Bruce Hornsby

Bruce takes the stage alone and plays brilliantly, revealing many of the wonderful pieces he has written for others, most of which would not appear on his greatest hits album. He adds a little storytelling, between thoroughly drawn out numbers that mesmerize. While I didn t hear all the pieces I know so well, what I heard was spellbinding. I d go again!

Musically, the quality was superb-even the lesser known acts (Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, DeJohnette/Coltrane/Garrison, Chessboxer, Aiofe O Donovan) were excellent. Hornsby himself went from bluegrass w/ Ricky Skaggs to playing his oldest and newest albums all the way through to a festival closing smorgasbord of requests that itself encapsulated both his career and the entire weekend. The headliners all lived up to their billing: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle and the Taj Mahal Trio did what they are known for and did it very well. Hornsby himself is always a fascinating character, changing melodies and styles like a hyperactive musical chameleon. His gregarious personality made us feel like we were privileged guests at a house party he was throwing for his closest friends, and in many ways, this was.

Bruce was great .... A very entertaining evening. it was very nice to see him without the band , it was very personal and a look at his talent that you don't get to see when he's playing with the band .

I'm a big Bruce Hornsby fan. I travelled from Alaska to see him in concert. I was not disappointed. As a man who took many piano lessons as a boy, I realize what a talent he is. As I watched him play, I felt as if he was assaulting the piano. He plays with such force and uses his entire body to keep time. Simply stated, he's an incredible piano player. After listening to his music for years, I expected a more accomplished, confident man. His demeanor on stage, between songs, was a bit odd. I'd almost call him a nerd. That's not at all what I expected. This concert would have rated a five if Hornsby had brought a band with him and if he wasn't such an unusual character. There's no doubt, however, about his talent!

Bruce is *always* great to see live. I prefer seeing him perform alone so I was really looking forward to this show. Unfortunately, the way the show was set up didn't seem very well planned. The ballroom was a big, flat room. There are bars set up just outside the ballroom, so people are constantly walking back and forth to get drinks. I know this effected Bruce's concentration and general attitude. He even mentioned it a couple of times. He'd see people walking out and assume they were leaving. It's just not a good way to get the best performance from an artist. Also, the show was very short...probably 90 minutes. If you go to this venue, I recommend getting seats as close to the front as possible. That way you won't have to deal with all the people walking through your field of view. We saw Bruce at the Moore in downtown Seattle a couple of years ago, and that show was beautiful! I would have given that one a five-star rating. Bottom line is that Bruce Hornsby's an amazing artist, but he needs to play in a more serious venue.

Bruce Hornsby is so genuine. Genuine talent, genuine personality, very comfortable on stage, as if you are in his living room, and he is playing your favorite songs and loving every minute of it. He has a geunine sense of humor, genuine compassion, and a genuine passion for music that fills the room. I left the concert wanting more! More of his music, more of his chatting, more of BRUCE!!!! I gave him a request with a sketch of him I drew while he was playing and he commented on it as I walked away from the stage. That was so sweet of him and gave me a personal taste of his amazing personality. Thank you Bruce for an energizing evening that still gives me joy!!!

If you see one concert in your life see Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers. He is a musical genius. His piano skills are second to none and his band smokes. Don't come expecting a greatest hits show, that is not what they do. I have seen him many times and he just keeps getting better. Thank god for Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, or whoever is you higher being. Love and peace.

amazing show... i've never had the opportunity to see hornsby - this was first after having grown up mimicking his style as a pianist. i took my book of his music to have it signed and he never came out of the bus. :( that's the only thing i'd change. but he was probably tired after kicking ass on stage.

Bruce and the Noise Makers played a mixture of songs, old and new. Each song turned into an extended jam session. Bruce dazzled us on the accordion and dulcimer as well as his signature Steinway. I really just wish he would have player longer!!!!

