Ben Folds
Robins Theatre, Warren OH
Opener: Lindsey Kraft
4/13/25
By Robert McCune
In a century-old theatre, under a cathedral dome, Ben Folds held church, his altar a black 1935 Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano and his choir roughly 700 strong.
Those fortunate enough to be welcomed into “the fold” on this leg of the “Ben Folds & A Piano” tour know that a night with Folds is never simply a concert—it’s an experience. In this acoustically regal space, the man wielding the piano keys spun stories, shared personal truths, and brought his audience to places as emotional as they were uplifting.
While Folds’ early breakout hit, the achingly poignant “Brick,” didn’t make an appearance, the absence was hardly felt among the evening’s rich lineup of deeply personal ballads and vibrant anthems. Through songs like “Still Fighting It” and “Gracie,” Folds laid bare his role as father, friend, and artist, channeling his widely ranging vocality into storytelling that felt utterly relatable.
Opening the show, Lindsey Kraft—accomplished actor and singer-songwriter—brought her theatrical chops to a deeply personal set of songs written for her stage musical-in-progress, Love Me. Kraft’s acting roots were evident in her poignant performances, weaving drama and vulnerability effortlessly into her music. Tracks like the gut-wrenching “Sam I Am” explored her early realization that her father, Sam, was an addict—a confessional rendered in nursery-rhyme-like intimacy. Folds himself made a brief off-stage cameo, providing tender reassurance with the line, “You already are,” proving that even beyond music, he’s a collaborator in the truest sense.
Later, as Folds commandeered the evening’s momentum, the piano seemed ablaze under his touch. More than an instrument, it became a full orchestra under his skillful hands, with kicks to the stage and rhythmic audience claps augmenting the soundscape. Fans were transformed into a veritable choir as they harmonized with Folds during tracks like “You Don’t Know Me” and delivered stunning solo vocals for “The Luckiest”—a moment that deserved candlelight for its sheer beauty.
Folds showcased why he’s earned the title “The Great Collaborator,” having worked with a diverse range of partners, from William Shatner to symphony orchestras. His unique ability to unite his audience as active participants in the music created a collective euphoria that transcended the boundaries of performer and spectator.
Songwriting remains Folds’ superpower, his lyrics often balancing humor and heartache, artfully telling stories that resonate on multiple levels. From the encore-requested “One Down” to the allegorical “Fragile,” inspired by a bizarre burglary incident, each piece reminded listeners of why Folds’ music feels timeless—simultaneously rooted in personal experiences and universally relatable.
As the night wound down, the Robins Theatre itself became a character in this narrative—a beautifully restored jewel, revived from decades of neglect to provide a setting as majestic as the performance it hosted. And for the audience, each interaction and shared moment underscored the communal magic of live music.
With his sly humor, effortless charisma, and unparalleled musicality, Ben Folds remains the perfect shepherd for an evening like this. Walking away without a concert tee but full of unforgettable memories, I couldn’t help but feel I’d been part of something extraordinary. “I am … I am … I am … the luckiest.”
Robert McCune is a full-time journalist, part-time photojournalist and aspiring rock journalist and podcaster. Follow his journey on Instagram at every_thing_after_photo
