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Although Manilow’s Modems has been around since 1995, the 2003 Convention marks the first time we’ve participated in a fan club table display. This was a great opportunity to share with the rest of the Manilow world just what our fan club is all about. Our display highlighted the 2003 fundraisers with both the California Music Theater where we raised $1,255.00 and the Mother’s Day Tea fundraiser with the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Our display also included photos of many of you from past MM get-togethers. In an effort to bring new members into our group we also held a raffle with two beautiful 8x10 photos as the prize which were donated by Georgeann Knowles. This raffle netted over 400 entries and introduced over 30 new members into our group. The winners of the raffle were Helen Warner and Janet Evert. Thanks to all that stopped by and visited our table!

Cheryl Stuart

Lorene from Cypress and I arrived bright and early in Ft Lauderdale around 6:00 in the morning. I don't know if I was bright, but it certainly was early for me. After checking into the hotel, we found that they were able to give us a room at an early hour, which was

great as I needed some sleep before our other 2 roommates, Kimmie and Chris arrived a few hours later. Once they arrived and we all introduced ourselves, I knew it was going to be instant fun. It was such fun rooming with the 3 gals as two of them I have never met before except online and through a few phone conversations.

I think I have gained weight with all the food they kept feeding us. Here I thought I would have to go out and eat a lot, which I still did, but the food was really great this time. There was plenty of it this time too. I recall some past conventions where they have run out of food and seats for some of the conventioneers.

Thursday, Oct. 23 ~ After the lunch buffet they had a Barry bingo and of course I couldn't manage to win again this year. Would always miss it by one or two numbers and Kimmie was the same way. If I didn't win anything, I certainly was pulling for my roommates to win something. I believe w e even watched some Barry videos before getting ready for the Cocktail Party and Jungle Queen Riverboat Dinner Cruise. The boat ride to the private island where we were to have a barbecued chicken, ribs, beans and Cole slaw dinner was just fantastic. I could not believe all the expensive boats, homes and wealth in general that is in that area. Some of the people even came out of their homes and condos to wave as us as we sailed by. I mean, how many times a day does the boats pass by their homes with Barry Manilow music playing and 500 plus people singing "Sweet Heaven I'm In Love Again" and other Manilow tunes? After the all you can eat dinner, we were treated to a show of a comedian and a ventriloquist. I thought the show was very good as well. About 10:00 it was back on the boat for the ride back to the hotel where we had our disco, drinks and dessert from 11:00p until 2 in the morning. The theme was Hawaiian if you wanted to dress in your Hawaiian attire. They had the UK video, I believe showing in the background while we danced our hearts away and our feet off. And man, can they make good drinks there too. I just wondered what the hotel thought of a bunch of women dancing to Manilow music.

Friday, Oct. 24 ~ They had the Merchandise store open every day and of course I had to purchase a few things the first day before most of the stuff was gone. Mind you, I did NOT purchase the bobblehead. Does not look at all like Barry. They had the Arts & Craft room open for you to sign up for the formal sit down dinner and to also put questions in the box for the Q&A with Barry which was to be Saturday night after the dinner. You could also sign up for a Scavenger Hunt team (that's another story in itself) as well. Each day from 12:00-1:30 they had a buffet lunch. The scavenger hunt was something that really needs to be redefined (if that's the correct word). My version of one is you have a list of items in which to find within reason. Our group consisted of Chris, Lorene, Kimmie, and me. Others, for some unknown reason were not signed up with our group. We did a few of the items on the list, but after we looked it over, we found that a lot of the things they wanted us to do were impossible. Oh, some teams did do everything or just about everything and did win prizes. Oh, they gave us a camera to photograph what we found or did. Some of the things were the team having to get into the pool with your clothes on up to your neck and have someone take a picture of the entire group. Another one, which we did do, was find an orange, put it in your mouth and try to smile. We also found an infant and took a picture with him holding a sign that I believe said Manilow Fan. Forget exactly w hat we had to write on that. The poor mother was a sport about it, but I think she was probably getting tons of requests to borrow her baby. We did do a few of the others, but the 90 minutes that they gave us to do this in was just not enough. I think a day or two would have been much better and much simpler tasks to find. I felt like an idiot at one point asking people if their name was "Barry" so we could get a picture of their Drivers License saying the name "Barry." We decided to pack it in and say forget it. We turned in what photos we did have and went back to get ready for the bus ride and dinner at the War Memorial which were to start leaving at around 4:45p. We had another fantastic dinner there and then we walked across the way to the Parker Playhouse and waited in line until they let us in for a private concert by Diane Schuur.