He's a three time Grammy winner, and I'm sad to say that the people of Dallas just don't get it. Lakewood Theater is not a big venue by any stretch of the imagination, so why wasn't it packed out? As Bruce put it early on, "Dallas has never been a hot bed for us," and last night's attendance pretty much verified that. The last time they were here was early 2005. As I listened to his improvisations and countless meandering solos I realized why some folks in this area aren't built to love. As one guy commented, "if you listen hard enough, you can recognize some of his hits." While a gross exaggeration, it makes obvious light of why Bruce Hornsby has been so successful throughout his career.. He loves what he does. He makes every song, even ones he's played for 25 years, into a unique solo masterpiece that even he still enjoys playing, which is why I enjoyed every song, many parts crafted in real time, with or without the Noisemakers (his current band). I thought about it on my way to work this morning, and realized there's a point to recognize when someone's affinity for a musical instrument crosses from really really talented to masterful. The man plays notes that aren't even in the right key, but then I realize that's exactly what he intended to do. For the first hour I just sat, smiling and looking like a fool. I was witnessing one of the greats. There were many others like me, but the sad part about Dallas-ites is that they seem much too involved in conforming and achieving social standards to appreciate what lies beyond. Based on the turnout, I doubt we'll see him again in the area. Based on his performance, I doubt I'll miss a concert should he come within 300 miles.

The concert was amazing. This was my first Bruce Hornsby concert and I wasn't sure what the atmosphere was going to be like. The venue was very intimate and where I sat I was able to be about 15 feet from the stage. Although human traffic was constant, it did not impede the view of the stage. There were some crunchy hippies recording the concert that had these lame mics and stands that blocked the outer viewing areas, but they were put in their place (thank goodness). Bruce took requests for most of the show, stopping periodically to play his own desires (the new stuff) so it was a pleasant mix. The band (The Noisemakers) were probably some of the most talented individuals I have seen play together; they had enormous flexibility to pick up a brand new beat set my Bruce and roll with it, having fun all the way. Bruce invited the ladies up on stage (which was hilarious to watch) and allowed them to dance while they jammed to some classic Hornsby tunes. Overall a great concert in a great venue.

Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers were fabulous as usual! The sound is so full and Bruce always sets out to please his audience by playing their requests. Love when Bruce "toys" with the other musicians; he'll randomly throw in snipets from other songs into the song he is in the middle of & you catch the interplay between them. It was nice to hear some new things from the Levitate album and to watch the master take on the keys; Spider Fingers gets me every time......

I love the piano, my favorite instrument, you could of jammed all night and i'd love it but did you yank that sound system out of your kids car and go on tour? The sound was awful, I sat there wishing I was at home listening to YouTube. Had to leave mid show, just couldn't take it

Amazing piano and vocals were very good, However this was not the best venue for Hornsby. The Audience at the Peabody in Daytona beach was not appreciative of Bruce. We saw him in Orlando yrs ago and much better audience. In Daytona people were constantly getting up, to go out and get drinks, it was distracting.

Sadly dissapointed, my husband as well as others walked out. Bruce is wildly talented, but the show was lackluster. Made me sad as I looked forward to seeing him for a long time. Great venue.

We love Bruce Hornsby's music from the 80"s and were looking forward to this concert. Bruce, however, was not interested in his older music or pleasing the audience. He spent most of the time banging on the piano without a melody and playing "avant guard" music written by someone else. When he did play couple of his older works he bragged about making sure we did not recognize it. He made me angry and the audience was very disrespected.

I'm sure a lot of people expected Hornsby to play every FM version of every song from his breakout album of the 80's. They may have been disappointed. Frankly, I could have used a straight run-through of "Mandolin Wind" myself, but Hornsby did none of that. In fact, he went on record as preparing to "render this song nearly unrecognizable" before plunking down in front of the keys to take us on a long, jazzy/classical journey through "End of the Innocence". He is a musician before all else. This two hour straight solo performance left you in wonder about how one person can get that much range and volume out of one grand piano. I've had my bitter sweet disappointments when a musician stretches 3 minute radio hits into 8 minute jam exhibitions. They can be impressive, but they are often way more than tedious. Bruce Hornsby manages to pull it off. His musicianship and creativity make these long musical detours fun and adventurous. At first, when he drives off the road from a familiar and loved song like "Valley Road" you momentarily cringe upon leaving the comforting shelter of old familiar music. Soon, though, you are caught up in tracing his athletic and dynamic path through various musical influences until he pulls back on the thoroughfare right before the final verse and almost gets you back to friendly turf. He likes to play. He could have easily walked off after the two plus hours of precise mastery of the piano. Many dazed and overwhelmed audience members had left or were in the process after all. He could have played one instead of two additional songs for the encore, but it just seemed to occur to him that he really needed to play this one additional song that popped into his head. Maybe for himself as much as the audience. There was obviously a very strong, enthusiastic base of followers who's fanship exceeded my own and who new of the great body of work since "The Way It Is". But, no, he came back on for a third time, playing a song that he wrote for Willy Nelson. Now I want to hear Willy do that one, too. It was perfect for him, it was moving from Bruce Hornsby. Throughout the 2-plus hours, storytelling reminded you of how incredible a journey he has as a session and touring musician as well as his own career. He's had projects or collaborations with artists from the well-known Don Henley collaboration to his "brother", Rickey Skaggs to Spike Lee to Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. We can all relate to showing up for the performance of an old favorite and having our minds drift off into space during twisting solos or new songs being pushed upon you. That could have happened. Instead, Comfortable, melancholy chord progressions that invoked 30 year old memories of fond times kept me connected, but also veered off to incredible instrumental experiences and songs I've never heard before that I already long to hear again. All in all, a top shelf, memorable musical experience. I can play the old familiar version of "Mandolin Wind" anytime. Can't I, now?

