Friday’s blogger already shared his take on the Paul Simon concert at Forest Hills Stadium last Wednesday; I generally concur (and the title is appropriately a Simon tune).  I found interesting that the assembled crowd overwhelmingly, if not unanimously, joyfully responded to the performances despite the current vocal range Simon offered.  His vocals did not generally come close to his past appearances with former partner Art Garfunkel (still in good voice when I saw him perform with Graham Nash and Judy Collins at the 2023 December 2 Lennon tribute) or as a solo artist.  Interestingly, if Simon’s vocals were then what they are now, no one would even comment; the songs remain great, in lyrics and melody.  Indeed, the musicianship that eve was great! 

Frankly, I enjoyed the entire evening — from the mini-Willburys like ride from Bellerose to Forest Hills for a pre-concert dinner to the post-concert return drive.  

When Fred Klein and I pulled up to Tuscan Hills and a perfect parking spot, almost in front of the venue, I sensed things would continue to go well (but not to jinx anything, I kept that thought to myself). “Insurance Doctor” Rob Intelisano certainly exhibits good taste in dining venues.

When we saw Neil Young two summers ago, Paul Napolitano was able to join us.  He served as “wheelman” then and our ability to get close to the venue did not seem to exist (We drove Burns Street; not sure whose idea that was but we were not able to park close and endured a longer walk to 71st/Continental Avenue which was closed to traffic.).  This time I drove up Austin Street; we saw a spot on the southbound side of Austin just south of 71st Ave. that would require a U-turn; I decide to proceed across the intersection and found a spot parallel to the Citibank branch on the corner.  Luck? I surmise. That certainly made reaching the stadium easier.

The seats Rob secured for this show were also more comfy than the seats I obtained for the Young (or maybe post-new hips I was better able to handle the seating).

In between sets, my choice of my green (GOtham GREEN® met that afternoon.) Poco t-shirt led to a nice chat with a woman from Grand Island near Niagara Falls during intermission — yes, there were two sets.  

The initial “Seven Psalms” set was seven songs — of course, and featured Mrs. Simon — Edie Brickell (of New Bohemians) on the last two songs (See set list.)

The main 18 song set opened with “Graceland” and included several crowd sing alongs (“Homeward Bound” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” — the latter bringing back memories of gatherings during my Martin Van Buren High School days.).

After Homeward Bound, Paul performed "The Late Great Johnny Ace" which included visual of three Johns: the 50s singer, the late President and Lennon.

With almost ten minutes left for the second encore, we noticed Paul peak at his watch.

We suspect Paul knowing he had extra time, he treated us to “America” ahead of the usual closing “Sounds of Silence.”

Setlist: 

     Seven Psalms Set:

1. The Lord

2. Love Is Like a Braid

3. My Professional Opinion

4. Your Forgiveness

5. Trail of Volcanoes

6. The Sacred Harp (with Edie Brickell)

7. Wait (with Edie Brickell)
 

     Main Set:

8. Graceland

9. Slip Slidin' Away

10. Train in the Distance

11. Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel song)

12. The Late Great Johnny Ace

13. Father and Daughter

14. Under African Skies (with Edie Brickell)

15. Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War

16. Rewrite

17. Spirit Voices

18. The Cool, Cool River

19. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
 

Encore:

20. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (with Edie Brickell)

21. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

22. Something So Right

23. The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel song)

Encore 2: 

24. America (Simon & Garfunkel song)

25. The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel song) (Solo)

Read a concert review from JamBase.