I've got the music, have you got the passion?

You'll have to forgive me for not keeping up with things. Last night, I spent my birthday with Barry Manilow. (What are the odds of that? That he'd be in town on that day, especially since he's not technically touring.) He was in Dallas for a show at the American Airlines Center. I've been a fan forever, so you can imagine how much I was looking forward to the evening.

The show was spectacular. I think from having it run in Vegas for awhile now, it's become very polished and over-the-top high energy.

Brian Culbertson opened for Barry. OMG, he is the BEST opening act I've ever seen. I've never seen a "smooth jazz" performer live so I didn't know what to expect, except I thought his stage presence added a lot, vs. just listening to a CD. His Dad plays trumpet in his band too!

Barry had him and his band member Mike accompany him on a kick-a** version of "Brooklyn Blues." In the photo below, Brian's the one with the trombone.

Now I'm sleep-deprived. I did stop at Penzey's while in town and picked up a few things, including the Raspberry Enlightenment, which I've been hearing so much about. Can't wait to try it. I've been buying their spices since the days their catalog was made out of newsprint.