On July 1, I attended my 13th Barry Manilow concert. This one was in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and it was one to remember. Barry’s voice was strong and spectacular, and I got to spend quality time with friends old and new. It was a night of beautiful music and memories. Below are photos and videos from this wonderful experience.
As I mentioned in my review of Barry’s Reading concert, he felt that his voice wasn’t up to par. However, he quickly recovered because he was belting out ballad after ballad in Wilkes-Barre with ease. “Weekend in New England,” in particular, has an incredible ending that has to be seen and heard to be believed. It was one of the many standing ovations Barry received throughout the night.
Once again, I was in the third row for a Barry Manilow performance, not on purpose, but by way of a happy accident. This time, a friend of mine offered me an extra ticket they had for the third row. I couldn’t believe my luck or this person’s generosity. The kindness and love I’ve experienced from fellow Manilow fans over the years have been wonderful, and I consider this one of the most special.
On this leg of the tour, Barry and his band have been performing their rendition of the “William Tell Overture,” and it’s both vocally impressive and hilarious. Therefore, I had to capture it for all to see.
Barry’s rendition of “This One’s For You” is always emotional because of the story he tells about his Grandpa Joe believing in him. The photo at the end (and Barry’s interaction with it) makes it a real tearjerker.
The strength of Barry’s voice was evident in “Looks Like We Made It,” as well as in other songs he performed throughout the evening. I’m constantly amazed that this 83-year-old man can sing circles around people a fraction of his age. It’s a testament to the consummate musician he is, one of the greatest ever.
Spending time with friends before and after the show made this concert even more enjoyable. Bonding with others over our mutual love of this music provides a much-needed sense of unity in a world that is far too often divided. Many laughs, smiles, and hugs were shared.
In classic Manilow fashion, Barry ended this concert with “Copacabana,” and the crowd ate it up. It didn’t matter if people were old or young; everyone was on their feet dancing around and having a good time. Streamers shot through the air, Barry waved goodbye, blew us kisses, and we all felt like we were floating on a cloud, filled with joy over what we had just experienced.
Will this 13th Barry Manilow concert be my last? I hope not. I have a feeling that he’s going to hit a few more spots in the region before he’s done with this area for good, and I intend to be present for every one of those shows. After all, the Manilow Magic is hard to resist and second to none.