Can't Smile Without You 2000 (Part 2)
May 13, 2000 - Paul Tsongas Arena (Lowell, Massachusetts)
photo provided by Jim Ducharme
December 1, 2000 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
photo by Liz Boynes (provided by Anne Ogden)
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April 30, 2000 - University of Illinois, Assembly Hall (Urbana/Champaign, Illinois)
I was always interested in listening to different types of music, and Manilow's classy style captured me. The only logical conclusion was for my sister and I to buy one of his piano songbooks, and try to memorize all of the words to his songs. We pranced around the house day after day singing Barry's songs (of course, a little off-key). Throughout the following months, I stole markers from my siblings and scribbled on my bedroom walls: "I love Barry Manilow!" Although my parents were highly displeased with my scribbles, I continued to hide the markings on the walls.
Now, I am 19 years old and attending the University of Illinois. I had not heard about Barry Manilow in the last 12 years of my life, until I saw him performing on "The View." A few months later, I turned on the radio and heard that Barry was going to be performing at the University of Illinois campus while on tour. His scheduled performance was April 30th, 2000. I was soooooo excited to get the chance to hear his music live again!
As soon as I heard when the tickets were going on sale, I marked the date on my calender and planned to wait in line for "good" seats. I rushed to tell my family and my boyfriend that Barry was coming to Champaign! Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m., and I arrived in line at 8 a.m. I was behind about 60 people who had been waiting for hours. It was the last day of spring break, and I decided to plop down in line and take a nap. About an hour later, my boyfriend showed up in line and woke me up to keep me company. The doors opened, and we entered to purchase eight tickets for my family and my boyfriend's family. We got great seats in Section A, Rows 5 and 6. I was so excited - I bragged to my friends about what a Barry Manilow fan I am!
The day of the performance was drawing near, and the excitement was building. Finally, the night before the concert, I had a dream that I was on stage singing with Barry Manilow. The dream was so realistic! He pulled me out of the audience to sing a song with him! When I woke up, I realized that the dream was "too good to possibly come true."
A few hours before the concert, I ate lunch with my friends and told them about the dream. Of course, they chuckled - after all, it was just a silly dream. The day went by slowly as I began to get ready to meet my family for dinner before the concert. When I arrived at my house, I told my Mom about the "crazy" dream I had the previous night. She laughed, and our attention was soon diverted. We all ate dinner and proceeded to the concert. No one knew about my dream except for my two friends and my mom.
My sister and I were hysterical at the concert when Barry stepped out on the stage! We had never screamed so loud! My boyfriend stood watching the excitement in my eyes! I was so anxious to hear Barry sing! I had only been to one other Manilow performance, and I had no idea that he had a certain "tradition" in one segment of the concert. I saw front row fans holding up signs, but I couldn't read them.
"Can't Smile Without You" began, and the crowd (including myself) went wild. I knew all of the words, so I sang along as Barry stood hundreds of feet away. He abruptly ceased the song, when he informed the audience of the "tradition." My sister and boyfriend threw me in the air when the mere chance of singing with Barry was suggested. I jumped and screamed in the air, and finally Barry Manilow spotted me! He asked me to come down to the stage and sing with him! Of course, I thought that I was still dreaming. This was too unreal. I mean, how could this coincide with what I had dreamt about the night before? I took Barry's hand as I nervously tip-toed onto the stage.
My knees were weak, and I could not stop shaking. He made me feel more relaxed once I realized that the stage lights were too bright to see anyone. I sang and danced with Barry for a long time on stage and returned to my seat. He gave me an autographed videotape of the performance and referenced me throughout the rest of the show. Although, he does this as a routine with a lot of people, I felt really special, and Barry Manilow really made my dream come true (literally)! The last thing I said to him was, "Thank you so much!" (5/8/2000)
May 5, 2000 - First Union Arena (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
May 11, 2000 - Onondaga County War Memorial Auditorium (Syracuse, New York)
I live in Rochester so I drove with my best girlfriend, Joni (also a Barry fan), to Syracuse. We had dinner prior (to the show) and I told her for the first time that I felt something different than I had ever felt at any of the other concerts - "Tonite's the night, Joni - Barry is going to pick me".
