Merry Christmas

Yes Merry Christmas all right. This year for Christmas Barry got Marc his manager a KHS Urban X urban bicycle for his Christmas present. Barry figured Marc needed a new bicycle to tool around New York City on since his old bike was it's last leg. Barry has discovered KHS bicycles when he needed a new mountain bike. Barry loved going mountain biking. Barry took up mountain biking back in two thousand. He did his research and bought a KHS 2500 650B mountain bike. Barry was going to put together Marc's bike and put a ribbon with a bow around it. He was putting next to his Christmas tree since Marc was coming over on Christmas. Just then he heard his door bell ring. So Barry went down to the front door to answer it. It was the UPS driver. He said I have a package for Barry Manilow. Barry I'm him. The driver said sign here which Barry did. The driver had put the package up against the porch railing. Barry went down to see who It came from. The return address read Garry Kief Palm Springs. Barry went into the house to get something to open the box with. Just then his cell phone played the beginning of Every Breathe You Take by the Police. Hello said Barry hi said Garry. What's up said Barry. Garry said Marry Christmas. Barry said Merry Christmas back.  You know I got a huge box that was delivered by UPS in my front yard said Barry. Oh really said Yes really said Barry and it's got your return address on it. Garry that's my Christmas present for you. I hope you like it said Garry. Barry put his cell phone on speaker so he could open up the box. Once he got the box open Barry said what is this? Garry it's a KHS 4 Season 500 bicycle. You can use it in all kinds of weather. You can ride it on grass, sand and even snow. So now you can go bicycling in the dead of winter said Garry. Is that why the tires are so fat said Barry. Yes said Garry so you can ride it in the snow. Did you get my gift? said Barry. Yes said Garry thanks for the Seiko watch my watch just died said Garry. So what did you get Marc for Christmas? I got him a new urban bicycle. It's a KHS Urban X urban street bicycle. Marc really needed a new bicycle to tool around New York City on. I've done that many times with my urban bicycle said Barry. I've even ridden it into Manhattan. Why someone saw me and videoed me riding around Manhattan on my bike. There are a lot of places that now have bike space. That's space where you can park your bike while your there doing what you need to do. The Brooklyn Bridge has a bike path for us bicyclists to bike. So that's how I get into Manhattan during the spring, summer and fall. I bike into Manhattan. So now I'll  be able to bike into Manhattan even in the winter. I have three bikes now. My KHS Urban X urban street bike, KHS 2500 650B mountain bike and now this KHS 4 Season 500 year round bike. Thanks so much for this new set of biking wheels said Barry. You're welcome said Barry. Are you having Chinese for Christmas asked Garry. No why did you ask said Barry. Because that's what I heard that Jewish people eat Chinese on Christmas. Actually I'm having Italian for Christmas. I'm having antipasto platter as my appetizer course. Then mixed baby greens with balsamic vinaigrette salad course, risotto with mushrooms and pecorino romano for the pasta course, herb roasted beef rib roast with potatoes, broccoli rabe with garlic and red chili's is the main dinner course and tiramisu for desert. Marc's wife  Kaley is making panettone for desert. Kaley is Italian. But I'm making everything else. I've already made some Italian cookies to have later on with coffee. This past Monday I was Rachel Ray's co-host for the whole hour.  Rachel said her what's for dinner was going to he a lamb burger. So when we came back from a commercial break. Rachel was going to start with her lamb burger. When I told her sit I'm cooking what's for dinner tonight. She looked at and said "You cook!" I said yes or I'd starve if I didn't I said what's for dinner is my take on a carbonara. Since I'm Jewish I don't eat pork. So I have to so this dish differently. My version is spaghetti with eggs, pecornino  Romano cheese and peas. Also I add garlic because I like garlic. Wait I said  something's missing . I scratched my head and said I know what is missing as I washed my hands. John would you get out here I said. Out came John Cusimano  Rachel's husband. I heard from Rachel many times while watching her show that you love carbonara. So who better for her to share what's for dinner with than you John. So I made my spaghetti eggs and peas with garlic carbonara for them. What's for dinner went with my Manilow Merlot wine said Barry. After Christmas I'll be out your way to do Ellen and The Late Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I've already done The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Today Show and Meredith Vera. As you know I wont do The View. I can't stand Rosie O'Donald's big foul mouth

Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert

Barry got a look at the poster for the Carnegie Hall benefit he was doing on Sunday April 26, 2015. The concert would benefit  the Manilow Music Project. The Manilow Music Project use to be a program that was part of his Manilow Fund for Health and Hope charity. Barry recently folded the Manilow Fund up to concentrate on the Manilow Music Project only. The Manilow Music Project took in donated musical instruments and raised money for new musical instruments. The donated musical instruments got a good cleaning and fixing. Barry was going to have some special guests with him on stage during the benefit. Saxophonist Dave Koz and jazz artist Nancy Wilson. The money raised  was  going to the Harmony Program in New York City. The Harmony Program provides after-school music education programs in underserved communities across New York City. Barry was all about making sure kids got musical instruments as well as music education classes. When Barry was in high school he played piano in the Eastern District High School jazz band. During Barry's senior year he got to lead the jazz band while still playing piano in the band. Mr. Hertz was the band teacher at Eastern District High School. Mr. Hertz directed the marching band, concert band and jazz band. There were three drum majors or majorettes in the marching band. One student conductor for the concert band and one conductor for the Jazz band. Tickets would go on sale February 6th for the benefit with various prices. There was also going to he a party after the show at the Copacabana night club in New York City. If you paid $1,500 for a ticket you got a seat in the first four rows, a lanyard pass to go to the after party at the Copacabana and you got your program autographed by Barry, Manilow, Dave Koz and Nancy Wilson. You would also get to meet Barry Manilow , Dave Koz and Nancy Wilson at the Copacabana. Barry was going to wear a full tuxedo for the first half that night. Then for the second half he was going to wear a black suit with a white shirt. Barry was going to do some songs from 2:00 AM Paradise Café, Swing Street,  Manilow Sings Sinatra, Here At The Mayflower, Night Songs and New York State Of Mind. Plus Nancy was going to sing some songs from With My Lover Beside Me. That was the album that contained songs written by Barry Manilow and Johnny Mercer. Barry had decided to open up the show with Joni Mitchell's Chelsea Morning from his New York State Of Mind album. He was also going to do the title track New York State Of Mind and Sound Of Silence.  Barry and Nancy were going to duet on When October Goes. Plus the Epilogue song from With My Love Beside Me album. Dave was going to accompany Barry  along with George Shelby on Brooklyn Blues and New York City Rhythm. George Shelby was a part of Barry's horn section. Barry's band consisted of Russ McKinnon on drums, David Rosenblatt on percussion, Larry Antonio bass, Mike Lent guitar, Ron Pedley keyboards, Joey Melotti keyboards and musical director, George Shelby saxophone, Chris Dean clarinet  and Bradley Smith trumpet. Kye Brackett, Debra Byrd,  Melanie Nyema and Kaley Martin were his backup singers. Right after the new year Barry and company were going to start rehearsing for the tour. Barry couldn't wait to get on the road. Barry thought wait till the fans see him. Barry hadn't been on the road since two thousand and two with his  Manilow Live 2002 Tour. Barry had let his hair grow out a touch. Unlike Brain Murphy Barry had all his own hair. Brian had a bald spot on the back side of his head over to the right, a receding hair line and thinning hair. Brain was also sort of skinny.  Oh then there was the work Brian had done. There was two upper face lifts, one lower face lift, lots of Botox and  veneers on his teeth. Barry thought about Botox for a few seconds and then changed his mind. I don't want any needles near my eyes and mouth. Barry thought. I want to grow old gracefully. You know look my age which is almost seventy two said Barry. Barry was six foot tall. He weighted one hundred and ninety-five pounds. His hair was light brown and his eyes were baby blue. Not bad for a seventy two year old Jewish guy Barry thought.

