Barry Manilow – Photo by Tom Alvarez
Barry Manilow – Photo by Tom Alvarez
Singer-songwriter-arranger-producer-pianist Barry Manilow, one of the bestselling artists of all time, captivated a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse filled with ever loyal “Fanilows” at “Manilow: The Last Indianapolis Concert.,” Friday. Accompanied by a large, seasoned orchestra, and a trio of superbly talented backup singers, the 81-year-old entertainer displayed his distinctive showmanship once again in a spectacular multimedia event. Notable for its lavish production features, the concert had all the elements of a Broadway or Las Vegas show.
Displaying the energy of someone much younger, soft rocker Manilow, who has been performing for over seven decades, showed incredible stamina during his 75-minute set. Performing a cavalcade of his most well-known hits, the veteran entertainer played to the largely female audience consisting primarily of Boomers — the demo group (including yours truly) for whom the concert was a musical sentimental journey. Four prime examples of the star’s allure sat in front me during the concert. with all wearing matching Fanilow t-shirts listing dates and cities from one of his tours — reminding me of the present day “Swifties” phenomenon.
Barry Manilow – Photo by Tom Alvarez
In a magical concert replete with highlights, the ones that stood out included Manilow’s splashy grand entrance. With his last name projected in huge letters on the rear of the stage he sang “It’s a Miracle” and immediately brought the crowd to their feet — an action that happened frequently during his electrifying, jukebox revue. Others included “Somewhere in the Night, “ “Looks Like We Made It,” “This One is For You,” “Bandstand,” “Mandy” and even a few commercials he wrote, such as that for State Farm Insurance and Band Aid.
A number that stood out was “This One’s for You,” which was a poignant tribute to his doting Russian Jewish immigrant grandfather who raised Manilow and encouraged him to become a singer from the time he was a little boy.
Clearly a showstopper was “Let Freedom Ring,” which the still vocally strong icon sang along with members of the distinguished Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. The song was especially meaningful because the last time I saw Manilow perform it was July 4, 2013, when he sang it at the PBS Capitol Fourth Concert on the lawn of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. He was backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, led by or very own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Maestro Jack Everly.
Barry Manilow – Photo by Tom Alvarez
On a personal note, an emotional moment came for me when he introduced and sang “All the Time.” He spoke of his loneliness as a teen before joining the band in high school. where he learned “misfits are not misifits around other misfits.” Finding his tribe and realizing he was, indeed, an artist — Manilow’s experience mirrored my own when I discovered theatre in college.
The explosive finale featuring Manilow and company performing, arguably, his signature song was the celebratory “Rio” which capped off an evening of nostalgia that I shall savor for a very long time.
As a child of the 60’s, Manilow’s body of work is undoubtedly part of the soundtrack of my life. Will Manilow’s cannon with its romantic, catchy, and wistful lyrics stand the test of time? That remains to be seen but I believe his music is omnipresent. I hear it regularly in places like my gym, Walgreens, Costco and my favorite oldies but goodies radio station. That’s proof for me that his music has become a deserving addition to The Great American Songbook and will live on for generations of Fanilows to come.
