Ben Folds was 8 years old and living in Winston-Salem when he first sat down at a piano for lessons.
Why it matters: The moment would change the course of his life.
- Folds went on to become one of the standout talents to emerge from Chapel Hill’s influential indie music scene in the 1990s, gaining international recognition with Ben Folds Five and as a solo artist.
Driving the news: Folds is back in Raleigh this week, playing a benefit concert at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday.
- The concert is raising money for Keys for Kids, Folds’ nonprofit that helps pay for piano lessons for children throughout North Carolina, hopefully giving more kids the opportunity he had to fall in love with the instrument.
Axios chatted with Folds over the phone ahead of his concert this Saturday. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.…