I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Paul Simon perform live at the Beacon Theatre. At 83 years old, Simon remains a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly blending artistry, emotional depth, and charm into his performance. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, offering a mix of reflection, nostalgia, and joy for everyone lucky enough to be there.
The Heart of the Evening – Seven Palms
Simon began the night with his full set of Seven Palms, a 33-minute collection that dives deep into themes of life and death. At this stage in his career, Simon’s exploration of such profound topics felt intimate and earnest. His vocals carried weight, his words resonating with a quiet power that had the audience hanging onto each note.
The acoustics of the Beacon Theatre added a layer of intimacy to these performances, enveloping the room in Simon’s storytelling. It was beautifully meditative in a way only Paul Simon could deliver. Seven Palms served as a gentle reminder of Simon’s unmatched ability to put the human experience into song.
A Second Act Full of Surprises
After a 30-minute intermission, Simon returned to the stage with renewed energy and a setlist that was both familiar and surprising. The second half of the night felt like a gift to devoted fans, offering a mix of deep cuts and timeless hits.
To my delight, Simon played Graceland – a personal favorite of mine and a song that never fails to evoke a smile. The rhythmic melodies and moving lyrics brought the audience to life, and I found myself dancing in my seat.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Paul Simon concert without classics like Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and Slip Slidin’ Away. He also dazzled with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover and sang some old favorites like, The Boxer and Homeward Bound.
A Special Duet
Adding an extra layer of charm to the evening was the appearance of Simon’s wife, Edie Brickell. Together, they sang a couple of songs, and their chemistry was undeniable. It was a rare treat to see this duo share the stage, their voices harmonizing beautifully and adding an intimate, almost familial quality to the night.
The Experience of a Lifetime (With a Few Laughs Along the Way)
Paul Simon’s talent is truly timeless. At 83, he still has it. His voice, though tinged with the richness of age, remains powerful and emotive. Every strum of his guitar was meticulous, and his ensemble complemented him flawlessly, elevating every performance to something extraordinary. It was clear that he hadn’t lost an ounce of his passion or commitment to his craft.
That said, no live experience is without its quirks. My biggest gripe? The microphone setup for Simon’s vocals. While the Beacon Theatre acoustics were remarkable, I found myself wishing his mic volume was just a bit higher, especially during quieter moments.
And then, there was my seat neighbor. Oh, bless her heart. She must’ve thought she was on tour, belting out lyrics so loudly (and with astonishing inaccuracy) that I started to wonder if I’d shelled out $400 for her concert instead of Simon’s. At one point, I caught myself trying to figure out which song she thought she was singing, and I’m fairly certain it wasn’t the one being played on stage. Despite her enthusiastic participation, it didn’t take away from the night’s magic—in fact, it gave me something to chuckle about on the ride home.
Paul Simon’s Enduring Legacy
If there’s one thing that Friday night reaffirmed, it’s that Paul Simon’s music is eternal. His incredible ability to evoke emotion, tell stories, and bring people together is unmatched. From the gravity of Seven Palms to the jubilant nostalgia of his classics, Simon’s performance was a masterclass in musical storytelling.
The entire evening felt like a celebration—not just of Simon’s enduring career, but of music and its power to bring people together, whether in quiet reflection or joyous sing-alongs. I walked out of the Beacon Theatre feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness such an incredible artist, even if I spent part of the night serenaded by an unwitting backup singer in the next seat.
If you get the chance to see Paul Simon live, especially at this stage of his life and career, don’t think twice. You’ll leave with a whole heart, a hum in your step, and memories to last a lifetime. Friday night was proof that Paul Simon still has it, and trust me, he’s nowhere near slip-slidin’ away just yet.
