Last night, in Reading, Pennsylvania, I attended my 12th Barry Manilow concert. It was his final performance in this town, one I had never been to. When I bought my ticket for the show several months ago, I had no idea what I was in for, but I’m sure glad I decided to go because it was a night filled with magical moments, serendipitous opportunities, and unforgettable music.
When I saw Barry Manilow in Philadelphia last year, I assumed that was my last time seeing him live, let alone spending quality time with him one-on-one. But then I saw he was coming to two nearby towns, Reading and Wilkes-Barre, and decided to secure tickets for both shows. Knowing that this is Barry’s final tour, I want to enjoy it as much as possible. I’m glad I made that choice, because the show last night in Reading is one I won’t forget.
When I buy a ticket to a show, I fully understand that all I’m entitled to is a place to sit and enjoy the show—nothing more, and nothing less. However, I felt compelled to reach out to Barry’s team to see if there was a chance to say “Hello” to him while I was there. Much to my delight, they notified me on the day of the show that they could accommodate me and would give me two passes.
While driving from Philadelphia to Reading, I was thinking about who to ask to come backstage with me. I didn’t want to ask just anyone, because this is an incredible opportunity to be part of a small, select group meeting Barry Manilow after his show. I only wanted to ask someone I respect and trust to be on their best behavior when meeting him, and someone who would truly appreciate the opportunity.
After parking, I sat down in a pizza joint for a quick meal. My fingers danced across my phone as I opened Facebook and looked up a friend I had in mind, Lannee Sands. I had no idea exactly where Lannee lived, but I knew it was nearby because we met backstage at a Barry Platinum meet-and-greet in 2015. I was thrilled to see a post on her profile that Lannee and her husband were going to see Barry in Reading, so I shot her a message.
I offered Lannee the opportunity to come backstage with me. She enthusiastically agreed and told me afterward that she cried. I was smiling from ear to ear while waiting for my food because I knew how much this meant to Lannee. To bring this amount of joy to a friend made me so happy. I was excited to eat, hit the road, and meet up with Lannee at the arena.
As I approached the arena, I saw a sea of humanity making its way inside. After wading my way through, I picked up my passes and headed to the arena floor to say “Hello” to Lannee and let her know where to meet me afterward. Upon seeing her, I realized we were both wearing pink, which was wild, considering we had no idea we’d see each other. It was as if our paths were meant to cross this night.
After having a nice chat with Lannee and her husband, Brian, I was ready to go to my seat in a higher-up section. Lannee and the woman next to her pointed out a free seat in between them in the third row and said, “Why don’t you sit here? I don’t think anyone has this seat.” I said, “Sure!” Of course, I was more than happy to relinquish the seat if someone with a ticket for it showed up, but they never did. This was yet another happy accident.
When the familiar opening remix played, and the live band played the “I Write The Songs” overture, the big red curtain parted, and Barry stepped through a beam of light. Extending his arms open, as if to hug us all, the crowd roared with appreciation and excitement.
Barry went on to deliver a highly energetic and emotional set that was moving and captivating. He asked the crew to adjust the audio mix a few times so that he could hear everything just right, and we were off to the races. A Barry Manilow show is unlike any other. He packs a lot of songs, stories, laughs, and more into an expertly crafted set that takes everyone on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
At one point in the show, Barry made it clear to the crowd that his voice wasn’t quite where he wanted it to be, I assume because he was dealing with a bit of laryngitis. He got frustrated with himself and said, “I wanted this to be the most spectacular show. I’m so disappointed in myself. But I’m human.” I felt for Barry because he’s the best live performer I’ve ever seen, so I could only imagine how he felt not being able to deliver the songs exactly as he wanted.
Despite the situation, Barry made the most of every song, hitting some incredible notes throughout. He even threw an audible by asking Ron, his musical director, to do “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” to get the crowd to join in during the chorus. Barry encouraged people to sing along throughout, and we gladly did. Everyone around me (and online) said that Barry sounded fabulous. So, while he may not have been happy with the quality of his voice last night, it did not put a damper on anyone’s evening. Everyone had a blast, including me.
