Robert Lester Folsom’s “Music and Dreams” 50th Anniversary at the Crystal Ballroom 

Design by Sophie Parrish

Photography by Nick Hendrickson

By Makayla Markus

On October 13th, 2026, Robert Lester Folsom performed at the Crystal Ballroom in Boston while on tour for the 50th anniversary of his album “Music and Dreams” (1976). While here, Folsom brought a musical blend of folk, country, soft rock, and psychedelic rock to Boston. Folsom performed at the Crystal Ballroom, a quaint venue on Davis Street in Somerville, Boston. Performing in a small venue did everything but dampen the energy, in fact, the Crystal Ballroom provided an intimate atmosphere where Folsom and his band left the audience wanting more. 

Robert Lester Folsom was born in Lowndes County, Georgia in 1955. Interested in music from a young age, Folsom wrote and recorded his first album, “Music and Dreams” (1976), at just 21 years old. Folsom began writing and recording music in the early to mid ’70s, and these songs were later reissued. “Music and Dreams,” was reissued in 2010, and old archives that were recorded during the ’70s have been reissued within the past decade. Folsom is still releasing music, with his most recent album “Abacus Atlanta Sessions” having been released in 2020. His expansive discography demonstrates not only his true passion for music, but decades of dedication and creation.  

Folsom masterfully blends multiple genres of music into one authentic and unique sound. Folsom harvests a unique blend of folk, psychedelic rock, yacht rock, and a tinge of country with a distinct ’70s sound. The familiar strumming of an acoustic guitar, blend of multiple genres, and the overall mellow and smooth aesthetics of soft rock connects Folsom’s music to the distinct sound of the decade. Each genre compliments the other, really allowing for an immersive listening experience. The folk brings a simple and warm quality to the music, the psychedelic sound brings in stimulating and layered instrumentals through warbled guitar tones, and the yacht rock hones in on the overall ’70s sound and feel-good energy. Folsom’s distinct sound draws similarities to influential artists of the decade like Steve Miller Band, Steely Dan, and Todd Rundgren. Folsom’s southern roots help establish his own sound where the hint of country in his music distinguishes his sound from other artists through the raw, stripped down string instrumentation and southern accent in his voice. A clear dedication to the preservation of authentic ’70s sound is present within Folsom’s music, making it both an enjoyable and evocative listening experience.  

An up and coming artist, Liz Cooper, opened for Folsom. Cooper opened the show with her expressive lyrics and her passionate vocals. Cooper’s calm, raw, indie rock style perfectly complimented and set up Folsom’s psychedelic yacht rock. Her Lou Reed inspired lyricism and production immediately captivated the audience. Similar to Reed, Cooper employs simple instrumentals with emotive lyrics. Cooper even sang a cover of Lou Reed’s “Crazy Feeling” (1975). She was able to enthrall the audience with her familiar but unique sound, creating the perfect setup for Folsom to perform.    

Folsom created an intimate and authentic listening experience through his visceral sound. The Crystal Ballroom is a standing venue and consequently allowed for close proximity to the artists, generating excitement throughout the room. Folsom’s clear passion for music enhanced the overall experience by fostering a care-free, creative environment. The sound system allowed for a clear listening experience, letting each instrument truly shine, and the fun and creative lighting made it all the more fun. The predominantly young audience swayed back and forth to the beat of the music, creating a crowd full of rocking bodies and nodding heads. The audience mainly consisted of college students and graduates seemingly ranging from ages 20 to 30. I was initially surprised by the overwhelming presence of young adults because of the age of the music, but Folsom’s lively music complimented the atmosphere. Folsom acted as a charismatic entertainer, frequently telling stories relating to his songs and interacting with the audience throughout his set. While playing his track “Lunar Pie,” Folsom even threw moon pies out into the crowd, allowing for interaction and the generation of excitement. Folsom’s strong and energetic performance kept the audience captivated through his evident stage presence. Standing the whole time, Folsom bounced around the stage, serenading the crowd. Folsom played a total of 24 songs, including archives, reissued songs, and songs from recent projects. My personal favorites include “My Spanish Lady,” “Brown Eyed Lady With Blonde Hair,” “Are You the Answer,” “Lunar Pie,” and “Jericho.” Folsom’s raw blend of folk, country, psychedelic folk, and yacht rock allowed for an authentic and passionate show, leaving both fans and new listeners wanting more.  

Folsom is still traveling on his tour with upcoming stops in England, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Germany. If you are a fan of psychedelic folk or yacht rock, Folsom is the artist for you. Folsom is an example of how age doesn’t have to affect your passion or career. At 71 years old Folsom is still creating new music and jamming out with his band, all while sharing his passion for music all over the world.