Regarding the Barry Manilow concert in Coral Gables

[Editor's note] Three monumental things have happened to me at the BankUnited Center. In 2004, my high school held its graduation ceremony there. In 2008, I heard presidential nominee Barack Obama speak about the future. And this past Saturday night, I saw the incomparable Barry Manilow perform in concert.

To say that Barry remains every bit the superstar I was hoping for is putting it mildly. At 67 years young, he brought all the magic, the smiles, and the bandstand boogie he's famous for and then some. Funny, talented and charmingly self-deprecating, Barry Manilow remains without equal.

Admittedly, the night started off rather poorly. Barry’s opening act was a man named Gerry McCambridge who has allegedly been wowing audiences at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas since 2005. As the creative force and inspiration behind the TV show The Mentalist, McCambridge's schtick is to do clever things with numbers. Honestly, I've never thought that doing anything with numbers was much fun so this was agonizing to sit through.

An hour later: Enter Barry Manilow.

Backed by the 60-piece Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and looking very dapper in a white dress jacket, Barry appeared high atop a lighted staircase. I pretty much melted into my seat at the sight of him. Suddenly, all pre-show resentment dissipated, all was forgiven, and I descended into a euphoric Fagilow daze.

The first OMG moment happened with “Ready to Take a Chance Again.” As a song I've heard countless times before but never appreciated, I was taken aback by how stirringly Barry performed it live. When Barry sang it to me (and to the 12,000 other people there) it took on a whole new life. It was as if I was hearing and relating to it for the first time. But that's Barry's way: to make you feel like he's only singing to you, for you, and ultimately about you.

Audience participation reached a crescendo with “Can’t Smile Without You”. Barry asked us to get up and sing-a-long and no one hesitated. In what can only be described as a sea of middle-aged people swaying from side to side (red glow-sticks in hand), this was an unapologetically cheesy moment at its biggest . And you know what? I ate it all up! I had an aisle seat so I took to the stairs and sang and swayed for my life. It wasn't a proud moment, but I think your pride gets checked at the door of a Manilow concert anyway.

Speaking of fleeting pride, mine ran for the hills when Barry sang "Even Now." As my all time favorite Manilow song, this rendered me a singing, sobbing, simpering mess. But I kept it together enough to get it all on video (see video below). When it was all over, one of the old ladies behind me handed me a handkerchief and said "I think you may need this." Yeah... not my finest hour. We won't discuss what happened to me during "I Write the Songs."

Tears aside, “Weekend in New England” was especially great because Barry sat at the piano and played. Before he started the song, he acknowledged how romantic the song was and said that “if you can’t get lucky to this one, give up." Barry also did 3 songs I had never heard before which made me feel like a bad Fanilow: "New York City Rhythm," "Old Friends," and his version of "Memory.” The last one was especially surprising because I've always loved Barbra Streisand's version. Without missing a beat, Barry explained the “correlation between the size of one’s nose and this song."

Long story short, Barry Manilow sang them all and sang them brilliantly. His songs have a way of touching you at your deepest and most personal. Whether they're about love or heartache or the hottest spot north of Havana, Barry Manilow songs are in a league of their own. His old songs brought back the old times and the old lines sounded new.

Barry Manilow's "Even Now"

Comments

Helen Holdun said…
It was so refreshing and wonderful to hear a man, a young man, appreciate the amazing music of Manilow.

I am a huge fan, but not a lifetime fan. His music changed my life four years ago and the adventure has been amazing, which I'm in the process of writing a book about.

My sons 13, 16 and 21 love Barry's music, his presentation and the man that he is.

I have never met a more caring, genuine, just plain nice human being in my life. He is truly one in a billion.

I write a blog about Barry on itcouldbemagic.com and mydesert.com/barrymanilow. With your permission, I'd like to add a link to your blog?

What you said is so touching and reiterates the feelings of so many of his fans.

