Bette Midler

It was 1982 or '83, and I was a sophomore in college. My favorite 'star' was Bette Midler - who shined so bright as a singer, actress and comedienne. When I heard she was coming to town, I stood in line for hours waiting to buy tickets. I must have underestimated her popularity though, as others had stood in line much longer than I, and received better seats for the show at the rather large, indoor stadium. My seats were near the top, off to one side.

But luck was with me, as I soon ran into a local scalper who offered me two front row center seats for $80 each! Well, while I was slightly disgusted with this guy's occupation, and not sure if I should completely wipe out my savings, I gladly paid his price.

The concert was wonderful; it was Bette's 'Art or Bust' tour and she sang all of my favorite songs and did her best routines. Yes, she and the Harlettes in wheelchairs and everything. At the end of the show, her encore was, as the audience suspected, "The Rose" (the movie had premiered only a few years earlier). When she came out to sing, she held a single red rose in her hand and tossed it to the front row, or rather to me, as I like to think. It did practically land in my lap!

After the show, my friend and I stood outdoors at the back of the stadium with concert programs in hand, hoping to catch a final glimpse of her - perhaps to get an autograph, handshake or hug. We must have waited a good two hours, and the rest of the parking lot had emptied of cars and she never showed. The tour buses were still there, but we were told Bette had left a few minutes after the show to her hotel.

But that was OK. It's been over 20 years, and while it is now only dried petals kept in a little wooden box, I still have my rose.