Did dka run away and go on tour with Barry? 
DKA,
What about that fab Manilow concert?!
1st----the opening act. That kid had some talent! Great energy, great performance. AND, played Earth Wind and Fire hits!!!!!! I thought I was entering heaven!
2nd-----Once Barry got the sound worked out (seriously, didn't they do a sound check?) it was a great show! I have been a closet Manilow fan since I was a little girl. Much to hubby's dismay, I sang right along with Barry through the whole thing! It was so exciting for me and was truly one of the best nights of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only problem was there were no cabs outside of the Arena after the show! We actually had to walk a mile or so in the blowing rain, in my pumps to a hotel to wait for a cab---we were soaked. THEN, we had to wait about 30 min for a cab to take us to our hotel. It was CRAZY!!!
All in all, even all of that chaos made only the slightest ding in my fab evening! 
bumping this up......DKA, are you there?
Yeah, I'm here.
What a great show. That first guys was pretty good. I don't know who he was, but my roommate did. I guess he listens to more light jazz than I thought. Then the Earth, Wind and Fire thing was an awesome surprise! Everyone was on their feet! I pity the fools that got there late, thinking they didn't need to see the opening act! Duh.
I also do no understand for the life of me, why people think they need to leave before a concert or show is over. They are so worried about beating the traffic...Big friggin deal. You don't leave until the house lights come on. Barry must have done 3 encores. It was incredible, especially the last number with the confetti fireworks.
He's got to be in his early 60's. Looks 40. Moves around like he's 30, and still sings like he's 20! I strongly recommend that anyone going to Vegas should see his show!
That 'duet' of sorts he did with himself, merging the old footage of him singing Mandy with him on stage was great.
And that bit about his grampa was really touching. There were so many great moments, but I'm way too tired to continue. I've fallen asleep twice posting to this thread!
As for the rain...
We stayed at the Granada Suites, next to Trump Towers, right across from the Marta Station. It was sprinkling when we crossed the street to the station, and pouring by the time we got to the show. What a great location. It lets out right at Philips Arena. We never got wet.
Then leaving, right back into the train and to the hotel. I'll definately do that again. No parking hassles. The MARTA trip back was interesting. We were packed in light sardines. Everyone wanted to get on the first train out. I guess no one wanted to be left standing at the station alone. You know, safety in numbers and all.
After we got back to the hotel, it had quit raining and we walked a few blocks to the Crescent area, and went to Vickery's. Compared to the collegebars left and right, this was a quieter and slower paced lounge/restaurant where we had a perfect nightcap. Or three.
It was a great trip up and back.
Next stop:
Elton John-Tallahassee April 23rd. Sucks that they couldn't have moved the postponed concert to a weekend, as it was supposed to be. I'm going to have to leave work early and go in late the next day. Man I'm getting old.
Way up past my bedtime now. Had I not taken three naps tonight, I wouldn't have been able to stay up THIS late!
Not a sight I'd want to see, I don't think! 
