Can't Smile Without You 1989

June 18, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)

photo provided by Daunna Becker

January 19, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Laurie Allen (Little Rock, Arkansas):  After 145 tries... Barry picked me to sing with him! It was the most exciting night of my life!! Barry was so gentle and kind, every second I was singing with him. Barry was so sweet and could tell I was a nervous wreck, so he gently calmed me down. He was GREAT... I sang horribly! Only Barry could get me to sing in front of more than a few people! WOW!! It was an experience of a lifetime, one of my top three favorite memories, one I treasure to this day! (11/21/2009, 5/14/2012, 6/16/2016)

January 21, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Terry Luna (Arlington, Texas):  It was inauguration day and just a few days after my 30th birthday. I had a small American flag that I was waving, hoping to get Barry's attention. It did! Oh my gosh!! What an unbelievable experience. I remember thinking how sweet Barry's face looked and that he was much bigger than many of us pictured him to be. I'll never forget the hug he gave me. It was the biggest and warmest bear hug I've ever had...even to date. It was awesome. What a way to celebrate my 30th birthday! (9/25/2000)

January 29, 1989 - Resorts International (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
> Diana Lynn Beard (of Pennsylvania):  I commemorated my moment by getting a personalized license plate that reads, "I SANG."  It is always a blast to see people's reactions when they ask me what it means. Some even ask to see my video - a moment that I will never forget, not only because of Barry, but because a few of my life-long friends were there to share it with me, and all the other friends that I've met because of Barry and his music. Thanks Barry!  Te Amo! (1/7/99)

April 18, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Loretta Colvin (Queens, New York):  After being a fan of Barry's for 13 years, I was finally going to see him for the first time live, with my then boyfriend Sal and his mother.  Before I left for the show (not knowing that he called anyone on stage to sing with him) I warned my family and anyone that would listen that I [would be] jumping on stage to be with him.  When Barry made mention of picking someone to sing with him, I must have jumped ten feet high 'cause he saw me, the lady with the red dress.  I don't know who was more shocked, my fiance and his mom, or me?

I went onto the stage and all I could say was, "I can't believe this!", over and over.  I proposed marriage to Barry and the nice person he is, he accepted, [then] we sang "Can't Smile Without You".  It was a wonderful surprise [to receive] the video.  When intermission came along, people came up to me as if they knew me all their lives.  I became an instant star!  When I arrived home I watched the video all night.  Then in the morning I showed it to my family.  Their response was, "she said she was jumping on stage with him."  Thank you Barry (I just smile when I think of you)!

We still talk about that night whenever we're at family gatherings. My daughter Crystal doesn't [understand], out of all those people he picked ME!  I think Sal still can't believe it and he was there!! (4/22/98)

April 19, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Mary-Joy Commesso (Long Island, New York):  This was by far the best experience of my entire life. I still can't believe it happened! (5/28/2000)

April 21, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Judy Gilson (Cleveland, Ohio):  It was my first trip to New York City - and I was really happy that I made it, as my father had been ill. I arrived early in the day and called a college friend that I hadn't spoken to in years. During the course of our conversation, I mentioned that I was going to the concert and that I was going to be picked for CS (Can't Smile) - jokingly of course - and explained to him what the CS experience was all about. It seems that over the years, almost every CS girl has had some premonition prior to their experience, e.g., just a comment in passing, a reaction to something someone says, or saying what clothes she was going to wear when she got picked for CS.

Prior to the show, while waiting for my roommate to show up and after talking to my college friend, I wrote a note to Barry [making] some comments about my dad, that it was my first trip to NYC, and if he just happened to see a surrender flag and candle flashlight waving somewhere out in the audience, it was me saying "Hi". Now, I don't know if Barry actually had time to read my note - we arrived late to the show - the usual MST (Manilow Standard Time) allowed the show to start later than scheduled, but that night when the lights went up for him to look out, it seems that he just looked out and said right away, "You with the flag and the flashlight." Usually there's a searching, but that night it seemed like it didn't exist.

The experience was awesome and memorable. Everytime I see the show and this part comes up, I remember the anticipation and the excitement of the moment, and know just how that lucky person is feeling.