We were fortunate enough (thanks to Chris and Kimmie) to have front row seats for this concert as it was general seating. I'm not much of a Diane Schuur fan or a jazz lover, but I must say she put on one heck of a show and has a wonderful sense of humor. Oh, before I get shot here, I must say that none other than the Ultimate Manilow himself escorted her onto the stage. He looked good and sounded great. He got lots of cheers and screams. Poor Diane, she has probably never heard such a loud crowd cheering before. Barry told said that he warned her about us. She performed for about an hour or so and towards the end of her performance, Barry came back out and chatted with her a bit and then they did their duet together from her

"Midnight" CD. Diane was so cute as Barry was trying to escort her offstage. She seemed to want to stay and chat more, while Barry seemed to want to get backstage in a hurry. I believe I heard people saying that Barry had just arrived in Ft Lauderdale just before going on stage. It was time to board the busses back to the Radisson for "Harmony Cotton Club" disco. Those who wished to dressed in swing apparel. There was a lot more Manilow music along with Swing music. If you didn't know how to swing, they had couples there to teach you. They held this dance in the Bar & Grill, which is the hotel's restaurant rather than the ballroom where all of our other events were held. Much smaller quarters to fit 500 plus people in, but they managed. More drinking, dancing and desserts until 2a.m. There were quite a few dressed to the hilt in their "Swing" outfits. Ii for one am not creative in figuring out a costume. Sorry for jumping around here, but either after dinner or maybe during, they had announced the winners of the Scavenger Hunt. They also had an auction and the biggest bit was $3200 for the convention banner freshly signed by Barry. The monies raised from the auction went to Manilow Fund for Health & Hope. I think. If I am wrong, someone please correct me. Also somewhere during the week they showed us a video that Barry had made of his "nose' surgery. It was a comical event that you had to see. No words can even describe what comics Barry put into this. I almost rolled out of my chair with laughter. The man has a sense of humor about it all.

Saturday, Oct. 25 ~ We started out with the Buffet lunch again. It was raining and windy that day, so some of the fans like the 4 of us did not go on the Mansion & Marina Waterway City Tour. I believe that this trip was similar to the trip we took two nights ago on the riverboat cruise. Some of us spent the time meeting new friends and visiting with old friends. Plus, this gave us time to prepare for the formal sit-down dinner and Q&A with Barry afterwards. As we entered the ballroom for dinner, we were searched for any digital cameras or cameras with telephoto lenses. "NO" cameras with detachable lenses wee allowed into the Q&A but they were very nice about it all. At least I think they were. This was a formal dinner where jeans and Barry shirts were left behind. We had our choice of beef, chicken or one other course. You had to choose your preference during registration when you first signed up for the convention. I picked the beef and was it ever fantastic. Cooked just the way I like it with a simple salad and mashed potatoes. There was about 30 minutes between dinner and when the moment came where Barry came out to spend some time with us. Prior to the dinner, we had to sign up for a table of ten for the formal dinner. When entering for our dinner, we had to find our table number in the lobby area that was previously selected at random by the BMIFC staff. Vicki and Ruth were absolutely wonderful throughout the convention. Well, the time had come for Barry to appear.

From where I was sitting, I could not see a thing; therefore, I did not even take any pictures as there were 2 spotlights shining right in our eyes. We were off to the right side, but a front table if I'm making any sense. We were table #9. At least I could hear what Barry was saying as our table was right by one of the speakers. Barry said that he heard about some of the activities that we had done. He then picked a convention delegate to talk with about what she has been doing. He asked what have you been doing. She said all my life or this week? Got lots of laughs, as I'm sure the poor girl was nervous just being by Barry. I was told that he was wearing a blue and white striped shirt with jeans jacket and the man actually wore blue jeans. Oh, how I wished I had a picture of that. I am trying to remember all that he said and I'm hoping someone will fill in gaps where I forgot something. He did ask Gary when "2 Nights Live" would be released and Garry said March. Barry still had some tweaking and things to do on the CD. He did say that none of the songs were repeats from the last 3 shows on his last tour. Touring, he did mention that he will tour again, but there will DEFINITELY be some changes. He does not want to tour the nine months like he did the last tour, which he said just about, killed him. It was just too much for him. Barry also mentioned a 2-hour A&E Christmas special for December 5.