Oh Brother

Oh brother is right said Barry. Now their discussing my faith over on Facebook and Altfan-barrymanilow. Gees I'm three quarters Jewish and one quarter Irish. My biological dad Harold Keliher's mom was Irish and his biological dad was Jewish Pincus was his last name. They were married for a few years then they got a divorce. Then his mom married an Irishman named Keliher. Harold's mom had him use Mr. Keliher's last name.  My dad's mom divorced her second husband too. My mom's parents Joseph and Esther Manilow are both Jewish. So were their parents. Because my mom is Jewish that makes me Jewish. If she wan't then I wouldn't be Jewish at all. From the time I  was a little boy I've been going to synagogue with my  grandparents and my mom. I was born and raised an orthodox Jew and I still am. We went to Congregation Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom synagogue  in Williamsburg which is an orthodox synagogue. I still go there every Saturday except when I'm on tour. Then I try to find an orthodox synagogue in the city I'm performing in. If not then I go to a conservative  synagogue. I was married back in May of 1964 to my high school sweetheart Susan Dexlier. We got a divorce a year and four months later. Susan wanted a nine to five husband which I was not. Music was already in my blood and so was the theatre. I took up the accordion when I was seven. Then when I was thirteen my mom remarried. She married a Irishman named Willie Murphy. Willie brought with him stacks of Broadway cast and Jazz albums which I devoured like a sponge. They also go me a spinet piano to play after they caught me playing the neighbors Steinway grand piano. I lived on Keap St. with them. I had a single bed in a closet to sleep on. So I don't know how they come up with me not keeping my faith. Maybe Brian Murphy doesn't keep his faith. Barry went over to his Mac and turned it on. He then went over to his Facebook page to put up the latest on his Brooklyn Blues tour. He was adding some Canadian cities in November of 2015. Vancouver Orpheum Theatre, Edmonton Winspear Center, Toronto Roy Thomson Hall and Montreal Maison Symphonique. These were regular theatre styled concert venues. Barry made Montreal the last stop right before Thanksgiving. That was because he decided to spend Thanksgiving in Montreal. A few of his friends Suzanne and her husband and Lorna and her husband were coming up to Montreal then. While on Facebook Barry went over to this one Facebook page that he kept tabs on. The owner was someone who loved to tell everyone she was BFF's with him. Well she was full of BS why? Because Barry was not BFF's with her. Barry was friends with a few of his fans. He was friends with the members of the  Brooklyn Beagles  BMFC from New York City NY. The Brooklyn Beagles was the oldest of all his sanctioned local fan clubs. The club was run by Shelly Nelson , Andrea Ross and Gina Sanchez. Shelly, Andrea and Gina started the club back in 1973 which was forty-one years ago. Plus he was friends with the Manilow Fans Forever BMFC from Pittsburgh PA. Manilow Fans Forever was second oldest fan club. Maniliow Fans Forever was run by Jane Kelly and Laura Smith. Kelly and Laura started the fan club in 1975 which was thirty-nine years ago. Other than those two local fan clubs Barry wasn't real friendly with any other fans or local fan clubs.  Both of these fan clubs still had the original fans who started the clubs as directors.

Brooklyn Blues Tour USA First Leg

The first leg of fictional Barry Manilow's Brooklyn Blues Tour. The tour begins in Seattle WA and ends in New York City NY with other cities and dates along the way.

WA Seattle  Paramont Theatre Friday March 6 and Saturday March 7
OR Portland Arlene Schmitch Concert Hall Monday March 9
UT Salt Lake City Gallivan Center Wednesday March 11
CA Los Angeles Pantages Theatre Friday March 13 , Saturday March 14, Sunday March 15 and Monday March 16
AZ Phoenix  The Camerica Theatre Friday March 20
NM Santa Fe Lensic Performing Arts Center Saturday March 21
CO Denver The Paramont Theatre Wednesday March 25 and Thursday March 26
TX Grande Paririe Verizon Theatre Sunday March 28
LA New Orleans The Civic Theatre Tuesday March 30
TN Memphis  The Orpheum Theatre Friday April 3
KY Lexington Lexington Opera House Sunday April 5
MO St. Louis Fox T Theatre  Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8
IL Chicago The Chicago Theatre  Friday April 10, Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12
MI Detroit The Fox Theatre Tuesday April 14
OH Cleveland State Theatre Thursday April 16
PA Pittsburgh Benedum Center Saturday April 18 Sunday April 19, Monday April 20
FL St. Petersburg Mahaffey Theatre Thursday April 24
FL Jacksonville Florida Theatre Sunday April 26
GA Atlanta Fox Theatre  Tuesday April 28 and  Wednesday April 29
NC Raleigh Duke Energy Center Friday May 1
VA Richmond The National Theatre Sunday May 3
MD Baltimore Joseph Meyerhoff Theatre Monday May 4 and Tuesday May 5
NJ Atlantic City Borgata Music Events Center Sunday May 10 through Saturday May 23
CO Mashantucket Foxwoods Grande Theatre Thursday May 28 , Friday May 29 and
Saturday May 30
MA Boston Wang Center Tuesday June 1 and Wednesday June 2
MI Portland State Theatre Friday June 5
VT Manchester The Paramount Theatre Sunday June 7
NY Albany The Place Theatre Tuesday June 9
PA Philadelphia Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts  Thursday June  11 and Friday June 12
NY New York City Carnegie Hall Manilow Music Project Benefit Concert Sunday June 14
NY New York City Radio City Music Hall Wednesday June 17, Thursday 18, Friday June 19 and Saturday June 20

On The Cover

On the covers. Yeah that's right Barry Manilow made the cover of not one but three magazine. First he was voted GQ man of the year for 2014. So he was on GQ's December issue. Second he was on Esquire magazine and third he was on   Entertainment Weekly magazine. Both Entertainment Weekly and Esquire were going to be January issues.  Esquire named Barry Manilow one of their thirty most stylish  men in the world. Entertainment Weekly chose to do an all Barry Manilow issue. The issue would have articles on Barry and his friends Lorna Luft,  Bruce Sussman his Broadway songwriting partner and David Foster head of Verve his record label. Barry was letting Entertainment Weekly into his Brooklyn Heights home for a look around.  Plus they were doing a Q&A with him. Batty had already been on the cover of Rolling Stone magazines  November issue. He also was going to be on the February cover of Billboard magazine. The other thing Barry just learned was his album New York State Of Mind was entering the Hot 200 album and Jazz charts at number one. This would make Barry's eighth number one album on both the Hot 200 album and Jazz charts.  Barry's eight albums were 2:00 Am Paradise Café, Swing Street, Showstoppers, Manilow Live In Chicago,  Manilow Sings Sinatra Here at The Mayflower, Night Songs and New York State Of Mind. Barry was also recording and videoing one of his Brooklyn Blues Tour concerts for a duel disc. DVD and CD combo which would be sold during a PBS pledge break next fall. At that time  the  concert would be shown on PBS as a two hour concert. Barry was even going to be on PBS to talk about this concert and the DVD The Making of the New York State Of Mind album.. So Barry sure was one busy beaver.

Media Blitz And More.

 

