Ed Helms Joins Rhiannon Giddens at Hollywood Bowl

Over the weekend, actor and comedian Ed Helms stepped onto the Hollywood Bowl stage for a one-night-only folk music celebration that blended star power with deep-rooted traditions. Best known for his roles as Andy Bernard on The Office and Stu Price in The Hangover series, Helms traded his signature comedic timing for heartfelt banjo licks under the Southern California sunset. Rhiannon Giddens, Steve Martin, Our Native Daughters and Alison Brown joined him for an event billed as a journey through folk’s rich tapestry.

Soundcheck And Star Power

Helms captured the anticipation in an Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLD2EV2yH8i/) showing him and Alison Brown dueling on banjos while Martin peeked over their shoulders. “Most bowls hold Cheerios. Tonight this one holds banjos, deep folk traditions, and a thunderous dose of good vibes,” read his caption. The candid snapshots offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of rhythmic tuning, finger-style runs and impromptu riffs, setting the tone for a folk-forward evening at LA’s storied amphitheater.

Tracing Folk’s Arc

Headliners Rhiannon Giddens and Steve Martin steered the audience through a carefully curated program, which highlighted folk’s evolution from string-band roots to the revival of the 1960s. Giddens—a Grammy winner and co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops—has spent years reinterpreting traditional songs and spotlighting underrepresented voices. Our Native Daughters, her ensemble formed in 2019, further illuminates African American women’s contributions to the genre. Martin, an unexpected banjo virtuoso, added levity and musical flair, reminding fans why he remains a beloved figure in both comedy and bluegrass.

Fans were treated to renditions of timeless folk numbers: Giddens led a haunting take on “Black Jack Davey,” Brown fired through an up-tempo “Groundhog” and Martin delivered a playful version of “Everybody.” The set reached a high point when Helms joined in on “Cripple Creek,” showcasing a surprisingly deft hand at two-fret banjo style amid cheers from the sold-out crowd.

Banjo Battles & Guest Surprises

During soundcheck, Helms and Brown engaged in a friendly banjo showdown, trading rapid-fire runs and flat-picked challenges. Attendees posted clips on social media praising Helms’s earnest pickin’ and infectious grin. One user wrote, “Watching Ed nail that banjo solo live was the highlight of my year.” Later in the performance, Helms swapped comedic punchlines for thumb picks, diving into melodic breaks that underscored his respect for the instrument’s heritage.

Honoring The Amphitheater’s Folk Legacy

Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has welcomed folk and roots luminaries like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. This latest showcase builds on that legacy, uniting modern interpreters and screen stars under a single canopy of open-air acoustics. Venue officials noted the show sold out within days—a reminder that the appetite for folk traditions remains strong in Los Angeles.

A Sneak Peek On Instagram

Weeks before showtime, Helms teased fans with an enthusiastic announcement: “So excited to join my friend, Grammy winner and fellow Oberlin College alum Rhiannon Giddens, and her Old-Time Revue onstage for her one-night-only celebration of folk music at the @hollywoodbowl on Wednesday, June 18th. Also joining is the great Steve Martin (@stevemartinreally), Our Native Daughters (@ournativedaughters), Alison Brown (@alisononbanjo), and more.” That post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK3FR_dS30q/) mapped out an evening spanning the old-time string-band tradition, bluegrass highlights and the folk revival.

Helms’ Folk-forward Shift

Though Helms built his career in television and film—with Emmy nominations and blockbuster comedies—he has long nurtured a passion for music. From banjo jams at film festivals to folk segments on podcasts, he’s quietly honed his chops. According to insiders, Helms is exploring a side project that weaves narrative comedy with old-time melodies—an artistic blend hinted at by his performance at the Bowl.

As final notes faded under the Hollywood Hills, fans lingered under starry skies, humming banjo riffs well into the evening. It was a rare collision of comedy, star wattage and age-old melodies—proof that folk music’s spirit remains as vibrant as ever.

Trivia

Ed Helms is known as a frequent guest on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and has made numerous appearances on various talk shows.

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Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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