Upper Photo: Linda Brereton gets Janis' autograph (who is holding Gabriel!) after the show at Royal Festival Hall, London in June of 1995.

Bottom Photo: Linda Brereton poses with Alan backstage at the Royal Festival Hall in London in June, 2000.

Colleen Condron, News Director/Broadcast Manager for WBNI-FM in Ft. Wayne, IN, smiles with Cheryl backstage.

Cheryl poses backstage with Hazel Marowski of Michigan, who has seen the group several times with her husband, Dan!

Julie and Jim Springer pose with Tim aftershow at the Park West in Chicago, IL

Manhattan Transfer fan Danielle Vallee poses with Cheryl, Janis and Tim after the show this past summer in Montreal, Canada at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Check out Danielle's website about The Manhattan Transfer at www.liquidbliss.com/tmt

John Freeland met backstage with the Transfer and had a great time meeting all of them! (And the group had a great time meeting John, too.)

TMT fan Ernest "Pete" Motley is sandwiched by Cheryl and Janis backstage after a show in Chicago.

Russ & Julie Paris pose with Tim Hauser and Laurel Massé after Laurel performed a house concert at their home in March 2000.

Russ is the webmaster for The Manhattan Transfer Fan Club website. He and Julie are long time fans of The Manhattan Transfer. Russ donates his time on the site because he feels that in this way he is able to give back something for the years of enjoyment the group's music has given him and Julie.

Russ & Julie host monthly concerts in their living room and have been fortunate to attract some great talent. As far as the concert, Russ says that "Laurel performed before a VERY packed crowd of 80 thoroughly mesmerized people!! Her combination of vocal talent and storytelling ability kept everyone wanting more. She combined her vast knowledge of ancient vocal traditions and amazing voice to take us through much or her Feather and Bone collection as well as other jazz and vocalese favorites. It was truly a magical night!"

John Faulkner is a long-time Manhattan Transfer fan who loves jazz and swing. Here he poses with Cheryl after a show in Florida.

John's Review of the show:

"Way down South in Birmingham, I mean South - in Alabam..." a die-hard fan hit the road for The Manhattan Transfer concert in Jacksonville, Florida. The concert at the Times Union Center Moran Theatre was well worth the ten hour drive. I never pass up an opportunity to see Tim, Cheryl, Alan and Janis. As usual, they gave an awesome performance.

We arrived at the theatre in time to catch our breath and enjoy the beautiful waterfront nearby. The long awaited moment came, and the announcer said, "Please welcome The Manhattan Transfer!" What, no warm up act? The band played "Birdland" as Tim led the group onstage. They opened with "King Porter Stomp," and followed with more songs from Swing. Tim tried to engage the audience, but it took awhile for them to warm up. He told us that if we did not have a good time, it was our own fault, because they were going to "kick some butt" on stage. And kick butt they did! They gave their best in what seemed to be the shortest two hours of my life. If someone complained they didn't get their money's worth, they need professional help.

Janis was great on "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Tim was awesome on "Killer Joe." Cheryl gave a wonderful solo on "Clouds." They shifted from Swing to classic Manhattan Transfer about mid-way through the concert. When they started singing "Op-er-a-tor....," the crowd began clapping and coming alive. You could feel energy coming from the stage. Their chemistry was absolutely fantastic. "Operator" has remained my all-time favorite MT song.

Other classics included: "Tuxedo Junction," "Birdland," "Trickle Trickle," "Route 66," and "Java Jive." At one point, Alan announced the next song, which was apparently the wrong one. Cheryl said, "Hey buddy, we got some air mail for you." There was laughter among the group as he correctly announced that the next song would be "It's Good Enough To Keep." Alan referred to a female big band member as "one of the guys." Tim said he himself usually made such mistakes. Janis and Cheryl laughed, and Alan was digging a hole for himself. This exchange was just one glimpse of their humor, spirit, and teamwork. Did I forget to mention that their talent for harmony is beyond belief? Their energy level increased with each passing minute. I was amazed at their smooth delivery on each and every song. They must have eaten Wheaties for breakfast!

The end of the concert was quickly approaching; nevertheless, I hoped for one more number. Their introduction of Yaron and the band conveyed a warmth of appreciation, and the audience responded with continuous applause and a standing ovation. My heart sank when the band played "Birdland." I knew the dreaded end was nearby. They had presented an encore at the show I had attended in Atlanta - surely tonight would be no exception. Was that a faint glimmer of Tim leading the way back onstage? Yes, they were back for two more numbers. The audience gave the group a standing ovation as they left the stage. I secretly hoped for another encore. The lights stayed dim. The band played "Birdland." I waited anxiously to see if these superb entertainers would return one more time. I could not believe my eyes as Tim once again led the group back onstage for two more songs. Could life get any better? I could not hope for a third return, but I would meet them backstage after the concert.

With sweaty palms, and backstage passes in hand, I waited to meet Tim, Janis, Alan and Cheryl. What would I say to the folks I had waited to meet for twenty-five years? As I waited with other fans, I thought what an honor and priviledge it is for the fans that the group receives guests. Even if they had eaten Wheaties for breakfast, I knew they must be tired from touring, airplanes and hotels. While I was not sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to find Alan mingling with the fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures. He seemed like the boy next door. Cheryl bounced from fan to fan while smiling constantly and graciously posing for pictures. Where does she get all that energy? Those who have met her know what I mean. She inquired about the fans waiting outside the building. When told they were waiting to say hello, she made her way outside to greet them. Meanwhile, Tim, with headset and book in hand, continued signing autographs and smiling for pictures. Clearly visible was MT's friendly reception, and their appreciation of the fans who desired to meet these incredible people.

Tim and I chatted briefly about the fan club. Cheryl said the weather had been brisk and that she hadn't been able to spend much time on the beautiful Florida beaches. As fans began to leave, Cheryl was bouncing across the street to the hotel, and Tim talked with a friend who attended the concert. Alan waved goodbye, and Janis posed for the last picture of the night with yours truly. I heard Tim say he had to phone home. I left feeling I had not only met professional entertainers; but real people who genuinely appreciated their fans. They are, in my mind, truly dedicated professionals who enjoy making beautiful music. Thanks to the Manhattan Transfer for a super concert, and for twenty-five plus years of great music. Most of all, thanks to your families for their sacrifices and contributions that allow you to spend time away from home. Best wishes for continued success. Cheryl - I must know where you get all that energy! If it is Wheaties, please send me a box. I cannot wait to see you guys in concert again.