Manilow Media Blitz. That's right! In January Barry was doing a major media blitz for his album New York State Of Mind. Which included CD signings, radio and TV shows. Starting on Monday January 5th with the Rachel Ray show and Barry as her co-host. Tuesday January 6th was the Meredith Vera show. Thursday January 8th was The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The Today Show wqas Friday January 9th  second  hour. Then at the end of the month Barry was doing Ellen on Tuesday January 27th and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Thursday January 29th. He was doing a major radio blitz from his home studio the week of January 5th. Barry was also doing some CD signing at Barnes And Noble stores across the US. Barry was doing signings in Atlanta January 10, Washington DC January 13, New York City January 7, Boston January 15, Pittsburgh 17, Chicago January 19, Denver January 21, Seattle January 23 and Los Angeles. January 28. Then on Saturday February 14th Barry would be back in Los Angeles to kick off his Brooklyn Blues Tour. Barry was playing at the Pantages Theatre for two nights. From there he was heading up north to Seattle and then going back east doing shows along the way. Shows in Portland, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Memphis, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Washington DC, Pittsburgh,  Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Boston, Portland ME and New York City. Barry didn't put Las Vegas on the list of cities  because he hated Las Vegas with a passion. Barry had offers for headliner gigs over the years. He got offers from the once Las Vegas Hilton, Mirage,  Paris Venetian and Caesars. Barry turned them all down which made those hotels mad at him. Yet Barry loved Atlantic City. Maybe it was the fact that Atlantic City was along the Atlantic ocean. Barry had played Caesars Atlantic City many times. This time he was playing The Music Box at the Borgata for three nights. All of Barry's shows were going to be at theatres. Another thing Barry hated arenas way to big. Barry liked theatres more. It had to do with his Broadway theatre background. Since he was mainly a Broadway songwriter and not a recording artist Barry love theatres better. All of a sudden the phone rang. It was Michele Green director of the BMIFC and publisher of the Barry Gram's. Barry said hello Michele what can I do for you. Barry can you email me your The Mensch Speaks editors letter said Michele. I want to get the winter 2014 issue 1 Barry Gram to the printers. That's so we can mail out the Barry Gram's before Christmas. Sure thing said Barry. I'm also adding my Christmas message with a selfie. So that the fans can see me minus makeup and state attire. Me in my comfortable clothes jeans and button front shirts. It will be a selfie of me, Maggie and Max. Plus I have my article on my rehearsing for my Brooklyn Blues Tour. Jut then Barry heard a beep in his ear. Michele I've got another call coming in. So I'll let you go. Bye said Barry Michele said bye back. Barry went to answer the other caller. Hello he said. Hello you sound rather chipper said Marty. Oh hi Marty said Barry. What's up? Well have you got your TV on said Marty. No said Barry. well you better put it on said Marty WMY channel 7 is what you want . TMZ is coming on next. OK said Barry my TV is on and it's turned to WMY channel 7. Godfrey Lowe who was sitting in for Harvey Jackson who was off. Said We've got a TMZ exclusive for you. Here's Doug  Chen with the latest. Doug my sources claim Cherie Starkey has outed famed Broadway songwriter Barry Manilow. What the hell said Barry. I thought you'd  be interested in that said Marty. I saw an article in The current Globe magazine about Ms. Starkey outing you. Gees said Barry. Just then Barry's phone beeped.. Let me get this said Barry. Ok said Marty talk to you later. Hello said Barry. Barry it's Marc. I take it you heard the news. Yes I saw the news on TMZ. Marty called and told me to tour on WMY channel 7. He said TMZ was on and I needed to see this. Marty said there's also an article in the latest issue of The Globe magazine. Where Ms. Cherie Starkey is outing me. Marc don't worry I'll take care of this. Barry said Marc this is my problem so I'll take care of it ok. OK said Marc. Barry remembered that  correspondent  Jackson Stack for The Insider was in town to cover the movie premier of The Night Crawler. So Barry called Jackson on his cell phone. Jackson answered his phone with a hello who's this. Jackson this is Barry Manilow. Hey Barry what's up. Where are you said Barry. Jackson said I'm in a Walgreens drug store. Are you anywhere near the magazines? No but I can be said Jackson. Checkout page 40 of the latest issue of The Globe. Ok said Jackson What's the deal? Well said Barry a Ms. Cherie Starkey has outed  me in the latest  issue of The Globe. What said Jackson? after he looked at the article. You squeaky clean Manilow with no secrets. Right me squeaky clean Manilow who's always been honest about his sexual orientation. OMG said Jackson who is this Cherie Starkey? Hell if I know said Barry. Do you think you could get a hold of your producers at The Insider asked Barry. Yes said Jackson. Tell them the story and that  you'll do an exclusive interview with me tomorrow from my home that they can put on tomorrow nights broadcast. Sure thing said Jackson. I'll call them as soon as I hang up with you. Then I'll call you right back to set up the meeting. Everyone who was with me for The Night Crawler screening is still here and can come to do my interview with you tomorrow. Ok said Barry I'll wait for your call. After Jackson called Barry back. Barry called Marc and told him what was going on. The next day Barry did an exclusive interview with The Insiders Jackson Stack to set the record straight.

Oh Really Yeah Right!

Barry got to thinking about what Marc had said about Brian Murphy. It was back in 2004 that Brian did One Night Live at the Mandalay Bay Resorts event center on Saturday June 5tth.  He did a  Midnight with Murphy after that. Then he did Blenheim Palace for the second time on Sunday July 4th. Then between Thursday September 30th and Saturday November 20th Brian did his One Night Live One Last Time mini tour. Soon after that Brian announced his residence at the Las Vegas Hilton. Brian had signed a contract for a five year run. 2005 to 2009. Then he signed a two year contract with the Paris Hotel on the strip 2010 and 2011. Then after the Paris Brian did show here in the US and the UK 2012 and 2003. Brian's had been off since June of 2013. He did do UK shows in May of this year. But after the UK shows he's been off the road. The first year Brian was at the Hilton he didn't play anywhere else but the Hilton. The next year and every year after that while he was in Las Vegas Brain did shows outside Las Vegas. That's because some of his fans couldn't afford to go to Las Vegas to see him. Back in 2004 Brian said he hated the late planes, sleeping in hotels and the hotel food. Now he was saying that again. Barry thought to himself "Brian Murphy your full on BS." Yeah right!  we'll see if this is the last time you ever tour  again after you've given everyone one last show. Just then Barry's phone rang. Hello said Barry hello Barry said Garry. I guess you heard about Brian Murphy retiring? said Garry. Yeah said Barry I heard. So what are you up to? asked Garry I'm getting ready to the holidays and rehearsing for my Brooklyn Blues Tour which kicks off February 14, 2015 in Los Angeles California at the Pantages Theatre. While Brian Murphy's been off the road  I took some of Brain 's band members. I took Russ McKinnon drums, David Rosenblat percussion, Mike Lent guitar, and Ron Walters JR. keyboards and musical director.  Then I've got my band guys Mark Levine bass, Joey Melotti keyboards and Ron Pedley keyboards. I also took two of his backup singers Kye Brackett and Melanie Nyema. Two of my regular backup singers  Kayley Vincent  and Debra  Byrd  will round out my backup group. I'm doing a bunch of major cities here in the US and  Canada between February and August. Then I'm taking one month off before I head down to Mexico and South America in October. In March of 2016 I'll be heading over to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, China and Japan. Then the UK, Europe and Russia will be in 2017. That's sure is a major tour and are you up to it? asked Garry Sure said Barry unlike Brian Murphy I don't do wild shows. Remember Garry I'm a jazz artist not a pop artists like Brian is. Besides my shows are more mellow with a touch of wildness thrown in said Barry. Garry I don't do BAMS, hip swiveling and microphone straddling. I'm way to classy for that said Barry. Besides my recording career is not my main focus. That's my Broadway songwriting career.  During the US leg of my Brooklyn Blues World Tour I'm taping a two hour show from the Chicago Theatre for a PBS special. The PBS special will air during their November pledge break. The night of the Chicago show there will be both audio and video guys taping for a duel disc. A CD and DVD combo which will be sold during the airing of the Brooklyn Blues show in November. Garry said well I'll let you go. It's time to take the dogs out.
Ok Garry have a great rest of the day said Barry. Also give my ,love to your wife. Barry said goodbye to Garry and Garry did the same to Barry. Barry went back to what he was originally doing. Which was doing his laundry. He got his towels out of the dryer and folded them one by one. He then took them to his  linen closet and put them up. Time to let the dogs out. Which he  let them out the back door.

New York State Of Mind Album

 

 

 

Barry Manilow's new album New York State Of Mind was coming out on Tuesday January 5th. Barry was already for the media blitz. The day before the album was to be released Barry was  going to be Rachel Ray's  co-host. Barry was doing her "What's for dinner" segment since he was a decent cook. He was also doing The Today Show.The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Barry refused to do The View because he hated Rosie O' Donald with a passion. Barry liked Whoopie Goldberg. In fact Whoopie stared in one of Barry and Bruce's musicals on Broadway years ago. He also wrote the score for her movie On The Fly. Plus back in the late eighties he was on her half hour talk show. It was Rosie's loud mouth Barry didn't like. Not her sexual orientation. Then he was going to LA to do the west coast talk shows. Good Morning LA and  Ellen and. Along with Access Hollywood and The Insider. Plus the usual radio blitz. Then next year starting in January Barry was going on the road to promote his album. The tour was called the Brooklyn Blues Tour . Just then Marc called to tell Barry that Brian Murphy was doing his One Last Time Tour. Oh really said Barry. Yeah said Marc he' quitting his performing career.  Interesting said Barry. We'll see  how long that lasts.  Is he going to announce he's retiring after he finishes his tour however long that takes. He just can't do the US and UK without doing Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico and Canada. Now tomorrow I have an appointment with Leslie Hamel  to try on my concert attire. Leslie is the step daughter of his dear friend Suzanne Somers. Susanne is married to Leslie's dad Alan Hamel. After talking to Marc Barry was going Manhattan to meet Bruce for lunch at Del Posto's. One more thing said Marc. They're  talking about your face again. Really said Barry I've been open from day one about what I've had done to my face. I had a little melanoma on my face removed from laying out in the sun and that's it. No Botox or plastic surgery ever. Brian Murphy's the one who's had Botox and three plastic surgeries 1995, 2003 and 2006. Well I've got to go. I'm meeting Bruce for lunch at Del Posto's.  I need to take Max and Maggie out before I leave said Barry. Barry took the dogs out and put them inside. He then left for the subway station near his house. He boarded  the train to go into Manhattan. He got off the train and took the cab down to Tribecca where Del Posto's is. He meet Bruce in front of the restaurant. Hi said Bruce  What's new with you? he said. Not much said Barry I'm having my fitting  for my tour attire tomorrow. Then I'm going to get some new shoes to go with my tour attire.  On Saturday I'm going out to get my Christmas tree.  I decided to get a fresh cut tree this year. I've always gotten a real tree. But this is the first time I'm getting one that has to be cut down first. I'm also going to decorate the outside of my house for Christmas. I'm doing the front window and the bushes below the window with lights. I'm also putting a wreath on my front door.  Oh I also got asked to be on the Rockefeller  Tree lighting show Wednesday December 3rd on NBC. I'm doing a duet with Melissa Manchester on My Favorite Things and I'm singing Joni Mitchell's River.  So what are you doing for Christmas asked Bruce. Well I'm having family over tor Christmas. dinner. Cousin Dennis,  his wife, cousin Olivia and her husband are coming. Dennis's son's Greg and Jordan are spending Christmas with their in-laws. Dennis is coming from Boca Raton Florida. That's where Dennis retired to. Olivia lives out on Montauk Long Island. I'm cooking prime rib with baked potatoes, roasted asparagus. I'm getting sick of having turkey. Then later on we'll have coffee and cookies for desert.