I was very calm (and I'll say focused) going into the auditorium. When Barry started the signature "whistle", I told myself to stay calm and I just stood up and held my sign above my head like a statue. I didn't jump around or wave it back and forth. I just stood there. When he mentioned my sign, "Take me with the smiley face on it", I turned to Joni, we both screamed, I dropped the sign, we hugged, and I ran to the security guard to take me to Barry.
As I was walking to the stairs to get on stage, Barry was saying, looking out into the audience, "Where's my 'take me' girl? Where's my 'take me' girl!" in a cute, sweet voice. He immediately took my hand and walked me to the piano and as soon as we stopped, I gave him the biggest hug. At that very moment, I felt like I was hugging my best friend who I hadn't seen in years.
He asked, "Do I know you?" and I said, "Probably, I've been to 20 or so concerts." He then asked me, "Since what year?" and I said, "1980." He said, "Look at you, you're beautiful and so young, you must have been 5 years old when you first saw me!" I thought I was whispering in his ear when I said, "I'm 40". But he actually had the microphone right there so everyone heard and laughed.
I then told him that we matched (I had on a black long skirt, black and white polka dot t-shirt and black blazer, and he had on his black shirt, pants and white blazer (my favorite of all his outfits). I also had a feeling that he would wear this black and white outfit so I decided to color coordinate too when I dressed for work that morning! He said, "Yeah, black and white, that's cool." I then said, "You should have your black and white polka dot tie on," and that's when I caught him off guard 'cause he started to say, "Yeah I should," and then looked at me and laughingly said, "you know too much about me Cathy!" and everyone laughed.
I told him I was an Executive Assistant at Bausch & Lomb, that I had a shrine for him at my desk (everyone laughed). He said, "People must think you're crazy ... but that's okay because we're all crazy." I then said, "Everyone at 'Bausch' knows that I love you." He was touched (more laughs), and then I quickly said, "My boss calls me Mrs. Manilow!" He just roared and said laughingly, "Okay then, I think we're going a little too far with this." I gave him another huge hug [and] everyone was just hysterical! I wasn't nervous at all, I felt so comfortable up there with him. Of course, it helped to have the routine down pat. After all I had been practicing for this moment for 20 years.
I sang and did the walk, and then came the piano part - I ran my hand down his leg and as I was doing that he made his voice go really high (I didn't notice that though until I watched the video). I gave him a little kiss on the cheek at the end of the song, he got off the piano, we hugged one more time, and he walked me over to the stairs. I almost forgot to kiss him until he practically put his face in mine! As he leaned more to kiss me, my left hand immediately went up to his neck and hairline and then we kissed. It was magical and wonderful, we hugged one more time and then I walked down the stairs.
I was totally on a cloud at that point. But looking at my video as I walked down the stairs, Barry put his right hand to his heart and just stood there. Right after he did that, you see me putting my right hand to my heart as I'm walking with my back to him. He tried to start singing twice and couldn't - I had really shaken him up I guess!! For those few seconds I was in a trance until I finally heard his voice which brought me back to reality enough to wave to him one last time and blow a kiss.
This experience was everything I had imagined in my dreams and then some. I still can't believe how calm I was, but I was just so glad to hug him and talk to him. I only have one regret. I didn't get a chance to say Thank you... So Barry, if you read this, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your Beautiful Music and for making my one and only dream come true. My life is now complete. (5/13/2000)
May 12, 2000 - Stabler Arena, Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
May 13, 2000 - Paul Tsongas Arena (Lowell, Massachusetts)
May 14, 2000 - Paul Tsongas Arena (Lowell, Massachusetts)
It was Mother's Day and two of my children, Matthew and Danielle, made a special sign for me for 'CSWY' in hopes that Barry would see it and pick me ... When Barry began playing the music for 'CSWY', my son, who had gone to the show with me, stood up and held the sign high above his head. Matthew was so proud to do this and that made me so very happy! When Barry asked for the house lights to be put on, Barry noticed my kids' sign right away. It was at that moment that I had a feeling deep within me that Barry would call [on me]. Barry quickly glanced at the other signs and came right back to my kids� sign and read it, "MAKE MY MOM HAPPY". "Who's your mom?" he asked. My son pointed to me! I was extremely happy and incredibly excited!! Barry said, "It's Mother's Day! How can I resist that sign!"
