"Could it be Magic?"

Today is a special day. And, for those that know me, know why. My father, my nephew, a friend and myself all share today as our Birthday- I won't tell you how old any of them are, as that is just plain rude.




Dad and the "baby" (me)- wasn't I cute? He's always been so easy! Happy Birthday Dad!
Cody- who had the great fortune to be born on such a WONDERFUL day!

"This one's for you!"

As a Birthday present, my husband bought me tickets to a Barry Manilow concert. For those that have never seen him live, he is FANTASTIC- he's not just a singer/songwriter, he's a performer. He's the only performer I've paid to see more than once. And, just the like the rest of us, he has also aged since the last time I've seen him. I found an old photo of him, back when he was a baby!
Man, remember those days? Feathers, gold chains? WOW!



Now, I know what some of you are saying, "Barry Manilow?" Yes, that's right. Gene spent years scoffing his music, until he took me to a concert in St. Louis. He spent the entire evening saying "I didn't know he sang that, I love that song"- now, years later, he enjoys the concerts as much as I do.

Last night, as we sat in an eclectic crowd of men and women from all ages, a crowd that spanned several generations, we all sang in unison- our own "Kumbaya" so to speak- as he sang favorite after favorite. In order for Barry to play all of his best music, we would have been there for hours. But, he did his best to cram in as many as he could, leading in from one to another without taking a break. All of his best work, "Mandy", "I write the songs", "Copacabana", "I can't smile without you"...the list goes on and on.


He pulled out his lava lamp, and feigned smoking a "funny cigarette", to which he commented that "someone's gonna get a raise!". His ability to sing, play the piano, and add humor to his performance makes it more than just a jam session.

Even at 64 (Yes, he's actually 64!)- he can still play the piano with the same vigor he used to. He move more carefully, leaving much of the theatrics to his supporting staff, but he still doesn't fail to entertain. With a flashy wardrobe and pieces of the stage that disappear and reappear, his show has something for everyone.

If you haven't had the good fortune to be a part of a Barry Manilow concert, you are truly missing out on one of the best performers ever. Make plans to visit the Las Vegas Hilton in the near future and remove your name from the shrinking list of people who have not seen him. Thanks, Gene, for giving me a great Birthday present!

So, all I can say is, "Barry, we love you!"