Thanks Barry, you really made this person feel special. Thanks to Patti Dorreman for being my 'main-only' photographer ... But if anyone else out there has any photos... Please!! (6/12/2000)

April 27, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Dara Rappaport: My goal for the night was to sing with Barry. When the time came for him to call someone up to the stage, I screamed as though I was being stabbed! Well, Barry heard me all right and I got to sing with him. Nothing could have been better! (2/3/97)

May 10, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Janis Weller (Reading, Pennsylvania): It was a rainy day and night in NYC. Barry signed CDs at the Tower store and we stayed for the show that night. Our seats were in the back of the theater but he was able to spot me because I had a small sign. It was an awesome experience!! I knew the routine because I had seen it so often but I didn't expect to get so out-of-breath. It has been almost 10 years now but still nobody comes to my house without seeing the video! I made copies of it and I wore one out - it is amazing how many times I watched those 4 or 5 minutes. (12/19/98)

May 12, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Robin Davis (Brooklyn, New York, Staten Island): Having Barry pick me out of the audience was an experience I will never forget. Like so many people I am a tremendous fan who has gone to many, many concerts and know every single word and every movement of Barry's. I was so nervous on stage that I babbled endlessly, shook my booty ALOT, and touched him whenever the opportunity arose. Holding the mike was second nature to me, the lights, the crowd... nothing bothered me. The only thing is... I can't sing! (8/5/2002)

May 26, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Maria Campione Mikol (Brooklyn, New York):  1989 was a great year for me. It was the year I got to sing with Barry and the year I met my husband, Harry. Actually, we met because of Barry... he's a fan too!

I had already seen the show seven times. I had my sign ready each time... "I wanna duet with you."  Well, eight was my lucky number. I ran into the aisle at the right time and thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. I had an amazing adrenaline rush and could not stop jumping up and down... After watching the video I could tell that Barry saw me immediately. He identified me as the "jumping bean"!!  I will never forget how I felt charging up to the stage. I just could not let go of Barry once I got up there. I figured it's the one chance in my life that I would have to do this... I went on to see another eight shows and I never miss him when he plays in New York City.

Almost eleven years, one husband and two beautiful children (ages three & two-1/2 months) later I still remember the CSWY experience as if it was yesterday. I can't thank Barry enough for such a wonderful memory. I don't know of any other performer who offers such an exciting opportunity for his/her fans. Barry is one of a kind. (5/11/2000)

May 28, 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Robyn Cortese (Stamford, Connecticut) (5/30/98)

May 1989 - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Toni (of Dobbs Ferry, New York):  This was my first Barry Manilow concert. When we arrived in the lobby we were asked if we wanted to buy anything, pictures, etc. My response was, "I'm going to be on stage with Barry, I won't be needing anything." Little did I know that my dream would come true that night! It was the most wonderful night of my life and to get a video signed by Barry was even more than I could have dreamed for. I have since seen Barry seven more times. I just can't get enough of him. I will never forget that special night. It was truly a DREAM COME TRUE! (1/19/2008)

June 3, 1989 (early) - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Diane Burt (Connecticut): I can hardly believe it's been almost 10 years since I sang with Barry at the Gershwin. I had the opportunity to see his show on Mother's Day in May 1989. My friend took a picture of me next to the billboard that said "extended through June 3rd" (I have that picture in the frame with the autographed album from Sam Goody's two weeks earlier). Well, I decided to give myself a birthday present and see the show again in June - and - you guessed it! June 3rd! Spooky!!

Next thing I knew, there I was, meeting Barry and singing CSWY!! What a birthday present! I guess the photo in front of the billboard was an omen!!

I could hardly remember my name when I got up there. I did remember the words, they were automatic. My two most vivid memories are when Barry hopped up on the piano behind me and when he gave me a kiss after the song was through! I smiled all the way home to CT!

P.S. One year after meeting Barry, I was christening my first child on - yep - June 3rd, 1990! That must be my lucky day!! (3/26/99)

June 3, 1989 (late) - Gershwin Theatre (New York City, New York)
> Cathy Shoup (Konrad, at that time) (Ridley Park, Pennsylvania):  Since I was a little girl I was in love with singing and dancing. My mom started to teach me and my sister as soon as we could walk. Later, I told my mom I was going to be a Broadway star. Little did I know, I would fall in love with Barry Manilow's music, and sing with him on a Broadway stage!

