Barbra Sings for Obama
(September 17, 2008) - Barbra Streisand performed last night at a Beverly Hills fundraiser in support of democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama. The performance took place at the Beverly Wilshire hotel following a dinner at nearby Greystone mansion.

The concert portion of the evening was supposed to begin at around 7:30 PM, but it wasn't until 9:00 when the first performer took to the stage. Raul Esparza, a recent Tony nominee for the Broadway revival of "Company" kicked things off with his a capella rendition of "America." He was followed by singer Ben Harper who offered two songs. Five musicians than arrived on stage to backup the evening's main attraction. Accompanied by piano, guitar, drums, base and electronic keyboards, Barbra Streisand launched into her first number, "When the Sun Comes Out." Barbra wore black pants and a blouse with a sequined cardigan-type top. Accenting her wardrobe was a diamond necklace with a large square-cut emerald.

Barbra was in very good voice. Though a bit husky in the mud-range, she had no problem hitting the high notes. She bantered with the audience a bit and spoke about her time in Hebrew school. Back then, she learned that if you can help just one person, you can save the world.

For her second song, Barbra performed something new. It was Julie Styne's "Make Someone Happy" from his 1960 Broadway musical, "Do-Re-Mi." Barbra used the opportunity to change some of the lyrics to fit the occasion. As an homage to the candidate, one of the new lines was "we'll rally 'round him." Barbra was seemingly pleased with the performance of her newest ballad as the pianist gave her a positive nod at the song's conclusion. 

Barbra said that she didn't come to make speeches, but instead invited her audience to visit her web site in a couple of days. Her next song was the Alan and Marilyn Bergman classic, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life." Again, the performance was without flaw.

Apparently, Barbra had planned to perform "Smile" as her next number, but the song was omitted at the last minute. That left only time for her finale, "My Shining Hour" which was sung prior to Barbra introducing Barack Obama. The candidate hugged Barbra and shook hands with each of her musicians before beginning his speech.

Barbra took note of all the cell phones and flashes coming from the audience, wondering if there were reporters in attendance (the event was closed to the media). Modern day realities were evident when Barbra concluded that "YouTube junkies" were in the house.