Fanilows

I write the songs, Manilow might have said. But the residents at Sun City sing them.

Sun City Dell Webb presented a Barry Manilow tribute show on Thursday, May 23. The Drendel Ballroom filled with residents and guests to enjoy the music of their youth. The tribute was advertised as: “No stranger to the tribute world, Jay Gates impersonation of Barry Manilow has ‘Fanilows’ agreeing that this act is rapidly becoming ‘the’ show to see! Be it the classic ‘Copacabana’ or the sing-along ‘Can’t Smile Without You’ or the show-stopping ‘Even Now,’ Jay’s Faithful representation of Barry’s voice, combined with a jaw-dropping visual portrayal and multi-media presentation, always leaves audiences wanting more!”

Barry Manilow was born June 17, 1943, and is best known for such recordings as ‘Could It Be Magic,’ ‘Mandy,’ ‘Can’t Smile Without You,’ and ‘Copacabana’ (At the Copa).

After singing ‘Weekend in New England,’ Jay Gates joked, “This is the most romantic song in my repertoire. For all you gentleman who was dragged here, you can thank me later.”

Was Mike, a husband attending the event, dragged here?

“No, I wasn’t. Hearing this music, it brings back great memories,” he said. “My girlfriend at the time and I were together when these songs came out, but we split up. Forty years later, I was in Chicago for business and I called her to meet for coffee and I married her. He is putting on a good show. One of the better ones here in Sun City. I am enjoying it, and it is bringing back good memories.”

Four women in the crowd, adorned with yellow boas and black t-shirts, were in the front cheering after each song.

Robin Dunda said, “We have been attending Barry Manilow concerts for 35 years, and when this tribute came to Sun City, I called the girls, and we had to go.”

April Nystrom added, “We are all cousins and we all have our favorite song on our shirts. Mine is ‘Even Now.’”

After intermission, Gates suggests, “Let’s go way back to grade school and remember singing that song in school ‘My Country this of thee’?”

The audience all joined into the song, which led Gates to sing another favorite: ‘Let Freedom Ring.’

Gates introduced members of The All-Night Long Show Band under the direction of David James Jr that as well as his backup singers.

Gates also surprised the audience.

”My next song will actually be an eight-song medley. You might remember some of these,” he said.

He proceed to sing the familiar jingles: KFC’s “Grab a Bucket of Chicken,” State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor,” Stridex’s “Give Your Face Something to Smile About,” Band-Aid’s “Stuck on Band-Aid,” “Bathroom Bowl Blues,” Dr. Pepper’s “The Most Original Soft Drink Ever,” Pepsi Cola’s and “Feelin’ Free.”

Rita Schank, a long-time Barry Manilow fan, said, ”I have been to over 30 of Barry Manilow’s concerts. I have gone with my daughters and I enjoy the music and the band tonight is great.”

Cynthia Jones, another fan reviewed the performance.

“It is very entertaining. I have been a Barry Manilow fan since the beginning. My favorite song is ‘Can’t smile without you,’” she said. After a minute Jones adds, “He is very high energy. Great performance.”

Gates finished the concert after a call back with a favorite: “I write the songs.”

“I Write the Songs” is a popular song written for David Cassidy by Bruce Johnston in 1975, but made famous by Barry Manilow. Manilow’s version reached number one in January 1976.

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