I had a sign that was really big. It said "I'M BEGGING"!  Right before Barry started to ask who wanted to sing with him, I told the person I was with I wasn't going to do it. She said if you don't, I will. Well, I did!  We were almost in the rear of the theatre but center stage. There was no one in front of us who had a sign and Barry picked me. I was wearing my favorite color "purple". It had to be the night!

I was so happy to be on stage. I could follow the song pretty well but couldn't get the last high notes and Barry and I both laughed at that. When he sat on the top of the piano with me in between his legs (SIGH!) I began to slap the side of his leg and in the video you can see him looking down at me and laughing.

It was the dream of a lifetime for me and anyone who has the opportunity should make the best of it. The one thing I could not believe was how big his hands were (Better to play the piano with!).  After the show I called my friend, Kiki Haumann. She had company and when the phone rang, she didn't answer the phone with "Hello", just "You sang with him and I wasn't there". That's the only thing that would have made the night perfect...for my best friend to be there. (1/11/99)

June 15, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Wendy Clark (Horsham, England, UK): What a great experience! Something I'll never forget, even though I probably made a fool of myself. Whatever I did, Barry made me feel like I was the only one in the theatre. Thanks, Barry, for letting me share those precious minutes with you, and special thanks to those special friends who were there to share it all with me - you know who you are. (3/7/2001)

June 16, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Linda Phillips (St. Louis, Missouri): In my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would ever get picked for "Can't Smile". When that familiar whistle started, I stood up on my chair. Barry looked right at me and said, "How 'bout you, darlin', the blonde with the glasses." Realizing that he was talking about me, I jumped off my chair. Barry was extremely warm and gracious. It was a dream come true! Thanks, Barry!! (7/18/97)

June 18, 1989 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Sharla C. Hanni (Bountiful, Utah) (5/6/99)

September 23, 1989 - (Rochester, Minnesota)
> Laura Greve (Sherman Oaks, California): "Single and Horny -- How can I resist?!" - I knew the moment he saw my poster, it would work!

September 24, 1989 - Five Seasons Center (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
> Elsa (Hauschild) Hirl (Olin, Iowa):  My mom and I planned what I was going to wear to the concert from the day my brother-in-law got the tickets. After all, I knew I was going to sing with Barry. I told everybody I was going to do that, but nobody believed me. That's the power of positive thinking. He said, "The girl in the red doing the jumping jacks!"  Six years of cheerleading got me up there and six years of choir paid off!  When I got up on stage I asked him if we could sing "Sweet Heaven" instead because that was my absolute favorite song (I had been practicing that song all day - Never once did I practice CSWY). He said, "No, because EVERYBODY knows the words to CSWY." All went quite well and at the end, he gave me a kiss. This wasn't just any kiss --it was my FIRST KISS!!  I was 18 years old in 1989. How many people can say they got their first kiss from a superstar? (9/14/99)

September 25, 1989 - Peoria Civic Center (Peoria, Illinois)
> Debby (Murray) Barker (Plainfield, Illinois):  I'm not positive, but I think that I am one of the only girls that Barry did the "Woody Walk" for!  During the Big Fun tour Barry did an act about how it was for him growing up in Brooklyn and he would talk about going through puberty, etc. At this show he elaborated by showing the audience what it was like whenever a pretty girl was around and demonstrated by doing a funny sort of "stiff" walk!  My duet with Barry was very, um... intimate and after the kiss good-bye he looked down at me and did the "walk"!  I was very honored!! (12/31/98)