First time to the Peabody, it's a classic. Bruce was good, little long. Wished he was there with The Range....or The Dead. Thanx

Bruce Hornsby is an amazing musician and great story teller. I completely enjoyed his freedom to play new and other versions of his hits and lesser known songs, which will now be some of my favorites.

Mr. Hornsby never fails to entertain! His outstanding talent, wit and humble connection with the audience is such a joyful experience to be part of! The 2+ hours of just him, on stage performing at a level most never knew he was capable of, just flew by! Thank you Mr. Hornsby for coming to Daytona Beach again!

Sound quality was surprisingly good. Sightlines were fine. Nice event.

This was a huge disappointment and was not what we expected. Mr. Hornsby is a talented musician but after several of his hits that were totally unrecognizable because of his rearrangements, we left the concert.

I really enjoyed hearing Bruce Hornsby s stories and banter as if we were in a coffeehouse listening to him perform. Great music!

What an opportunity to hear one of musics greats. Bruce Hornsby's music extends well beyond jazz. A concert for all music enthusiasts. There were times that Bruce made the piano sound like an entire mini orchestra. So glad he made a return trip to Daytona Beach.

Major disappointment for my husband and I both. We enjoy a variety of music but this just didn't stack up. Wonderful pianist and loved listening to his stories but that's not what I paid for.

Bruce is very talented, but his show was very boring. Many of the audience left after 30 minutes. We stuck it out til the end, but really didn t get any better.

Labored lifeless bad sound waste of time. He needs to be with a band to at least make seam entertaining.

we had seen Bruce Hornsby before . This show did not seem to impress us. The piano was Bruce ,but the way he changed up the beat on the songs ,did not impress us . Maybe he was having a off nite .

From such a fabulous musician and song writer, I was expecting more. The concert was basically a piano concert with a few vocals thrown in. He was not entertaining at all. He even rearranged his most famous son Mandolin Wind so that is was unrecognizable to most. He is a fabulous musician, but I was truly disappointed. The music was good but not what was expected. Many people left in the. Idle of the concert. So I don t think it was just our group that did t enjoy it.

This was Bruce at his best. Three nights - three totally different concerts. All of them amazing. The other festival acts were great as well. Hope he does this again.

The Funfest at Colonial Williamsburg was amazing. Taj Mahal was incredible and a fantastic experience with their Blues repertoire. And then, Bruce Hornsby with the Noisemakers never ceased to amaze the crowd with their versatility and variety of incredible sounds. This is one of the best concerts I have ever attended. Cant wait till next year.

This was such a treat! The setting was outstanding, the venue was user friendly, plenty of room to enjoy a wonderful music fest. The performances were so good....my only regret was that I didn't take advantage of all 3 days of this unbelievable opportunity. I want to thank the talented and generous Bruce Hornsby for curating this incredible music fest with his hometown of Williamsburg. We love Bruce here - the artists he brought to the fest were engaging and entertaining. Best of course, was Bruce and the show he gave us. You could tell he was enjoying himself, and that made us all enjoy being with him that much more. What a talent!! Please please please do this again!! My group will certainly sign up again!! Thank you for bringing this incredible show to Williamsburg!!

