Rock singer/pianist Ben Folds showed his true talents as a musician, performer and entertainer during this year’s Fallapalooza concert – despite being sans piano for much of

his set.

Matt Pond PA opened the evening on Nov. 5 with slow and melodic vocals backed up by soothing guitar. Though Pond nursed a broken leg, his spirits were high as he joked with the audience. After Pond’s half-hour set finished, it was time for the main event.

Folds started out the concert with “Annie Waits,” a classic from his 2001 album “Rockin’ the Suburbs.” At one point during the song, an audience member shouted “you’re sexy!” – to which Folds replied by blowing

a kiss.

Folds showed his personality and charisma throughout the show, pounding out notes on the piano almost impossibly fast and interacting with the audience. Once he even sang an impromptu song about his microphone.

The concert continued as Folds showed his skills as an artist and performer, wowing the audience on piano and even a drum set. Folds mixed some of his older works like “Jesusland” with newer songs, such as “Picture Window,” a song from his collaboration album with British writer Nick Hornby.

The show soon took an unexpected turn as one of the pedals on Folds’ piano broke. Instead of leaving stage and ending the show prematurely, Folds was quick on his feet and performed a cappella for about half an hour while crew members tried to fix his piano.

During this time, Folds took audience requests, joining back up performers in covers to songs such as Ke$ha’s “Sleazy” and even the Hebrew song “Hava Nagila.” Arts & Sciences freshman Maggie Miller said the a cappella portion of the concert was her favorite.

“His musicality is unbelievable,” Miller said.

Even though crew members were unable to fix Folds’ piano, he played the last two songs on his broken piano the best he could. Folds finished the show by singing “Not the Same,” including the audience by having members sing chords to assist his song – which some concert attendees said was their favorite part of the show.

Arts & Sciences freshman Rachel Lewandowski was in the audience while Folds performed, and said that while she was not a huge fan of Folds’ beforehand, the concert changed

her mind.

“He was pretty humorous and just a fun person to watch perform,” Lewandowski said. “I’m extremely impressed with his all-around

musical talent.”

Arts & Sciences senior Jason Kum also was in attendance, and said the most memorable part of the concert was the a cappella section.

“Although the piano foot pedal broke, the concert wasn’t on pause,” Kum said. “He seemed to be having fun performing, and I was having

fun listening.”

Nursing senior Chelsea Weyrauch said she loves Folds’ piano skills and that his performances are entertaining.

“[Folds] is a true musician. He has original songs too, unlike what most artists sing or what you would hear on the radio.”

CSU Program Board presented the concert as part of its annual Fallapalooza festivities. CSU Program Board still has a few events left this semester; they will bring “Last Comic Standing” comedian Tracey Ashley on Nov. 14. The event will take place in front of the Skutt fireplace at 9 p.m. CSU Program Board Street Team will also put on an Open Mic Night on Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. in Java Jay.