Ben Folds Rockin’ at Illinois Wesleyan

Sept. 28, 2004

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — It may not be a suburb, but Ben Folds will be rockin’ Bloomington just the same.

The renowned singer and pianist, who counts "Rockin' the Suburbs" among his hit songs, is set to take the stage at Illinois Wesleyan University on Monday, Oct. 4. The concert, brought to campus by the Student Senate Entertainment Commission, will take place at 7 p.m. in the Shirk Center, 302 E. Emerson, Bloomington. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $23 for the general public and are only available through TicketMaster. The concert will be general admission and standing room only.

Folds is best-known as the leader of the trio Ben Folds Five, but in recent years he has found considerable success as a solo artist. Folds began his music career in the late ‘80s as a bassist for a group called Majsha. In 1994, he formed Ben Folds Five with bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jesse. The trio’s piano-driven sound was a welcome detour from the ‘90s alternative angst rock.

Ben Folds Five’s high-energy performances made them a must-see live act and earned the band a contract with the independent label, Caroline Records. Their self-titled debut album was released one year later stirring up excitement for their much anticipated second album, "Whatever and Ever Amen," released in 1997 through Epic Records. It quickly became one of the year’s best releases, with hit songs such as "Kate," and "Song for the Dumped." But it was the melancholy ballad, "Brick" that brought the band their first single and commercial fame.

Folds' first solo album, "Volume 1," was released in 1998 and went largely unnoticed. But when Ben Folds Five separated in 2001, he continued his solo act, drawing fans with hit songs such as "Rockin’ the Suburbs" and others from "Whatever and Ever Amen." Folds, whose new repertoire includes heartfelt numbers such as "The Luckiest" as well as the sarcastic and upbeat songs he is known for, has found tremendous success on the touring circuit. He has taken his solo show to college quads, big city venues, and small town auditoriums.

For additional information on the Ben Folds concert at Illinois Wesleyan University, contact Student Senate Entertainment Commissioner, Kyle Brigham at (309) 556-1367.