Everything about the event was great! The option to purchase tickets at different price levels, great food stands and great location. The atmosphere was happiness, friendliness and relaxed. We plan to go again next year!

Outstanding overall atmosphere for a Lawn event...

RRE just keeps getting better with age. Shawn Colvin was spectacular, but Steve Earle should stick to songwriting as his voice and picking pale dramatically in comparison to hers. Whoever dreamed up the idea that Bruce should perform his first and last album in their entirety was way off the mark. He has so many great songs in between. No spontaneity, which is the reason we pay to see people LIVE. Disappointing that he only played the piano on a few songs on the first album and none on his newest. But all in all, it was good to see RRE, Colvin and Hornsby again. As far as the venue goes, we arrived on Saturday and they had no white wine - said they ran out on Friday. Really? So restock folks. Plus the only other wine was Merlot--obviously the organizers didn't see Sideways. Who plans these events? The tent was nice though...and the weather was too. Thank God!

The FunHouse Fest was nice, it was a smaller event then what I expected. You really did not need to buy seats inside as the lawn was in most cases just as close as the seats to the stage. Railroad Earth was very good. THis was my first time seeing Bruce Hornsby live, he played his new album first and then most of his classics, Bruce is an amazing musician and song writer and I would definitely go see him again.

This was a good festival, but for the price, it was not worth it. I definitely would not buy reserved seats in the future, but even the lawn seats at $40 are overpriced. There were not enough food vendors and beer selections ran out early!! Shawl Colvin & Steve Earle should have come on first they made me sleepy and they talked too much. Otherwise, Bruce Hornsby gave an amazing performance.

I have been an avid concert goer since growing up in SoCal and seeing all the outdoor stadium mega concerts. This was the most organized, well planned and presented concert faculties for a show ever. Clean, great food, concessions with minimum lines, ZERO wait for a clean portapotty, even first aid facilities which didn't appear to be needed. Walked around in my bare feet with grass between my toes all day ! The music ? Incredible mix of jazz, fusion bluegrass, country, and, oh yea... bruuuuuce ! Fun, ultra tight, incredible musicians, great music. I admittingly do not know a lot of his music, which made it all the better actually to appreciate new sounds and the new album, hearing it live for the first time. Ok Bruce, you said you may very well do this again and your neighbors are gonna hold you to that lol ! You truly pulled off a labor of love that was masterful! See ya next year!

Music greats merge two different genres!! Toe tapping, foot stomping fun!!

Very impressed with the musical talent displayed by all musicians and their ability to play virtually non-stop for their respective portions of the concert.

Shawn Colvin needs to lay off the covers! She has a new album, don't know why she didn't plan the original songs off the album.

This was a great concert with Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Scaggs. Loved the outdoor venue and that there was such great music all 3 days! Hope this is a yearly event as Williamsburg is a great location. Need more advertising to get the word out about it though.

Bruce is a master of the piano His repertoire is wide and deep. From stride and boogi woogie to improvisational jazz to contemporary classical and Bach 3 part inventions... Not to mention his many ways to play his own compositions. It was awesome!

Loved the music and the venue. They gave us some very nice hot/cold drink bottles to keep which was a very nice added touch. I wish we could have sat in our seats, but we could not see because people were standing up front. I really liked the fact that we were allowed to use the nicer air-conditioned bathrooms in the trailer which makes a huge difference especially for women. Bruce was on fire and his performance was amazing. I can't wait to go back today!

Bruce provided an eclectic and vastly entertaining evening. The set covered a majority of his expansive career, with welcome extensions of his most memorable music. His solo act is very impressive. John Mellencamp said recently that he didn't want to be a singing jukebox up on stage playing his old hits, likewise Bruce is also reinventing himself along the way while paying homage to where he came from.

One of my favorite concerts ever. The intimate venue was like seeing/hearing Bruce in your living room. Two hours with no intermission went by quickly. His interaction with the audience was great. Truly a great, talented artist.

Loved seeing Bruce and his piano. Amazing what he can do. Such an entertainer!

I'm reading some reviews and people are upset because they thought they were going to go see Bruce play an album from the 80's or something. That is not what this is. This is a night with Bruce. Just him and a piano. He is very friendly. Tells stories about some of his songs he wrote and co-wrote with people. He didn't have a set list. He just played what was on his mind. He played a couple classics, but it was nothing like you'd expect. Way different than any other concert I've been to. Really intimate and super cool.

