Sept 5th in Vegas

[Elizabeth Friedman]

I have to share my experiences at my 1st Barry Manilow show.

I've been a fan my entire life, but last Saturday the 5th in Vegas was my very 1st Barry Manilow show. I got myself in the 1st row of the VIP section, which is right on the stage. I didn't know until I got there that Champagne was included, too. What a great bonus. To those of you out there that have never seen him in Vegas, you need to know that it's OK to bring your camera. I didn't know this and I didn't get any pictures. Huge regret.

The show started about 15 minutes late. That was no biggie, though. I've yet to go to a concert that starts on time. The band started and he came out. There he was. Barry Manilow. His voice sounded great, the band sounded great and I had an awesome seat.

After a song or 2 he came over to us. The lady next to me grabbed him and hugged him. I thought that might have freaked him out, so I shook his hand instead. After a few more songs a couple of ladies in my row go up and started dancing. He came over, stood right in front of me and indicated that I should get up. I completely froze. He put me on the spot and I froze. After he walked away, I came to my senses and realized I had just completely blown it. Good going you star-struck idiot! Later on he was back in the middle of the stage. He looked over at my section and said "You still asleep over there?" Oh my god! He's not talking about me is he? Did I piss off Barry Manilow? He probably wasn't talking about me. At least I hope not. How embarrassing.

So anyway, a few more songs go by and another one comes up where ladies around me got up and started dancing. I got up this time and he came over almost immediately. He walked right up to me and said "There you are." He took my hand and we danced a few steps. Wow! It was one of the greatest thrills of my life. I can still hardly believe it happened. It did. I went to Vegas and danced with Barry Manilow.

Maybe I should include an actual show review here. Barry has the same incredible voice he's always had. He did all the hits, except "I Write the Songs" which I kind of missed hearing. But, it hardly mattered. He sings with such emotion on each song. I almost started crying during "Even Now". A definite highlight was him singing Mandy as a duet with himself from a 1975 episode of The Midnight Special. He has a very talented band and an enthusiastic group of back-up singers.

He's coming to San Diego in October and I'm taking my best friend for a month-early birthday present. I'm bidding on front row seats. I wonder if I can bring my camera this time? Hmmmmm...

So, that's about it. That was my incredible experience at my 1st Barry Manilow show. I'll never forget it and it will definitely not be my last.

[Maria]

I enjoyed your review very much.
Have fun in October and may you have many more opportunities to see him!

[Laura Scott]

WOW! What a FABULOUS first experience! I'm so happy for you!! "There you are." - WOW! I would be JELLO! LOL! I've been to 4 shows, 2 out here, and the closest, for me was the 3 row on the left - BUT it STILL was AWESOME! The 5th made my 1 year mark that I met Barry by chance. Good for you! Hope you can make the other show!

[Amber]

Welcome to the network! It's always nice to see and hear someone with a fresh new outlook. I'm sure most of us have had a star-struck moment with him at some point in time. I know I have! More than once! ;o)

You seemed to hit the jackpot that night! He actually singled you out? COOL!!

I'm happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience and hope you have the opportunity to see many more shows.

As far as cameras go, Barry usually allows cameras at most of his shows, but it's also up to the venue.

Have fun and many more great adventures!

Amber

[Nancy deJong]

Hi Elizabeth
That was so funny the way he kept teasing and we were all so excited when he gave you that little dance.
Maybe someone here was at the show and got a photo for you?
I just checked .. I knew I had taken him with someone at the side .. but it was the right side of the stage. If I recall most of that playful talk was on the left side ... correct??
Anyway, if i am wrong and you were the lucky lady on the right side I have a photo!
Nancy

[Elizabeth Friedman]

I don't know how stage left and stage right work. If it's a picture of someone wearing black & white with long dark hair, it's me. I'd love to see it. Is it possible to post it here?

[Laura Scott]

Here is a graph map of the showroom - this should help point out where you were seated.

[Elizabeth Friedman]

Thanks, that's helpful. I was in the 1st row of the VIP section closest to section 1 in the graph. Again, I have no idea if that's stage right or stage left.

[Laura Scott]

Well, you facing the stage would be your, right but you were facing closer to the left - I think. That IS confusing...
Actually THIS one explains it better:

[Elizabeth Friedman]

Going by this, stage right and stage left have to do with facing the stage. So, that would mean I was on stage right. Phew, glad that's cleared up Snagglepuss.

Anyway, Nancy deJong, if you're out there and have that picture I would absolutely LOVE to see it. Thanks.

[Nancy deJong]

This is your lucky day I think!!!!!!!!!!
Is this you????? Email me at [e-mail] if so .. i will send you the picture.

[Elizabeth Friedman]

No, that's not me. That's the lady next to me. This is at the beginning of the show when he 1st came over to our section. She got up and hugged him. I'm sitting down on her left. Right after this I shook his hand. Thanks for trying.

[mary recklein]

he's so used to people falling all over him that you surprised him. He doesn't take rejection well. So, he kept trying knowing you'd feel like you screwed up if he didn't dance with you sooner or later before the show's end. That's how he got where he is ---persistance and perserverence. I hope you smiled!! He really tried to show you a good time!