I carefully and excitedly made my way over about 10 people in my row. My son followed behind me to take pictures of me and Barry. I was [escorted] to the stage by a nice man, and as he held my hand he asked me if I was "ready" to sing with Barry!! He also wished me a Happy Mother's Day!
As I climbed the stairs, Barry reached out his hand to me and said that I looked pretty young to be a mom. When we got to the piano, I told Barry that I didn't want to talk, I just wanted to hug. And that is exactly what we did! ... It felt so great being in Barry's arms. He smelled so wonderful! I don't know what cologne he was wearing, but if I find out, I am definitely buying it for my husband!!
I was so overjoyed to be with Barry that I almost started to cry... I said, "Thanks for doing this for me!" Barry asked me my name and where I was from and then I hugged him again! I just couldn't get enough of him, I was so very happy!! Barry said that he didn't see who was holding up the sign, and I said that my son was with me tonight. He asked me how old my son was and I said 14. Barry said, "Maureen, you just look so young!" (Thanks Barry!!) He asked me what I did and I told him that I am a full-time mom and that I have four children.
Then to my surprise, Barry asked, "So do we know each other?" And I replied, "Yes, we do! ... I have been with you forever!" I couldn't resist so I hugged him again!! Barry commented that being hugged was his favorite part of 'CSWY' and that I represented every single person in the audience because he wants to hug everybody! Although my excitement to be with Barry was truly evident to the audience, I was really very comfortable with Barry. I asked him (innocently) if I could touch him, and then I ran my hands down his thighs and he sighed.
Barry asked me if I knew the words to "Can't Smile Without You" and I said, " Of course I do!" (Silly question Barry!). Barry got me my microphone, he held my hand nice and tight, and as I stayed focused on his beautiful blue eyes, I sang with all my heart. For me, it was as if the whole audience had suddenly disappeared and there was only Barry and me. We wrapped our arms around each others waists as we walked and danced. That was so much fun!
As he jumped up on the piano and pulled me between his legs, I was so excited that I squealed, but somehow I got the words out to the song. He wrapped his arms around me as I leaned into his chest. He gently touched my hair and I touched his face ... I will never ever forget how his arms felt around me or how wonderfully happy he made me feel ... it's the best! Even though our time on stage together was not all that long, Barry made me feel as if we had been personal friends for a lifetime!!
I held that last note of 'CSWY' as long as I could, and Barry liked that a lot! When we finished singing, I was so taken by how wonderful this whole experience had been for me, that I hugged Barry once again to thank him for my terrific night. He told me I did an excellent job! As we walked back to the stairs, Barry asked me what my son's name was, and he called out and said, "Hey, Matthew! Here's your mom!"
Barry then puckered up [his] lips for a kiss, but he didn't know what he was in for. I gave him a huge kiss! Then that led to another kiss. Barry started to laugh and I ended up kissing his cheeks all over!!
I thanked Barry at that point for All Of His Beautiful Music! Barry thanked me for the compliment. Before I left the stage, I said to Barry, "I love you, I do, I love you!" Barry said, "I know, I love you too!" It was just the Best!!
I hugged and kissed my son who was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs where he was taking pictures of me and Barry ... As I made my way back to my seat, so many people congratulated me and told me what a great job that I did. That made me feel so good (My son even got a few kisses from some ladies in the audience!).
Thanks to my husband, Tommy, and our four children, Matthew, Danielle, Michelle, and Courtney, for all their love! It will be a Mother�s Day that I will never ever forget!! And thank you, Barry, for giving me one of the most happy, fun, and exciting experiences of my life!! (5/22/2000)
May 25, 2000 - Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas, Nevada)
SIGNS: Margie arrived with a stack of 100 "Pick Georgy" signs from Kinko's. Fay started the "I'm Georgy ", "Please pick Georgy", "Georgy really wants to do it" signs. Beth came up with the plan to put a few signs out each night (during the Mandalay Bay run)! So I thought I'll wear my oldest outfit [on Thursday] and save the beautiful pants suit Jim bought me for Saturday night instead...
