Kansas City, MO, Starlight Theatre – June 16, 2025
Paul Simon is 84 years old and age is generally the first thing mentioned when talking about classic rockers. Simon is on his A Quiet Celebration tour, which he’s been on for more than 15 months. In fact, he’s already been through Kansas City (Midland Theatre, April 2025). I had never seen Paul Simon in concert but I balked at the ticket prices on his last tour. My wife bought tickets for this tour and I haven’t asked her what she paid for the Starlight tickets. Whatever she spent, it was worth it. What a lovely Kansas evening and a great show.
If you aren’t able to see Simon on this tour, premiering on June 26, you can see his two-hour concert film of this tour on Disney+ and Hulu.
Back to the age thing, it’s true that Simon’s smooth vocals are no longer what they were. He’s adjusted, and so does the audience. Simon doesn’t hide his vocal limitations, he doesn’t use backup singers or prerecorded backing vocals. He’s a performer who gives you what he’s got, and he does that here. His guitar playing is still very effective and an important part of his performance. He’s retained that quiet, unpretentious folk attitude even on his biggest and uptempo songs.
The musical arrangements for these songs, primarily his past hits, are amazing. Some of his songs are barely recognizable under the jazzy, creative new arrangements. Not only are the songs fresh and engaging, but Simon’s touring band are fantastic, and he gives them many opportunities to show their skills with featured solos. Not only does he employ the usual guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, he brings along additional percussionists, horn, woodwind and string players. The textures they add truly highlight the layers inside of Simon’s writing. Edie Brickell, Simon’s wife selectively adds her ageless and poignant vocals to several of his songs.
Because the majority of this concert tour setlist will be included in the concert film, I’m not going to review and comment on each song, as I usually do. Instead, I’m going to make some general observations, hoping that you watch the concert film and hear for yourselves.
I had listened to The Seven Psalms a couple of years ago, but honestly didn’t remember much, except for how deeply reflective and intimate the songs and production were. These are not hit songs in the traditional sense, but a recording meant to be played in its entirety. Here is a man who is looking at his life and preparing for what is ahead.
The audience sat quietly and respectfully through the very short first set, taking in his spiritual journey and responding with polite applause.
Set one: songs from The Seven Psalms
“The Lord”
“Love Is Like a Braid”
“My Professional Opinion”
“Your Forgiveness”
“Trail of Volcanoes
The Sacred Harp” (with Edie Brickell)
“Wait” (with Edie Brickell)
Set two: Solo and S&G
“Graceland”
“Slip Slidin’ Away”
“Train in the Distance”
“Homeward Bound” (Simon & Garfunkel song)
“The Late Great Johnny Ace”
“St. Judys Comet”
“Under African Skies” (with Edie Brickell)
“Rene and Georgette Magritte With
Their Dog After the War”
“Rewrite”
“Spirit Voices”
“The Cool, Cool River”
“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”
Encores:
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (with Edie Brickell)
“Something So Right”
“The Boxer” (Simon & Garfunkel song)
“The Sound of Silence” (Simon & Garfunkel song)
Final Reflections…
The second set was where Simon cut loose. He felt freer to talk with the audience and occasionally tell a stories about his songs. In this set, I knew most of the songs, but a couple of songs were less familiar. Some people were disappointed that he didn’t feature more hits, but he did cover a lot of ground to satisfy both himself and the audience.
Prior to the start of the concert the audience was told to put away their cameras. No photos or recordings were allowed, and it would be enforced. Of course, many people ignored that and were scolded by event personnel. I didn’t take any photos, but my wife did. She’s a rule breaker, unlike me.
Ticket 2 Ride 
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