Although the event was billed as a "Quiet Celebration" Paul had a sizable band that included multiple sets of percussion instruments, horns, strings and more. The tour began on April 4 in New Orleans and travels throughout North America and Canada in residency like fashion - concluding in Seattle in August. Paul's talented team features Caleb Burhans (viola), Jamey Haddad (percussion), Gyan Riley (guitar), Mick Rossi (piano, keys), Andy Snitzer (saxophone), Nancy Stagnita (flute), Mark Stewart (guitar) and Eugene Friesen (Cello). Steve Gadd and Matt Chamberlin will alternate on drums.

"Very happy and grateful to be here," Paul replied in response to the loud cheers he received as he took the Ryman stage. Simon said that the show would be two parts with the first being a 35-minute piece with no spaces. During both sets he shared some of the ideas behind his muse.

The Ryman Auditorium hosted "A Quiet Celebration" in May 2025.

The montage that is Seven Psalms was intricate, reflective music with Paul describing The Lord, nature, forgiveness along with life observations in very visually stanzas. The man can still pen poetic prose that was accented by delicate instrumentation. The last two pieces included Paul's wife Edie Brickell on vocals who would be back later for "Under African Skies". It is our understanding that the idea for this album came to Paul in a dream. It was inspired by the Book of Psalms and the cover art taken from Thomas Moran's Two Owls.

After a short break, Paul and his talented team delivered a delightful career spanning set that took us to Graceland and back a few decades to enjoy hits from Simon and Garfunkel and his solo work. Paul made some subtle changes to the arrangement of his material which only enhanced his legendary lyrics. Paul played a number of songs from Hearts and Bones which was under-appreciated at the time of its release and whose commercial failure sent him off seeking the sound that would lead ultimately to his greatest solo success.

Some of many highpoints for us were "Homeward Bound", "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" with its incredibly catchy rhymes, and the still very moving "The Boxer" and 'The Sounds of Silence" making up the encore section of the set.

The evening lived up to the advance billing as the music and the man were received in celebratory fashion. The "quiet" aspect of the production forced the audience to really listen closely to the lyrics and instrumentation as a triumphant show unfolded to reveal that Paul Simon - now in his eighties and dealing with hearing issues - and drawing upon all of his extensive skill and experience is still able to sing, play guitar and totally captivate an audience of very attentive fans.

The Ryman Auditorium may be known as the Mother Church of Country Music but the hall continues to host a wide range of legendary songwriters such as Paul Simon. Please check their website for a full list of upcoming shows.

Paul Simon emerged from retirement to play three big nights at the Ryman.

Related Links: For more information on PAUL SIMON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Paul Simon | Ryman Auditorium