A classic rock band will perform during the Boomtown Days event Saturday night.
The band, Kansas, still rocks radio airwaves to this day, mostly on classic rock stations.
“We have been in existence for 35 years now,” said guitarist Rich Williams. “We started as a high school band. We enjoy doing it. Three of the five members are originals.”
The group began in Topeka, Kan., and today consists of singer / keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Williams, and drummer Phil Ehart. Newer members are violinist David Ragsdale and bassist Billy Greer.
“We will be doing a little bit of everything, stuff from the first album and the latest album and everything in between,” he said.
Some of the famous songs include “Dust in the Wind,” “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Point of Know Return” and fan favorites “Hold On” and “On the Other Side.”
“We are excited about coming to Joplin,” Williams said.
Kansas will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Landreth Park.
Prices for the three-day event (Friday through Sunday) are $10, which includes all concerts and live entertainment on the main stage. A one-day pass is $5. For more information, visit boomtowndays.com or call 625-4789.
Kansas has been staying busy performing at venues across America.
The band is also making its mark on the digital generation.
“Carry On Wayward Son,” is featured on the games Guitar Hero II and Rock Band II.
“They still get a lot of attention, still get a lot of airplay,” said Williams about the enduring popularity of Kansas’ songs. “They have retained a relevance through the years, that only a small percent of recordings do.”
The press release also noted about an upcoming DVD.
“And what better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of Kansas’ self-titled 1974 debut than with a live DVD, ‘There’s Know Place Like Home,’ which will be released on Aug. 4. A hi-def for Blu-ray release (mixed in 5.1 surround sound), the show was filmed on Feb. 7 of this year in their home state (at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall), and was certainly not your average affair. For this show, the group (will perform) as well as the 50-piece Washburn University Orchestra.”
More information can be found about the DVD and the band’s history at www.kansasband.com.
Joplin, Mo. —
