Piano-rock legend Ben Folds is teaming up with Steinway & Sons for his grand 2025 Orchestral Tour, featuring symphonic performances in iconic venues across the U.S. The tour kicks off in Kansas City, MO, on March 18–19 and wraps in Grand Rapids, MI, on October 4—with stops in Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and more. Here’s everything you need to know!
Tour Highlights: What to Expect
- Symphony Collaborations: Folds will perform with world-class orchestras, blending his alt-rock hits with lush classical arrangements.
- Paper Airplane Request Tour: Fans scribble song requests on paper planes and hurl them onstage—Folds plays whatever lands closest!
- Solo Gigs: Raw, stripped-down performances in smaller venues.
🗓️ 2025 Orchestral Tour Dates
| Date | City, State | Venue (TBA) |
|---|---|---|
| MAR 18 | Kansas City, MO | Symphony Collaboration |
| MAR 19 | Kansas City, MO | Symphony Collaboration |
| APR 15 | Cincinnati, OH | Orchestral Performance |
| APR 25 | Costa Mesa, CA | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| APR 26 | Costa Mesa, CA | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| MAY 3 | Milwaukee, WI | Orchestral Performance |
| MAY 9 | Omaha, NE | Symphony Collaboration |
| MAY 10 | Omaha, NE | Symphony Collaboration |
| MAY 18 | Columbia, MD | Orchestral Performance |
| MAY 23 | Detroit, MI | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| MAY 24 | Detroit, MI | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| JUN 16 | Chicago, IL | Symphony Collaboration |
| SEP 5 | Louisville, KY | Orchestral Performance |
| SEP 12 | Denver, CO | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| SEP 13 | Denver, CO | Steinway & Sons Showcase |
| SEP 26 | Atlanta, GA | Symphony Collaboration |
| SEP 27 | Atlanta, GA | Symphony Collaboration |
| OCT 4 | Grand Rapids, MI | Tour Finale |
Ticket Info
- Presale: Expected to begin September 2024 for fan club members.
- General Sale: October 2024 via BenFolds.com and local venues.
Why This Tour Matters
Ben Folds, celebrated for his genre-blending piano-rock anthems and collaborations with symphonies worldwide, continues to push musical boundaries. This tour not only celebrates his 30+ year career but also underscores his partnership with Steinway & Sons—a nod to his virtuosic piano craftsmanship.
Ben Folds’ Legacy: From Alt-Rock to Symphonic Genius
A founding member of the Grammy-nominated Ben Folds Five, Folds has carved a niche as a piano-rock trailblazer. Known for hits like:
- “Brick” (1997’s haunting breakout single)
- “Army” (a brass-heavy crowd favorite)
- “The Luckiest” (a wedding playlist staple)
His collaborations span genres, including work with Regina Spektor, William Shatner, and Nick Hornby. In recent years, Folds has championed arts education and served as a judge on “Sing-Off”—but 2025 is all about live music magic.