Holy Mackerel!!

Holy Mackerel was right said Barry. He heard through the grape vine that Brian Murphy's fans were begging him to tour again. Marc just then called Barry to tell him Brian was on QVC right now debuting his latest album.  So Barry quickly turned on his TV to catch Brian Murphy. Brian still recorded for Sony Music Corporation.  He was now on their RCA label. Now that Arista had folded
a few years ago.  Brian was placed on the RCA label. Clive Davis was still  executive producer of Brian's albums. Brian hadn't called Barry in a long while to ask Barry for new material. Barry and his songwriting partners wrote Brian's songs. Brian wasn't a songwriter just a singer  and performer. Marc mentioned that Brian was doing cover albums. Brain had done The Greatest Songs Of series. The 50's, 60's,70's and 80's. The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time. The Greatest Heart Break  Songs Of All Time. This latest one was called The Duets I've Always Dreamed Of. On the other hand. Interesting Barry thought. Barry on the other hand was finishing his latest album. This one was called New York State Of Mind. Barry took some of his favorite songs that dealt with New York City and gave them jazz arrangements. Barry was doing Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell, Avenue C by Buck Clayton, Jon Hendricks and David Lambert, Williamsburg Brooklyn by Barry Manilow (new song), New York State Of Mind by (good friend) Billy Joel. Do You Miss New York by David Freshberg, New York City Rhythm by Barry Manilow and Marty Panzer, On Broadway Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Remember Manhattan by (another good friend) Richard Marx,  Sounds Of Silence by Paul Simon, Autumn In New York by Vernon Duke, Brooklyn Blues by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman and Meet Me In St. Marks Square by Barry Manilow. Avenue C was the only one he didn't have to fool around with. Since it was already a jazz song that was recorded by Lambert , Hendricks and Ross. Barry had the best band out there. Heck half of his band use to play for Brian Murphy till he took some much needed time off three years ago and Barry swiped them off Brian Murphy. Barry figured Brian wouldn't miss them. Which Marc heard Brian didn't. Barry's band now  consisted of Russ McKinnon on drums, David Rosenblat on percussion, Stan Sargent on bass, Mike Lent on guitar, Ron Pedley  on keyboards, Joey Malotti on keyboards, Jay Robbins on saxophones and flute, Kenny Martinez on trumpet, Brain Curtis on
trombone and leading the entire band musical director Ron Walters JR on keyboards. Backup singers were  Kye Brackett, Muffy Hendricks and Melanie Nyemma. Members of the band also sang too. David Rosenblat, Stan Sargent, Mike Lent, Joey Malotti,  Jay Robbins and Ron Walters JR. Barry and Marc were picking a batch of  theatres for Barry to play. Barry hated with a passion arenas. Barry was starting on west coast in Seattle at the Paramount Theatre and ending the road trip in New York City for a month on Broadway. Marc was still having trouble getting a Broadway theatre for one month. Well maybe one night a Radio City Music Hall would do. After Brian's QVC Q Sessions ended Marc called once again. What's up Marc asked Barry. Well someone leaked a story that you were going to play the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. Don't these people know I hate arenas with a passion said Barry. Oh BTW your 2015 calendar has come in. Rachel Kelly just called me to let me know the boxes with the calendars came in. Rachel  Kelly was the new director of the Barry Manilow International Fan Club. Rachel took over for Vikki Thomas who was now the director of the Manilow Music Project. Kirsten Kief who use to be the director was now president of Stiletto Entertainment. Kirsten took over for her dad Garry Kief who use to be the president. As well as Barry Manilow's manager. That now fell to Marc Hulett Barry's old personal assistant. Barry's new personal assistant was another Mark named Mark Harris. Barry decided his 2015 calendar would be all candid photos. Barry decided he would to go different places through out New York City to have his picture taken. Barry picked  Brooklyn Heights home (Barry in his at home recording studio.) Greenwich Village, Times Square, Chelsea, Williamsburg Brooklyn,  Brooklyn Heights (On the front steps of his home with his dogs Maggie and Max.) , Tribeca, Lower East Side, The Today Show Plaza (Fall concert series.) Central Park,  Little Italy and Brooklyn Heights inside Barry's home (Barry sitting in front of a Christmas tree in his living room. Barry knew his fans would love the candid shots of him through out New York City and at his home.

No Longer Californicated

You got that right Barry was no longer living in California. Barry had sold his Palm Springs house. Now he would be living out east for good. Why live out on the west cost when everything he did was on the east cost.  He even recorded his albums in New York City studios. Barry was going to take the money he got from selling his house and buy a house in upstate New York. Barry had been looking in booth Schenectady and Saratoga Springs New York. Yes his ex girlfriend Abigail's parents used to live in Saratoga Springs. But they don't any more. They moved to San Juan Puerto Rico. In fact Abigail's parent were featured on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters International. Barry was going to look for a home in either city. Gregory Nelson kept suggesting Barry buy property on Long Island. Barry didn't want to live there. Barry want to live in a quaint little town or city in upstate New York. Barry had taken up a new sport mountain biking. Since moving back east Barry did a lot more biking than he did when he lived in Palm Springs. Barry bought himself two bicycles. One was a Raleigh Detour 5.5 urban city bike for the sidewalks  and streets of New York City. Two was a Rocky Mountain Flatline mountain bike for  when he went mountain biking. Barry was also in the middle of doing a commercial for the New York State Of Mind campaign. It was a joint effort between New York state governor Andrew Como and New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to create new ads for New York state and New York City using Billy Joel's song New York State Of Mind. Barry's  commercial  was going to have the following celebrities singing and playing along with him. Actresses/singers Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft, actress/singer/dancer Chita Rivera,  Wyntom Marsalis musician/musical director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, jazz singers Nancy Wilson and Cassandra Wilson and Dave Koz saxophonist. Liza and Lorna were doing their part at the Gershwin theatre, Wynton was doing his at Lincoln Center, Chita was doing hers at the Minskoff theatre, Nancy and Cassandra were doing theirs at the Blue Note jazz club. Barry and Dave were doing  theirs at Radio City Music Hall. Barry was also in New York City for the premier of the motion picture musical Here At The Mayflower. Barry was taking his dear friend Lorna Luft with him. Lorna Luft was in the movie playing the part of Esther the older lady married to Joe (Joseph Bologna). Diane Degramo (Diane)  and Ace Young (Ken) were going to there too. Along with the rest of the cast.  Barry was in the movie too playing the part of  the Shadow Man. Barry's songwriting partners Adrienne Anderson, Enoch Anderson, Jack Feldman, Marty Panzer and Bruce Sussman who wrote the lyrics and book would be there.  Plus Garry and Nina Kief , Rob and Susan Kief,  manager Marc Hulett, Suzanne Somers, Alan Hammel, Kirsten Kief head of Stiletto Entertainment, Vikki Thomas head of the Manilow Music Project and Robin Naughton director of the Barry Manilow International Fan Club.. Here At The Mayflower was Barry's second acting gig and his first on the big screen. Barry's first acting gig was on the big screen in his movie musical  called Copacabana. Copacabana was about songwriter Tony Starr who wanted to write musicals for Broadway and Lola Lamarr who wanted to be an actress on Broadway. Along comes Rico Castilli owner of the Tropicana in Havana Cuba to sweep Lola down to Havana to star in his Tropicana show.  Barry won his first acting Oscar for lead actor in a movie for Copacabana. Besides the Oscar Barry has many Tony's for his Broadway musicals,  Grammy's for his record albums and Broadway cast albums. After tonight's movie premier of Here At The Mayflower Barry was getting ready to promote his new jazz album Paradise Café II. This album was all about the people  who worked at the Paradise Café night club in the Greenwich New York neighborhood. Tomorrow he was doing Kathie Lee and Hoda in the morning at 10AM. Then Rachel Ray at 3:30PM. Barry was going to be Rachel's mystery taster. Next Monday was going to be Mystery Taster Monday. So that's when Barry was going to be on Rachel Ray's show. Then at the end of week he was doing The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Plus he was doing  an interview on 88.7 WBGO (Jazz 88) on Thursday. Then on Sunday he was debuting his album Paradise Café II at the Village Vanguard. There would be one hundred fans and twenty of his friends there to hear his latest album.