Off to Mandalay Bay we went (Thursday night), signs in hand. Once inside we put the plan into action. We ended up saturating the place with almost 50 signs (Many people came up to me later to thank me for letting them be a part of my experience, but I thank each and everyone of YOU for helping me!)
The concert began and Barry was sooo wonderful! The third song in he started to whistle CSWY and the signs went up all over the place. Next thing I know I hear, "What's all this? 'Pick Georgy'? Where's Georgy? My God, there must be three million signs here, 'Pick Georgy'!" And I am standing with my little "I'm Georgy" sign saying, "I'm here, I'm here"! I whipped the sign and hit Beth in the face (sorry Bethie!) and forgot I had heels on as I ran down the steps!
"Oh My God (OMG), Barry". Barry saying, "OMG, now we are OMG-ING each other." I had a few kisses to give him from some friends (seven in all) so I kissed him on the cheek seven times and said "thank you, thank you". I know you are all saying, is she nuts?? No, but I risked looking like a fool to pursue my dream!
He led me to stand by the piano and I said, "I look terrible". He replied as he held my hand and stepped away from me to have a look, "No you don't, you look beautiful," then he pulled me close. "OMG" another hug! He asked if I was married? "Oooooh Yessss," I said. "What do you do?" "I'm a Tax Assessor". "Ohhhhhhh, well I guess we need you".
"Barry, I have to tell you something" (He looked deeply into my eyes, "OMG, Barry don't look at me that way," I said). "My husband, Jim..." (Barry interupts saying "...and he hates me"). "No", I said, "he is glad I have a hobby even if it's another man." "HA-HA-HA-HA-HA" came from Barry with that wonderful smile that lights up the stage and my heart!
Then he asked me if I saw the concerts. I said "Yes, 25 times this summer, 40-some times in all." "Oh, you were on tour with us, did you like it?" (still holding me close as I rubbed his lapel). "I loved it and Barry this is my first time in Vegas". "Georgy, isn't it wonderful and isn't Mandalay Bay beautiful?" "Yes it is," I said. "Look at this theater, isn't it wonderful?" he said. "I can't see a thing," as I looked into a big black void in the audience. Barry said, "Oh, it's the lights, you'll get used to -" "OMG," I said as I started to descend to the floor sliding slowly down his body. He pulled me up and closer to him (Is this really happening? Am I really having my five minutes with Barry - the man who's musical genius has helped me through so many ups and downs in my life? OMG, BARRY!).
"Do you know the words to CSWY? I know you do, Georgy!" I said, "Oh Barry, I wish I had ear plugs for your ears, honey, cause I'm one who makes the cats and dogs howl!" (as I touched those precious ears!). "But I don't care," I said, as he laughed. "I don't care either," he replied.
Off to get my mic and here came the off-key notes! Being the gentleman he is, he sang right off-key with me. "I can't smile without you 'OMG', can't smile without you, I can't laugh and I can't sing ('I'm really terrible, Barry') ('No you're not') (he lied!) ... I'm finding it hard to do anything 'OMG' ... If you only knew what I'm going through ('I have an idea,' he said) ... You came along just like a song (as we danced across the stage) ('And she's an actress too!' said Barry, his cheek touching the top of my head, so I rested my head on his shoulder) ... Who would have believed you were part of a dream 'OMG'!"
Back to the piano. "Stay RIGHT THERE!" as he mounts the piano. "I can't do this ", I scream as he pulls me between his legs! I held onto his knee! He stroked my hair. I felt a little faint! I started to slide an inch and [he] held me so close I could feel his heart beat! I laid my head as close to that shoulder as I could and looked into his big eyes and just sang my heart out (...I think)!
The last note, he outstretched his arms, and out went my arms too! Off the piano and we hug, "I love you and thank you for picking me." "I love you too," he said. Then The Kiss. I flew into him wrapping both arms around his neck. Oh please, one more Barry (to this day I don't know if I said it to him or just thought it!), BUT leaning into me he plants another one on my lips! "Bye, Georgy"!