One of the messages that Barry was trying to get across to us that night is the friendships he said he could have made, but with the Manilow/fans barrier, that made it impossible to have some of the friends he wanted. He had a big plastic container next to him and he pulled the questions out from there. At one point he had asked for a cushion as his "butt" was hurting from sitting on the stool. No one came out with one so he asked for one again with still no response. At that point he was a little annoyed and stood up and then the poor guy was trying to find some of questions and notes he had paper clipped together. He started going through some and tossed them on the floor, as they weren't the ones he was looking for. He did say that he messed himself up when he got up from the stool. I'm trying to piece together all that he did. Barry sang three or so songs to background music. Gosh, I had forgotten which ones already. I thought one of them was 'The One That Got Away', but don't quote me on that. I'm sure someone else has a much better memory than I do. I didn't take a note pad with me. Wish I had. Barry ended by saying that he heard that we did a conga line dance the night before. He then asked us to stand and show us from our seats what we did. I thought they had played 'They Dance', but there again I can't remember. Barry had then gone and we all proceeded to go and change for the PJ Party & Manilow Idol Lip Synch Contest. There were so many entries in the Lip Synch contest and a lot of talent by all. One girl--who's name I do not remember, sorry did a fantastic job of doing Barry's strip act to Sweet Heaven that he did during one of his tours. She won first prize of I think $100 Manilow Merchandise certificate and a bobble head. All 3 winners got bobble heads and a $25 or $50 certificate. Some people said that Garry Kief was in the house and having the time of his life just laughing and clapping to the Lip Synch contestants. There were a lot of us in our PJ's. I even broke down and wore a Barry T-shirt and PJ pants and slippers. At least I didn't have to feel foolish as tons of us wore some rather nice looking flannel PJ's. And yes, we did keep it Barry clean. LOL There was more dancing, drinking and our final night of desserts. I was good. I didn't have one dessert dish. I did my share of eating and drinking and staying up late every night. Thanks to some wonderful roommates we had our own after party entertainment in our room. We went back and watched some DVD's on my laptop.

Sunday, Oct. 26th ~ Our good-bye Brunch. The BMIFC crew thanked everyone for coming and also thanked Chasten for coordinating the convention. I believe that Kristin put together a slide presentation (that can be viewed on the convention web page) of all the activities and fans during our stay there. I think I'll take a closer look on the web site, as I couldn't see them that well there. We were then treated to a viewing of the Ultimate Manilow TV Special. It was fun to see the outtakes they did. I was fortunate enough to be at the taping, so it was fun to see again. I did notice that there were a few outtakes that were taken out of the video. We were supposed to all receive a copy of the DVD, but due to some problems, they were unable to give us our copy during the convention, but did promise to send us our copy as soon as they came in. A lot of fans took pictures with each other and the BMIFC staff. I can't say enough about how well I thought it was organized and put on. I'm sure there were a few people who were unhappy about this or that, but as I have been to about 6 or so in the past, this has to have been the best. Vicki was so nice and didn't mind all the questions and pictures people were taking with her. We all cried Saturday night as we were saying good-bye to people in case we didn't see them the next day. I'm just sorry that I missed the MM breakfast on Friday. I thought it was Saturday at first. I wanted to see everyone again.

Chris, Lorene and I stayed on until Monday morning and we said our good-byes to Kimmie Sunday afternoon at a get together with another group at the Cheesecake Factory. Kimmie and I cried puddles. This being her first convention and missing everyone and me, I always miss everyone. I hate good-byes, but I say we'll meet again somewhere down the road.

I'll tell you all one of the most wonderful weeks of my life. When the convention was first announced I really wasn't sure if I could afford to go but I was optimistic and planned it anyway. I'd been in contact with a one of my Barry buds and we decided to go for it. Her wonderful father put both of our packages on his credit card and I paid him back. This man didn't know me from Adam, heck, she only knew me from chatting online. Of course, I asked my husband out of respect, but I would have gone anyway, LOL- he is definitely not a Manilow fan in the least) and he agreed after I told him this could be my birthday, mother's day, Christmas and anniversary present rolled up in one. Each month that passed we became more excited and tried to get as prepared as we could. Finally the day arrived when we had to leave; we paid for the extra day so we wouldn't have to hurry the day of the convention. I hadn't been on a plane since '86 but I wasn't afraid at all and she had never flown. We arrived in sunny Florida all prepared to meet wonderful people. I met up with folks I'd chatted with online and on the Bnet since becoming a true Manilow fan a couple of years ago. I'd always liked listening to Barry's music but hadn't "followed" his career until my first concert in 2002. The people I met were wonderful. I was amazed at the spectrum of his fan base. From the very young to the not so young. From those of us in the US to those across the ocean. All meeting up because of one man and his beautiful music. I was in heaven being able to listen to his music all the time and not having people mock me for doing so. Not that I care about that...LOL.

