My take on the concert in Wilkes-Barre, PA on February 5th

[Deborah]

I have been a fan of Barry's as long as I can remember. He was my first "crush" as a pre-teen and I had this poster of him in my room that I would kiss and/or sing to when I would sing along with his albums. Ah, the crushes of youth!!! I had always wanted to see him in concert but never had the money or the opportunity. So, this year, I vowed that I would go and I plunked down Mr. Credit Card and bought the best tickets available for my 44th birthday. I thought about money a lot over the 2 months (the tickets for floor seats were over a hundred bucks) but, finally, February 5th arrived and I felt like a school girl again. The opening act (I wish I could remember his name) was amazing! High energy jazz and if any of you know the open act's name, please email me. At last, it was Barry's turn. The old feelings were back and I felt 12 again! Some songs made me cry for various reasons which I won't share but Barry's performance did not! He was amazing! I was pretty close and I must tell you that he does NOT look 65! He's a performer through and through and the 2+ hours flew by. I didn't want it to end. As I watched him on stage, I got the feeling that this is a man who's still astonished by his own success...still the shy little boy from the mean streets of Brooklyn who dreams of making it out. I hope that some day I can meet Barry and tell him just how much his music has touched my life. When I was young, I had an alcoholic father and my life was often chaotic. I would lock myself in my room and put Barry's records on and he would help me escape from the chaos. His music also inspired me to become a singer and I have been singing ever since. I had an autographed photo of Barry that I got through the fan club but one day, my dad went into one of his drunken rages and tore up the photo of that "dirty kike" as he liked to call him. I hope that some day I can replace that photo with one of the older, more mature Barry. As I watched Barry sing, I got the sense that the lyrics mean so much more to him now as a "man of a certain age" and that brought tears to my eyes. I was saddened to think that he can't tour forever and eventually he will have to stop. But for now, I have the wonderful memories of that cold night in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania that made this not so young girl cry. Thank you, Barry.

[Mary L]

Hi Deborah

Beautiful review. He is just the best in so many ways. So glad you could go. The opening act was Brian Culbertson. He is amazing. He has several of his own cds and does tour on his own.

Mary

[Deborah]

Well, Mr. Culbertson has earned himself a new fan! Thanks!

[brenda (UK)]

I am so pleased that at last you got to see Barry Live, and I bet it won't be the last time either.
He just has this knack of hooking you in and being a fan forever. I see you are quite a new member of this great Barry site and welcome you. I have made some wonderful friends on here and there are some great people.
Glad you enjoyed yourself with the one and only.
Brenda

[Angela]

Hi Deborah,

Like you I enjoyed Barry's music but until the end of last year never had the opportunity to see him live.

When I did, I cannot believe the effect - and as you say "he made a not so young girl cry" with his incredible voice singing, and on looking around that concert, I was not the only one teary eyed!

I am lucky enough to be gong to see him again later this year and cannot wait.

My only regret? I didn't do it sooner!

I hope you get to see him again someday

Best, Angela

[Nancy Gutkowski]

Yes Barry did make theyounggirls cry when he first came out with Mandy, I fell in love with that song , I have been a fan of Barry since he first sang the song MANDY, and that sbeen about 34 years ago, he will always be NO. 1 in my life. I have seen Barry abouit 30 times in my life and never did ever see abad performance. Go Barry we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy

[Deborah]

Thanks to all of you for your words. I will definitely see Barry again and I can't wait to get to know all of Barryophiles!

[Frosty]

Hi Deborah: I just read your very moving story about being a music lover & Manilow fan. I also had come from a very sad family. I call it sad, because I think "dysfunctional" is too weak a term! My Mom was bi-polar and my Dad, he was a POW, and my friends from AA, say he sounds like a "dry drunk"! Very bad temper! I used to lock myself up in my room and listen to my old 45's & AM radio! The music was just very helpful. Growing up in late 50's & 60's I had wonderful voices to help ease the pain! Elvis, Frankie Avalon, The Beachboys, The GirlGroups (Shangra La's, Chiffons, Ronnettes), Dion and of course I would come out to watch Bandstand, when my Dad was not home!

I was already past college when Barry first broke up, but I did and do enjoy his music. He has written some amazing stuff, so very talented and not given his due as much as he deserves! I hope I can get out to Vegas. I will try to look for schedule. I see you live in Wilkes Berry and I live in Philly! Have u been to Atlantic City? I just arrived here less than 2 yrs ago. Lots of places to discover.
Thanks for sharing your very touching story. May u never have to suffer again!

[Mary Snavely]

I was at the same concert, 2/5/09. Great show. I saw him again 1 week later, 2/12/09, at Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. Awesome as well.