Looks Like We Made It! Meeting Music Icon Barry Manilow
submitted by Frank Caracciolo
Our story begins in May, with St. Thomas’ Music Teacher Domenic Romanelli winning the Manilow Music Award 2025, fast forward to May 30th, the Bell Center. I’m early, eagerly awaiting our winner, Mr. Romanelli and his entourage of guests. Principal, Dean Graddon arrives with his wife, Lucy, followed by Domenic’s sister, Marina and Brother-in-Law, Peter with their children, nephew, James and niece, Alessandra along with teaching legend… Jimmy Hiotis and his wife, Mary.
We all meet up at the door of the VIP restaurant Le Canti, open only to Bell Center VIP’s and their guests. Smiles seemed to be the dress of the day; everyone giddy that we were all here to meet Barry Manilow. Mr. Romanelli was invited by Barry Manilow for a meet and greet before his performance. After a great VIP dining experience we were ushered by Mr. Manilow’s Manager, Deniro Gomez took us to the back of the Bell Center stage where we were in a room cordoned off just for Domenic to meet with Barry, pretty swank I must say. It was here we waited for a few moments and then Mr. Manilow made his way into the VIP room, shouting “Where’s Domenic?”
Upon entering he was all smiles and welcomed us all and got right to speaking with Domenic about his music career and history of music education. A surreal experience as we briefly chatted it hits you are with a music legend. Singer Songwriter and fifteen grammy award winning musician. He’s speaking with us and he then hands Domenic his Award, with that Mr. Manilow who is joking throughout our time, passes Domenic a check for ten thousand dollars. I mean one of those big Price is Right checks with Domenic’s name and of course, St. Thomas High School. After handshakes and some more humor, we are huddled up with Barry for photos. A grateful and smiling Domenic, thanks Mr. Manilow and he bows out and says goodbye as he is on stage in few moments to play for a packed Bell Center crowd. We are quickly ushered behind stage and through a labyrinth of equipment, tech and light specialist. We emerge from behind the stage and to our seats that are VIP seats in the front of the stage. Did I mention the smiles, it was really a fun experience to meet him in person. Domenic was giddy as we kept laughing and couldn’t believe this was happening. Moments later, the curtain opens and there he is, Barry Manilow, singing all of his hits, and addressing the crowd with humor and goodwill, giving a show that took us through his magical career as an artist.
In the middle of the show, Barry comes out and speaks about Domenic then shines a spotlight on Domenic and introduces him to 10,000 Manilow fans who cheer and scream and celebrate the award-winning Music Teacher and Musician from St. Thomas High School. Barry continued and played non-stop for 90 minutes. We had a great time, after the encore of Copacabana which Domenic mentioned to Barry backstage and asked if he was playing that number. After all the final bows upon exiting Domenic was greeted and congratulated constantly by Manilow fans even on the street the well wishes continued, and it made for a perfect, well-deserved evening. I was honored to be a part of the evening and happy for St. Thomas High School and Domenic for his generous lifelong contributions to his students and to the arts.
