Get Your Tickets To See Ben Folds Rock Central

April 18, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - It's not too late to get your tickets to see Ben Folds perform at Central Washington University. Singer-songwriter-pianist Folds has been compared musically to Elton John and Joe Jackson, and now he will perform at CWU Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ben Lee will open the show with an acoustic set.

"Ben Folds comes out and just ravages through a set of piano rock that manages to turn a huge crowd of mostly unfamiliars into new fans," says John Linn, Broward-Palm Beach New Times. "But Folds has confidence to spare. He ran practically full tilt to his piano, leaned forward as if to lunge at it, and never let up - and rarely sat down - throughout his whole set."

Many may remember Folds as the former front man for the popular 90s musical group Ben Folds Five. As a solo artist, Folds has continued to appeal to a broad audience, and is known for his high-energy shows.

As Linn explains, "I guess the magic of Folds works two ways: In one regard his brand of brazen, punky piano rock manages to endear the instrument to young hipsters." While in the other he's managed to put on a show for the Elton John crowd. Linn continues, "That's a pretty broad cross-section for any artist to maintain, but after seeing Folds man the stage for an hour, it's easy to see how he's managed it so brilliantly."

Folds released numerous critically acclaimed albums such as "Ben Folds Live and Songs for Silverman." He has also provided a number of songs for movie soundtracks such as "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" with Jim Carrey and DreamWorks computer-animated comedy "Over the Hedge."

"I hear that Ben Folds is a great performer and it's fun to sing along to his songs," says AmyLyn Tucker, CWU student. "I have not seen him in concert, but I thought it would be a fun thing to do on my birthday. I think the students here at CWU will have a blast listening to him perform."

Make plans now to enjoy this treat of a show. Tickets are $15 for CWU students, $31 for general admission and $38 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the CWU Student Union Box Office, or by calling 509-963-1301. Ticket purchases are limited to two per person.

For more information, or to make arrangements for disability accommodations, please call Campus Activities at 509-963-1691 or (for hearing impaired) TDD 509-963-2143.

Media Contact: Scott Drummond, CWU Campus Life, 509-963-1691, drummond@cwu.edu
Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.