We'd love to hear about YOUR backstage visit!

Send us your pictures and stories! We would love to include your story, pictures, or special memories of meeting Michael on the web site or in an upcoming issue of Pure Feinstein!

Your personal backstage pass: We asked Michael's personal assistant, Derek, to keep a journal of the days leading up to, and just after Michael's recent Carnegie Hall performance. Click here for the journal!

We first saw Michael in the UK back in 1993, and have been lucky enough to have seen every UK show since.  Wednesday, 24th September 2008, was extra special, however, when we got to meet him for the first time.  His new show "The Sinatra Project" is simply sensational, and Michael singing with a big band of this quality sends shivers down the spine. Michael is undoubtedly in better voice than ever (if that is possible!).  A wonderful evening was made magical by meeting him after the show.  What an absolute gentleman, and a real charmer!  We were celebrating our 56th Wedding Anniversary, and Michael even sang us a few lines from 'September Song' - which was 'our song' all those years ago.   Thank you Michael for all the music over the years, and for taking the time to make our evening so special.  We can't wait to see you in the UK next time.
- Stella and James Aiken, Eastbourne, UK

What a treat to have Michael in London for the second time in a year. It was a fabulous, Feinstein-filled day. The show was wonderful, after which Michael again took the time to chat to his fans. Apart from the joy of being able to spend some time in Michael's company, I love watching him talk to other people. He's so very kind and caring. I was nearly in tears watching him holding the hand of an elderly lady and hanging on her every word. Michael, you're not just an outstanding talent and 'An Education In Yourself'', you really MATTER.   Can't wait 'til you're back in London again.
- Carole Star

We got to meet Michael for the first time on Valentine's Day, 2008, in St. Louis, MO. We traveled 505 miles by car to see and hear him in person. We told him that he had been an important part of our life together, because when I met Marion for the fourth time in as many years and started to fall in love with her, I sent her a love letter and a CD by Michael, "Isn't it Romantic." I asked her to listen to it, because it moved me so much. Apparently, it moved her as well, because we married a year or so later!  Michael's ballads have really been the soundtrack of our 19 years together, and we cherish the CD's we have of his and look forward to every new project." This July, Marion and Gary took their 15-year-old daughter, Wyeth, to hear Michael in concert with Linda Eder. "It will be the highlight of our family's year, and a great experience for our daughter! Thank you Michael, for all the beautiful music."
- Gary and Marion Silber

I've seen Michael Feinstein four times now, and every time he is better and better! We laughed, applauded, and I even cried. He left us wanting more. In my opinion that's one of the best things a performer can do. I'll be back!
- Diane and Dave Hamill

 

 

After seeing Michael with Linda Eder last summer, I was elated to learn I could relive my wonderful experience this year. Their chemistry on stage truly reflects their admiration and respect for each other. Although their solo material was superb, it was their duets that touched me the most. Michael and Linda's rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" is a classic that I pray they will record someday. Having an opportunity to meet Michael afterwards added to a most memorable evening.
- Mindy Cohan

We were fortunate to be able to attend Michael's concert in the Adelaide Festival Theatre on Saturday, 23 June 2007 as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Quite unexpectedly we were given a back stage pass to meet Michael. That was a truly unforgettable experience! His mother and father were with him and we enjoyed talking to them. Michael is a most unassuming person for such a great celebrity and he was happy to allow his fans to have their photograph taken with him.

The concert was sensational, and Michael showed that he is not only a wonderful singer, but a great entertainer. He kept the audience enthralled for almost two hours without a break and shared his amazing knowledge of the composers of the songs he presented. At the conclusion of his performance, Michael was presented with the inaugural "Cabaret Crème Award" by Artistic Director Julia Holt in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cabaret art form. This award will be presented annually to a performer's appearing in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival program noting their sustained commitment to the industry, and the inspiration and encouragement they give to other performers and audiences. The award was in the form of a gift made by South Australian glass artist, Karen Cunningham.
- Michael and Judith Jeffries

The concert at the South Shore Music Circus was another "memory for life." I'm so happy that I had a chance to see Michael backstage once again! Michael's music has brought people together in friendship. I have met a number of really nice people at the concerts and through Michael's web site message board forum. I've become email friends with some really great fans who share the same appreciation for the kind of music that Michael sings. We are connected in friendship through Michael's music. It is a real gift that he is sharing when he sings a special song and his music makes a huge impact on other's lives.
- Andrea Lareau

