't obcess about leather, about this fan or that fan, about who posted what negative comment on the message board or who knows TPTB. As a matter of fact, they rarely even post. These fans live in blogland and outside the realm of the barrynet. These are the fans that make up the vast majority of the Manilow community.

...and they are NORMAL.

Happy to be a part of subculture #2,
Texas Fanilow

Putting Power in Perspective...Always be for something

Another fan and a friend of mine, shared this the other day and I thought it was worth highlighting, viewing the current tone on the message boards that mirrors the tone in our country. See if you agree...

As human beings, we cannot help but be subject to our preferences. However, we do have control over the manner in which these manifest themselves in our lives. Every value we hold dear is an expression of either support or opposition, and it is our perspective that determines whether we are FOR something or AGAINST it. As an example of a situation we are all familiar at this time, we can direct our energy and intentions into activities that promote peace rather than using our resources to speak out in opposition of war. On the surface, these appear to be two interchangeable methods of expressing one virtue, yet being FOR something is a vastly more potent means of inspiring change because it carries with it the power of constructive intent.

When you support a cause, whether your support is active or passive, you contribute to the optimism that fuels all affirmative change. Optimistic thoughts energize people, giving them hope and inspiring them to work diligently on behalf of what they believe in. Being FOR something creates a positive shift in the universe, which means that neither you nor those who share your vision will have any trouble believing that transformation on a grand scale is indeed possible. To be AGAINST something is typically easy, as you need only speak out in opposition to it. Standing up FOR something is often more challenging, because you may be introducing an idea to people that may scare them on a soul level.

Throughout your life, you have likely been told that the actions of one person will seldom have a measurable impact on the world. Yet your willingness to stand up for what you believe in instead of decrying what you oppose can turn the tides of fate. The thoughts you project when you choose to adopt a positive perspective will provide you with a means to actively promote your values and, eventually, foster lasting change.

It's easy to criticize, but so much harder to be FOR something. Barry is a perfect example for this and he shows us how the actions of one person--"one voice"--can indeed make a difference.

Adding my voice to his and being FOR PEACE,

Texas Fanilow

(thanks Carole for sharing this principle)

What are we? Back in high school?

This post is personally related. So bear with me...

I feel like I'm back in high school. I'm the live and let live kind of person usually. But lately, someone has stirred up that "competition" feeling inside of me. So it's here that I'm venting hoping that once I say it, it will leave me forever!

Every time I post on the Bnet about the fan club website that I am the website designer of, someone else has to one up me. And to top it off...they copied my format almost verbatim on their fan club website. I know...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but seriously, this person is annoying the CRAP out of me. I'm trying to contain myself and be polite, but it's all I can do to stop from blasting her.

I think it's time for some Manilow music therapy. Maybe if I listen to Dancin' in the Aisles again..."everybody will see that we're a family, and we'll be dancin' in the aisles".

Listening to Barry and trying to "be nice".
Texas Fanilow

Barry's Motivation

I was watching a video of one of Barry's concerts at Royal Albert Hall. He was talking to a reporter backstage before the show, sitting in front of a mirror and there was a newspaper clipping of some sort taped to the top of the mirror. The headline read: YOUR JOB IS TO POUR OUT YOUR HEART...

I got to thinking and wondering if that was Barry's motivational tool. If he looked at that before his concerts and it reminded him what his job was when he got out on stage. And then I realized that is exactly what he does. He pours out his heart every time he sings one of those "slash your wrist" ballads, or he leads the audience in a chorus of "Can't Smile Without You". His music is his passion and he communicates that to anyone who will listen: radio, cd, tv, live performance.

Recently, the fans were asking each other what was it that motivated us to be a fan of this performer. What set him apart from the rest? I think that question was answered by that clipping taped to the mirror. He pours out his heart and we connect.

Our job is to spread the word.
Signing off for now,
Texas Fanilow

Shades of "early" Manilow

Last night I had the privilege of going to a piano bar at a historic hotel while on vacation. The piano player reminded me of Barry's description of himself in the Live on Broadway video. A nice suit, slim tie, very short hair...but loads of talent. As we listened I couldn't help but imagine Barry sitting at the piano himself years ago playing for and arranging music for Bette.

This young man was talented, as was the female singer that he accompanied. I had the privilege of speaking to both of them regarding Barry's music. The singer was familiar with him, however, the piano player praised his musical talent. When the show was over, we tipped the piano player and told him that Barry had told us to ALWAYS tip the piano player. His response, "Well Barry would know. He's one of the great piano players of all time." He thanked us for the applause and support and said goodnight.

I just couldn't help but feel that Barry would have smiled. And who knows...we may have met two future superstars!

