Photography credit: Brian Wild
(TRR) We recently had the opportunity to attend the Ben Folds and Cake show at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA for an intimate evening of great music, within this fabulous amphitheater, overlooking the Philly skyline. Overall, the entire evening consisted of a feel-good vibe and definitely brought back some early 90’s nostalgia, making us yearn for days gone by!
Ben Folds opened things up with his solo set, however he was also accompanied by a backing band Tall Heights, who also happened to be the show openers. Added note, they have an amazing harmonica player, rather than a bassist, which was incredibly unique! Both Ben Folds and tour mates Cake are known for some amazing experimental instrumentation within their music and witnessing this in the live environment is absolutely mind-blowing!
Ben Fold’s set was a solid mix of his solo hit, as well as, some favorites from the Ben Folds Five catalog including “Battle Of Who Could Care Less”, “Do It Anyway” and of course, “Brick”. We were also pleased to hear “Philadelphia, PA” making it’s way into the performance as well, because, well, how could he not?
Cake took the stage backed by a lush forest backdrop and we were pleased to hear that the tree project is very much still alive and well with the band. They donate a tree to each city while they are on tour! Cake opened their set with “Opera Singer”, followed by “Sad Songs and Waltzes” before later in the set bursting into some of their biggest hits including “Sheep Go To Heaven”, ‘Sick Of You” and their cover of the hit Gloria Gaynor track “I Will Survive”. We have to admit to always enjoying Cake’s version of the song a little bit better than the original, as it just has more grit!
Cake closed out their incredible performance with “Never There” and “The Distance” and gave an encore that consisted of a non-album track “Sinking Ship” followed by “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” to close out this intimate evening of tunes with some absolutely stellar musicians! Such a great night and the perfect way to relax, enjoy as show on this beautiful summer evening!
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