KAREN PALMER, Arlington, VA.
Hobbies: I ran my club, "Riders," for 26 yrs., Theatre, reading, and going to Concerts. (Will be seing Melissa Manchester--Jan. '08), travelling, and writing pen-pals.
Short Bio: I saw Barry in-concert for the first time at D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington, DC (May, '75). I did my first dressing room decorating for Barry, backup singers, and band at the Patriot Center, in Fairfax, VA--Oct. 27, 1989. I was lucky enough to see the Copa Musical at Caesar's Hotel and Casino, in Atlantic City, NJ (1985).
I've been to 3 major BMIFC Conventions. They are: 1983--Chicago, IL; 1985--Toronto, Canada; and, in 1987--Washington, DC. Also, assorted parties in the '80's and '90's. (Submitted October 9, 2007)
NANCY ROBERTSON, Hesperia, CA.
I have lived in So. California all my life. Currently, I live in Hesperia, CA, just north of San Bernadino, and have lived in the High Desert for almost 13 years. It's hot and dry here most of the time, which is why I like it. Although we do get snow some winters, but never very much.
I have two children, a boy and a girl. I am a Senior Designer for a major redesign company, and have been for 4 1/2 years, and love it. In addition, I've done pary decorating and interior designs. I love taking a room, and, without spending a dime, making it feel completely new.
My hobbies, other than Barry, of course, center around the creative. I have been an avid beader for the past 5 years, designing and creating hand beaded jewelry. I've also worked in dried flowers and hand-painted clothing. Other interests include a love of movies. Most recently, I am doing a lot of reading.
I've also spent most of the year getting healthy. This year, with a lot of effort, I have lost 45 pounds, and gone from a size 18 to a size 8.
Barry entered the picture when I was in high school. "Trying To Get The Feeling" is the song that did it for me. I thought that was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard. He appeared on a TV talk show, and I was glued to it. I know this sounds crazy, but I could hear a voice inside me saying "You are witnessing something very special. This is magic. You will remember this moment for the rest of your life." A few months later, I saw him live (from the last row!!!), and I was hooked. Even from that distance, he had me in tears one minute and on my feet the next. I had never been so moved. Since then, I have attended 28 concerts, and 7 talk shows. (Submitted October 22, 2007)
JANE TALLERDAY, Lakewood, CO.
I first saw Barry in Concert on August 20,1978, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. I was picked as a "Can't Smile" Girl on May 26, 2000, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV. (See "Barry Moments" section) That is my FAVORITE Barry Moment. (Submitted October 23, 2007)
DELESE MOTEN, Albany, GA.
I currently reside in Albany, Georgia. I am the daughter of a retired Marine, and have had the opportunity to reside in a few different states. I, presently, work in the Human Resources field, and I am also an aspiring writer.
It was during the time my Dad was stationed in Newport, RI, that I learned about Barry. I was 10 years old, and my neighbor was telling me that her youngest sister was named Mandy. She said her mother loved Barry Manilow. I said, "Who?" Then, she played the song for me. From that moment, I was hooked.
Even though I have been a fan for a few years, my first Manilow show was Music and Passion last year. I purchased myself a ticket for my Birthday, and I have been back a few times since then. I have never had the opportunity to be a "Jacket Girl," "Copa Girl," or "Can't Smile Girl." But, I will be doing Platinum next year, and I cannot wait.
I have met a bunch of wonderful people because of Barry, and forged friendships that I know will last for a very long time. (Submitted October 27, 2007)
DEL KLOEPPPNER, Denver, CO
Del is the VERY patient and understanding hubby of Linda K. In 1980, he stood in a snowstorm to buy tickets to take Linda to a Barry concert (that's another story)! He enjoys going to the concerts.
JENNIFER AND LAURA, Denver, CO
Jenny and Laura are the daughters of Del and Linda K. Although Barry music has been in their home "forever," they attended their first concerts on August 2nd and 3rd, 2006. They have since attended concerts at the LV Hilton in November, 2006; and July, 2007. They are very helpful and supportive with the Fan Club and website.
AMY VITALE, Medford, NY
Amy has been a Barry Fan "since Bell Records." She relates---So, for those who don't know, back in the day, Barry recorded an album under the Bell Records label. I had no idea who he was back then. I used to take my allowance, and walk over to the record store to see what was new. I went up and down the aisles to see what was new on 45's and albums. And, then I saw it. His face on the album cover with those blue eyes, and picked the album up and bought it. The wierd guy behind the counter knew me, and told me that I wouldn't like Barry's music. I bought it anyway, and listened to the whole album. BUT, it was then that I was introduced to COULD IT BE MAGIC!!! I played it over and over again, his voice was warm, and the music was right. It's a shame now, though, that when I try to play it on my turntable, it sounds like popcorn poppin'.LOL So, the meet and greet (see "Barry Moments"), and the way I found out about Barry years ago, are my favorite Barry Moments!!!!