The singing, waving, and blowing me four kisses as he laughed! Looking back to the band, "Help!" he says. "I have been felt, touched, and groped by a lot of women but Georgy, you are #1!!" I missed it, but he blew down his shirt and fanned himself, "Are my clothes still on? Georgy! WOW!!" Then the video came out. Still flustered he says, "It says 'I sang with Barry Manilow' which I really don't think she did but she did so much more! With Lust, Barry Manilow!"
Although in nights to come it went from CSWY to "Where's Georgy?" to "I'm Georgy's boy toy" (with a spotlight on me) to "Wow Georgy!" to "Georgy is my #1 groper!" to "Instead of 'Debbie does Dallas' it was 'Georgy does Barry' - I thought we were staring in a French Porno Film!" And it went on and on and on till Barry had it blown into a life of its own! Barry, Barry, Barry!
There are things that cannot be anything but life's treasures, and this gift from Barry is a gift to my heart that I will treasure forever! To my friends - I love you more than words can say! Thanks for your support both near and far! Sorry I drove you crazy! To Jim - thanks for putting up with me and loving me enough to let me follow my dreams, you are one special man and I love you always! To Barry - You are one of a kind! A true gentleman and wonderful musician! I will always love you, my friend! (6/3/2000)
May 26, 2000 - Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas, Nevada)
To Barry Manilow, without whom none of this would have been possible. He not only selected me from the audience, he guided me and encouraged me every step of the way through my time on stage.
To the people in the audience as well as some of the band members, many of whom I didn't know, who congratulated me and reassured me that I had done all right.
To my friends and fellow fan club members who were there to cheer me on and then took me out to celebrate afterward, as well as those who couldn't be there but sent their congratulations when they heard about my experience.
To my family -- to my husband Rick who allowed me to go to Las Vegas for the shows, to my son John who took over for me, and to my daughter Mandy who finally forgave me for not taking her to the show in which I became a "CSWY Girl!"
To all of you -- thank you so much; I will never forget you! (6/2/2000)
May 27, 2000 (early show) - Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Being very shy, I was always concerned that if I ever got picked I would spend my moment on stage mumbling to Barry's feet. I needn't have worried because he put me at ease immediately and looked into my eyes the whole time. I never even thought of looking away.
I still can't quite believe that this has happened and I could ramble on forever about it. However, I won't do that here ('Thank goodness' I hear you cry!). I would though like to share a moment with you that I will cherish forever, which came just before Barry kissed me. He noticed a tear that had begun to roll down my cheek, and leaning forward he very gently wiped it away - I could barely breathe. I loved every single glorious second of my CSWY experience, from the gob-smacking moment I realised he was pointing at me, to the final blown kiss at the very end. It was so worth the 14 year wait.
I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone, both British and American, who congratulated me afer the show. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and promises of photographs. A lovely American girl gave me some amazing pictures the very next evening. Stupidly I didn't even get her name, but if you're reading this, Thank You so much! Thanks to those who have since sent pictures and thanks to my friends for their kindness and support. Finally all my love and gratitude to Barry for the most magical experience of my life. I can never say Thank You enough.
I've described CSWY as an "experience". One of the given meanings for this word in the dictionary is "an event regarded as affecting one" - I think that says it all. (6/15/2000)
May 27, 2000 (late show) - Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas, Nevada)
December 1, 2000 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
On Friday, December 1, 2000, my wonderful Barry Weekend began! I met several people before the show in the hotel lobby. I had my 9-year-old daughter, Amy, with me for this show. I had my camera and sign in tow. Over the years I never before made signs until the January 2000 shows I went to. So, tonight I had a large florescent green sign (Amy's favorite color) that said "22 years, please". I knew my seats were way in the back, so my sign had to be big and clear!
I had a feeling that I would get picked this weekend, and I had hoped it would be when I had my daughter with me. When a friend said she would go to one show with me, I asked her to come to Friday's show, so that when I get picked, I can leave my daughter with her. Once the show got underway, I gave Judy my camera telling her, "so I will be ready for when I get picked!"