Happy to support the "up and coming" superstars,
Texas Fanilow

P.S. Check out her link to the right under "Up and Coming Jazz Singer-Jodie Borle!

The 22 Most Annoying Songs Ever

WNBC.com just ranked the 22 Most Annoying songs ever. You guessed it…Barry made the list!

1. It’s A Small World After All-Disney
2. I Love You, You Love Me-by Barney and Friends
3. Mr. Roboto-by Styx
4. The Meow Mix jingle
5. Who Let the Dogs Out
6. Achy Breaky Heart-by Billy Ray Cyrus
7. The Chicken Dance
8. Copacabana-by Barry Manilow
9. Macarena
10. The theme from “Scooby Doo”
11. Y.M.C.A.-by the Village People
12. Hot in Here-by Neely
13. Mambo No. 5-by Lou Bega
14. The theme song from “I Dream of Jeannie
15. Muskrat Love-by Captain and Tennille
16. Mmmm Bop-by Hanson
17. Play That Funky Music-by Wild Cherry
18. Wannabe-by The Spice Girls
19. The theme from “Good Times”
20. Thank God I’m a Country Boy-by John Denver
21. It’s a Sunshine Day-by The Brady Bunch
22. Jump-by Kriss Kross

Sandwiched in between "The Chicken Dance" and "Macarena"...what a dubious distinction.

Say what you want about Copacabana, but that song is probably one of the most recognizable tunes of all time. And as Barry himself says, it's pure genius. In one short song, you have a full length drama. The characters meet, fall in love, a villain appears, one of them is shot and dies, the other pines after him for life.

Most "true" fans, won't admit to liking Copacabana. They balk at the people who only know this song of Barry's and beg for it at the concerts. But let's face it people, it's the highest energy song of the show and it draws the audience in like no other. The tune is catchy. The lyrics are genius rhymes. It really is a masterpiece of musicianship. Annoying? Perhaps... Catchy? For sure.... Most requested? Look at the statistics.... Showstopper? Absofreakinglutely!

Love Copacabana and not ashamed to admit it,
Texas Fanilow

First there was "Mama Mia", then there was "You Gotta Have Friends"

Recently on a touristy stroll in Boston, my daughter spotted this poster up at one of their downtown ticket offices. Which, as usual got me thinking. If, they can design a play around the music of Abba, why not one around the music of Barry and Bette? How hard could that be?

If you put your mind to it, there is enough music from both of these talented performers to create quite a storyline. Boy meets girl. Boy gets girl. Boy loses girl. Girl realizes she loves boy all along. Boy and girl reunite after years apart.

"Sweet Heaven", "Learning to Live Without You", "Even Now", "If I Should Love Again", "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Do You Wanna Dance", and "You Gotta Have Friends" to name a few would fit nicely together to form an outstanding musical...

Bette and Barry's music together in a celebration of friendship and harmony. What could be better?

Hoping for another collaboration from a perfect team,
Texas Fanilow

The Ultimate Manilow...some thoughts

I'm growing weary of diatribes...it's time to move on to more important thoughts. Such as some audio commentary from the Ultimate Manilow DVD. Can I say that I LOVE this DVD? My absolute favorite line is, "it is I, the Ulitmate Manilow". Cracks me up every single time. But what I adore about this DVD is the audio commentary. There are some absolute gems in there.

First gem: "It just makes me realize the power of music and performing and what a gift I've been given". Any fanilow knows the absolute truth in this statement--the power of music and performing. It's what makes us move hell and high water for one chance to see him live in concert. It's what drives us to share his music with every person we meet, know, or briefly encounter (sometimes to their utter disgust).

Second gem: "Sometimes I just feel like a preacher or something leading a congregation of happy, joyous people." Great analogy Barry! You encapsulated the essence of what your concerts are all about: happy and joyous. Smiles all around. Laughter and revelry abound. It's a 90 minute celebration of joy that we all are a little sad to see end. We leave, planning our next trip and hoping to grab some more of that infectious joy.

Once again, thanks Barry for using your gift and giving all of us joy...
Off to watch some more of "the Ultimate Manilow",
Texas Fanilow

Barrynet Message Board...the NEW IM

I'm not usually a complainer. Live and let live is my motto and I try and get along with everyone. Lately, it's extremely hard to abide by those who post incessantly over and over and over again on the Barrynet message board. That's right...it's a MESSAGE board. NOT, and I repeat NOT a chat room. For some reason, these people can't seem to understand the difference between the two.

Last night, trying to be the nice, diplomatic person that I am, I posted directions on how to open an account on MSN messenger...yes, I know perhaps there was a little sarcasm involved there. But seriously, if you want to talk to your "friends", find another place! They should open a chat room on PalTalk and call it "Barry's Leather Lounge"....

Happy in BLOGGER land,
Texas Fanilow