I can't tell you how many times I had rehearsed singing with Barry in my mind. I am sure that this was what gave me the courage to wrap my arms around his waist and hug with all my might. When we pulled apart, I must've had the look of desire (who wouldn't?) in my eyes because Barry replied "Oh really, Debby?" and we hugged again. This time I took the opportunity to kiss him on the neck. Barry took a strong hold of my hand and we walked together, singing as if we'd done it before. The whole time though, all I could think about was what was going to come next! Barry guided me back over to the piano and then he jumped up to sit on it, pulling me into the crook of the instrument... the PIANO and YES, in between his legs! I ran my hand down his leg (while still singing!) and felt him bend down to kiss me on the cheek! The song ended much too soon and once again I was hugging him when all of the sudden I felt my feet leaving the floor as he picked me up. I looked up at Barry while the audience was going wild. He gently set me back on my feet and he pulled my hand for me to come closer... and we kissed! I have seen Barry sing "Can't Smile" with over a hundred women (and 1 guy) and many have resembled my experience. For a girl who has dreamed of just one moment to be close enough to touch him, this part of the show was heaven for all of us. I can never thank Barry enough for making my dreams come true. (7/15/2012)

October 10, 1989 - (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
> Gail Archer

October 30, 1989 - Wang Center (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Stephanie Liston (Everett, Massachusetts) (9/1/98)

October 31, 1989 - Wang Center (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Marie Withkowski (Director of the Manilow Mavens):  After just seeing Barry perform for three sold out nights at Proctor's Theater in Schenectady, we decided to follow the tour to Hartford, then on to Boston, where Barry was performing at the Wang Center in the Theater district.  It would be at this second show in Boston - seated around the 13th row - on Halloween night, that gave me the chance to duet with the King!

With numerous people around me in costumes, jumping, screaming and waving signs, I sat calmly in my seat just waving (which - for those who know me are aware - is NOT my normal behavior).  I can remember Barry saying, "I want someone who REALLY wants to do it!"  So I began waving with both hands, still seated.  He looked right at me, and said, "You, with my name across your chest!"  For a moment I thought it was the person seated next to me who was wearing a Manilow t-shirt.  As I told her to go, Barry said, "No, YOU with the sweatshirt!"  At that time I knew it was me, and my knees began to shake...

[Barry's tour manager] Gary Speakman waited at the end of my row in the aisle, and escorted me down to the stage.  I told him, "I don't think I can do it," to which he reassuringly replied, "Yes you can!"  As he handed me over to the King, I immediately addressed Barry with an "Oh Sh-t!"  Barry replied to the audience, "This is going to be a good one, she is saying 'Ohhh Sh-t'!"  After a brief introduction, I informed him that I taught Math, his favorite subject.  He said, "Math, oh, are you good in English and languages too?"  to which I replied, "I am good in everything, what do you want to learn?"

He handed me the microphone and the rest was history. [I remember] the scent of Metropolis...  We had a ball!  He grabbed my arm as he escorted me to the piano and proceeded to jump up onto the piano [positioning me between] his legs (I thought I was going to pass out!).  I remembered my friend Judi had always said, "Don't ever rub his knee," so I didn't!.  I just kept my right hand in the air waving to the beat of the music, as Barry began to kiss my neck.  He was a lot of fun, and very comforting.

As I returned to my seat, I could still hear his loud voice echoing, "Hey Marie! Yo Marie! I just can't smile without you..."  It was delightful receiving all the compliments during intermission.  The Best was upon leaving through the rear theater door, having the lighting crew all clapping and saying, "We were cheering for you, all the way from above!" (8/20/98)

November 1, 1989 - Wang Center (Boston, Massachusetts)
> June Karen McCann (Natick, Massachusetts):  "A REAL DREAM CAME TRUE" - It was the kind of moment in your life you just can't describe. I guess it was just something I could never put into words. We sang, danced and even hugged and kissed. Most girls could describe word by word all the beautiful magic that happened on the state. I just cannot do that. Being a fan for over 20 years I guess I would have to agree with Barry - Please hold on to your dreams - they really do come true. (7/24/2000)

November 2, 1989 - Wang Center (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Amanda Jacobson (Billerica, Massachusetts):  I was only 13 years old when I sang with Barry. I grew up listening to his music. My mother and my aunt are huge fans. They had travelled across the country to see Barry in many shows, occasionally taking their children with them. On the night in question, we were sitting about 50 or so rows from the stage, right under the first balcony (The Wang Center is a theatre). I was feeling a bit ill, so my mother gave me a piece of gum to settle my stomach (the gum factors into the story later, so keep it in mind).