BERNIE CAESAR, Arvada, CO
Bernie was introduced to her first Barry Concert on July 27, 2007, when she and her twin sister, Bonnie, went to Las Vegas to celebrate their birthdays. Her sister is a Fan, but Bernie had never attended a concert. After the concert in July, Bernie said she was "hooked," joined MFAAD, and is putting together the Fan Club Scrapbook.
BONNIE TOMBAUGH, Aurora, CO
Bonnie has been a longtime Barry fan, and has attended concerts. She and her twin sister, Bernie, went to Las Vegas to celebrate their birthdays. They attended Barry's concert at the Las Vegas Hilton on July 27, 2007. She and Bernie are putting together the Fan Club Scrapbook.
KIMBERLY ALLISON, Toms River, NJ
Kimberly has been involved in the Manilow Fan Community for over 20 years, as well as being a fan for over 25, not to mention running a very successful fan club now (Barrysretrofansunlimited BMFC). She has been both a "Can't Smile" Girl and been selected by Barry as his Dance Partner.
LISA WHITNEY, Keene, NH
Lisa has been a longtime Barry fan. When she was 12 years old, she sent him a love letter on an entire roll of TP. When asked about the strangest gift he received, Barry replied that "a girl sent me a love letter on an entire roll of toilet paper." Lisa is Co-Director of the very successful "Barry's Northeast Connection Fan Club" BMFC, in Keene, NH.
GERI FANELLI, NJ
Geri is a longtime Barry fan. She is the Co-Director of the very successful "Barry's Northeast Connection Fan Club" BMFC, in Keene, NH.
DIANNE ROBINSON, AU
Dianne is a longtime Barry fan. She travels from Australia to see Barry Concerts.
LYNNE CADDY, UK
Lynne is a longtime Barry fan.
PENNY ZACHARIAS, Tuscon, AZ
I have been a Barry fan since 1976. I saw Barry in concert in Tuscon. It was a warm December evening. I almost didn't go. But, I did go; and, when I came out, I was floating on a cloud!! It was four years before seeing him again. I have seen him many times, and been to several BMIFC Conventions, including the first one in Chicago. Also, I have been to Austrailia and England to see Barry. I am a former member of Riders to the Stars BMFC, and was referred by Karen Palmer, former Director of that Fan Club.
PAM PONDER, Arvada, CO
Hi, I'm Pam, from Denver. I've always been fond of music my entire life and had fun singing as a child and young girl. My favorite music is classical and jazz. I've been a Barry friend since the 70's. I was not fond of "Mandy," but soon after listening to more of Barry's hits, I knew there was something about this guy I liked. Through the years, Barry's music has been uplifting and with a sense of comfort. I remember a very early concert when /barry performed a segment in the second half of the show sitting at the piano. He played the most sweet and soft music. When he finished, you could hear a pin drop. It was like he was actually sitting in your living room performing in an intimate setting. I have lived in the Denver ara for 38 years, and work in the legal field. I enjoy ceramics, gardening, birding, and my three dogs. A friend introduced me to birding in my late twenties, and I enjoyed it during my thirties. In those days, I'd go out into the field. Today, I enjoy back yard birding. It is a great hobby that opens the door to many avenues of nature.
LANA GRAHAM, Aurora, CO
My introduction to Barry and his music was at Red Rocks in 1973 when he was still the musical director for Bette Midler. He performed three songs during Bette's intermission that night, but the one that really struck me was "Could It Be Magic." (Please see the "Barry Moments" section) I am a lifetime BMIFC member and have made wonderful friendships through that organization. I have both fine arts and music background, and have worked in the travel industry for many years. My passion is photography, which has tied in nicely with my world travels--not to mention Barry concerts!! I also enjoy writing, drawing, painting, design, all kinds of arts and crafts, and walking. The walking feeds my love of being outdoors, and combined with a healthy lifestyle, has helped me maintain a significant weight loss for nearly two years. I have lived in the Denver area for most of my life, and although I have had some great experiences and seen a good bit of the world through my travels. I am grateful to have so much natural beauty surrounding me right here at home.
JUDY SHIELDS, Orlando, FL
Judy is a longtime Barry Fan. She most recently attended Las Vegas Concerts on February 14, 2007 (Barry told her "Happy Birthday!"---Linda K. witnessed this!!! :0) ); in September, 2007, for the taping of Barry's PBS Special, "Great Songs of the Seventies" (in Brooklyn, NY); attended concerts then end of December, 2007, and welcomed in the New Yeaar in Las Vegas with friends; also, attended the Concert in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on Saturday, February 23, 2008.
LIBBY CRANEY, Cleveland, OH
Libby is a longtime Barry fan.
LOUISE SOLIMINE, Brooklyn, NY
Louise is a longtime Barry Fan.
