Looks Like We Made It… to One More Night with Barry!

Barry Manilow’s show at the Moody Center in Austin on August 19, 2024, was a night of nostalgia, musical mastery, and sheer joy. Celebrating a show he billed as “The Last Austin Concert,” Manilow proved why he has remained a beloved icon for over five decades. The evening was a celebration of his career, blending his timeless hits with charming anecdotes and a vibrant stage presence that had the audience on their feet from start to finish.

Opening with “It’s a Miracle,” Manilow immediately engaged the crowd, who were on their feet singing and waving their arms overhead. Changing a line in the first verse to “from Boston to AUSTIN” brought a tremendous cheer from the crowd.

This energy carried through the evening as he performed a carefully curated setlist that spanned his career, featuring classics like “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (at the Copa).” The audience, a mix heavy on long-time, passionate fans, with a healthy sprinkling of new admirers, was more than willing to join in for these familiar favorites, creating a shared experience that felt personal and grand.

While Manilow is known to “write the songs that make the whole world sing,” the setlist featured several written by others, including that one! His covers frequently eclipsed the originals and became even bigger hits after he infused them with his own, inimitable style. His rendition of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” brought a touch of old-time Vegas glamour to the stage, while his version of Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes” was filled with heartfelt emotion, drawing a strong reaction from the crowd. Manilow’s playful inclusion of commercial jingles he has written for Band-Aid and State Farm Insurance was a delightful surprise, adding a unique twist to the performance that had everyone chuckling and singing along.

During the concert, Manilow took a moment to address his recent break due to a COVID-19 illness. He shared that the time away from performing gave him a renewed appreciation for the stage and his audience. Far from slowing him down, the break seemed to have reinvigorated him, and he performed with a level of energy and passion that belied his years. The crowd responded warmly to his candidness, further deepening the connection between the artist and his fans.

The night featured several standout moments, including the powerful performance of “Could It Be Magic,” which began with the original, slow chorus before transforming into the upbeat Donna Summer dance version. He commented that when he first heard her version, he wasn’t sure he liked it, “but then it bacame a #1 hit, so I loved it!” Another highlight was “Mandy,” which he paired with “I Made It Through the Rain,” delivering an emotionally charged performance that reminded everyone why Manilow’s ballads stand the test of time.

Manilow closed the night with a medley that included “I Write the Songs,” “Dancin’ in the Streets,” and “It’s a Miracle,” bringing the evening to a triumphant climax. The audience erupted into applause, clearly not wanting the night to end. It was a fitting finale for a concert that felt like both a farewell and a joyous celebration of a musical journey spanning decades.

Barry Manilow’s concert at the Moody Center was a testament to his enduring appeal and musical talent. Despite recent health challenges, his performance was energetic, heartfelt, and full of life. If this truly is his “last concert tour,” he’s going out on a high note, leaving fans with memories of a spectacular evening that celebrated a legendary career.

Before the show, Manilow presented a grant for $10,000 to James Hairston, from Hendrickson High School in the Austin suburb of Pflugerville. The Manilow Music Project is a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting underfunded school music programs across the United States. During his 2024 “The Last Concert Tour,” he gives away $10,000 grants to one lucky music teacher or high school music program in every tour city.

The project focuses on providing musical instruments, equipment, and scholarships to students in need, empowering young people to explore their musical talents and fostering a sense of community, passion, and creativity through music. This effort is part of his broader mission to revive music education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to participate in music programs.

Through these activities, Manilow not only performs for his fans but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the communities he visits, using his platform to inspire and support the next generation of musicians.