What The Bleep!

What the bleep! thought Barry as he was surfing Facebook. Skyscraper the story and he was one of the investors. Oh really yeah right I don't think so thought Barry. Barry wished fans would quit making up fake stories with him involved in them. Just like the Agent Manilow story. Barry was not a super spy nor did he ever want to be one.  Now Barry had just gotten back from a much needed vacation in Mill Valley California. Barry went there to visit his friend and songwriting partner Adrienne Anderson and her husband Neil. While there he did mix in a little business. He and Adrienne finished up the two songs for Barry's next album Paradise Café II. This sequel to 2:00 AM Paradise Café was going to be about the people who worked and came to the Paradise Café night club in Greenwich Village New York. Plus while he was there the three of them caught a showing of the movie Here At The Mayflower. Barry, Adrienne, Enoch, Jack Marty and Bruce's movie musical based on Barry's album Here At The Mayflower which came out in 2001. Barry, Enoch and Marty wrote the script for the movie. That was the first time Barry had ever written a script for a movie and he loved it. Of course Barry loved the writing process no matter whether it was a book, movie or a musical. That's why he started his own blogger blog called  It's Barry Who?. So he could write down stuff about himself that the fans would like to read. Like the time he went into a local Brooklyn record store and stole a copy of Why Do Fools Fall In Love by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers for a friend. Thank goodness he didn't get caught stealing the forty-five. That was the one and only time he ever stole something. Barry went outside to check his mailbox. On his front porch was a box. Barry looked at the return address oh it's from Suzanne Somers. It must be her new Suzanne Organics for men line. Facial cleanser, shaving cream, facial lotion and facial toner. The line came in two strength's regular and sensitive formulas.   Plus products for male acne . Barry hadn't had zits since he was in high school back in the late fifties early sixties. Barry would have to call Suzanne later to let her know he got her package. He also got a postcard from Garry Kief who was relaxing down in Costa Rica. Barry also finally got manager Marc Hulett to move to the east cost from the west cost. Marc found a brownstone up in Queens neighborhood of Middle Village. So now business meetings with Marc could be in person at the Stiletto offices in midtown Manhattan. Kirsten Kief had taken over the Stiletto offices in Inglewood California. Vikki Thomas was the new head of the Manilow Music Project. While Daisy Bennett was the new head of the BMIFC. Marc was thinking all of Stiletto's operations should be located out east.  He needed to talk to Barry about that one. On the girlfriend front Barry wasn't so lucky in that department. There was Abigail the photographer, Julie the chef and Skylar who worked for Amtrak. All three of them dumped him. Barry decided not to get involved with women for a while. Just then his phone rang. Hello said Barry. Hello yourself said Suzanne. Did you get the box I sent you she said. Yes said Barry I got your box. Once I've tried your organics I'll let you know what I think of them he said. Ok said Suzanne. Just then he heard another beep. He told Suzanne he had another call coming in so he'd have to let her go. Hello said Barry. Hi Barry it's Jack Martin from Caldwell Banker. Oh hi Jack what's up. Well said Jack we sold your Palm Springs house for more than what you were asking for it. Oh really said Barry. Yes said Jack. You put your house up for thirty-five million and it went for seventy million. Jake Cutter the  CEO of Sony pictures bought it. Now all I need to do is to take everything out of the house that I didn't bring back to New York yet Barry told Jack.

Oh Brother!

Oh Brother! Was right. Barry couldn't believe how crazy these fans were getting. Here was this whole new crop of fans that Barry had. He wondered so where in the bleep did they all come from? Then there was the words they came up with to describe him. The Sex God, Your Awesomeness and etc. Barry didn't consider himself a Sex God nor did he think he was Your Awesomeness I'm just a normal person just like everyone else. Barry had checked out his Facebook page. Fans begging him to come here and  fans begging him to go there. One fan even wanted to know what he was doing after the holidays were over. Heck if he knew. Barry hadn't even thought that far a head. His US mini tour to promote his surprise album Let's Get On With It was starting at the beginning of June and going till the end of September. Then he wanted to take some much needed time off Shoot he deserved it. But oh no. These Japanese fans were begging him to come over there. We'll see thought Barry.  Barry was on Amtrak's Southwest Chief heading to Chicago. From there he was getting on the Lake Shore Limited to New York City. Barry went into the lounge car to ask the attendant if could get his microwave popcorn popped. Barry was a huge popcorn fanatic. So he brought his own box of three bags of microwave to eat. Barry loved the buttered kind. The attendant popped the bag and Barry put a five dollar tip in his plastic cup. Barry also got himself a diet coke to drink. Barry had brought his iPad and ear buds so he could watch some movies on Netflix. Barry wanted to see Mitty with Ben Stiller and Gypsy with Barbra Streisand. Plus the HBO bio pic of Mae West staring his friend Bette Midler. Barry went back to his sleeper car to watch some movies and eat his popcorn. Barry's favorite popcorn brand was Jolly Time. Barry changed into his pajama pants and tee shirt. Which is what he usually wore to bed. He put a hooded sweatshirt over his tee shirt for extra warmth. Barry chose to watch Mitty first. Barry finished his popcorn and movie. He put the popcorn bag into a grocery bag he was using for garbage. He brushed his teeth and rinsed his mouth. Barry then crawled into bed. He turned off the light and fell to sleep. The next morning Barry got up and pulled up the window shade. He got dressed and went to the dining car for breakfast. Barry ordered coffee, tomato juice  raisin bran and a bagel with light cream cheese. Barry had also brought his Mac book pro so he could work on his second book. Barry was calling it Sweet Life (More stories on the way to paradise.) This book had all of his first book Sweet Life Adventures On The Way To Paradise plus so much more. Barry knew the fans were going to love it. Plus all the photos from a little baby to an old geezer. When the train stopped in  Albuquerque Barry got out and bought Skylar a bracelet. Barry had been in Los Angeles producing Brian Murphy's latest album with co-producer Eddie Arkin. Brian was doing a concept album that contained his favorite rock and roll songs. Barry swore he was going to send Amtrak a letter telling them he wanted their Broadway Limited train back. Barry chose to take Amtrak back to New York instead of flying. Barry went back to his room to work on his book.

This Is How It All Began

This is how it all began. Someone Barry knew told him about writing jingles for commercials. So Barry auditioned for a Dodge jingle which Barry got.. That was the first jingle he ever wrote.  Soon after that he was writing jingles for other things. Like Band Aids and Stridex. Then he found out he could sing on the jingles and make even more money. It was while doing a Dr. Pepper jingle that he met a guy named Ron Dante. Ron and Barry immediately hit it off. Barry decided to show Ron some songs he wrote. Could It Be Magic, One Of These Days, I Am Your Child, Sweet Water Jones and Sweet Life. They decided to put the five songs on a demo record. Barry was going to sing the songs since he wrote them. Barry and Ron each paid four thousand dollars of the demo fee. After the demo was done they took it to different record labels. However no one was interested until they went to Bell records. The heads at Bell loved the songs and they had the perfect artist to record them singer Brian Murphy. Pretty soon the label changed president out was Larry Uttal and in was Clive Davis. Clive changed the label name to Arista. Clive kept the Bay City Rollers, Melissa Manchester and Brian Murphy. Clive found a song called Mandy for Brian and the rest is musical history. Brian Murphy loved the songs Barry wrote and asked him to write song exclusively for him. That was because Brian could sing and play piano but he wasn't a great songwriter.Barry agreed since writing songs paid good money. So that was how Barry was able to a Broadway songwriter. Barry wrote Brian Murphy's songs with his partners Adrienne Anderson, Enoch Anderson and Marty Panzer. Barry's other two songwriting partners Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman wrote Broadway musicals with Barry. Now once in a while Jack and Bruce wrote a songs for Brian Murphy with Barry. Barry decided to pull a Beyoncé on everyone by putting out a surprise album called Let's Get On With It. (The songs of songwriter Barry Manilow). Barry chose eighteen songs hat were album cuts on Brian Murphy's albums. The songs came from Brian Murphy/Brian Murphy I, Brian Murphy II, Trying To Get The Feeling, This One's For You, One Voice, Brian, If I Should Love Again and Here Comes The Night. Barry figured it was time to introduce his own fans who loved his musicals to his pop songwriter side. After the album came out Barry was going to put together a concert tour to promote the album. Barry was going to kick off the tour at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago. for a weeks worth of shows. Barry's band consisted of Russ McKinnon on drums, David Rosenblat on percussion and vocals, Stan Sargent on bass and vocals, Mike Lent on Guitar and vocals, Ron Pedley on Keyboards, Billy Kidd on keyboards and vocals, Dana Robbins on Saxophone andvocals, Bradley Fisher on trumpet, Kevin Ryder trombone, Amy Nickelson on vocals and Joey Malotti   keyboards, vocals and musical director.. Russ, David, Stan, Mike and Joey  were musicians from Brian Murphy's band. Barry actually pilfered these guys from Brian. Heck Brian was recovering from more plastic surgery. You know a nip here and tuck there. Lets get rid of the bags and sags. Barry thank God never had any work done on his face. Except to have some cists taken off because of sun damage. Should have never laid out in the sun to get a tan. So right now Barry and company were going through rehearsals for the tour. Rett Turner was doing Barry and company's stage attire. Black pants. black shirts and colorful jackets for the boys in the band. Colorful dresses for Amy and Dana. While Barry was going to wear black pants, colorful printed shirts with solid colored jackets. Barry and company were also putting together a promo video for the tour.

