"Anyone who knows me knows what Carnegie Hall means to me — does to me. Four of the most incredible nights of my life have been spent on that famous stage. There is only one way to get to Carnegie Hall. Dream big!"

Carnegie Hall, April 23, 1961. Judy Garland gave what many have called the "performance of her lifetime" to a packed house of adoring fans and fellow celebrities alike. During the two and a half hour concert, Judy thrilled the audience with her sparkling personality and the delivery of 26 musical gems. It was a night (for those lucky enough to have been there) that many will never forget.

Now fast forward 44 years and 200 days to Wednesday, November 9, 2005. On this night, Linda Eder made her fourth appearance at Carnegie Hall, also to a packed house of adoring fans, fellow celebrities, friends and family. The walls of this landmark venue once again echoed the classic songs of Judy Garland, only this time performed not by the legend herself, but by Linda — a performer who has achieved "legendary status" in her own right because of the sheer power and beauty of her unique voice.

In a concert that lasted the same amount of time as Judy's historic 1961 show, and included just as many songs (many of which were the same songs), Linda honored Judy Garland in a way that few people can. She paid tribute to Judy — one of her biggest musical influences — through song. For Linda's fans (those lucky enough to have been there), it too was a night that many will never forget.

Here, for the readers of THE VOICE, is a recap of the evening's performance as experienced by a fan.

The night began with a bang as Linda took the stage and the audience roared for 90 straight seconds! When she could finally hear herself over the crowd, Linda delivered an exuberant medley of "Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love" — the same medley made famous by Judy Garland. The tempo was quick, the mood was light, and Linda's fans loved every single note. The end of the song saw one of the loudest standing ovations of the night.

"The Best Is Yet To Come/The Man I Love/Just In Time" was next. The medley was a roller coaster of delightful sounds, beginning with fun, syncopated jazz; moving into something more sultry, smooth and subdued; and then building to an energetic, explosive finale. "Me And My Shadow" brought sighs of delight from the audience.

Linda's comedic side was showcased in her rendition of "You Go To My Head," which featured a "reenactment" of Judy's famous-flub of the lyrics. "You go to my head! And… I forgot the gosh darn words… like a fishy fishy fa fa, blah blah blah blah…" imitated Linda, as the crowd erupted in laughter. The song ended with a high note that bordered on supernatural.

A tribute song dedicated to Judy, penned by long-time Linda collaborator and friend Jack Murphy, was next to "WOW" all in attendance. "The Rainbow's End" is a new song and is the only original song on Linda's tribute album to Judy, BY MYSELF: THE SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND, yet is fits so beautifully with all of the "classic" material. To hear Linda perform this song live — most especially on Carnegie Hall's hallowed stage — was to witness greatness. Another rousing standing ovation ensued from the crowd.

A heartbreakingly exquisite rendition of "It Never Was You" followed, as well as a perfectly paired medley of "The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You," which once again saw the audience on its feet. The first act wrapped with "By Myself," for which a written description would be impossible. The energy of that moment is matched only by the cosmic energy of the stars in the night sky.

Intermission was longer than usual, but that was acceptable as fans and friends greeted one another in the aisles and lobby. Oh what a momentous night it was! The energy of Act Two picked up where Act One ended, with a vibrant medley of "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart/The Trolley Song." Toes tapped, hearts leapt and some even danced in the aisles! Or at least tried to. :-)

Next were two songs written by the very talented songwriter, author and personal friend of Judy, John Meyer. First was "All For You," a tender, affecting ballad sung with such precision — followed by "I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning," a playful, upbeat song that just makes you SMILE! Each song's conclusion met with thunderous applause.

A sultry version of "Do It Again" seduced even the toughest critics, and "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" almost saw Carnegie Hall with its roof "rocked" clear off! Two "torch songs," "Stormy Weather/The Man That Got Away" amazed the audience, who once again saluted Linda with standing ovations.

For most, the pinnacle of the evening came next with "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows/Over The Rainbow." This medley delicately soared to the rafters, tugging at the heart strings, evoking sweet memories and a sense of hope and renewal. At the risk of sounding repetitive, it was met with another standing ovation, although, by far, the longest, loudest and most-emotional standing ovation of the entire evening.

With the audience still on their feet, the orchestra swelled and Linda belted out a buoyant medley of "San Francisco/Swanee." It was spectacular! Linda left the stage but then returned for a three-song encore. Before beginning "Vienna," Linda commented that "Judy never sang this song, but she would have if she had heard it!" She delivered an enchanting and emotional version of the song many have come to love and regard as one of Linda's "signature songs." Another standing ovation followed and Linda went directly into "Don't Rain On My Parade," adding to the opening notes, "Judy sang this one — you know it!" After another frenzy of applause, the night concluded with a soft, poignant ballad, "Look For The Silver Lining," which Linda dedicated to Judy. As she blew a kiss to the rafters, Linda whispered, "Thank you, Judy."

And then the concert was over. Looking back it's difficult to summarize such a remarkable experience. Suffice it to say it was wonderful, and a bit like beholding a brilliant sunrise, with the color and beauty of each moment more glorious than the last — building and building, until finally such a perfect state of splendor was met, that we couldn't help but believe that this voice — this most amazing gift — was sent from heaven to lift our spirits, and to remind us of a time gone by when the songs were great, the talent was pure, and the music had meaning.

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