As you might expect the stage set-up was theatrical with stairs and tiers for Ben's band. Platt kicked off the show at the Ryman with a triple play of big show-tune styled tracks from Honeymind. Between numbers Ben chatted about the writing process and the inspirations behind songs such as "Andrew" which was about the experience of unrequited love followed by the idea of dating good but wrong people that leads to breakups because "I wanna love you but I don't". Throughout the night Platt danced and or acted out lyrics while also sharing personal insights thus really connecting with the crowd.

This stage set-up had more in common with the Great White Way than the Grand Ole Opry.

Saturday's concert showcased a number of special guests. The first was Kelsea Ballerini who sang Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" with Ben. Later we were treated to a duet featuring Brandy Clark. The two performed the sentimental "Treehouse" from Honeymind. Later, producer Dave Cobb joined Platt on "Monsters" a tune Ben said he penned as "a letter to my younger self". The new record has been described by Platt as a "homecoming" inspired by Ben's relationship with fiance Noah Galvin.

In addition to the winning cover presented with Kelsea were vivid versions of "River" (Joni Mitchell), "Maybe This Time" (John Kander - popularized by Liza Minnelli) and the colorful and always popular encore "Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (Judy Garland) which like so many of the numbers presented at the Ryman highlighted Ben's expressive range and engaging stage persona for a theatrical night of entertainment which included Brandy Clark in the opening slot.

Brandy is a singer-songwriter whose compositions have been recorded by Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow and more. Brandy is also an award-winning artist who with frequent collaborator Shane McAnally wrote the score for the musical Shucked that earned them both a Tony Award nomination.

Ben did his nails special for this momentous occasion.

Clark mentioned that Shucked is coming to Nashville November 05-10, 2024, so it made sense that Clark presented a medley from the corned-themed musical. Brandy's set was packed with visual storytelling in tales such as "Pawn Shop" and "Get High". "Follow Your Arrow" (a co-write with Kacey Musgraves) hit home with the attentive audience as did the very relatable closer - "Dear Insecurity".

In advance of the Honeymind tour Ben shared that "I'm thrilled to be taking my show on the road! Performing my music live is what I cherish most, and I can't wait to sing and connect with fans all over the country in such beautiful theaters and outdoors spaces... I'm beyond honored to have Brandy Clark on the road with me. We had the pleasure of writing a duet together for the upcoming album and she is such an incredibly special artist."

Brandy Clark at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on BEN PLATT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Ben Platt | Brandy Clark | Ryman Auditorium