Rockin’ the Symphony with Ben Folds

The Houston Symphony has had many great special guests over the years – everything from other classical gurus, traditional vocalist, and pop stars. With Ben Folds’ arrival this Wednesday, you’ll get a chance to hear the witty alternative singer / songwriter / pianist bring a different light to his songs.

The average radio listener probably knows Ben Folds from his 1998 hit “Brick” with Ben Folds Five. What the may not know is that Ben Folds is still going strong as a solo act, especially after last year’s fantastic Songs For Silverman (which happened to be his highest charting CD ever). Recorded with only a piano, bass and drums, he makes tracks like “Trusted” and the Elton John-ish “Landed” seem much larger.

Folds is known to get the audience involved at his concerts, and just because he’s playing with a full orchestra, we don’t expect anything different here. You may here some different tunes that fit better in this setting, but he still expects to rock out some, too (hopefully his excellent cover of The Cure’s “In Between Days” – not sure if his cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” will make the cut or not).

Check out the Chronicle’s interview with Folds as he discusses the upcoming performance.

Ben Folds with the Houston Symphony
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Jones Hall
615 Louisiana St.
Tickets: $35 and up