When I awoke this morning, the melody of "Some Enchanted Evening" kept running through my head. This was the opening song performed by Michael and Linda Eder in their new joint venture. As the lights dimmed, their voices were heard separately from offstage for a few opening lines of that song. They then came together on stage for what would be the first of many incredible duets they would sing during the show. Individually they are both dynamic performers with incredibly strong voices. Together they seemed to be unbeatable. The range and depth of their voices blended beautifully and the audience, like Michael and Linda, certainly must have wondered why they had waited so long to combine their talents on stage. Music is an art form like no other. It has the ability to heal the heart and soothe the spirit. That is what Michael and Linda's performances did for me. For two enchanting hours, problems disappeared and were replaced with a belief that anything is possible. The music once again worked its magic!

MICHAEL

He first sat at a piano grand
When he was just a child of five
He put the notes and chords together
And the music came alive

He simply had to listen
To the songs he liked the best
His style he added to each one
And history knows the rest

He worked with Ira Gershwin
His mentor, idol and friend
He catalogued and listened
His love of music knew no end

With just a piano on the stage
He started out on his own
His fans at first were just a few
Now the numbers have steadily grown

With composers he admired
Through the years his friendship grew
He breathed new life into their songs
Giving credit where it was due

Today he often shares the stage
With an orchestra complete
Reaching standards of entertainment
Few performers are able to meet

Each time he steps upon the stage
He shares what's in his heart
He leaves me with my spirits lifted
When it is time to part

I thank him for the music
Especially "Someone To Watch Over Me"
For memories of warmth, caring and laughter
"They Can't Take That Away From Me"!

- Pat O'Sullivan Wilcox

I had the pleasure of seeing Michael What a joy to have Michael in London for two whole weeks recently. I limited myself to four visits. Michael gave my friend Jim the most perfect gift when he sang 'Happy Birthday' to him.

I never imagined that this could sound like a glorious Gershwin composition! When I've met Michael in the past I always chickened out of mentioning a couple of occasions when I sensed that he was going to be somewhere I was going (including one time when I didn't even know he was in the country, I begged Jim to come with me to a little pub theatre in North London to see a show about which I'd heard absolutely nothing, and who should walk in...!) If stories such as these are what it takes to elicit a kiss on the cheek, I must prepare some more for next time! Michael, please don't wait another 3 years before returning to London! Much love and thanks for all the joy you give...
- Carole Star

(pictured: Jim Brooks, Michael, Carole Star in London)

Bill & Charlotte Hart visit Michael
at the Mann Theatre in Philadelphia
Maureen Mahoney & Michael
in Sarasota, Florida
Reg and Michael in London
Mazie, Ed, and Michael

I had the pleasure of seeing Michael backstage after his concert with Betty Buckley at Proctor's Theatre in October, 2002. As always, Michael was the same "gentle" man he always has been. I have met him many times and he always remembers my name and makes a point of making me feel welcome. Whenever, I get the chance, I try to see him perform. He is truly one of the nicest and most talented singers I've ever met! Just wanted to share my meeting with Mr. Feinstein!
- Ginny Hill

My following as a fan of Michael's goes all the back to the 90th birthday celebration of George Gershwin. I saw Michael and Liza perform on PBS and I was hooked on the most devilishly handsome, charming and talented man around. I do not normally obsess about anyone, but I started collecting everything I could about Michael. I had the opportunity to finally meet him around 6 years ago and I told him about all the joy that he brought into my life. I saw him 3 years ago in Minneapolis when he had his dogs with him, but my camera did not work and I have no picture of the event. This year I was able to go and talk to him and finally got this picture. I have traveled to Milwaukee, Los Angeles and St. Paul to see him. Next is Carnegie Hall. There's no stopping me!
- Gail Katz

While strolling through Whole Foods market one afternoon, I found the most wonderful book of dog biscuit recipes along with some dog bone cookie cutters. It was my intent to make the biscuits for my "granddogs" who live in San Francisco with their mother (my daughter). Of course, being the way I am, I never got around to baking them. Shortly after that, I saw Michael and his dog Coda on the Animal Planet program and absolutely fell in love with Coda! I knew right then that I had to bake the biscuits for her! So, the day before my husband and I were going to see Michael in concert at Cerritos, I got busy and baked the biscuits. Fortunately, we had backstage passes, and I was able to give them to Michael personally. Now my daughter is wondering, whatever happened to her babies' biscuits? I'm going to be a good grandmother and go and bake them right now!
- Sue Voskanian