The parties...I laughed until I cried (literally). Barry's staff was so amazing and made the convention even more fun. I stayed up each night till all hours, once going to bed at 4:30 in the morning and having to get up to be at a breakfast at 9. I must have had no more than 20 hours of sleep all the days we were there. How excited was I to be able to see the beautiful clear ocean. Even though I'd only been to the ocean once before, it has always been my dream to return and I love anything related to the ocean.

Now Barry....having only seen him live once before, I was more than excited to see

him in the flesh again. My roomie and I ate very quickly (if you could call it that, I had trouble digesting the food with all the excitement I was feeling before the concert) and we decided to walk to the theatre as soon as we possibly could. We weren't the only ones with this thought in mind either. We stood in line with the others and had even more fun, sweating in the sauna, anticipating seeing Barry again. It all paid off, we got

4th row center seats. I knew or thought he would be the special guest but had no idea he would walk Diane out to the stage. When he did and we all stood up and yelled, I could feel my heart pounding or stopping, I don't know which. He seemed so relaxed with us and with Diane. That's the way I enjoy seeing him. Did I say how beautiful he looked? Oh my, what a gorgeous man he is. Then of course the concert was wonderful. I'm not really a jazz fan but I appreciated Diane for giving us her time and thought she did a fantastic job. She does have a beautiful voice. The rapport she and Barry have was wonderful.

Now the Q and A...excitement again all around. Everyone looked gorgeous in his or her Sunday best and the anticipation was strong yet again. Especially with me. When I found out I was sitting at table 23 I had no idea where that would be but hoped it would be somewhere in the middle. It was...dead center about 4 tables back. We had a clear view of Barry but my pics turned out very poor. How glad I was to see him in jeans? It's so nice to see him laid back and casual. Not to mention sexy looking. I enjoyed all the questions he chose and the songs he did. The only drawback would be that we didn't get to spend as much time with him as I would have liked but at least we got to see him. One of my favorite songs is The Best of Me because I feel when he performs he always gives the very best to us, his fans. It thrilled me to no end to hear him sing this song. I couldn't take my eyes off him during it not to mention the whole time he was on stage! It was a memorable evening.

You know I hated to leave. I found so many new friends and had so much fun that coming back to the "real" world seemed so weird. After spending the time there I came home exhausted but also refreshed if that could be used in the same sentence. I'm just glad I took the next week off from work to recuperate.

PALM SPRINGS AIDS BENEFIT

Well, I got to attend the Aids Benefit in Palm Springs in April. I had never been to an event like that before. It was a beautiful desert evening under the Stars. Wonderful food. Barry was amazing. He looked great, thin, but handsome, sexy, in great humor, relaxed and in great voice. He put on a mini concert for us and it was great. It was a treat to see him perform with Suzanne Sommers. They have a great friendship and it shows.

Then he brought Lorna Luft up on stage. My first time to see her perform. WOW. What a voice she has. She sang "Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Be In Carolina in the Mornin". Can she belt out a song? She got a standing ovation. The crowd loved her. She and Barry also seem to have a special friendship. I made some lasting friendships that night.

I was fortunate enough to attend the "Operation Smile Benefit" in Beverly Hills. That was also a treat. Barry came out last and sang a short set, but beautifully. He gave a nice little talk. He looked so rested and handsome. I got to sit by a Barry Fan I hadn't seen in two years and we are now becoming friends. Unfortunately, none of my pictures came out at either of the above events.

Then, I got to go to my First Convention. It was a BLAST. It is a highlight of my life. So many great memories and I made some new friendships there.

And lastly, I got to go to the Wayne Brady TV Taping. My first TV taping. What a fun day that was. Barry and Diane's duet was even more beautiful than on the CD and to see the interaction between those two. Amazing. So I feel very fortunate that I have been able to attend all of these Barry related events. He is my favorite entertainer of all time and I consider him to be a great human being. I am proud to call myself, a fan.

