Boston, MA
6/10/25
At one time (a long, long time ago), he was a small-time singer/songwriter from the New York/New Jersey area making his name. These days, Paul Simon calls Connecticut home and sits on the Board of Trustees of Boston’s own Berklee College of Music. His show tonight is at the Wang Theatre in the Boch Center, and is packed with fans of all ages. Paul, as usual, has put together a band of highly talented musicians. Paul’s songs are woven into the spirit of America and like America, his songs are a melting pot of various musical styles. He introduces his first set to the audience, warning it is very quiet, but promising the hits for the second set. The audience cheers him on and he does not disappoint. The first set is mellow and virtuosic, the second has the crowd singing along to “Graceland,” “The Boxer,” “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard” and “50 Ways to Leave your Lover” with its iconic drum beat intro. “Under African Skies” is my favorite song of the night; Paul brings his wife Edie Brickell (former frontwoman of The New Bohemians) to accompany him on the duet and their voices blend perfectly..
After the concert wraps up, I wander through the lobby on my way out, spending some time checking out some of the “Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame” which is housed in the Boch Center. With artifacts from iconic musicians like Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger on display, it’s just one more reason to go see a show at the Wang. (Kier Byrnes)