When Barry began his "Can't Smile Without You" piece, I remember thinking that I would just raise my hand, like I always did, but it wouldn't matter because we were too far back. I remember that there were a lot of black tie people sitting around me who did not get up and raise their hands. So once the lights went up, I was sort of isolated in this sea of black ties and I think it made me stand out more. I was also waving my program vigorously back and forth.

I remember that he pointed directly at me and said, "How about you in the blue?"  Now mind you, I was wearing a sort of blueish-green dress and from fifty rows back probably didn't look 13. Since I wasn't REALLY wearing blue, I looked behind me to see if there was someone else. Then he said, "You right there, waving the piece of paper."  And I stopped waving my program, turned to my mother and said, "I think he is pointing at me."  "No he's not," my mother responded. But I was really sure. Barry then sent Victor out into the audience to retrieve me, and sure enough he stopped right at the end of my row and said, "Are you ready?"

I looked at him and then at my mother and said, "It IS me!"  As Victor took me down to the stage I could hear my mom and aunt yelling from the row, "It's Amanda, I can't believe it's Amanda!!"  As I was walking I realized that I had this gum in my mouth, but I couldn't swallow it, and I couldn't spit it onto the nice Wang Center carpet. So I just stuck it to the roof of my mouth hoping it would hold and Barry wouldn't notice.

Once I got up there, Barry realized I was much younger than I looked 50 rows back. He asked me a lot of questions. My name, which sparked his response, "like, Oh Mandy?"  Well I hated the nickname Mandy and never used it, but for fear of offending him, I said in my Boston accent, "Sorta?" To which he mimicked me, "Sorta?  Let's here it for Amanda."

He asked me where I was from and what I was majoring in. When I said I didn't have a major, he asked, "high school?" to which I responded, "eighth grade."  At this point, a man in the front row called out, "Robbing the cradle now, aren't you?"  Barry responded, "Aw, shut up!" He asked me if I was married, and I laughed saying no, and he said he was married five times by the time he was in eighth grade. He said I was pretty and I said "thank you". [By then] my gum had inevitably come loose from my mouth and I was chomping on it nervously (which is extremely evident in the video). Typical teen right?

He asked me if I knew the words to "Can't Smile Without You" and I respond "yes," to which he looked surprised. He told me to take the microphone in my left hand, and I took it with my right, to which he said, "your other left."  Everybody laughed. I seemed to be genuinely entertaining most of the people, including him.

So we sang the song, did some dancing and the piano thing. I don't really remember it, it seems like a haze. But the video is there to remind me should I ever forget. When I was done, I gave him a very fatherly kiss and hug and he sent me off. On my way back to my seat, I was mauled by this woman in the front row who just wanted to touch someone who touched Barry. Security had to get rid of her which made me feel a bit famous.

He finished the song and signed the video and I thought that was the end of it. I thought I had gotten away with the gum thing, but after I got my video and it was all said and done, Barry said to the audience, "Wasn't Amanda great? (applause) She sang the whole song while chewing that gum and didn't miss a beat!" (laughter). So, he did notice...

During intermission I was approached by people in the first couple of rows asking for my address and weeks later I received dozens of still pictures to add to my experience. One woman even put them in a little photo album.

The whole experience was amazing. He did not treat me any different then he would have an older woman, and he was truly impressed by my knowing the words and my lack of stage fright. But my Barry experience transcended that one night.

Being 13 and liking Barry Manilow can be tough, in fact I didn't really tell any of my peers the next day at school. However, my teacher found out through the grapevine, and made me show the video to my class. But rather than being mortified, they were all really impressed. They gained a new respect for Barry and different kinds of music, so much so that we used "When the Good Times Come Again" as our graduation song, and in our class prophecy, it was predicted that I would become a great singing star and go on tour with my good friend, Barry Manilow.

Now, at 24, and still a die-hard Barry fan, I can say that it is an experience that has shaped who I am. I hope that Barry will read this someday and remember the 13 year-old Bostonian, and know that I thank him for such a wonderful experience. (5/10/2000)

November 3, 1989 - Wang Center (Boston, Massachusetts)
> Donna Burns (Cincinnati, OH): My whole trip to Boston was a series of IFs - you know, if this hadn't happened, then this wouldn't have happened. My sis-in-law, Holly Burns, is who made all the IFs happen, and the experience made a remarkable impact on our lives.