I left after maybe 5 songs. He talked a lot and I didn't care for the type of music he was playing.

I appreciated how accomplished Bruce was and he was very personable. I would have enjoyed hearing his music that I am familiar with. He played a lot of his new work and he changed the arrangements of his old work (Mandolin Rain) so it was barely recognizable. I'm a fan of the his music from the older days so I didn't enjoy this concert very much. It could have gotten better towards the end...unfortunatley I couldn't stick with it and left early.

Bruce was amazing. We've been to many of his concerts. This solo concert was more intimate. He shared his incredible talent for music composition and demonstrated his ever-evolving piano playing skills which are way beyond most performers.His impromptu melodic "piano runs" took you to some real great places. He was very interactive with the audience and entirely at ease. The concert was like being in his living room. This concert was unique. It really was "an evening with Bruce Hornsby."

greatconcert he was very entertaining saw him in the eighty's

Sorry, somehow I missed it was a solo act. I had seen him twice before with his band. Was expecting ( based on prior performances) a more high energy evening. He is excellent, a musical genius, was just expecting something else.

He is an amzing pianist! His voice seems different than original recordings but he is quite the entertainer...

If you ever get the chance to see Bruce Hornsby perform live--GO! It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. He played for 2 1/2 hours and it was incredible. He is so talented and the overall experience was moving beyond description.

with his right hand he played the bumble bee song with his left hand he played chop sticks.. all song all the time.. what a chump

Awful; self indulgent and pitiful performance. Wife and I who love music and go to hear bands 50-75 times a year walked out. Totally arrogant performance, told the audience you can request whatever you want but I'm going to play what I want...... Like a bad piano recital you have to sit through. So we didn't. If I could give it a zero I would. Never have walked out on a concert until now.

Totally enjoyed the concert. Bruce is a phenomenal musician... can't get enough of him. Thank you for bringing him to Boston.

1. I went expecting him to play the music that made him famous. It was more of a "new works" exposition full of rambling out takes. 2. He shows up on stage wearing a shirt 2 sizes too big, jeans that looked like he slept in and black sneakers with no socks. We made an effort to go in town for a night out and a show, the least he could do is make a minimal effort in presenting yourself to the people that paid decent money for their ticket. 3. While talking to the audience, he had an arrogant attitude as to what he would play. He announced to the audience that "...you can request anything you want, but I'm only going to play what I want to play."

If you ever get the chance to see this guy live, GO! This was not your typical show where you hear a few hits accompanied by new songs you've never heard. Not only did he do a lot of songs most fans know and love, he did them with his own new unique arrangement so you recognized it but also felt like you were hearing it again for the first time. His playing ability is far more skilled and eclectic than I ever knew. He was just as entertaining talking to the audience and also taking and playing requests. A solid two hour show that took you on a journey through his long career, introduced you to a new style of his playing and made you feel like you got to know him a little better than you did before.

Bruce Horsby is hands down one of the greatest performers you will ever have the chance to see. Whether he is with his amazing musicians or playing solo piano, his voice sounds as good as it did back in the day. It was truly a fantastic show! I can't wait for his return to Boston!

I will never attend another event at the Wilbur Theater! I understand the theater is old however, the seats are so uncomfortable because there is not enough room to sit facing onward without your legs being jammed into the seat in front of you. I feel bad for men who are generally taller than women. As for Bruce, not so good either. I understand he was trying new improvisational material but I felt like I was listening to fingernails on a chalkboard. It's unfortunate as I really like Bruce's music.

Bruce is an absolutely phenomenal pianist AND entertainer....so comfortable conversing with the audience. It seems that many in the audience were unaware that this night was a solo performance, as they were expecting a full band. Saw a number of people leave after 2 or 3 songs. Bruce handed out double cd's of his solo concerts upon entering the Wilbur which was a very unexpected bonus. The sound was kept to a perfectly clear and balanced level which was nicely appropriate for the style of show.. Amazing talent, and it seems to me his voice is getting more complex and stronger as time moves on.