On The Road Again

Yes that's right Barry was going on tour again. This time it was to promote his latest album Night Songs. Which he put out in February 2018. Plus his surprise album that he was recording in March 2018.  The tour would kick off on Friday June 15, 2018. The first part of the tour would go through the middle of September. Barry would be off the rest of 20118. The tour was being called the I'm Coming Back Tour. The other thing he didn't like was the winning being done over on his Facebook page by fans outside the US as well as inside the US. When are you coming here or when are you coming there these fans would ask. Barry knew what he was going do tour wise so these fans need to just wait. Which Barry knew these fans could never do. Just sit  and just wait their turn.  Barry was however pulling a Beyoncé on them in January 2019. He was hitting the recording studio to record a new album. Only Marc knew all the details of the surprise album. One thing some people didn't know about Barry was that he and his songwriting partners wrote songs for pop singer Brian Murphy. Back in the early 70's Barry met a guy at a jingle session named Ron Dante. He showed Ron some songs he wrote. They decided to make a demo record with the songs on them. Each of them chipped in 4,000. Barry sang the songs on the demo. Which they then pushed out to different record companies. Bell records liked the songs and had the perfect artist to record the songs. The artist was Brian James Murphy. So began the career of pop singer Brian Murphy and the guy who wrote the songs he recorded Barry Manilow. Barry was taking 18 of the songs he wrote with Adrienne Anderson, Enoch Anderson, Marty Panzer, John Bettis and recording them himself. The 18 songs were ones that were neverput out as hits. Barry's two other songwriting partners Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman wrote Broadway musicals with him. Like Copacabana and Lola the sequel to Copa. Oh yeas they did do a few pop songs with Barry. Which ended up on a couple of Brian Murphy's albums. But for the most part they wrote Broadway musicals with Barry.

What The?

Oh No! What the he double hockey sticks Barry thought. As he looked at the cover of the Globe while waiting in line to pay for some groceries. There on the cover of the Globe was a photo of himself with the title "I'm Coming Out!" So Barry added that to his cart of groceries. Hello Mr. Manilow said Carol the checker. Hi Carol said Barry. Your actually going to buy that piece of garbage said Carol. Unfortunately I have no choice said Barry. I'm on the cover and my manager Marc Hulett needs to see this. That's so we can figure out what course of action to take said Barry. The bag boy put Barry's groceries in the recyclable bags and then into the cart. Barry pushed the grocery cart out to his SUV. Barry put his groceries into his trunk. He took the cart back to cart coral. When Barry got back to his SUV he opened up the Globe to find the article dealing with him. There it was in black and white Barry Manilow finally comes out of the closet. Barry read the entire article and wondered who gave the Globe the story. Whoever it was that gave the story they would be hearing from him personally. Just then his cell phone rang. Barry pressed the on app and said hello. Hello said Garry on the other end. So what are you up to he asked? Well I'm sitting in the A&P parking lot reading the Globe. Why are you reading that piece of garbage for said Garry. I made the cover of the Globe said Barry. There's a photo of me with the title "Barry Manilow Comes Out Of The Closet" on the cover. Now how did they get that piece of information said Garry. You have always been out in the open and up front about your sexual orientation from day one. Yes I know said Barry. I've been photographed with every girlfriend I've ever had.  From Linda Allen to  Julie Berkovic and to my  latest girlfriend Skylar Herzbach.  You're going to show Marc that aren't you said Garry. Yes said Barry. Marc's going to see this so we can figure out what to do. I'd also check the internet said Garry. You know this will spread like wild fire. Yeah! I know said Barry juicy gossip true or false spreads fast. Well I'll let you go said Garry so can contact Marc about this. Ok said Barry it was nice talking to you. Give everyone on your end my love. I sure will said Garry. Barry then called Marc. Marc it's Barry. I know why your calling said Marc. I've already called the Globe and told them to put a retraction in next weeks magazine. I also asked them to tell me who gave them that piece of information or else we were going to sue them he said. They said one of their reporters saw this on  one of your non fan club message boards. They said the reporter said fans were talking about you coming out of the closet on that message board. I guess they still think your lying about your sexual preference. Can you get a hold of omg Insider said Barry. I want to  do an interview with Kevin Frasier to take care of this once and for all. Sure said Marc. I'll call them to set up the interview and get back to you when I have things set up. Barry then started his SUV and drove out of the A&P parking lot. Once Barry got home he put his groceries away and took his recyclable bags back to his SUV. Barry then came into the town house and let the dogs out in the back yard. He then went on his Mac to surf the internet. He landed on this  one message board he had been to many times before.  Barry was one of the biggest lurkers over here. There it was in print fans talking about him being gay. What these fans didn't know was Barry had a user name and password for this message board. He went in to the message and replied to it. Oh yeah! Did he tell you himself that he was gay wrote Barry. He didn't tell you no such thing. I aught to know that since I'm  him said Barry No joke it's really me Barry Manilow major lurker. Yeah that's right I don't even like social media.  Little do you know. I've been lurking over here for years. And no I'm not gay and I never was. Thanks to you I made next weeks Globe magazine. I'm on the cover with a three page spread on my sexual orientation inside. They even supposedly talked to a close source who confirmed I was gay. Makes me wonder if I even know the close source wrote Barry. Well I've got to go fix dinner. Yeah I'm cooking tonight chicken breast pounded  out this with lemon, white wine sauce with capers, grilled broccoli with garlic and olive oil,  a spinach salad and white wine. I've invited my girlfriend. Yes I have a girlfriend  how about that. I've invited Skylar over for dinner. I also stopped at the bakery on the way home to pick up Skylar's birthday cake since today's her birthday. It's a raspberry lemon tort. Baking I'm not good at wrote Barry. But cooking I am. He signed his message Major lurker Barry Manilow.

Tonights The Night Album Debut

Tonight  March 26, 2013 Barry was going to debut his latest album Night Songs The album  contained sixteen songs total. Fifteen  classic standards. Plus new classic standard written by Barry and songwriting partner Adrienne Anderson. The album debut was taking place at the Metropolitan Room a piano bar in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. It would be Barry playing piano with Stan Sargent on bass. Today Barry was also kicking into high gear his own record label and music publishing company.  Barry decided on Brooklyn Bum Entertainment for the name. Barry had already signed recording artists Brian Culbertson, Mike Lent, the resurrected Uncle Festive (With Matt Greene drums, Mark Levine bass, John PondeL guitar and Ron Pedley keyboards) MaD Fusion Music (David Rosenblatt drums,. Mat Fieldes bass and Matt Herskowitz piano). Dana Robins saxophonist Liza Minnelli singer and Lorna Luft singer. The music publishing end of company signed songwriters Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman,  Jack Feldman and Adrienne Anderson. Now if he could only sign Enoch Anderson and Marty Panzer. Brooklyn Bum Entertainment also secured the rights to the entire Judy Garland catalogue thanks to her daughters Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli.  Plus they now secured the rights to Frank Sinatra's entire catalogue  thanks to Frank's kids Nancy, Tina and Frank Jr. Barry was doing the entire Night Song album. It would be just him playing the piano with Stan Sargent playing bass. Barry had invited his friends Susanne Somers Alan Hamel, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, Bruce Sussman, Rob Shutter,  Jack Feldman, Marty Panzer, Adrienne Anderson, Enoch Anderson, Garry Kief (his old manager), Russ McKinnon, David Rosenblatt, Mike Lent, Billy Kidd, Dana Robbins, Joey Malotti and everyone from Stiletto and the BMIFC. Of course he was inviting Skylar. How could he not forget the sweetest girl in the whole world Skylar Herzbach. The rest of the audience would be made up of his fans. Some from the fan club and some not. Everyone who came was getting a folder filled with an autographed copy of Night Songs, a  letter talking about the album, photo of Barry Manilow and information about joining the the BMIFC. Barry had autographed all the CD's that went into every folder. Talk about getting writers cramp. Holy Mackerel! Tickets to get into the Metropolitan Room were $150 per person. Glasses of Merlot would be served in keepsake wine glasses. For those who did drink wine there would be sparkling red grape juice or ginger ale in the same keepsake wine glass. Barry decided to wear a white shirt, a navy three piece suit with a navy and thin slate blue striped tie. Later on in the evening Barry would undo his tie and take it off. Marc Hulett his manager was already at the Metropolitan Room checking things out. Marc wanted Barry to arrive in style in a limo. But Barry said no way. He would take the subway into Manhattan. Then catch a cab from the subway station to the Metropolitan Room. Barry told Marc I'm just not into limo's anymore. SUV's are more my style now. I'm just Barry Manilow normal guy. Not Barry Manilow celebrity even though I am one. Barry took Max and Maggie out to do their business. When they were done he let them back into the townhouse. He then went up stairs to get dressed. He went down stairs locked the front door and headed to the subway station to catch the subway into Manhattan.