I first saw Barry in January of 1975 in Cincinnati, and have been hooked ever since. I got Holly hooked in the early '80's, since which we have been not only best friends, but Barry Buddies as well.

Through the years Barry's music has been such a part of our lives - helping us through tough times and being there in the good. Barry always seems to have a song that mirrors what we are feeling. I have felt the need for many years to have a physical connection to this music - to meet the man behind it. When he started to call fans from his audience to sing with him, it became an ongoing dream to be "the one."

Almost 15 years after that first encounter, it happened. He chose the person with the sign which read, "PLEASE BARRY, I'LL DIE IF I DON'T." (Holly made the sign for me, claiming that if he saw it, he couldn't turn it down.) Before heading for the stage, I turned to Holly and said, "This one's for you," and the rest is on the wonderful video Barry presented me. I had so much fun! He did and said so many wonderful things I'll keep forever in my heart.

What I wanted all of you to know (and hopefully Barry, too), is that the experience taught Holly and me that dreams really do come true. Because of the lesson this taught me (coupled with the mid-life crisis I was going through approaching 40), I was inspired to go for the career of which I always dreamed (and for reasons I won't go into, couldn't get), and not give up until I got it. Now, at 45, I've been living that dream for almost two years, and loving it! Holly is now in the process of going for her dream.

So I say to all of you, remember and believe Barry's quote from his book, "Sweet Life"...

I believe we are who we choose to be.
Nobody is going to come and save you. You've got to save yourself.
Nobody is going to give you anything. You've got to go out and fight for it.
Nobody knows what you want except you,
and nobody will be as sorry as you if you don't get it.
So don't give up your dreams.

November 17, 1989 - (Clearwater, Florida)
> Leslie Klevens (Sunrise, Florida)

November 25, 1989 - Fox Theatre (St. Louis, Missouri)
> Carolyn Chapman (Joplin, Missouri) (5/2/2009, 3/6/2012)

December 12, 1989 - DeVos Hall (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
> Debbie Jones (Grand Rapids, Michigan):  Yes, I can actually say, "I sang with Barry Manilow!"  Other than the birth of my daughter, it was the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the time. In fact I had just seen him in Cedar Rapids three months prior to that. My sister surprised me and got sixth row tickets for the Grand Rapids show. I made up my mind that I was going to be the one Barry picked to sing with him. After all, I owed him a "thank you". You see I was (and still am) a Disaster Services Director for the American Red Cross and Barry had just done a benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Hugo. I was hoping to be able to thank him in person. My wish came true!

I screamed, hollered and jumped up and down to get Barry's attention. It worked. In fact, because of my "thank you" to him, people thought it was a set up that I was picked. We know that wasn't true. It was meant to be - a gift from God. It was AWESOME!!  Every time we get a new employee at work, I make him/her watch my video. They love it! And when I watch the video, it seems like it was just yesterday. It was such a wonderful experience - I wasn't the least bit nervous. It was like the audience disappeared and it was just me and Barry. Looking into his bright blue eyes, I got lost for a little bit. It was like heaven on earth. People who know me know what a huge fan I am, so they know just what this meant to me. (12/31/98)

December 14, 1989 - Coliseum (Cleveland, Ohio)
> Katie (McQuaid) Stevenson (Strongsville, Ohio):  I was 16 when I sang with Barry Manilow in Cleveland. I was a junior in high school and worked part time in a balloon/gift store. My boss, Andrea, was taking her family to the concert and had an extra ticket and invited me to come along. I couldn't believe when we got there that the tickets were in the 10th row!  I never heard about Barry calling people up on stage, so when he started asking the crowd who wanted to sing I was not even going to stand up to attempt to get on stage. Finally I did stand up and Barry picked me out of the crowd. I couldn't believe it!  I knew that no one would believe that I really sang with Barry Manilow, until the crew ran down with the video for proof!

There were people in the crowd from my neighborhood and some of my friends' parents and grandparents came up at the intermission. I took my video to school the next day to show my friends and it ended up getting played in a bunch of classrooms. It was an exciting experience and really made me believe that anything is possible!

