How long has it been since you made a paper airplane? Yes, a paper airplane. You remember; the kind you would make as a kid. Some of them flew really well, but most of them would take a quick dive bomb. Well, many of those who have attended Ben Folds current Paper Airplane Request Tour had to reacquaint themselves with how to make one. Years ago, Ben Folds told fans that if they had a song that they wanted to hear to put it on a paper airplane and launch it at the stage at the start of the second part of his show. The response was overwhelming. This time, he decided to base an entire tour around that concept. “It’s the purest, most low-tech form of engagement that creates a special bond with my audiences,” Ben posted on his Instagram.”
The tour launched on May 30 in Charleston, South Carolina and made a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 17 at the beautiful Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. The show began with an amazing set by the multi-talented Lindsey Kraft. She’s an actress (Getting On, Gracie and Frankie), singer, composer who performed a very entertaining set at the piano and also did some very humorous interacting with the crowd. Her voice was rather captivating as I found myself almost in a hypnotic trance where I couldn’t turn away. Being my very first time seeing her perform live, I was really blown away by her performance. It definitely made me want to research her more when I returned home.
After a brief intermission Ben walked out onstage very nonchalantly. It seemed as if he walked out a little early, surprising many in attendance. It was just Ben and his piano and an arsenal of songs and stories. The first half of the show consisted of mainly Ben’s solo material, but “Don’t Change Your Plans,” a Ben Folds Five song, was also included. Another special highlight of the first set was when he brought out opener Lindsey Kraft to perform “We Could Have This” from Ben’s ‘Sleigher’ Christmas album.
There was a brief intermission and there was a bit of a wave of uncertainty flowing throughout the crowd. It seemed that many there were not sure how the launching of the airplanes was going to happen. I know that I mentioned to some that I had viewed a clip on YouTube from a few nights before this one that showed the launching of the planes. Suddenly, I became a sort of airplane tower director talking to people about the launch. After a few minutes, an announcement came of the pa telling people that they would be directed on when the launch was about to happen. After a few minutes, most of the house lights when down and a gentleman appeared onstage holding what appeared to be old school red police lights (for lack of better terms) in each hand. The lights turned on and there was a countdown. When he reached one, the launching of the planes began. Some people walked down closer to the stage to get a better shot. Not all of the planes reached the stage, so supportive fans picked them up and relaunched them. Ben then walked out onstage and began to pick up requests. More Ben solo songs were played as well as Ben Folds Five songs. Ben also played “Fred Jones Pt. 2” with Marc Silvey who is a local musician whose band Ben played in before becoming famous.
The overall setlist seemed to lean heavily on Ben’s 2001 ‘Rockin’ the Suburbs’ album with eight tracks from it being played. Several Ben Folds Five songs were also included. A setlist of the entire show follows the picture gallery. On a personal note, I was a little disappointed that some covers didn’t get chosen like at other shows which have included Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” George Michael’s “Careless Whisper,” Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” and others. Dates show there are still shows available to see through 12/15 in Shreveport, LA so we highly recommend you catch one because they are a ton of fun. Brush up on your folding airplane skills before you go.
Review & pix by I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price
BEN FOLDS
LINDSEY KRAFT