LINDA BUTLER,
Linda is a longtime Barry fan. Barry has helped her "Through The Rain" in immeasurable ways.
STEPHANIE PRINCE, Cabot, AR
Stephanie has been a Barry fan since she was a teenager. She organized the "Manilow Reads" program for schools in the Little Rock, AR., area, whereby books are donated for children and distributed to schools. Stephanie has also been a Barry Manilow local fan club director.
RHONDA BELLIPANNI, Longmont, CO
Rhonda is a longtime Barry Fan.
DAWN GOODFRIEND, Atlanta, GA
Dawn is a longtime Barry Fan. Her most recent concerts were the BMIFC Convention Concerts in July, 2007. She will attend his Concert in March, 2008, in Atlanta, GA.
ELLEN MALONEY
Ellen is a longtime Barry Fan. She was his "Moonlight Serenade" dance partner on February 14, 2008.
SHARON JOHNSON, UK
Sharon is a longtime Barry Fan.
RACHAEL YOUNG, UK
Rachel is a longtime Barry Fan.
ROSE MOFFAT, UK
Rose is a longtime Barry fan. Her favorite "Barry Moment" is the concert at Blenheim Palace. She is waiting to be a CSWY Girl and Dance Partner.
ANNE HOLIC, Binghamton, NY
Anne is a longtime Barry Fan.
LINDA KOCHVAR, Indiana, PA
Linda has been a Barry fan for many years. She was a member of "Riders to the Stars" BMFC, and now has formed "Simply Manilow" BMFC, as well as joining MFAAD BMFC. She has been a member of the BMFC (before it became the BMIFC), and the BMIFC, for a total of 28 years!! She was first introduced to Barry Manilow in 1976 with the Tryin' To Get The Feeling" album. Since then, she has seen Barry in concert 15 times; and, has been to 5 Conventions.
DONNA FRANCIS, Nashville, TN
I have been with Barry since "Mandy," have done Platinum, and been a "Can't Smile Girl!" (Please see the "Barry Moments" Section)
MICHELLE FOURNIER, Newark, DE
Michelle is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see the "Barry Moments" Section.)
LORI ESENTHER, Madison, WI
Lori is a longtime Barry fan. She has experienced the Platinum package in 2006. (Please see the "Barry Moments" Section)
JoANNE MANFREDI, Brooklyn, NY
JoAnne is a longtime Barry fan. I'm doing Platinum next August (2008), and I will wait until then---I'm sure that will be my favorite Barry Moment.
LISA D. HUNT, Salt Lake City, UT
Lisa is a longtime Barry Fan.
CHERYL STUART, La Habra, CA
Cheryl is a longtime Barry fan. She has done Platinum package. (Please see the "Barry Moments" Section). She was a member of "Riders to the Stars" BMFC.
PAM RICHARDSON, Tulsa, OK
Pam is a longtime Barry fan. She is Director of "One Voice" BMFC, an "Up and Coming" Fan Club.
MARY FLICK, Laurel Springs, NJ
Mary is a longtime Barry fan. She is scheduled for her Platinum Experience in April, 2008. She has been chosen by Barry to dance with him to "Moonlight Serenade."
CAROLINE DINNEN, Australia
Caroline is a longtime Barry fan. She has been chosen by Barry to dance with him.
DEBBIE GIESE, Pasadena, MD
Debbie is a longtime Barry fan.
KATIE ZACCAGININI, Berwyn, IL
Katie is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see "Barry Moments.")
KEIKO SAKAI, Tokyo, Japan
Keiko was a member of "Riders to the Stars BMFC." She is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see "Barry Moments.")
CHERYL EASTON, Sun Lakes, AZ
Cheryl is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see "Barry Moments.")
SARAH INGLES, Midlothian, VA
Sarah is a longtime Barry fan, (Please see "Barry Moments.")
CONNIE PEIRSON, Kingwood, TX
Connie is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see "Barry Moments.")
AMY, Clawton, Holsworthy, Devon, England
Amy is a longtime Barry fan. (Please see "Barry Moments.")
ROCHELLE CUNNINGHAM, Gulf Breeze, FL
Rochelle is a longtime Barry fan.
TANYA VANCE, Woodbridge, VA
Tanya is a longtime Barry fan. She teaches music, is a composer, plays piano and saxaphone. She has recorded CD's, has a website--- www.tlvrecords.com Tanya had her Platinum Experience on May 29, 2009. Tanya gave two concerts in VA., during August, 2009.
PATTI ANN CAMPBELL-WILLIAMS, Ahoskie, NC
Patti is a longtime Barry fan, and was a member of Riders to the Stars BMFC, in VA. She wrote the comic strip for the fan club's newsletter. Patti met Barry at the Norfolk International Airport in 1985, and danced with him in 1986.
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