Barry Manilow grew up in Brooklyn, cut his teeth as a pianist and arranger, and built a career that blends pop hooks with Broadway polish. #### From jingles to showstoppers This stop is framed as his final Duluth visit as he shifts energy to select residencies and writing projects, so it carries a reflective tone. Expect staples like Mandy, Copacabana (At the Copa), Can't Smile Without You, and I Write the Songs, plus a quick medley of early hits. #### Songs you can hum on the drive home Fans range from longtime Fanilows to choir kids with their parents, with many mouthing harmonies and knowing the key changes. A neat bit of history: before his solo breakout, Barry Manilow was music director for Bette Midler at the Continental Baths, and he penned jingles such as State Farm's earworm. He often duets with archival video of his younger self on Mandy, a small production touch that lands with memory-lane charm. For transparency, I am inferring set pieces and pacing from recent shows, and the Duluth plan could pivot on the night.

### Down Fanilow Lane with Barry Manilow

The scene blends sequined jackets, pressed blazers, and vintage tour tees from the 70s through the 90s, with a lot of proud Fanilow buttons. #### Sparkle with a soft heart You will hear a friendly hum of pre-show chatter about first concerts and which key he used last time on Mandy. Homemade signs pop up near the rail, and there is a gentle chorus of Barry that bubbles up before the encore. #### Traditions that travel Merch skews classic: program books, glossy posters, and a retro logo tee that pairs well with a cardigan or a sharp suit. During Can't Smile Without You, people sway shoulder to shoulder and trade harmonies rather than full-throat shouts, which keeps the room warm. The crowd respects quiet moments, then lights up for the disco pulse of Copacabana (At the Copa) with small dance steps in the aisles. It feels like a gathering of song lovers more than a party, and the shared memory of these tunes is the glue.

### Bandstand Bright with Barry Manilow

Live, Barry Manilow leads from the piano, favoring bright chords that leave space for strings, sax, and backing vocals. #### Piano first, polish second His voice sits lower now, but he leans into warmth and clear diction, often lowering keys a step to make the choruses bloom. The band keeps tempos pocketed, letting grooves breathe on Copacabana (At the Copa) and tightening up for the big tags on I Write the Songs. #### Arrangements that breathe Expect tasteful horn stabs, congas for color, and a rhythm section that follows his left hand like a compass. A subtle habit in recent shows is starting Looks Like We Made It as a near-whisper piano verse before the full arrangement lifts the room. Visuals are clean washes and classic spotlights that frame the music-first approach, with confetti saved for one celebratory moment. The musical director often stretches codas to invite a loud singalong, then snaps the cutoff on a dime with a single raised finger.

### Kindred Keys: Fans of Barry Manilow

If you enjoy Barry Manilow, there is a good chance Billy Joel speaks to you for his piano-led pop craft and punchy arena singalongs. Fans of Rod Stewart will recognize the glossy show-band feel and a taste for classic covers delivered with swagger. Josh Groban overlaps on the big-voiced balladry and theater-friendly phrasing, especially when strings and timpani swell. Longtime pop standards lovers should consider Paul Anka, who brings similar storytelling, arrangements, and a wink to Vegas history. All four acts court multi-generational crowds that value melody, clear narratives, and musicians who can lead a room without pyrotechnic tricks.