Jane A. Mangano

It was a wonderfully balmy evening on April 26, 2003 at the O'Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs. The tables were all set up outside with the mountains in the background. As the sun went down the lights of the homes were sparkling above us. We were all anticipating the arrival of the guest of honor, Barry Manilow, as he was the recipient of the AAP Gloria Greene award. Barry came walking down the walkway all tangled in the arms of Lorna Luft, with Linda Allen and Suzanne Sommers following behind. Behind them were Garry Kief, Allen Hamell, Susan’s husband, and Marc Hullet, and others.

Presentations were given, prizes were awarded and then, finally, Barry took the stage. He was just wonderful, as usual, and so happy to be there. His band was there, plus an orchestra, at his own expense. Lorna Luft and Suzanne also performed. Beautiful fireworks lit up the sky after Barry, and a men's chorus, sang "Let Freedom Ring"!

Two nights later, on April 28, 2003, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Barry received the Ella Award from the Society of Singers. The room was filled with all the Hollywood elite, and some fans, too. Barry's songs were performed by many of today's top recording stars, including Diane Schuur, Brian McKnight, Wayne Brady, Linda Eder, Monica Mancini, Michael Feinstein (wonderful rendition of "Soon") and Curtis Stigers. Debra Byrd sang "I Am Your Child" magnificently.

Then Clive Davis introduced Barry and, as he was acknowledging all the accolades,

Barry broke into song. Since it's all about the music it was his way of saying thanks to all that honored him with his songs. He then joined his band and an orchestra and gave us all what we had been waiting to hear.

I am so pleased that I was able to attend both of these events. It was truly the best experience of my Manilow adventures, so far. More to come, hopefully.

Is it fun to read a mystery novel where the name Barry Manilow isn't used as the punch line in a cruel joke or a less than flattering description of a character?

Is it just a little creepy that the only decoration on Gordon Seegerman's Santa Rita, California Public Defender's office wall is a larger than life-sized poster of Barry Manilow?

Having said that, I still recommend that when Bloomsbury Press releases its summer 2004 titles this June that you find and read Misdemeanor Man by Dylan Schaffer. This is Mr. Schaffer's first novel and worth a read.

I'll admit I was skeptical when asked to preview the book. So skeptical that the promo copy sat on my nightstand for at least two weeks before I even opened the cover. What was stopping me? We come back to that creepy feeling, it was very difficult to begin reading a novel with a main character whose avocation is lead singer in a Barry Manilow cover band called Barry X and The Mandy's. I can't help it; Barry obsession makes me wince.

Once I mustered the courage to open the cover I was pulled into the story immediately. Even though there was a wincing moment right on the first page I found myself reading into the wee hours of the morning. I finished the book in three days. The story was that compelling with as many twists and turns as a Celtic knot.

Hey guys, to be fair and balanced, as a cable news channel likes to say, I wanted to share with you an email I received dated January 5, 2004 from Dylan Schaffer. I have his permission to post this .

I saw your review in the Manilow Modems website---thanks so much for spreading word about the book, and my website. That should really help get the ball rolling. I'm hard at work on number two, but I thought I would respond, just momentarily, to your comments about "being creeped out." Feel free to post this, or not. I just thought you might appreciate a few thoughts from the author.

There is something creepy about star obsession, I agree with that completely. But I really tried to draw a distinction in the book between a person like my narrator, Gordy, who is passionate about the music, the art, and those who focus their attention on the star himself. Gordy's not a Fanilow. He's not interested in Barry's latest hairstyle or love affair. He's a talented musician who believes Manilow's work has been under appreciated, and undervalued. He doesn't and wouldn't own a Manilow tee shirt collection. The poster on the wall of his office, which you mention, is less an homage to Barry, than it is a reminder of his mother, who died when he was a boy, and who he loved dearly. Indeed, Gordy's interest in Manilow is, to some extent a substitute for his love for his mom. But, as I've said, the most important thing is that Gordy isn't primarily interested in Barry the person; he's focused, and intensely so, on the music, and how it can be expanded to reach a new audience. There is no doubt Gordy is obsessed; that's part of his slightly crazy persona. But the obsession, if I got it right, isn't with Barry the man, but with Manilow, the music.


Georgeann Knowles, Margie Ramey, Louise Moy & Fay Landi