Helen Holdun
Anonymous said…
Aren't you the psycho that packed up all her belongings and moved to Palm Springs just to be by Manilow?
Anonymous said…
you've got to know when to "holdun".. know when to.... move to palm springs and know when to run. (run Barry Run)
Janice said…
Great review! Thanks for posting the video of Even Now. I'm going through Barry withdrawal since returning to icy PA yesterday. It was nice to relive a part of that wonderful show.
Anne from Jacksonville, FL said…
I saw Barry in Jacksonville on Jan 26th and I would go see him over and over again. My husband really is picky with everything and this show really pleased him tremendously. I have loved Barry's music since I was a little girl and I'll be 50 this year. I have posted some pics on facebook for all to see. It is wonderful that the younger generation also enjoys the music we listened to when we were growing up!!!!!!
Anonymous said…
I true you meant Fanilow, not Fagilow.
Anonymous said…
Anne, where on facebook can we see these pics?
Glenn B. said…
Great review. Nice to see another guy appreciate Manilow to the core. I'm 41 and recall all the ribbing I got in Junior high/High school about liking Manilow and his music but ya know, he's still here and is still putting great music out there. Thanks for sharing.
Since Florida is done with him, send him to Dallas! :)
Lisa said…
I saw Barry Manilow in Orlando when he kicked off his tour. He was fabulous. If you ever get to Las Vegas, go see him. It's even better. And I TOTALLY agree that his opening act was awful. It was so painful to watch. I wasn't happy about waiting, like you, an hour for the real talent to come out.
Bill said…
Great review, Jerry. I saw Barry in Vegas and someone yelled out, "How old are you?!" Barry said, "I'm 30." That's how long I've been singing along with him.

Oh, and don't beat yourself up too badly, young man. The song he opened with all those years ago was New York City Rhythm.
Anonymous said…
Wish he'd come to Cincinnati - I've "been in love" with him since the mid-70s.
LamBarry said…
It was a wonderful experience to be able to see Barry perform those Florida shows. His voice was the strongest I have ever heard, absolutely right on mark !!!! He looked absolutely amazing. It was an honor to be there, I only wish I would have been able to make the shows in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville as well. Thanks for posting the review and the video. LauraAnn Millard (NYC)
janet said…
loved sharing in your joy love barry
R. Whitledge said…
Thank you for sharing the video. "Even Now" is amazing! Did he sing "Where Do I Go From Here"? Also amazing....
I had the privilage of seeing him in concert about 10 years ago in Washington DC as the opening concert for a new venue. I was invited to meet him after the show and was thrilled to get to speak to him and shake hands. Thank you again for sharing the concert on your blog. Stunning performer!
Eric from London said…
Jerry, welcome to my world... I have been hooked on Barry Manilow's music for 30 years and I hope you stay hooked too.
Maureen said…
Ihave been a TRUE FANILOW ever since I was 6 years old, for 35 years. Barry Manilow is one of the last greatest performers. He always puts out 200 0/0 of himself for his fans. He has helped me through my life with having health problems. Barry Manilow is a ONE of a kind! Maureen
Unknown said…
Too bad that Mr.Manilow isn´t coming to Germany, would love to see him here in Berlin. I saw him here in Berlin (West) in the late 70s and since then I´m addicted to him and his music. ( still have the Ticket in my drawer ) He accompanied me over the Years and I think I´ll listen to his Music when I´m in the 90s,but this will last another 40 years! lol All I can say is: "Thank you for the Music, Barry!" Thomas from Berlin/GER
Anonymous said…
I had the pleasure of singing back up with Barry Manilow several years ago. It has been the highlight of my singing career. A true professional, a kind, outstanding and wonderful musican and human being. He presented us with a copy of our performace with him. Nothing like sining I Write the Songs and Miracles with Mr. Manilow. He will be eternally my favorite. Paula Reno, Nevada
LWhee1961 said…
I have been a fan of Barry's ever since "Mandy," and I am still in awe of his talent. I have seen him in concert many times, and I have also had the pleasure of meeting him. I have the utmost admiration and respect for Barry, not just because of the brilliant musician he is, but because of the warm, caring, down-to-earth, and very generous person he is.
Unknown said…
I saw Barry Manilow in Las Vegas two years ago and he was fablous I want to go back again, but the tickets are too expensive. $200 dollars a ticket and I bought two. But it was super duper. I am a fan of Barry's since 1974. I saw him in Las Vegas, Phoenix, AZ and Rochester, MN. He doesn't come to Salt Lake City, UT anymore, but I saw him in Salt Lake City more than 4 years ago. Have to come to Salt Lake City, UT again.
Unknown said…
I saw Barry Manilow in concert in Las Vegas in 2005. and he was fablous as always. I don't remember the words to the concert or songs except Copacabana was fablous. I have seen seen him in Phoenix, AZ twice when I lived in Cottonwood. AZ, Rochester, MN when I lived there. and St. PaulMN
Nancy ER said…
Wonderful review and video. I've saw him in 1976 in Anaheim Ca., from the very last row of the Convention Center. He was a mere dot but he brought me to tears and I was in love. I was blessed enough to meet him in 1993 and he was charming and genuine and a true gentleman. He is a genuis in the truest sense of the word. Can't wait for what he has in store next.....

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