As always, I got chills during the Grandpa Joe story and “This One’s For You” song. It was incredibly moving and never fails to touch me, especially now that I’m a parent with a small child.
Barry gave a touching tribute to Clive Davis, followed by a performance of “Once Before I Go” that was positively spectacular. His vocals on this were astoundingly good. I shot to my feet after the final note to give him the standing ovation he deserved. It was a beautiful way to honor Clive.
When the show was over and the house lights came on, Lannee, Brian, and I made our way to the back of the arena. Brian exited, and Lannee and I were whisked away backstage. We were brought to a private room for the meet-and-greet.
I’m always amazed when Barry’s team remembers me. Several of them, including Garry, Barry’s husband and manager, told me how much they loved my review of Barry’s new album, What a Time. They told me it was widely read by thousands of people and insightfully written. To hear such kind words about my work from people I admire and respect was heartwarming. The cherry on the cake was when Marc, Barry’s assistant, came into the room, theatrically gestured toward me, and said, “The world-famous Michael Cavacini, everyone!” This made me laugh hard.
Before meeting Barry, Lannee and I had the chance to speak with Garry. As I did with everyone else, I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity. We spoke about Barry’s new album, my review of it, and Lannee reminded Garry of the old convention days and how she remembered a line a mile long to get photos with Garry. We also spoke about the Mann Music Center, and Barry’s show there in 1978, the first time Lannee saw him live. It’s always a pleasure speaking with Garry, and I’m glad I got the chance to do so while backstage.
There were only eight people backstage for the after-show meet-and-greet. I didn’t realize it at the time, but in front of us was the Mayor of Reading, Eddie Moran, with a City of Reading commendation for Barry, thanking him for the many times he’s chosen to perform in the city. I only know this because I ran into the Mayor afterward at the hotel, and we spoke. It was a lovely conversation, and he couldn’t have been nicer.
After the Mayor and his team met Barry, it was our turn. I walked up to Barry, shook his hand, and told him, “Your new album is spectacular. ‘The Chosen One’ is one of the greatest songs you’ve ever written or performed. It’s magnificent!” Barry smiled at this praise. I asked him, “I heard ‘The Chosen One’ was an outtake from Here at the Mayflower. Is that true?” Barry said, “No.” Looking at his assistant, Marc, he confirmed, “I wrote that one while on the beach in Malibu.” Marc nodded to Barry, confirming that his recollection was accurate. Then Barry said, “That’s from that Manilow Method podcast, right?” I said, “Yeah, that’s where I heard that from. My friend, Barry, is a co-host.” Barry replied, “Tell your friend that’s a terrific podcast. I really enjoy what they’re doing.”
I introduced Barry to Lannee, and they spoke for a few minutes. He held her hand in his, giving her a warm welcome and making her feel right at home. Barry has a way of making everyone he speaks with feel special. He’s truly one of the kindest celebrities, and Lannee experienced this during her conversation with him.
Lannee and I took a group photo with Barry, and then I stepped aside so she could get photos with him. The one I love the most is above, where she couldn’t stop looking up at Barry with a big smile on her face. Even Marc pointed this out to Barry. The pure joy and awe in her expression were a beautiful expression of love, making it clear once again how much she appreciated this intimate opportunity.
After our meet-and-greet with Barry, we left the arena, met up with Brian at the hotel, and looked at our amazing photos, recounting the incredible experience we just had. They thanked me, hugged me, and wished me a safe ride home.
As I finish writing this, I heard that Barry’s show in Newark tonight was a rousing success and that his voice has fully recovered. I’m thrilled to hear this because Barry is a consummate artist who always gives 110%, and I felt for him last night, knowing he was frustrated because he didn’t want to disappoint the fans. He didn’t disappoint anyone. We all had an incredible time, and he put on one hell of a show that I will never forget.
Every time I see Barry perform, all I expect is a great show, and he has never let me down. The fact that I am still included among the family and friends who get quality time with Barry continues to astonish me. It’s something I cherish and appreciate beyond measure. The Manilow magic was alive and well in Reading, and I can’t wait to experience it again in Wilkes-Barre.