Ben will be back in his old stomping grounds this spring, performing with the North Carolina Symphony in two shows March 22-23 in Raleigh. It will be the first show in the Triangle since the 2008 Ben Folds Five reunion show, and according to David Menconi’s story in the Raleigh News and Observer, the two shows will be different programs, not the same program repeated two nights.
Symphony show back home
News on the reunited Ben Folds Five project
Ben Folds Five back in the studio
As you know, Ben Folds has reunited with his old bandmates Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge for a recording session, with the intention of releasing an album if things go well. Apparently, as you can see from the photo, things are going well – enough so, in fact, that not only is an album in the offing, but a tour as well. Dates and locations are being booked and firmed up, but expect to see an announcement shortly. They plan to continue recording into March, and then we’ll see what happens!
Update: The official schedule isn’t out yet but already one festival is announcing booking the reunited trio. Mountain Jam 2012, held in Hunter, N.Y. May 31-June 3, is promoting Ben Folds Five as one of its many acts. Tickets are already on sale.
‘Bubs started it all, says Folds
The current a cappella craze has its roots in college groups and glee clubs, and The Sing-Off’s first season runner-up started it all, says Ben Folds.
Folds, one of the three judges on NBC’s vocal music competition show, credits the Tufts Beelzebubs, the devilish sixteen-man a cappella group from Tufts University in Medford, Mass., with starting the migration of vocal groups to the forefront of public consciousness.
A story in Boston’s BostInno quotes Folds, who gave the group high praises for their having brought the long-brewing vocal music genre to the people. The ‘Bubs have been in existence since the 1960s with a constantly changing cast as students enter and graduate the university. They’ve released several albums of their tight harmonies and crisp vocal percussion, and provided the voices of one of the fictional glee clubs on the television series Glee.
Folds headlining Concert for Civility
Ben will be headlining the second annual Concert for Civility in Tucson, Arizona on January 15. The show is a major fundraiser for the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, which was founded by the family of Ron Barber. Barber is the district director for US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and was among those shot during the incident on January 8 in which the representative was severely injured and six others were killed. The fund supports nonprofit groups, schools and faith communities in efforts to combat bullying, improve respective discourse on public policy and awareness of mental health issues. Donations may be made online.
The concert, at Tucson’s Fox Theatre, features several local acts including Calexico. Tickets go on sale today (November 18) and prices range from $30 to $75. The top tickets include a reception with Folds and Calexico.
Further info in this story in the Arizona Daily Star by Cathalena E. Burch.
Related show
Hall of Famer Ben
Ben Folds has been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
In a ceremony held at the Hall of Fame in Kannapolis, N.C., on October 13, 2011, Ben joined other Tar Heel native musicians including country singer-songwriter Billy “Crash” Craddock, jazz/funk bassist Maceo Parker and songwriter John D. Loudermilk.
A story on the ceremony appeared in the Salisbury, N.C. Post.