Seen Bruce many times and love his work. I she'll out '$200 for tickets and the first thing he says is I play what I want. Sorry, you are a great ragtime pianist, but you are not plaing at symphony hall. Spare me! I really enjoyed 3 songs, the rest were sleepers. Yawn!

Bruce was great.I like his banter with the audience. His stories were cool. I wish the show was longer.

Bruce Hornsby was in town this Wednesday, and he did not disappoint. Performing solo on piano in a small, intimate space, Hornsby showed us what a musical genius does for a living. We often didn't know what songs he was playing, or know where he was going, but this guy is playing to his own drummer, and we were happy just there to watch. He played two of his 80s pop hits, but changed the melody to make all but the piano unrecognizable. He played and sang a Don Henley mega-hit, and made us all realize how well Henley sings. But we loved it. Get a ticket for these performances when Bruce Hornsby comes to your town.

Excellent Played and sang for 2 hours did audience favorites

I saw Bruce near Philly in February. We went for Valentine's Day. He maybe played one well-known song and we are huge fans. People were disappointed. We love his music and I know it probably gets repetitive playing the old stuff, but that's what people like. He talked too much and not enough music. And we like the fact he talks to audience, but it was too much. I wanted to try to see him again in Wilkes Barre in a few weeks, but $86 for one ticket may be too much of a gamble again. I hope they drop some of the prices.

Bruce Hornsby performed a great concert at the Ocean City NJ Music Pier. Bruce sang some of his early hits such as one of my favorites - The End of the Innocence - along with Mandolin Rain, and the Valley Road. He engaged the audience with some improvisation and mixed in some of his own versions of Super Freak and Under the Boardwalk song classics as well. His talented band contributed to the fun. Overall, the performance was enjoyable and I would highly recommend his concert for all family members.

Another great show by Bruce & The Noisemakers. These guys always keep it fresh - always a different set list & you never know what they're going to play. Top notch musicality!

Apparently, this show was only added to Bruce's tour a few weeks ago. That explains why it wasn't listed in the Ocean City Music Pier schedule of summer events. I'm sure glad we happened to see an article in the paper about it. Despite the lack of publicity, the music pier was almost full. There were probably about 500-600 people total in this intimate venue which extends from the boardwalk out over the beach overlooking the Atlantic. The crowd perhaps wasn't as energetic as one would like, with just a few people dancing in the outside aisles. Most people remained seated throughout until beckoned to get up and clap during "The Way It Is." Nevertheless, Bruce and the Noisemakers found plenty of energy amongst themselves to put on an excellent show. I've only seen Bruce live with the Grateful Dead so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, though I've heard live recordings and read about how fun he is. The stuff I've read is spot on. He's so comfortable with the audience and the band (and ultimately with himself), making the entire experience more like a gathering of a small group of friends, as opposed to a concert. If anyone has the setlist for this, please post. I did my best below, but I've never been good at remembering setlists. Too many Dead shows...

Bruse Hornsby is amazingly talented. OC pier cool.

I have the first 3-4 albums & saw a great show by Hornsby in Philly- Academy of music in the late 1980s & was hoping for more of his hits from that time. There was a lot of some "boardwalk" classical song that he played parts of in every song... it took up way too much time, he could have played some older hits that people would recognize. Even the songs I knew were so changed they were almost unrecognizable. He is a great musician, enjoyed the dulcimer parts, but I was extremely disappointed at set list. When he played "that's just the way it is", if the roadie didn't pretty much come out of the side of the stage & motion for people to stand up & clap, I don't know that they would have. Pretty much every song became a jam session. When a 12 year old requested a silly song, Bruce put down the accordian & said" I was going to play you one of my songs from 1988, but since you came such a long way & requested this song..." sorry I would have rather had the hit from 1988. The drummer played washboard/spoons, that was cool. Guess I should have checked online to see what setlist would be! Where were the songs that originally got you your fan base? Disappointing.

Excellent, great concert, high energy, fantastic music, actually an amazing venue, close and personal.

Bruce Hornsby is an amazing piano player who can improvise and recreate music. His show was incredible leaving the audience wanting more. The only disappointment at the show was some fat, smelly, photographer kept walking up and down in front of the stage and blocking everyone's view. When the crowd stood he would push through. If he was hired by the band he should be fired as he annoyed the audience.

