STARSTRUCK!

It was the second time I had seen Mandy in concert, and it was wonderful! We were at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and we were center stage, second row! He was so close, that I could have reached out and touched him
... I would have, but my Dad would have stopped me!

The New York Times is quoted calling Mandy: "A musical force of nature" Well, that's putting it mildly. I can't begin to tell you how incredibly powerful he is...he's simply amazing.

He began by walking on stage with 2 beautiful baskets of flowers, placing one on each side of the stage. This is typically how he opens each show. He is wearing his trademark performing clothes...a black t-shirt, black jeans, and sneakers. His pianist, Paul Ford is there...just his piano, sheet music, and Mandy.

The stage is rustic, ladders, tour trunks, a few boxes, etc.
Nothing glamorous....except Mandys phenomenal voice.

He sings with passion, and speaks about love. He always tells a great story about his wife and how much he loves her. He sung "Casey" which moved me to tears, as did his version of "Taxi" "The Cats in the Cradle", and "Over the Rainbow"

He also adds a bit of comedy to the show, and he's really very funny! He had the audience stand up and do the "Hokey Pokey"...as he crooned the well known lyrics in his native yiddish.

After his second encore, Mandy began to talk about Doctors Without Borders, and PAX. These are 2 organizations that he supports and believes in. He was holding a large empty box which he grabbed from the set, and told everyone if they would like to donate to these groups, he would be in the lobby to accept and personally thank everyone! He has raised over $125,000 during this most recent tour.

At that point, I threw a boquet of roses on stage that I got for Mandy. He picked them up and placed them on the piano. I was happy that he got them.

Just before he ran up the aisles into the lobby, he had an announcement. It was an announcement that he couldn't make before tonight's concert. By this date, the season finale of Chicago Hope had already aired. He proclaimed to the crowd..."I am Dr. Geiger again, and I am back!" He jumped off the stage, and ran up the aisles, and all of us were still screaming with approval!

So now that Mandy is in the lobby, everyone was lining up to donate and see him. Since my father and I were so close to the stage, we were one of the last ones to get in line...but this was ok, I was willing to wait! As we got closer, my stomach was in knots, and I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking, it was kinda funny, but I couldn't believe that I was finally going to meet him. I handed my Dad the camera (we were not allowed to take pictures during the show) and told him to just start snapping the pics while I was meeting Mandy!

When it was my turn, I dropped the donation into the box, and he had his hand extended. I asked him for a hug and he said "sure". I tried to stay calm, but I was spastic...I decided that I wasn't gonna let him go! My Dad was calling for me to turn around, but honest to God, I didn't hear a word he said...a tornado could have came through and I wouldn't have known! I began to tell him how much joy he brings into my life. He looked at me and said, "that is so sweet, thank you". I went to hug him again, but could see that the others in line were getting annoyed so I tried (gracefully) to leave, LOL.

*So now, I am officially STARSTRUCK!

Here are the photos of me meeting Mandy:

This is a picture of Paul Ford's piano from our seat.

My Dad getting Mandy's autograph

My first hug!

My second hug!

...trying to walk away!