What Is “Forever Simon & Garfunkel – A Tribute”?
Forever Simon and Garfunkel – Tribute The Sound of Silence: Forever Simon & Garfunkel – A Tribute is a live concert act dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the legendary folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The show features tight vocal harmonies, guitar accompaniment, storytelling, and performances of beloved songs spanning both the duo’s catalog and Paul Simon’s solo work.
The tribute is led by performers Sean Altman (co-founder of Rockapella) and Jack Skuller (recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Buddy Holly Prize). Their chemistry, vocal precision, and showmanship drive the experience.
The tribute has been staged either as a duo (guitar + vocals) or expanded to a four-piece band (adding bass and drums) depending on venue and production needs.
From a musical theater or community arts stage to concert halls, Forever Simon & Garfunkel brings Simon & Garfunkel’s signature sound to modern audiences, often including the iconic “The Sound of Silence” among its centerpieces.
The Significance of “The Sound of Silence”
“The Sound of Silence” (originally titled “The Sounds of Silence” in earlier releases) is among Simon & Garfunkel’s most famous and enduring songs. Written by Paul Simon and first recorded acoustically in 1964, it was later overdubbed with electric instrumentation and re-released, becoming a breakthrough hit.
The song’s poetic imagery—lines like “Hello darkness, my old friend / I’ve come to talk with you again”—express themes of alienation, introspection, and the struggle to communicate. Over time, “The Sound of Silence” has become an anthem of cultural reflection and a staple in tribute performances.
In Forever Simon & Garfunkel shows, this song is often positioned as a highlight moment—drawing the audience into quiet reverence, then lifting them with harmony and emotional resonance. The performance of “The Sound of Silence” in a tribute context underscores the timeless appeal and impact of the original.
Core Songs & Setlist Beyond “Silence”
While “The Sound of Silence” is central, Forever Simon & Garfunkel presents a broad selection of classics from Simon & Garfunkel’s duo period as well as Paul Simon’s solo catalog.
Typical songs in the tribute’s repertoire include:
- Bridge Over Troubled Water
- Mrs. Robinson
- I Am a Rock
- The Boxer
- Homeward Bound
- Cecilia
- Hazy Shade of Winter
- Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard
- Kodachrome
In many performances, the show weaves narrative segments—sharing stories about the duo’s early folk roots, their rise to fame, and the transitions into solo work.This structure helps the audience feel the chronological journey, not just a collection of imitated hits.
By blending both duo-era songs and solo-era tracks, the tribute honors not only the classic partnership but also the ongoing legacy of Paul Simon as an artist beyond the duo.
Performers & Their Musical Credentials
One of the strengths of Forever Simon & Garfunkel lies in the credibility and talent of its lead performers.
- Sean Altman helped form Rockapella, a vocal group best known for its role on Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? He is acclaimed for his vocal skill, songwriting, and showmanship
- Jack Skuller, awarded the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Buddy Holly Prize, began his recording career young and brings a rock & roll sensibility to the acoustic heart of the tribute.
Their rapport is notable: in interviews and promotional materials, they cite how their partnership began in a variety show when they were paired to sing Mrs. Robinson. Despite differing ages, their musical chemistry impressed audiences.
When performing as a duo, they rely solely on vocal harmony and guitar. In full band mode, bass and drums add texture and drive, while preserving the acoustic folk spirit.
Their approach balances respect for the original Simon & Garfunkel sound with theatrical flair, audience interaction, and storytelling elements—making the tribute as much theatre as concert.
Audience Experience & Why It Resonates
What makes Forever Simon & Garfunkel more than a cover band?
- Emotional Connection
Audiences often find themselves singing along, reflecting on their own memories tied to the music. The performance of “The Sound of Silence” in particular evokes a hush before harmony, enabling a collective emotional moment. - Historical Narrative
With storytelling woven between songs, the concert feels like a musical biography, giving context to the songs and deepening appreciation. - Musical Precision
The tribute emphasizes laser-precise harmonies and faithful arrangements to evoke the spirit of Simon & Garfunkel without attempting impersonation - Versatility of Format
Whether in an intimate theater or a larger concert hall, the show adapts (duo vs band) while retaining its core acoustic identity. - Intergenerational Appeal
The music of Simon & Garfunkel spans decades; younger audiences discover it, while older generations bring nostalgia. The tribute bridges that gap, making it suitable for folk fans, classic rock lovers, and concertgoers alike.
The resonance of the project lies in how it doesn’t just mimic — it revives and reinterprets. The show allows listeners to relive the magic of the originals in a fresh, yet faithful, live format.
Tours, Venues & Cultural Impact
Forever Simon & Garfunkel has been featured in concert series, performing arts venues, and arts centers across the U.S. For example, TCAN Mainstage in Natick, Massachusetts, has hosted their show as part of its events lineup. In 2026, they were booked to appear at Outer Banks Forum in North Carolina.
Their adaptability—duo or band—allows them to play smaller theaters or larger venues without sacrificing musical quality.
In terms of cultural impact, the tribute helps keep Simon & Garfunkel’s song catalog alive in live performance circuits, introducing classic folk rock to new generations in a concert context. It serves both as homage and as musical education: audiences hear not just hits but the narrative arc behind the music.
Moreover, in a time when many tribute acts exist, Forever Simon & Garfunkel stands out through its combination of musical credibility, storytelling, and emotive artistry.
Conclusion
Forever Simon & Garfunkel – A Tribute brings to life the rich, lyrical legacy of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, centering on epic songs like “The Sound of Silence” yet weaving a broader journey through their music and influence. With skilled performers Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, the show balances reverence and creativity, adapting to different venue scales while preserving the heart of folk harmony.
For fans old and new, the tribute offers more than nostalgia—it offers an emotional, immersive live experience. In a world where music consumption is often digital and distant, Forever Simon & Garfunkel enables people to hear those voices together again, in real time, and feel the silence transform into song.
