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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Two years ago, Renee Forte was seriously ill.
On Sunday evening as she was standing in line to enter the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Forte, of Hazleton, said Barry Manilow’s music helped heal her.
Manilow was in town Sunday night as part of his final performance tour. The man who sings and writes the songs — some of them the most recognized in music history — thrilled the capacity crowd with hit after hit, evoking memory after memory for the appreciative audience of “Fanilows.”
But for Forte, seeing Manilow meant far more than the typical Fanilow experience.
“My blood pressure was through the roof,” Forte said, wearing a Barry Manilow T-shirt and Manilow earrings, necklace and bracelet. “The doctor said I had to keep my blood pressure down. So I listened to Barry’s music and I sang along. He helped heal me.”
Forte said she has always been a fan of Manilow, now 72. She said she couldn’t wait to hear “Copacabana” and “Can’t Smile Without You,” two of Manilow’s biggest hits.
Forte said she was in an automobile accident in early December. Again, she said Manilow’s music got her on the road to recovery.
My husband credits Barry and his music for getting me healthy twice now,” she said. “He surprised me with a front row ticket. It’s my present for Valentine’s Day, Easter and my birthday all rolled into one.”
As Forte displayed her fingernails, painted with I love Barry, she said she is sad that this will be the iconic performer’s final tour.
“When I was in high school, I convinced the director to let us play ‘Copacabana,’” Forte said. “I played the clarinet.”
Forte said her daughter was in the Hazleton Area band this year, playing the flute. “Copacabana” is still on the play list, she said.
Manilow stories were flowing before the show, as anxious fans made their way into the arena. Ilene Valentin, of Middletown, New York, said she met Manilow at the Los Angeles Airport 15 years ago.
“He was such a gentleman,” she said. “He even called my cousin and left a voice message.
Valentin said Manilow chatted with her and her son for quite a while before they boarded the same flight.
“He came over to me on the plane and asked if I was alright,” Valentin said. “I couldn’t believe how concerned he was. He knew I was pretty shaken after meeting him. He even gave me his pillow.”
Like Forte, Valentin said Manilow’s music got her through some difficult times in her life.
“It’s the music,” she said.” It’s the best.”
Two Fanilows were attending the concert to celebrate their birthdays.
“I can’t wait to hear his beautiful voice,” said Anita Roche, of Waymart. “I’ve followed him since I was very young, but I won’t tell you how old I am.”
Roche said the lyrics to Manilow’s songs are what she enjoys most.
“They have such meaning,” she said.
Vicki Laskowski, of Covington Township, was also celebrating her birthday with Manilow. She was with a group that included Ken Flanagan, of West Scranton.
“Barry Manilow is the consummate professional,” Flanagan said. “He brings an old style band, like Frank Sinatra. You can understand all the words.”
Paulette Pettorossi, who traveled from Beacon, New York, said she’s been a Fanilow since 1975.
“I just love his music,” she said. “And I love him — what a performer.”
Pettorossi said she has all of Manilow’s albums/CDs and she likes to see him perform live because of the way he interacts with the people. She said she has seen him many times and he has never disappointed.
Michele Tarriconi, of Swoyersville, said for her, it’s always been Manilow’s singing.
“I’d love to get on stage with him,” she said. “I’ve loved him since I was a child.”
The arena was filling up as opening act Dave Koz began. But it was clear that the anticipation was building for the man who writes and sings the songs, Barry Manilow.
