Ben Folds Brings Intimate Piano Tour to The Colonial Theatre in Keene

KEENE — For nearly three decades, Ben Folds has built a career defined by reinvention, blending piano-driven rock, orchestral composition, humor and deeply personal songwriting into a sound uniquely his own. On June 7, audiences in Keene will have the chance to experience that musical range firsthand when Folds brings his current tour to The Colonial Theatre for what organizers say will be an intimate and memorable performance. The concert is part of Folds' ongoing "Ben Folds and a Piano" tour, a stripped-down format that emphasizes musicianship, spontaneity and audience connection over large-scale production. While Folds has spent years performing alongside major symphony orchestras and in large concert halls, the current tour returns him to a more minimal setup centered around a piano, storytelling and the energy of live performance. "We're thrilled to present Ben Folds at the Colonial Theatre," said Owen Murphy, director of programming at The Colonial Theatre. "He is an artist we've been in conversation with for more than a year, and it's exciting to welcome him to our stage in such an intimate setting." Murphy said the simplicity of the tour, which includes Folds and a drummer, aligns naturally with the atmosphere of The Colonial, where audiences often experience performances in a closer, more personal environment than larger arenas or amphitheaters. Folds first rose to prominence in the 1990s as the front man and pianist for Ben Folds Five, the alternative rock trio known for combining energetic piano arrangements with emotionally layered songwriting and sharp wit. Songs such as "Brick," "Army" and "Philosophy" helped the band stand apart during an era dominated by guitar-heavy alternative rock, earning Folds a reputation for crafting piano-centered music that could be both vulnerable and explosive. Following the success of Ben Folds Five, Folds expanded his career through a diverse catalog of solo albums and collaborative projects that continued crossing genre boundaries. Specifically, Folds' work has included collaborations with artists ranging from Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor to actor and musician William Shatner. Murphy said Folds' ability to evolve artistically while maintaining a loyal following is part of what has made his career so enduring. "Ben Folds has been a cultural force for nearly 30 years. From his early indie projects, including Majosha and Ben Folds Five, to a remarkable solo career that has included collaborations with orchestras across the country, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, his reputation speaks for itself." In recent years, Folds has increasingly become known not only as a songwriter and performer, but also as a composer and orchestral collaborator. His most recent album combined contemporary pop songs with a full piano concerto and orchestral arrangements, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's classical and classical crossover charts. That crossover success has led to performances with some of the world's leading symphony orchestras. In 2017, Folds was named the first artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, further cementing his role within both popular and classical music circles. At the same time, he has continued returning to smaller-scale touring that emphasizes improvisation, audience interaction and storytelling between songs. The result is a live show that can shift from comedic banter to emotionally reflective moments before erupting into high-energy piano rock. Folds has also maintained a steady presence in television and film. He spent five seasons as a judge on NBC's a cappella competition series "The Sing-Off," appeared in cameo roles on shows including "Community," "Billions" and "You're the Worst," and composed the soundtrack for the Netflix film "Handsome." For Keith Marks, executive director of The Colonial Theatre and SHOWROOM, bringing an artist with that range and reputation to Keene represents an exciting moment for the venue and the region's arts community. "Ben Folds is one of those rare artists who has never stopped growing," Marks said. "From Ben Folds Five to the symphony stage, he has always followed his own path with real conviction. Bringing him to Keene is a genuine privilege, and we think this is going to be a special night." Murphy echoed that excitement, noting the performance stands out even among the many nationally touring artists The Colonial has hosted over the years. "We've been fortunate to present many exceptional artists, but this one feels especially exciting to me personally," Murphy said. "The combination of Ben's artistry, his history, and the intimacy of this format makes for something special." Tickets can be purchased at thecolonial.org/event/benfolds.