The first whistling began. I held up my sign and felt Barry would not be able to see me! So a kind woman (Tina) next to me, who also had a sign, moved over a little. When Barry said, "I'm going to pick someone way in the back, the sign that says '22 years!'," I just threw down the sign and stopped breathing. I remember looking at my daughter and she was screaming! Steve or Carl [helped me] get to the stage (I remember thinking, thank god he is here to hold my arm). I squeezed his hand so hard.
So many people that knew me from the BarryNet were screaming and grabbing my hand as I made my way to the stage. I heard Barry say, "Okay, where's my date" - I had thought ahead that I wanted to say "Anne with an 'e'" so he would sign the tape right. My mouth was so completely dry, I mean absolutely completely dry. I could hardly talk or swallow, let alone sing! He kept looking right into my eyes! I just had to look back into his! I had this sort of outer body experience thinking, "Oh my God, he's talking to me!" I am right here looking in his eyes!
I heard him talking, and thinking to myself, I better be answering him. I knew I had been loving him since way back when, but when he asked me when my first show was, I said "1976", but it was actually 1978! I kept trying to swallow and hoping I was able to talk. He asked about my job. I told him I was a manager at a bank. He even asked "what bank?", as I hesitated a moment (I forgot where I worked!). Then he actually repeated it all. I could hear him say, "Chelsea Groton Bank in Waterford, Connecticut" (that sounded so weird coming from him). I knew it was just the two of us on that stage!
I told him I had to say Hi to my BarryNet Gang. So he said Hi to them, too. Oh no, he wants me to sing too?! He handed me the microphone. Of course I needed to put it in "my other left hand." We sang a little at the piano. He asked me if I was okay - all I could do was nod (of course, I was not okay!). Then we started to walk. I hesitated a little so our feet were at the right step. I think back now, how silly that was.
We paused at the end of the stage and he said, "Here's your gang, everyone take a picture." I tried to look out at all of you and saw nothing but darkness and flashes. I walked back to the piano with Barry and knew what would be next.
Yes! My eyes rolled and closed, and I just wanted this moment to never end! His arms wrapped around me. How could I sing?! When he touched my hair I sort of woke up and realized I should hold his leg! I leaned back on him and thought my dreams have come true! When he said, "Okay, here come the last note," I thought, oh no it's almost over!
He started walking me to the stairs, and I kept saying I wanted a kiss. I do not even remember actually putting my hand on the side of his head to give him a kiss, then he actually pulled me back for another one! Two kisses! I am going to die happy! (I always give my children two kisses before bed - My son watched the tape and said, "Mommy, you got your two kisses!")
I made my way through the tables, with friends greeting me along the way. I had to stop for the wave! Then when I got back up to my daughter, she was still screaming and hugging me. Steve said to wait in my seat and he will bring the video up to me! Like I would be going anywhere!! My daughter had called my husband from the cell phone while I was on stage! Steve brought me the tape. I clutched it to my chest and closed my eyes! The rest of the night was a complete blur.
The next day at the luncheon, my 60 BarryNet Gang friends made me feel so special too. We had the best time. I felt like a celebrity for the whole weekend at Foxwoods. Everyone kept coming up to me and saying things like, you are so lucky! I sure know that! I feel like the luckiest person ever!
This is an experience I will never forget in my lifetime. Thank you, Barry! I love you, I love your music, and you have brought so many of us together! This has been a lifetime dream come true! What a weekend! I am still smiling!! (1/18/2001)
December 2, 2000 (late show) - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
Christine insisted we make signs for Saturday's shows, so before we headed back to Foxwoods on Saturday morning we purchased our sign supplies. Mine read "HERE I AM". Since I'm just under five feet tall I thought he would need help to see me. Good thing, because when the house lights came on, the whole audience was standing! There were signs everywhere. I just kept inching my way over to the wall on the chance that Barry might notice my sign (never expecting he would).
It took a while for me to realize he was calling out for my sign. I believe he called for me about five times. When I "woke up" I flew down the stairs. I was so excited. Everyone was clapping and cheering as I ran by and I could barely speak when I reached for Barry's hand at the stairs. I was thinking... just stay focused, look into his eyes, and remember every detail of this special moment. It was a thrill of a lifetime.
