On October 2, 2006, Barbra Streisand released an electronic press kit featuring a video Q&A discussing many aspects of her Fall 2006 North American concert tour.  Here is the text, which The BSMG has transcribed.  View the complete video here.

In preparing for this concert tour, did you find yourself listening to your old recordings?

I never listen to my old records.  I had to, I was forced to, just to decide what I was gonna sing this time.  Sometimes after not hearing things for 10, 20 years, I go, "The girl's good, the girl's pretty good."  Sometimes I don't recognize my own voice.  I was in a cab once going to Evergreen Studios in the Valley, and a girl came on the radio singing "Alfie."  I thought why haven't I ever recorded that song, it sounded very good, really pretty.  So I called the station to see who the girl was singing, and they said it was Barbra Streisand.  Can you imagine that?  A senior moment when I was quite young.

How is this show different from your past shows?

This show is quite different.  It's really about the music, the music and me.  It's much simpler.  I don't have any pyrotechnics or trap doors (except one).

What made you decide to tour again?

Money for great charities that I believe in.  There's so much to be done in the world today, certainly medical research for women, fighting against nuclear proliferation, global warming.  So many good things to do in the world that I have to raise money.  Just call me a charity slut.

You're touring with Il Divo as your special guest.  How have you enjoyed working with them?

Oh, it's fun.  I always look for ways to do the same thing differently.  If I'm gonna sing "Happy Days" again, how can I do it differently.  In this show, it's done as a duet, but I'm not gonna tell you with who yet.  Il Divo sings "Evergreen," the song I wrote, with me, and they sound so beautiful on it, and it gives it another rich texture.  It's lovely.  And they're classical singers - the young hot stud tenors.  It's fun working with them.  And "Somewhere" has a whole other sound to it too with them.  I'm always the opening act, I tell you.  I open the show, and then Il Divo comes in while I get a bite to eat and take my shoes off.  So they're (Il Divo) not the opening act; come early!

What songs can we expect to hear from you this time around?

This time, I'm singing a lot of songs I haven't sung for a long time, like "When the Sun Comes Out," which I haven't sung since 1967.  "Down With Love" since 1963.  And some new songs, which I've never sung before that I love.

What do you enjoy most about performing for a live audience?

I come from the theater, so that was always a live experience.  Every audience was different.  Wednesday matinees were completely different than Wednesday nights.

What are your thoughts about playing Chicago?

I haven't been back to Chicago since I played at Mr. Kelly's in 1963, so I can't wait to play in Chicago.  I did shoot the cover of the People album down here, because I was looking at the sunrise and said, "Take the shot from the back."  I said, "Let's use that picture as the cover," and the record company said, "Are you crazy?  Why wouldn't you want to show your face?  Why your back?  And I said, "It seemed so interesting, people will want to see."  After fighting with me about that cover, it won a Grammy for best record cover.

New York

I'm really looking forward to playing New York.  They are the greatest audience, me, because I'm basically a New Yorker.

Washington

I love Washington, D.C.  I love the people, I love the politicians, I love defending, arguing.  I love historic places, architecture, the sense of history, age, timelessness.

Phoenix

It'll be fun to play Phoenix again, because I haven't been back there since we previewed A Star Is Born, forgot the year.  1975 or something like that.

Miami

I always had relatives in Miami.  My cousin Harvey still lives there.  I look forward to seeing him and going back there again.  I think I played there early on in my career - the Eden Roc in 1963?

San Jose

I like San Jose.  It's near a lot of wonderful places.  Interesting people up there, artist colonies, so interesting people come.  I played there in 1963 and again in 1994.  I remember it being a good experience.  I have a lot of friends around there, so they'll all come see me.

Atlanta

I did play Atlanta when I was pregnant with my son Jason.  It was raining that night.  I remember I went out on stage with a yellow slicker.  Almost got electrocuted, but survived.  You also have great restaurants in Atlanta, so I will be looking forward to visiting.

Columbus, Ohio

I hear you got a great new stadium.  Ohio is a very important state to play.

Los Angeles

Because it's my home now, I look forward to playing Los Angeles, so I can go back to my delicious home and a new house I'm building now on the ocean.  I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.