My dad remembered that it was the 10th anniversary of my singing with Barry Manilow and told me to sign up on this website. Thanks Dad!! (12/14-15/99)

December 16, 1989 - Riverfront Coliseum (Cincinnati, Ohio)
> Dene Wells (Springfield, Ohio): The wind chill in Cincinnati was -24 degrees but as soon as you stepped in the door at Riverfront Coliseum you were warm all over. This was my 102nd time to see our guy Barry and this evening held special meaning for me since it was at Riverfront where I saw Barry perform in person the very first time.

When we bought our tickets, I knew it was a "good spot" for being noticed, but after spending a wonderful week with my dear buddies Darlene and Betty following Barry to Detroit, Cleveland, and back to Cincy in zero and below temps all week we decided we would not "fuss" -- go casual. Hated what I chose to wear, but it was comfortable. Tore open the bottom of my shoe on ice, walking into the venue, but who would notice.

The show started, time arrived for the Can't Smile Frenzy. I, like so many others, had been trying for years to be "Barry's blind date" for the evening. I did not have a sign, but a VERY expensive brightly colored striped scarf I purchased in Atlantic City, (naturally there to see HIM) in '84, that I thought might catch his attention. So I dug out the scarf and waved like a maniac. Then I felt that chill followed by an immediate rush of heat when I realized Barry was pointing to me, "You, yes darlin', you with the NECKLACE." Darlene said "Give me the *#$@ scarf and GO!"

I didn't feel at all nervous, but knew I was when half way through CS my tongue wanted to stick to the roof of my mouth. Needless to say it was one of the most memorable nights in my life and having so many of my friends and family there made it even more special.

After the show a group of us went to Barleycorns for dinner, as we walked in no less that 5 different strangers commented, "we were at the show", etc. But the one most memorable was the guy who came to our table and said "You were a plant, right? You knew he was going to pick you, didn't you?" To which I replied "Hey, take a good look, if I had known it was going to be me up there with Barry tonight I definitely would have worn something different, except for the necklace." (6/18/97)

December 17, 1989 - Syria Mosque (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
> Marge Bodnar (Penn Hills, Pennsylvania): Have been a big fan since the beginning.  Have been to every concert he's had in Pittsburgh. There was a really bad snow storm the day before the concert, and the roads were really bad. My sister and I didn't think that we would be able to make it. Thankfully, she decided to try, and we braved the snow and ice to get there.

We had pretty good seats for a change, and when the time came for Barry to choose someone to sing with him, we both stood and waved. I didn't believe it when she said "He pointed to you!" I couldn't believe my luck, and the next thing I knew, I was onstage with Barry!

I was stunned to say the least, when he picked me from the audience! I told him I knew all the words, but couldn't carry a tune.  He didn't seem to mind! The whole thing went by in an instant, so I was really glad that he gave me the video tape. When I got home and told my family that I sang with Barry, no one believed me until I put the tape into the VCR. It still remains to this day one of the greatest experiences of my life. (5/27/1998, 8/30/2007)

December 27, 1989 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Kimberly Allison-Carson (San Antonio, Texas): "Once a Can't Smile Girl, always a Can't Smile Girl". Kneecaps and all, it was a moment and it worked!!

December 29, 1989 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Helen Jackson (Hatfield, England) (3/15/2005)

December 30, 1989 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Shane Greenberg (Los Angeles, California):  It was so much fun!! He was great and I had such a good time... My family and my old friend were there and they were so excited. My dad still shows the video to people All The Time. I know all the words to all of his songs! (9/21/99)

December 31, 1989 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
> Carol Swanson (Lake Villa, Illinois):  After trying for years to sing with Barry my New Year's wish came true! I received a video that is precious to me to this day. I remember my strapless dress almost falling down... a bride in the audience and Barry being so very handsome. I know I was in shock and remember very little other than what the video shows. Afterward, Barry said I gave great knee. I really was just trying to find a place for my hand! (9/28/2006)

This Page Created April 24, 1996 (Last Updated June 18, 2016)

Barry Manilow International Fan Club and the BarryNet, ©1996-2016

Return to Can't Smile Without You...