Thank you, Barry, for the years filled with your music, your great showmanship, and Thank You for picking me to sing with you. I loved it. (1/5/2001)
December 3, 2000 - Foxwoods Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)
December 10, 2000 - Washington Township Center for the Performing Arts (Sewell, New Jersey)
Andrea has told me over and over about her experience with Barry, but she swore she was getting me up there. I was having no part of it! (I was terrified!) I felt strange the whole day, butterflies in my stomach and all, but I chalked it up to seeing Barry. We went to dinner with some of the other BarryNet girls, and had a great time. (Thanks girls, I enjoyed the dinner immensely!)
Andrea brought the sign that brought her such good luck, and I still didn't want to have any part of it. We got to our seats, and Marty, from the dinner earlier, was sitting next to us with her husband. Andrea was telling me this is fate, because we needed more than two people to hold up this sign. They gladly agreed to help with the sign, but I was still terrified. But then HE stepped out on stage.
As soon as he walked onto that stage, I turned to Andrea and said, "I have to go up there, and now that I want it, I won't get picked!" She told me to listen to Barry and believe in my dreams (It was always my dream to sing with Barry, even though I can't sing). I heard the music, and I threw up the sign.
There were six of us holding it at this point and when I heard him say, "that long sign that says 'it means the world to me'." I thought I'd die. I threw my sign, camera and binoculars and grabbed Andrea. She just screamed for me to go down there. I don't remember getting to the stage, I don't remember going up the steps. All I remember is Barry putting his hand out to me.
At that moment, I wished my little boy was there to see this. He loves Barry, and this would have really made him happy. I was able to blurt out my name, and then I said what was on my mind. I told him, "my son loves you," and he was so sweet. Barry asked how old he was. When I said he was five he just said "ooohhhh."
I said his name was Chris. He then said, "Chris, I have a feeling you're going to see this, so I just want to tell you to keep listening to the music you listen to because you have good taste!" I wanted to cry! That's when I looked into his eyes. I can't explain it, when you are up there, it's as if no one else is there. He makes you feel so comfortable. He then asked where I was from, and gave me the mic (OH NO! I HAVE TO SING TOO? LOL).
As you all know, Barry's a flirt. He (or we) began to sing and he leaned back on the piano and began to move closer and closer. I knew what he was doing so I decided that I could flirt right back. Why not?! As he was singing, he said, "You have beautiful eyes," so I waited for the chorus and said, "So do you."
We began our stroll and that's when it hit me that people were actually WATCHING me. OMG! As you all know, we headed back to the piano, and he jumped up. My heart skipped a few beats. Next thing I knew, he was wrapped around me! OOOOHHH! What went through my head? I remember someone saying he had very thin legs, so I decided I'd see if he had very skinny knees. My hand never left his leg, for the rest of the song. Don't ask!! I don't know if his legs are skinny. Once my hand hit his leg, I stopped wondering about his weight.
He jumped back off the piano, after I tried to hit the last note, and he hugged me. I whispered in his ear, "Thank you for your beautiful music, and for inspiring my son - I love you," and he said, "I love you too," and hugged me again. Then he walked me off to the side of the stage where I ALMOST FORGOT THE KISS! He said, "Don't forget the kiss!" and leaned in, lips puckered. I threw my arm around his neck and planted one on him.
It was the best experience of my life, aside from the birth of my son. Barry has helped me through many hard times, but especially now, my husband, son and I are going through some hard times.
The next morning, I put the VCR on and woke up my son, Chris. He didn't know I went to the concert the night before. I told him I had a surprise for him and put the tape in. He saw Barry and smiled. He heard him begin CSWY and thought it was Andrea's tape. Suddenly he sees ME! He jumps up and yells "Mom, that's you!" And I told him just to listen to what Barry said. When Barry spoke to him, his eyes got even wider and he whispered, "Mom, is he talking to ME?" and I had tears in my eyes, just nodding my head.
Needless to say, he went to kindergarten that morning, telling all the kids and teachers. The teachers actually called me to ask to see the video. I've become a small town celebrity, thanks to Barry, and I've met many wonderful people who have sent me the pictures of a lifetime. Thank you all for your pictures and kind words, and thank you Barry, for making my dream a reality. (12/24/2000)
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This Page Created February 4, 2000 (Last Updated May 20, 2007)
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