Ben Folds
by J on 11/21/21Taft Theatre - CincinnatiRating: 5 out of 5The show was fantastic, and the health check went smoothly. We felt safe being able to enjoy live music.

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Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.
He's created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His last album was a blend of pop songs and his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra that soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts.
For over a decade he's performed with some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras, and currently serves as the first ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
Folds released his first book - a collection of interrelated essays, anecdotes and lessons about art, life and music - in 2019, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller, and is currently hosting a podcast series spinoff of his book entitled "Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds." In addition to solo rock and orchestral touring, he's also developing a new unscripted tv series with Fred Rogers Productions, continues to appear in various film/tv guest starring roles, and is working on two new albums.
An avid photographer, Folds is also a member of the prestigious Sony Artisans of Imagery, has worked as an assignment photo editor for National Geographic, and was featured in a mini-documentary by the Kennedy Center's Digital Project on his photographic work.
An outspoken champion for arts education and music therapy funding in our nation's public schools, has served for over five years as an active member of the distinguished Artist Committee of Americans For The Arts (AFTA), and serves on the Board of AFTA's Arts Action Fund. He also served as Chairman of the Arts Action Fund's ArtsVote2020 national initiative that encouraged voter engagement in the 2020 US elections, and continually advocates for improving public policies for the arts and arts education.
Set 1:
Intermission
Encore
Encore
Encore
The show was fantastic, and the health check went smoothly. We felt safe being able to enjoy live music.
We’ve seen Ben Folds sooo many times live and he’s always amazing. Amazing musicianship, poet, comedian- and fans that are respectful and fun.
Ben Folds always does a fantastic show! Even during a pandemic he went out of his way to make sure the show was above and beyond with a great set list and his usual hilarious antics! Thanks Ben!!
Everyone did a great job following Covid protocol. Music was fantastic and Ben was very entertaining overall. Had a blast!
Amazing and talented artist. Great and funny show at a fantastic venue!!!!
While I could have done without the women behind me yelling “yaaaassss!” constantly, this was one of my favorite concerts. We’ve seen Ben several times now and he never fails to put on a great show.
I've been a big fan of Ben Folds for decades. I had been looking forward to this concert for quite a while and it did not disappoint. Ben was amazing as usual, but the Atlanta Symphony was top notch! At the end of the show Ben played parts on the piano for the different sections of the orchestra to play,as he made up a piece on the spot. The ASO executed the piece flawlessly. I walked away from the concert rejuvenated and ready to tackle the week ahead of me.
This was my first seeing the ASO since I moved to GA. It's a great venue and the ASO is phenomenal! I love that Ben Folds is playing with orchestras now. It's a quite a different experience than just hearing a live band play their tunes. The scope of the music is really expanded when you add a full orchestra. I got a little turned around trying to find the parking garage amongst the one-way streets, but we got there eventually. There was plenty of signage for valet parking, but not clear signage to get to the garage. I think the normal walking paths are closed off due to Covid, so we had to walk around the buildings to get the front of the venue, but it wasn't too confusing.
The ASO is in a beautiful space and has great acoustics. The ushers and staff are very friendly and attentive. Ben Folds is incredibly engaging and hearing his sound with a world class orchestra was simply fantastic. He did a bit at the end where he created a song on the spot - and included the WHOLE orchestra. It blew my mind! Will definitely be back to this venue and to see this artist!
Super fun show. Ben engaged with the audience and the orchestra wonderfully and playfully. A little story telling and great music. The encore was the best.
Sold Out Show! The COVID Vaccination / ID Check went incredibly smooth. That culpable with the actual ticket verification was amazingly well orchestrated. Ben Folds was Witty-Fun-and Masterly Talented. The Symphony was Magnificent. The only thing that was missed was Ben singing Brick.
A great one once again by Ben Folds in concert with the ASO!
I felt very comfortable attending this concert knowing proof of COVID vaccine was required and everyone was asked to wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking. This was our third Ben Folds show over the last twenty or so years and he did not disappoint. Between his storytelling and audience participation, we had a memorable time. The venue was bright, beautiful and clean as can be. Can't wait to see Ben again. Especially if it's at this venue!
I have seen Ben Folds many times before, but...this was THE BEST! He performed many of his songs that we all love and some new songs as well. Ben knows his fans and he was so engaging with the audience. We felt like we were there among friends. It was an awesome night!!!!
My first time seeing Ben and it was everything I hoped - what an entertaining event and sensational sound and talent. I was also impressed how smooth entry and concessions and everything was w vaccine requirements and COVID restrictions - really easy process.
The most energetic, original entertainer I’ve ever seen! I thought the frontman for the Struts was fantastic (and he is…), but Ben Folds is at the top of my list. I enjoy how his songs tell a story. He’s self deprecating and he involves the audience throughout his show. He has truly become a very seasoned entertainer since the 90s. I was curious how he’d be without Ben Folds Five, and it’s surprising how full his songs sound in concert without anyone backing him up. Truly impressive!
This was my first time seeing Ben Folds. Saw Ben Folds Five a few times in the mid-90s. Was skeptical about the songs performed solo. Skepticism smashed. What an amazing show! I knew Ben was talented but he is seriously awesome. He is also hilarious! Had me laughing quite a bit and he certainly knows how to talk to the audience. He also knows how to jam out and make you shed some tears as well. I has such a good experience I came to realize that Ben Folds is very under appreciated.
Seen Ben several times, with and without "Five". The performances with just him and a piano are cool, it's like we are having a 2-hour chat with Ben. We all know how talented of a singer-songwriter he is, but man can he also make you laugh / think / say "did he just say that?". I attended with my wife (who is familiar with Ben's music, as I play it often on Pandora) and my mom (who is 82, never heard of Ben before I told her she was coming with us). All of us had a blast, singing along, clapping along, and just carrying-on along to Ben's acapella direction. Truly, an evening to savor and ring back the days of live performances - bravo Signore Folds.
First time seeing Ben Folds in 15+ years and it was a great show. Nice mix of new and old (including BFF songs). Great stories. Lots of energy. Really fun evening.
This Ben Folds concert was so awesome. Not only is he a talented singer and a masterful piano player...but he us a hilarious person. I really enjoyed seeing him. This was my second time.