I Just Want To Be The One In Your Life

Barry knew to take things slow with Skylar. Barry had already been burned twice by two other girls he'd dated. Abigail dumped him for her college sweetheart.  Barry was about to marry Abigail when she broke off their engagement. Then Julie decided to go back to an old boyfriends. Julie sent Barry a dear Barry text message to his iPhone. Barry really liked Skylar because she just saw him as Barry not as BARRY MANILOW. He also thought Skylar had an interesting job working for Amtrak. When Skylar asked him to go with her on Amtrak to Montreal he quickly said yes. Barry couldn't believe he'd get to Skylar in action as a chief of on board services. Why Barry even got up early to get to Penn Central so he'd be there on time. Skylar told him the Adirondack left Penn Central at eight fifteen am. She also told him to be there an hour before departure. Barry took the handle of his suitcase and went out to get into the cab. Barry had asked his next door neighbors to take care of Max and Maggie his dogs while he was gone. Barry's next door  neighbors were Matthew and Samantha Robbins. Matt and Sam were newly weds. Soon Barry was at Penn Central. As he got out of the cab who does he see but Skylar. Did you take a cab to get here asked Barry. No said Skylar I live near here so I can walk to Penn Central.  Come on I'll take you to the waiting area near the track where we'll board the train. Will you take this with you asked Skylar. It's bagels and cream cheese from my favorite bagel place. I also got orange juice from there too since I don't drink coffee. Then I made a stop at Starbucks for coffee. Black with a splash of cream is the way you like it said Skylar. Yes said Barry that's how I like it. The place where I got the bagels really smears on the cream cheese for breakfast. Both bagels are cranberry oat. By nine o'clock I should be done taking care of stuff. Then I should be able to have breakfast with you said Skylar. That's fine with me said Barry. While Barry waited to board the train. He struck up a conversation with a little old lady who reminded him of his mom. The lady's name was Estelle. She asked Barry if the lady he came with was his girlfriend? Barry said not really we're just good friends for now. Estelle said well don't wait to long to make her your girlfriend. She's perfect for you said Estelle. Oh really said Barry. Yes said Estelle as she looked at Barry. You know you look familiar said Estelle. I do said Barry. Yes said Estelle. My name's Estelle Goldman so what's yours she asked. Barry said Barry Manilow. Barry Manilow said Estelle. You aren't related to Edna Manilow by any chance? asked Estelle. Yes Edna's my mom. How do you know her? asked Barry. Your mom Edna and I were friends  back in Brooklyn. We went to school together. I remember when she showed me your baby picture. Edna told me you were going to be somebody special. Soon the announcement for boarding the Adirondack was made. Barry said  that's my train. It was nice meeting you Estelle. Estelle said I was nice meeting you too Barry. Barry walked down to the platform where the train was located. He saw Skylar and asked her if there was a certain car he had to get on. Skylar pointed out the correct car that Barry was to get on. She also said remember to have your ticket out so when the conductor comes by he can take it. Ok said Barry. Barry boarded the coach car and found a seat by the window. He thought this is going to be one terrific weekend. Barry put down the folding table. That's where he put the bag with the bagels and the juice. He figured he better drink the coffee before it got cold. The conductor and car attendant came. The conductor took Barry's ticket. While the car attendant put a slip of paper with the initials for Montreal on it. On the side of the bottom of the overhead storage compartment was a slot for the slip of paper. Right at eight fifteen the train pulled out of Penn Central station to head north to  their first stop of Yonkers.

One Man In A Spotlight At The Borgata

Barry had finally created his set list for his new show Manilow's Night Songs at the Borgata's Music Box. Barry was going to start the show standing under a spotlight. He would open singing One Man In A Spotlight. From there he was going to the piano to sing Paradise Café. Then came his hip cool medley Big Fun, Brooklyn Blues, Big City Blues and Night And Day. He was going to do It Had To Be You next. Then it was The Way You Look Tonight, You Make Me Feel So Young, It's Magic. The seasons medley was next Autumn In New York, When October Goes, Summertime and Summer Wind. Up next was Swing Street and Hey Mambo. Blue and Black And Blue were next. Someone To Watch Over Me, One For My Baby and Night Songs would end the show. Barry's band consisted of Russ McKinnon on drums, David Rosenblat on percussion, Stan Sargent on bass, Mike Lent on guitar, Ron Pedley on keyboards, Joey Malotti keyboards/musical director and Melanie Taylor vocals. Plus Barry Manilow himself on piano. Barry's Manilow's Night Songs show would start in one week on Thursday February 14, 2019. Barry was alternating how many weeks each month he was doing. So February, April, June, August, October and December Barry was doing three weekends. January, March, May, July. October and November Barry was doing two weekends. The three weekends a months shows were on Thursday Friday and Saturday. The two weekends a months shows were on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Since Barry lived in Brooklyn New York he could commute down the morning of the first show and leave after the last show ended. The Music Box was an intimate venue which Barry liked since he hated arenas with a passion.  Barry was working with an old friend Rett Turner who designed his Paradise Café Tour costumes. Barry wanted clothes that were classy not flashy or trashy. No sequined jackets for him. Just some nice tailored clothes to wear on stage. Barry had also decided to tweak his platinum packages a little. Instead of fans coming back stage before the show started. Five lucky fans would get to go back stage after the show ended. Barry was calling them Platinum Meet and Greets. These would combine all the perks of a regular platinum plus the after the show meet and greet. The platinum meet and greets would give fans a front row seat, backstage pass on a lanyard. wine glass with wine in it, photo of the fan standing next to Barry, a camera with photos on it and an autographed program. Plus the chance to talk to Barry one on one. The other thing Barry was doing was making his platinum meet and greets affordable. Un like Brian Murphy who charged one thousand five hundred for his platinum packages. Plus his fans came before the show.Barry decided to charge five hundred for his platinum meet and greet packages. Also Barry was going to have his platinum meet and greets after his shows. Barry would do his platinum meet and greets on Friday. Barry couldn't wait till next Friday for his first show at the Borgata's Music Box theatre. Plus his first platinum meet and greet.

