1. Tony Bennett doesn’t need no stinkin’ microphone! He pointed out the amazing design & acoustics of Radio City Music Hall, then shouted “Cut the mic!” Oh, wait- that’s what I said. He’s politely requested that the microphones be turned off- then sang “Fly Me To the Moon” WITHOUT AMPLIFICATION! What a feat! I’m so glad I got to experience that.

2. Lady Gaga’s costumes are AMAZING whether she’s fully-covered or barely covered (Hello, red spangled pasties!) It’s fun, but her VOICE alone is worth the price of admission. She has incredible range and diversity of sound.

3. What a wonderful world, when white-haired old ladies in wheelchairs are sitting next to punk-attired teenagers to enjoy the same sold-out concert.

4. You need hands to play the piano. You also need hands to conduct an orchestra. The pianist did both. Incredibly.

5. How’s this for awkward? Lady Gaga admitted she’s “almost 30,” and liberally doled out life advice during the concert– real gems about the impossibility of escaping yourself– to thousands old enough to be her grandparents. 88-year-old Tony Bennett didn’t give any life advice- but he did tell a charming story about getting a note from Charlie Chaplin about reviving the song, “Smile.”

6. Chemistry matters. Lady Gaga was so sweet to Tony Bennett- keeping a hand on his shoulder or gently flirting & teasing. Bennett alternated between seeming grandfatherly and platonically sugar-daddyish, genuinely delighted in Gaga’s costume changes and antics. I loved them together.

7. Zach for President. About 20 minutes or so after the concert was supposed to start, the guy behind me started calling for Gaga & Bennett take the stage. Soon he got the whole crowd in Radio City doing the same. Somebody who can grab the reins of leadership and get that kind of immediate action surely could be productive in the White House.