The Lancaster Performing Arts Center will host Kansas on Oct. 7. For tickets, visit www.lpac.org or call (661) 723-5950.
The band Kansas needs no introduction. They are one of the defining American progressive rock bands of all time. 2009 marks the band’s 35th anniversary.
This “garage band” from Topeka was discovered by Wally Gold who worked for Don Kirshner and released their first album in 1974. The band’s first public statement appeared on the self-titled album in 1974, “From the beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will always remain so.” Little did this legendary rock group realize that back in the early 1970s, what “seemed to be different,” was actually ahead of its time. Kansas achieved success by playing only their original music.
The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (“Leftoverture,” “Point of Know Return” and “Best Of”), one platinum live album (“Two for the Show”) and a million-selling gold single, “Dust in the Wind.” Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 1970s and 1980s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. “Carry on Wayward Son” was the No. 2 most played track on classic rock radio in 1995 and went to No. 1 in 1997.
In 1998, Kansas released an orchestral CD, “Always Never the Same,” recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London. The group followed with an orchestral tour accompanied by symphony orchestras.
Current band members include Phil Ehart, Billy Greer, Dave Ragsdale, Steve Walsh and Richard Williams. Original member and drumming master, Ehart said, “We always have our eyes on the horizon. We are always looking for new ways to capture the essence of our music and of our performance.” Classic rock fans of all ages will not be disappointed.
