Memoirs of the last CSWY Girl of the 99' Summer Tour
September 26, 1999
San Jose Arena, San Jose, California

I've been a Manilow fan for 24 years, that's more than half my life. In 1978, when I was 19 y/o I attended my 1st concert - at the end of the show I knew it wouldn't be my last. The beautiful voice, lyrics and music of Barry Manilow had captured my heart and soul.

Each time Barry scheduled an appearance in the San Francisco Bay area you could count on me to be in the audience. For Christmas 1994, my husband even surprised me with tickets to Barry's show at the Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, CA. Even though my seats were in the nosebleed section I had the greatest time.

On 7/23/99 I received & anxiously read my emailed copy of the Barry Network Exchange, which contained info. on Barry's updated summer tour schedule. I discovered 2 shows in my area, one of which was on my birthday. It was at that moment I knew I'd be picked to sing with Barry.

Two months quickly passed & before I knew it my birthday and the concerts arrived. The show at the Concord Pavilion (9/25) was wonderful & Barry was his usual fun-loving self. During the show I made a mental note of when he sang CSWY so I'd be ready the following evening.

The 2nd of the shows was held at the San Jose Arena. This show originally scheduled on my birthday September 24th, ended up being postponed till Sunday, the 26th.

TTGTF was the song before CSWY. As the final notes of the song played enormous butterflies began doing aerial maneuvers in my stomach. In preparation for this moment I'd created a sign which simply said, "It's MY B-DAY". As Barry started whistling the intro to CSWY so many signs appeared in the crowd. I was seated in the middle of the 17th row, right in front of where Barry was standing.

As Barry made his selection he began reading the exact words on my sign, I was in disbelief but bravely stood. I felt like an inside out tornado, calm on the outside while everything on the inside was whirling around at 100 mph.

I was escorted to the stage by a young man who held my hand the entire way. Barry was waiting for me at the top of the stage steps and graciously took my hand. He led me over to the piano & asked the usual questions, (my name, where I lived). I told him my name was Vickie, that I'd seen his show the night before, and that tonight's concert was my 13th! He proceeded to ask if 9/26 was really my birthday, I told him my birthday was the 24th - the day the show was originally scheduled. Barry cued Steve and the 25 piece orchestra began playing the music to Happy Birthday as Barry personally sang the words. The experience was absolutely breathtaking. When it was over I hugged him so tight & couldn't bring myself to let go. Then he asked if I knew the words to CSWY and I responded, "of course I do" and he handed me my own microphone. In all the times I'd seen Barry perform this song I'd never seen him miss his cue to start singing CSWY, but he did with me. Perhaps he lost his concentration due the intensity of my gaze. Could it have been just too much for him?. We waited for the cue to come around a second time and proceeded to sing together, taking the walk, bouncily swaying to the music.

During the whole encounter I never looked away from his gorgeous blue eyes which seemed to have a calming effect on me. He then hopped onto his grand piano, threw his arms around me from behind, stroked my hair, nuzzled up to my ear and began singing. All I could do was surrender to his touch by closing my eyes, gently allowing my head to rest on his shoulder and be consumed by the pleasure of living a dream.

My five minutes of fame ended as quickly as it had begun. I was wearing bright red lipstick that night and figured he wouldn't give me the customary kiss good-bye. As he walked me to the stairs I turned to thank him and there he was just standing there with his lips extended. How could I walk away from an opportunity of a lifetime, I kissed him gently and floated back to my seat.

After the show I was greeted by many people who repeatedly wished me Happy Birthday, who pointed me out as the one who sang with Barry, who told me what a great job I did, they wanted to touch the hand that touched Barry's and just to hug me. They offered to send me pictures they had taken of Barry and I together and one woman told me of the CSWY page on www.manilow.com to record my memories of singing with Barry. (if you read this thanks for mentioning it) I began to think of how lucky I was to be treated so wonderfully by perfect strangers that evening. But when I thought of the reason we were all assembled together (the love of Barry and his music) it made sense that a most extraordinary man would have the most extraordinary fans!

I'll never forget how Barry told me what great eyes I had, how he felt like he was on a date as we strolled singing CSWY. Although we'd only met for the first time I felt as comfortable as if he were a lifelong friend. In many ways he is! I consider myself a shy person, I took many risks that night for the chance to meet and touch the man himself. Thanks to Barry I've learned that if you really want something the power always lies within yourself to achieve your goals. Sometimes life only presents an opportunity once. If you let that one chance slip away you only have yourself to blame for the disappointment. Now that I've lived the ultimate dream it makes the other things in life seem much more obtainable. Barry, thanks so much for sharing your talents with us for so many years. You and your music are truly priceless!