Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunited Friday night at New Yorks Beacon Theatre. The show was billed as a Paul Simon solo performance and marked the grand reopening of the Beacon after an extensive seven-month renovation. After flying into New York in the midst of a solo tour, Garfunkel emerged during Simons encore for three classics: The Sound of Silence, The Boxer and Old Friends. The paired performers have shared the stage a handful of times since wrapping up their most recent reunion tour at Romes famed Flavian Amphitheatre (better known as The Colosseum) in 2004, including an appearance at the 2007s Gershwin Awards.

The rest of Simons two-set performance touched on material recorded throughout his storied career, including early hits like Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, material from the groundbreaking world/folk fusion Graceland and highlights from his ill-fated play The Capeman. Notable faces in the crowded included mayor Michael Bloomberg, Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Rosie ODonnell, Whoopi Goldberg, James Gandolfini and Robert Randolph.
Simon first performed at the Beacon in 1990 with Paul McCartney and returned for a three-night run on his own in December of 2000. His last appearance in the room took place in 2003 as part of Willie Nelson’s nationally televised 70th birthday celebration.