Bruce took us on a ride all over the map of music from French composers to contemporary Country and Western. He also sang his hits, new music from his musical, which included some very humorous songs, and thoroughly wowed us with his musical talent. I loved that he always stopped to tell the backstory of the songs and added many funny tidbits from his personal life. It was a very enjoyable evening and Bruce Hornsby was generous in sharing his talent and himself with us. His down to earth, funny and creative personality really shone through. If you expect a rehash of pop hits from 1987 you will probably be disappointed. Bruce has continued to grow and change as an artist and shares it all in his show. But I encourage you to open your mind and be ready to laugh and enjoy a great night of music.

I've seen Bruce Hornsby in several different venues and bands, so this solo concert was yet another variation of his musical offerings. He is a consummate student of music and it was evident at this concert. The intimate feel of this event was wonderful and his mixing of his own songs with works by Messian and Carter make it an entertaining musical feast. But it was the intimacy and humor with the music that made this evening a concert I will remember.

My husband and I enjoyed the show so much! Such an intimate setting that we felt that it gave us a chance to really get to know him. He is such a genius with his music and he has a great personality that made us both feel that you could meet him anywhere and just strike up a conversation with him.

This was a solo piano event with Bruce singing and playing a range of his hits. He even debuted music from a new musical he colaborated on. He played for a little over 2 hrs straight with no intermission. His rapport with the audience was very imtimate and similiar to what it would be like to be sitting with him in his home. He displayed his mastery of the keyboard working in elements of jazz, bluegrass, classical and impressionistic elements. An all around enjoyable evening.

I had a great time! The setlist was a good mix of material spanning his career.

A thrill to see this artist in action! Thank you for bringing Bruce to Kansas!!! Loved it!

Such a spellbinding evening. He's a great storyteller, down to earth,, such fun. As always, such a beautiful venue!

Talented both vocally and as his fingers sometimes soared across the piano and other times just danced as his songs rang forth like the Grammy Award winner he is. The size of the Stiefel Theatre awards the audience the opportunity of an intimate setting with every seat in the house being a good one. Bruce told the stories behind the songs, laughed, and played songs such as The Dreaded Spoon. He also shared some theatrical entertainment with songs from Sick Bastard theatrical performance now in pre-production stages. The name was voted on by us Kansans and the we opted to keep the original name listed above. However, the name of the show will be called The Stranger.

If you like performers who reinvent their songs, write lyrics and tunes for stage and screen, love to collaborate with musicians in other genres, don't depend on pop charts to power their music-making motives, see Bruce Hornsby's solo show. From contemporary classical to jazz and bluegrass and a Beatle-esque tune or two, Hornsby's piano gets a workout of amazing range. He is a master pianist, lyricist, and creative mind who is unafraid to try new things. That's rare, indeed, in this era of popular processed music products. Go along for the cool musical ride at this show!

It was great to finally see Bruce Hornsby. The music was excellent. The SEATS, however, were BAD. We bought 5 tickets, and were only able to see Bruce Hornsby's legs from where we were seated. Big disappointment!

There are few concerts where one is able to experience, pop, rock, jazz, bluegrass, classical, film score, hip hop and now with the production of his musical, show tunes. In addition to the music, the occasional humorous anecdote and a few bits of musical education, simply put Bruce Hornsby is a virtuoso and the very best at what he does and he proves it with every performance. No show is ever the same and they're all excellent. Thanks for another great show Bruce.

I loved the interaction Bruce had with the audience. I had never heard his sense of humor before and that was fun. Clearly, he is an awesome talent and when he played the long piano runs, it was great. I was disappointed with his hit songs because he played them much differently than the records. From a fan's standpoint, I'd rather hear an extended version that is close to the recording with some background or complimentary music. The lesser known songs he sang gave us a chance to hear his unique music styles. It could be that I should have known what to expect from the title, (An Evening with Bruce Hornsby) but I was expecting a band to accompany him. That would have been a much better experience for me.

Music was great and he was Bruce of charming. Had never been to the Smothers Theater but will look forward to going again.

Our ticketes were the most expensive and we were located about 4 rows from the back of the theater. I expected to be closer for the price of the ticket. Wondering where the cheap ticket holders were seated?? I was looking forward to the concert and the music, but just thought it was ok. I did not like the "reworked" songs as the well known songs did not sound familiar. Loved the idea of the song writer and his piano, but the reality was that the songs fell flat and all sounded a like.