Come Monday

Yes Come Monday was a song from Here At The Mayflower by Barry Manilow.  Come Monday Skylar need to be at Penn Central by six am. As the chief of on board services for Amtrak's Adirondack  Skylar need to be there  at least an hour and a half before the train left Penn Central .  Amtrak's Adirondack leaves New York City's Penn Central at eight fifteen am and gets into Montreal's Central Station at six thirty pm. Skylar's grandfather Joseph Herzbach  had been a train conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroads Broadway Limited.  Skylar got her loved of train travel  when her grandfather took her on her first train ride. Skylar got her degree  in hospitality management from Cornell University in Ithaca New York. After she graduated Skylar got her dream job working for Amtrak. He first  job working for Amtrak was coach attendant. Her first route was Amtrak's Broadway Limited. The Broadway Limited went between New York and Chicago. She also did  the Lake Shore Limited New York and Boston to Chicago. This train starts in both New York and Boston then the two trains meet in Albany where they merge and go on to Chicago. Then in   nineteen ninety-five Skylar became a chief of on board services. Her first route was the Ethan Allen Express New York City to Rutland Vermont. Then she did the Maple Leaf New York City to Toronto Canada. Now she was on the Adirondack route New York City to Montreal Canada. This was her favorite route by far.  Since Montreal Canada was one of her favorite cities. Skylar loved doing the route in the autumn when the leaves were turning all sorts of colors. Skylar got to thinking she ought to invite Barry Manilow to go on the Adirondack during one of her runs. She could have him go when she got one of her layovers in Montreal. Once a month she got a few days off in Montreal in between runs. During one of those layovers she could take Barry to some of her favorite spots in Montreal. Skylar loved the northeast and the pacific northwest. Skylar was a city girl born and raised in Manhattan one of the boroughs of New York City.  Her parents were  John and Sophia Herzbach. Her dad John was a pilot for United Airlines. While her mom Sophia was a kindergarten teacher at Colears Elementary in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. The Chelsea neighborhood was where Skylar grew up. Skylar was one of two kids in her family. Skylar full name was Skylar Fiona Herzbach. Skylar had an older sister Noelle Grace. Noelle was a second grade teacher in Seattle. Noelle lived with her husband Kevin  Fishman and their two kids Samuel Eli and.

Welcome To The BMIFC

Welcome to the new BMIFC. Well sort of. Garry Kief  the head of Stiletto Entertainment decided it was time for him to retire. He held a meeting with Barry Manilow,  Kirsten Kief , Mark Hulett and Vikki Thomas. This was to tell them he was retiring. Also to tell them who the new head of Stiletto was going to be. The new head of Stiletto Entertainment would be Kirsten Kief Garry's daughter. Since Garry didn't want to overload his daughter with too much responsibility Garry told Marc he was now Barry Manilow's new manager. He told Barry to find himself a new personal assistant since Marc was now management. Vikki Thomas became the head of the Manilow Music Fund for Kids Barry Mailow's own charity. As for the BMIFC which Vikki ran. Garry told Barry and Vikki to figure something out. Which they were going to do. Barry said to Vikki fans have always said they could run my fan club better then we can. So why don't we give them a shot at this. Barry went to Facebook to find some fans who were very passionate about him. Barry chose  Lu Ann Heiner Drebot  as BMIFC's director and publisher of the Barry Grams, Kathy Sheridan as editor of the Barry Grams, Michele Ray Thomson as membership coordinator  (Michele made sure fans memberships were renewed. Also that they got their membership kits.) Ronda Rice Breman, Donna Ross Bordin, Kathy Faith as contributors. Susan Barrett and Pamela Height became convention coordinators. People who stayed where they were was Gary Oye Barry Net web guy and Chris Walter head of merchandizing. Barry got rid of My Manilow Network, Manilow UK, Manilow Europe and Manilow Australia. Barry checked them all out. He found the US was too filled with fans trying to get others kicked off. The UK site was fine. The Australian and European sites were dead sites with very little activity. So he chose instead to go back to the way things use to be. But with a twist. Back to the local overseas offices. The twist would actually be online BMIFC websites  run by Joanne Gray Australia, Kenny Fong Asia,  Shelby Wheeler Canada, Susan Heinz Europe, Louise Farr South Africa, Rosa Martinez South America and Mark Worrell UK.  Barry liked things the way they use to be. Stop the presses Barry Grams were back. So was Barry's Ask Barry Q&A column. Plus a look at the people who worked with Barry. Band members, songwriting partners and others that Barry has work with. Barry decided he was going to be the executive editor of the Barry Grams. Barry wanted to take a more active roll in his fan club. Which he was going to do.

Barry Manilow International Fan Club

The Barry Manilow International Fan Club or BMIFC as it is also called. Ablove is the new 2020 membership logo. This is what the 2020 membership pin and window cling would  look like. The fan club had a new director named Kathy Thacker. Kirsten Kief who was ran The Manilow Music Fund For Kids took over her dad's company Stiletto Entertainment. Vikki Thomas who was the director of the BMIFC was now the head of The Manilow Music Fund For Kids. Barry's fan club needed a new director. Barry picked Kathy Thacker to take over as the new director of the BMIFC. Barry knew Kathy would do a super job as the clubs new director. The fan club had been in existence for forty-two years since nineteen seventy-eight. The BMIFC as everyone called was still going strong. There were now two hundred thousand members in the BMIFC. The rest of the fan club staff consisted of   Lu Ann Heiner Drebot  editor of the online Barry Grams Michele Ray Thomson  membership coordinator  Michele took care of renewing fans memberships and seeing to it they got their membership kits. , Ronda Rice Breman, Donna Ross Borden, Kathy Faith contributors to the online Barry Grams.. Plus Barry Manilow was contributing to the online Barry Grams with his Ask Barry? column. According to Kathy Thacker the publisher and Lu Ann Heiner Drebot the editor the online Barry Grams would come out four times a year in March, June September and December.  Kathy Sheridan and Pamela Height were the BMIFC convention coordinators. Kathy Sheridan, Pamela Height, Kathy Thacker and Barry Manilow were coordinating the BMIFC's Big Fun In New York City Convention in New York City. The convention would go from Tuesday November fifth through Saturday November tenth. The convention goers would get to see Barry Manilow's musicals while they were in New York City.  Wow Barry had three musicals on Broadway at one time. They were Harmony which was still at the St. James theatre, Copacabana which was back on Broadway at the August Wilson theatre and Here At The Mayflower which was in previews at the Gershwin theatre.  Here At The Mayflower was opening on Sunday November tenth two thousand and nineteen.    Harmony and Here At The Mayflower would be night shows . With Harmony on Tuesday and Here At The Mayflower on Friday. Copacabana would be a Wednesday afternoon matinee.  Kathy Thacker, Kathy Sheridan and Pamela Height were going to limit the number of convention goers to one thousand BMIFC members. All Club 99 members who went were getting a surprise. Thanks to Barry their surprise was a ticket to opening night of Here At The Mayflower plus an invitation to the cast party.

Do You Know Who's Living Next Door?

Do You Know Who's Living Next Door? Here At The Mayflower. Here At The Mayflower was a two thousand and one album that Barry Manilow recoreded. Fans kept saying it should be turned into a musical. Well finally Barry caved in and Here At The Mayflower was now becoming a musical on Broadway. Opening night for Here At The Mayflower is Sunday November 3, 2019. The songs were written by Barry Manilow music and Adrienne Anderson, Enoch Anderson, Jack Feldman, Marty Panzer and Bruce Sussman lyrics. With book by Enoch Anderson and Marty Panzer. Cast members are Diane Degarmo Diane Par receptionist 3B, Ace Young Kenneth Stone auto mechanic  5N,  Joe  the old man Joseph Bologna, Joe's wife Esther 6C Lorna Luft , Freddie the Mayflower elevator operator Tony Yazbeck, Jerry and Susan Wright Wall Street trader and kindergarten teacher 3E
Eric Lindell and Karri Smith, WPLJ  DJ Rick Shelbourn 2H, Kevin Meyers, Andy Herbert pizza delivery guy 2G, Ben Silverman Julliard professor 4G, Ted and Carol Herman  owner Herman's
Dry Cleaners and cashier 4J,  Jeff Davis Lauren Bailey, Gordon Sumner  NYU collage student 5F
Stephen Anderson and Shadow Man recording artist Barry Manilow1A Barry Manilow. Yes Barry was going to act on Broadway in his own musical. After he wrote Here At The Mayflower fans thought the Shadow Man was about him. Which it wasn't because Barry Manilow wasn't the Shadow Man. So now Barry's Night Songs album and Borgata shows were being pushed back to February 2021. Barry knew when his fans found out his album and shows were being pushed back they would be pissed To do some damage control Barry went on Rachel Ray's talk show to tell everyone about being on Broadway in the musical Here At The Mayflower. He told Rachel he'd be her co-host for co-host Monday. Barry was even going one step further by doing the "What's For Dinner" segment. Barry was going to make Rachel his drunkin' spaghetti . Barry was substituting bucatini for the spaghetti. He was using trebbanio white wine. Pecorino Romano chesse instead of the usual parmigano reggiano.  Barry decided to add mushrooms to the dish. Along side that he was doing an arugula salad with walnuts, shaved parmigano reggiano and a raspberry balsamic vinaigrette.  Barry  found out Rachel's other guest was Food Network chef Gida de Laurentiis. Oh brother now what did he get himself into. Cooking for a Sicilian/Cajun and a full blooded Italian holy mackerel. But Barry promised Rachel Ray he'd do her "What's For Dinner" segment. Barry decided to wear jeans, tee shirt and a chef's jacket that had his name on it. The chef's jacket with his name on was something he got from Garry Kief as a gag gift for his birthday one year.