Ben Folds, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and former lead of the alternative rock group Ben Folds Five, has announced an extensive tour for 2025, promising his fans not just the familiar hits but also collaborations with various symphonies across the country. The tour, dubbed the Orchestral Tour 2025, is set to grace 12 cities including Denver, where he returns to delight audiences with his blend of pop, rock, and classical influences.
Folds took to social media on March 3, 2025, to officially announce the tour, which features two performances at Denver's Boettcher Concert Hall on September 12 and 13, 2025. Under the direction of Resident Conductor Christopher Dragon, Folds will perform alongside the Colorado Symphony, showcasing his signature piano-driven melodies complemented by orchestral depth. Both performances are set to commence at 7:30 p.m., and the Colorado Symphony is excited about the engagement these performances will include, echoing Folds' reputation for spontaneous audience interaction.
Tickets for these anticipated shows are structured as part of the Colorado Symphony's 2025-26 season and are available exclusively through a 2-pack option, allowing attendees to enjoy Folds’ concert along with another Colorado Symphony performance. Options include Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring Michelle Cann, or Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, conducted by Dragon. Fans interested in these dual offerings are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as they go on sale starting June 9, 2025, at 8 a.m.
Speaking of Folds’ illustrious career, he became widely known for his work with Ben Folds Five, whose hit song “Brick” peaked at No. 17 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in 1998. His solo career, which began around 2001, has continued to flourish over the years, with his last album, What Matters Most, released in 2023. Recently, he also recorded a live album with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, which is set for release sometime next year.
Meanwhile, Ohio will also enjoy Folds' musical mastery courtesy of three performances next month, as part of his continuing tour. On April 12, 2025, he will bring his talent to The Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta, followed by the Robins Theatre in Warren on April 13, before culminating with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra at Cincinnati Music Hall on April 15, 2025. These concerts promise to be star-studded events, showcasing both his solo efforts and collaborative spirit.
Folds' summer tour will then take him to New York, where he is slated to perform at the Capitol Theatre and Tarrytown Music Hall on June 18 and 20, 2025, respectively. Tickets for these shows, which begin at $50, will also contribute to charity, with $1 from each ticket sale benefiting his initiative, Keys For Kids. This performance is among only two scheduled for New York during the tour, underscoring the urgency and demand from fans eager to witness his artistry live.
Through the summer and beyond, his schedule is packed with performances across various states. Notably, he is set to appear at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with the Kansas City Symphony on March 18 and 19. This blend of location and collaboration not only highlights Folds’ versatility but also showcases the wide-ranging appeal of his music.
His tour continues through May, with performances planned at venues alongside several symphonies, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Omaha Symphony. Folds’ ability to connect with audiences across generational lines has solidified his status as one of piano rock’s most influential figures, known for not only his poignant lyrics but also his engaging stage presence.
His schedule includes stops at premiere venues like the Merriweather Post Pavilion, and Symphony Hall, each offering fans the chance to experience his distinctive style melded with the power of full orchestral backing. With hits like “Army,” “The Luckiest,” and “Rockin' the Suburbs,” Folds is set to deliver impactful performances filled with laugh-out-loud humor and poignant storytelling.
For those planning to catch one of his shows, ticket purchasing information can be found on his official website and via the respective theatres. The anticipation for this blend of orchestral collaborations and piano solos has been palpable among fans, all eager to see the popular artist adapt his rich discography to different musical settings. The excitement of the upcoming tour highlights not only Folds' dynamic career but also his commitment to fostering musical education through his charitable efforts.
Ben Folds is not merely touring; he’s creating moments—units of musical experiences across multiple venues—connecting with audiences and eleviating the essence of live music.