Mixed music from new projects with his older standards and revised hits. A great concert.

I read reviews, and knew going in, that it was not a greatest hits show. No band, just Bruce and a grand piano. My thoughts going in, and coming out....he is a musical genius. This performance was more of a showcase of his talent and the evolution of his craft. His version of VALLEY ROAD was the Grateful Dead's version. Different, though recognizable. He played MANDOLIN RAIN , but to a new melody more contemplative than the powerful original. I was a little dissapointed, since that is my fav. He did play THE WAY IT IS to satisfy those of us craving memories of our youth(or past). Bruce was very comedic with the crowd and played a few tunes from his score of Spike Lee's new play SICK BASTARD. Both very funny, and disturbing at the same time! Obviously, his music has evolved beyond pop radio, and would not play EVERY LITTLE KISS requested by the crowd because the song "did not age well". I really wish he had played the song he co-wrote with Don Henley, THE END OF THE INNOCENCE. Yes, it would have been great to hear a few more of his mainstream tunes or from his days with the RANGE, but i do appreciate his maturation as an phenomal artist and musician. Recommended for those who can really appreciate talent in it's most intimate setting, but not so much to the "fans of friendly radio".

Very good show - Bruce Hornsby's an awesome pianist. The show was billed as Bruce Hornsby solo with his piano, but someone was playing some type of synthesizer in the background on nearly half the songs - must've been back stage. I found that distracting and completely unnecessary. He needed no accompaniment.

Bruce Hornsby is a great musician and singer, however, I was very disappointed that he did not do any of the old stuff and when asked by audience for certain songs he commented that he doesn't do that anymore and if we want to hear that we would have to listen to the old cd's.

This was one of the best shows I have ever been to, and I have seen a lot. Bruce live is always a treat, but solo in an intimate theater like The Carolina Theater is a real treat. The sound in that venue is very very good. We were on the 2nd balcony and it still sounded like I was sitting in front of him. It sounded like the venue has been revamped and they have some people in charge that are committed to bringing top notch shows in. The staff was super friendly, and there is a really nice hotel connected to the theater. I would say, don't miss a show at the Carolina Theater, esp if it is someone you like. And don't miss a Bruce show, esp if it's not far from you

Fantastic solo show by Bruce Hornsby. A great mix of old and new and he fielded requests from the audience and played many of them. He is personable, carrying on brief conversations with audience members between tunes. He just keeps getting better and better.

Hornsby is a Piano Master Keswick has terribly uncomfortable seats and inconsiderate fans who talk, text and take pictures during the show.

I saw Bruce years ago when he first became popular with BH and the Range. I have seen him many times since. His amazing skill as a player just gets better and better. Even though I probably liked his original pop/rock style best, I am blown away by his ability to incorporate jazz and classical into his original works. He is a "must see" for me from now on whenever he is playing within 100 miles of wherever I am.

One might not consider Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby a typical musical combination. Without a doubt, their concert made me a firm believer in keeping a piano close by for bluegrass performances. Along with Skaggs' Kentucky Thunder pickers, the dynamic duo performed nearly the entire set list from their album "Cluck Old Hen: A Tribute to Bill Monroe" while adding a few pleasant surprises into the mix, namely "The Dreaded Spoon" and "Twenty-Twenty Vision but Walking around Blind." Absolutely the best bluegrass show I have ever attended. The audience received more than its money's worth

Bruce's piano has always been my favorite and this concert did not disappoint. The pairing with the energetic and enthusiastic Ricky Skaggs and Band brought everyone to their feet more than once. Bluegrass at its best! Watching them play at breakneck speed was worth the price of admission. Most unusual song was a rendition of Super Freak. Very entertaining concert.

THE BEST CONCERT EVER!!! I LOVE BRUCE HORNSBY! I LOVE WATCHING HIM PLAY PIANO! IT'S OBVIOUS HOW MUCH HE LOVES WHAT HE DOES! RICKY SKAGGS IS AWESOME TOO! LOOKS LIKE HIS FINGERS WOULD BREAK PLAYING HIS MANDOLIN SO FAST! LOVE LOVE LOVE THEIR CONCERT!