Living vicariously through others

It wasn't too long ago that I was jumping on planes and heading to Vegas, and elsewhere, to see Barry Manilow perform. But my life has changed in the last year and those frequent trips have come to a screeching halt. Next week, and next month, some of my friends will be hopping on planes to head out to Vegas and this time, I won't be joining any of them.

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

Did I miss anything?

I've been a little preoccupied lately with life. My daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild. There is nothing more important than participating in this wonderfully exciting event. And I've had some health decisions that have been weighing heavy on my mind. I've been working my ass off establishing myself in a new market. Suffice it to say that the Manilow world has been the last thing on my mind.

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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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).
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.

It's amazing how a little distance can give you some perspective. Do I want to see the new show? Sure. It's new and I'd like to see it. Honestly, I don't miss the shows as much as I miss my friends and spending time with them. That was always the crux of my frequent trips to Vegas. Did I enjoy the shows? Absolutely. But I enjoyed the time I spent with friends and the moments that we shared so much more than the performances.

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

One Voice "with a Twist"

Honestly, there isn't anything better than pure Manilow and One Voice is pure Manilow. Combine the genius of the simplicity of One Voice with the clear, pure tones of the voices in Straight No Chaser and you've got what I like to call PERFECTION.


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

What I LOVE about Barry being at Paris Las Vegas

(photo taken by @ParisVegas via Twitter)

I hate to use the "H" word, but I feel I must. Because tonight's "play-by-play" on Twitter of the Manilow show made me an even bigger fan of The Paris and convinced me beyond a doubt that this venue is where Barry belongs. The "red carpet" treatment his show has received since moving there--from massive billboards, to coverage in the local papers, to giveaways on the radio stations, to the awesome use of social media to stay in touch with the fans, to courting the Vegas concierges--what a SHARP contrast to the treatment he received at the "H"ilton. There...I said it. Now....here's the transcript from tonight's show (for those of you that haven't discovered Twitter and those that missed it) **Hint: the timeline is backwards from the last tweet of the evening to the first one entering the theater**

The red sequined heart on the back of Manilow's tux is a nice touch. Full standing ovation!

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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 get lucky to this album, give up."

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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 New England" seems to be inspiring widespread audience snuggling. #manilow

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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 at least 14 musicians & backup singers to perform "Could It Be Magic."

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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

The NEW Manilow show and social media

(photo provided by @SkiManilow via Twitter)

Here's a perfect example why I absolutely LOVE social media. Last night we got some early "peeks" at the show via @Robin_Leach (posting videos) and @SkiManilow (with a great picture) on Twitter. Then, Sue Johnson on Facebook posted an early review of the show. Social media lets those who are there share their experiences sooner via their mobile messaging capabilities in social media. It's great for the fans. Great for Barry. And great for The Paris. It's a win/win situation all around.

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

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 20^th 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

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

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

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"!

Barry and Rachel chat it up

Of all the guest appearances Barry makes I LOVE it when he appears on Rachel Ray. Why? Because she actually "talks" to him. She does her research and knows that of which she speaks. And...she's a fan herself. The audience questions were actually quite good (as opposed to the ditsy phone calls he gets on QVC). You have to wonder if they are vetted before hand.

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)