Ben Here

Ben Folds is quite the prankster. In a live broadcast via MySpace.com, he set up “audience members” to enact a drunken fall and a faux suicide attempt, and in another incident “leaked” fake songs and cover art from an unreleased album. Not what you’d expect from someone who once made a hit song about abortion. But Folds’ music (like the man himself) can relay heartbreaking stories as cleverly as upbeat tunes, without bringing down the mood of a room, even a little. This is good news for fans planning to catch his show at the Palladium Ballroom, a stop on a tour promoting his latest release, Way to Normal. But Folds’ fans can also expect to perhaps be treated to a music-induced roller-coaster ride of old favorites, clever covers (Folds does a mean Elton John) and maybe even an audience prank or two. Ben Folds plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Palladium Ballroom, 1135 S. Lamar St. Tickets are $32. Call 214-373-8000 or visit thepalladiumballroom.com.

Thu., Oct. 23, 2008