Words and Photos by Hillery Terenzi
Paul Simon brought his farewell tour to Cellairis Amphitheatre this past Wednesday. He began the night with a stunning performance of “America” with his twelve piece backing band. In between songs he spoke about past memories of his father getting him his first guitar, travels to London and singing with “Artie”. The crowd held on to his every word and it was so quiet, you could’ve heard a pin drop.
The 76-year-old took us back with songs “Bridge Over Trouble Water”, “Graceland”, “Kodachrome” and my personal favorite “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”. Though bittersweet, Mr. Simon was looking forward to retirement saying that he is looking forward to traveling and see what it’s like to be on this earth.
Thanks Paul Simon for giving us seven decades of great music!
Setlist:
America
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
The Boy in the Bubble
Dazzling Blue
That Was Your Mother
Rewrite
Mother and Child Reunion
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War
Can’t Run But
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Wristband
Spirit Voices
The Obvious Child
Questions for the Angels
The Cool, Cool River
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
You Can Call Me Al
Encore:
Late in the Evening
Still Crazy After All These Years
Graceland
Encore 2:
Homeward Bound
Kodachrome
The Boxer
American Tune
The Sound of Silence