Manilow first became popular as a solo artist in the mid 1970's, although he was writing musical scores and commercial jingles prior to then. After all these years of touring, Manilow has become really good at making an entrance. That was evident when the red velvet curtains rose and Barry was found center stage silhouetted by one spotlight beaming behind him. As the lights rose, the audience found Manilow grinning from ear to ear, obviously thrilled at the exuberant response from his loyal fan base present for the show.
This might be billed as his Final Tour, but Barry Manilow didn't sound like he was washed up as a singer. His voice sounded strong, ringing through the arena with great clarity, much like the first time I saw him in concert in 1976 in Austin. And when he sat down at the piano for several numbers, his fingers still nimbly traversed the keyboard. In addition, Manilow has not let his personal appearance wane over the years. Despite being 72 yrs of age, Barry is still quite svelte, unlike many other music artists who became popular in the 1970's and 1980's. Adding to his impeccable look, Manilow donned his usual classic tuxedo - this one, black tails.
Joining Manilow on stage was a full band of a dozen or so accomplished musicians. Opening artist Dave Koz also joined Barry on stage on occasion to add his saxophone skills to the band. Barry had 3 backup singers with him, but I'm not sure if they were really needed, as the entire audience of no less than 10,000 people seemed to know the lyrics to all the songs and were welcomed to sing along to their favorite tunes. Lyrics were provided for one selection, Can't Smile Without You, making for even better audience participation.
Barry grew up in Brooklyn, NY and told the audience that his old school was named one of the most dangerous high schools in America. Because he wasn't into sports and couldn't have made it in a gang, he got into the music program. There he fell in love with music. After he became successful, Barry started the Manilow Music Project. In each city where he performs, he presents a needy school with a piano and asks his fans in attendance to donate their unused musical instruments to schools in their city. He wants everyone to have the chance that he had to discover music .
The consummate performer, Barry has always found new ways to present his music and please his fans. Barry told the audience that his latest album, Barry Manilow - My Dream Duets, is a collection of performances with some of his favorite singers who are no longer with us. The album was nominated for a Grammy, but he lost out to Tony Bennett. As a sample of the types of songs found on this album, Barry performed Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart while a video of Judy Garland's performance played on the big screen.
Barry told the audience he was happy to be back in San Antonio and at such a great location as the AT&T Center. He remembers one time in the 1980's when he came to San Antonio for a performance at Sea World. The billing was "Shamu the Killer Whale and Barry Manilow."
Although all of the performances brought back memories for the ardent fan base in attendance, one in particular was very special; Mandy. The audience was treated to a video clip of Clive Davis introducing Barry to the world on the television program Midnight Special. The clip showed Barry in 1975 performing Mandy for the first time on television. After the first chorus on the video finished, Barry took over, live. Manilow's fans were more than happy to join in with him on this song.
In an effort to include as many fan favorites as possible into the setlist, Manilow performed a medley of 15 of his hits including One Voice, This One's For You, and I Write The Songs. The last song of the set might be one of Manilow's most recognizable releases to the younger members of the audience, Copacabana.
As endless streams of colorful ribbons fell from the rafters, It's A Miracle rang through the arena once again, and Manilow thanked his fans. It was a great show-biz finish presented by a man known for his showmanship. It's sad to think that this might have been the last chance for Manilow's fans in the area to see the man "who writes the songs that makes the whole world sing" perform live, but if it is true, and Barry won't be back to a stage here again, it was certainly a show that will never be forgotten by those in attendance.
Setlist for Barry Manilow:
It's A Miracle
Daybreak
Somewhere In The Night
Can't Smile Without You
Looks Like We Made It
Could It Be Magic
Brooklyn Blues
I Am A Child
Even Now
Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart (duet with Judy Garland video)
Weekend In New England
Let's Hang Out (The Four Seasons cover)
I Made It Through The Rain
Mandy
Medley:
One Voice
The Old Songs
Band Stand Boogie
Jump Shout Boogie
New City Rhythm
Some Kind of Friend
Read 'Em And Weep
Ships
Somewhere Down The Road
This One's For You
Tryin' To Get the Feeling Again
Ready To Take A Chance Again
Daybreak
I Write The Songs
Copacabana (At The Copa)
Encore:
It's A Miracle
Dave Koz
Opening the evening for Barry was platinum-selling jazz saxophonist Dave Koz.
Dave is an excellent musician and performer in his own right. His set had a little bit for everyone; jazz pieces (including Honeydipped), an R&B classic (Earth, Wind and Fire's Gotta Get You Into My Life), and even a newer Disney song (Frozen's Let It Go). He was definitely the center-piece of his band, playing both soprano and alto saxophones for different songs. Dave reminded me of the energizer bunny, running all over the stage and dancing along to the music with his guitar and bass players.
Koz is probably one of Barry Manilow's biggest fans, as well, considering all the wonderful things he said about him. Koz acted as Manilow's person cheerleader, getting the crowd pumped up for the rest of the show.
This was the second time I have seen Dave Koz perform live. The first time was a very short performance at a skating show a few years back. For that performance, Koz was positioned on what resembled an ice berg in the center of the ice rink. He looked very uncomfortable there and consequently, his performance was adversely effected. This time Koz was right at home on the huge stage and his performance showed it. I look forward to hearing more from him.
The space itself is great. The bar and restaurant occupies two levels, with a great balcony looking out over the city. I had a great time people watching at event venues Chicago, especially since it was close to festive season.
ReplyDelete