Showing posts with label Kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas. Show all posts

5/26/2023

Socially Conscious Video Release From Rock Violin Legend Robby Steinhardt’s Swan Song Album “Not in Kansas Anymore”

Orlando, FL - Robby Steinhardt, the renowned violinist and vocalist known for his work with the band Kansas, second installment of a series of videos accompanying his critically acclaimed solo album “Not in Kansas Anymore” has been unveiled. The video for the song “Mother Earth” comes following the completion of the album, which occurred three months before Steinhardt's untimely passing July 17, 2021.

Watch Robby Steinhardt’s “Mother Earth” video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwBhzotNO9Y

Directed by Tom Lupo, the video serves as a poignant social commentary on one of Steinhardt’s deep-rooted concerns – mankind’s mistreatment of the planet and the global issue of pollution. Steinhardt, along with keyboardist/producer Michael Franklin, and bassist Tim Franklin, co-wrote and performed on the song featured in the video. Additional musicians contributing to this track include Tommy Calton, Jim Gentry and Sonny Ferguson on guitars, Matt Brown on drums and Robby on violin and vocals. The song also showcases the incredible talent of keyboardist Patrick Moraz, known for his work with Yes and The Moody Blues. Special Thanks to Jocelyn Hsu and Beniot Lajeunesse for their help.

Steinhardt and his band had been gearing up for a national tour when tragedy struck in May 2021, preventing them from bringing their music to fans across the country. The tour would have included performances of several tracks from “Not in Kansas Anymore” as well as selected Kansas songs that Robby considered to be his own contributions to the band’s rich legacy. Notably, the release of “Mother Earth” coincides with what would have been Robby's 73rd birthday.

Fans can look forward to the forthcoming release of additional videos in the near future. “Not in Kansas Anymore” was nominated by Prog Report for Album of The Year, Song of the Year, (Truth to Power) and Album Cover of the Year.

Not in Kansas Anymore” is available on the Solar Music website: https://solarmusic.com/robby-steinhardt

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Phone: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

About Robby Steinhardt:
Robby Steinhardt was a revered rock musician known for his exceptional violin skills and captivating vocals. As a prominent member of the band Kansas, he made significant contributions to the world of progressive rock. With his solo album, “Not In Kansas Anymore,” Steinhardt showcased his talent and passion for music, addressing pressing social and environmental issues along the way. His legacy and artistic contributions continue to inspire fans worldwide.

3/28/2016

Concert Review: Kansas at The Colonial Theater

Kansas In Concert At The Colonial Theater
UCP Life Without Limits Benefit
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
March 26, 2016

Phil Ehart (drums), Richard Williams (guitar), Ronnie Platt (vocals, keyboards), Billy Greer (bass, vocals), David Manion (keyboards, vocals) and David Ragsdale (violin, guitar, vocals) are Kansas.  

The show benefited United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County. The “Life Without Limits” concert replaces UCP’s annual fundraising telethon, which ended last year after more than five decades.

Ms. Brittany Dorwin (pictured here) whom I have known since she was a baby was crowned the Massachusetts Jr. Miss Amazing 2016. She will move on to the Nationals in Chicago very soon. If you are interested in sponsoring her trip to Chicago on June 30TH make your donation here http://www.missamazing2016.com/sponsor-a-queen



Brittany certainly fits the description of amazing. I have never looked at her as someone with a disability; she is an intelligent, funny, warm, and a loving soul. Thanks to her wonderful parents Pam and Dan and the support of her sister Samantha, she was given every opportunity for a normal and healthy upbringing. The event was very special for her and everyone that knows her. Congratulations Brit we love you!

This was the third time I have seen Kansas and all with different line ups. I would have to say after watching them last night that they are as tight as ever and sounded fantastic! There are two original members left, founder and drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Richard Williams. Billy Greer has been with the band since 1985 and quickly became one of the foundations of their sound with his bass and strong vocals (He also has been in Seventh Key and Native Window). Ronnie Platt is the most recent addition holding down the lead vocals that I am aware of. He is voice is very strong and reminiscent of the great Steve Walsh the original voice of the band. 

Their set was very efficient with very little band to audience exchanges. Kansas is one of the true prog rock innovators and legends that are still performing today. The sound they present is mixture of rock, classical and pop and for the most part remains very complex. It is the kind of music built for improvisation and although they stay true to a planned set list they really stretch out musically much to the delight of their audiences. 

David Ragsdale is a multi-talented component offering his distinct violin sounds along with guitar and backing vocals. Phil Earhart is the rock of the band and always was. His drumming is extraordinary and he makes it look so effortless. Watching a superb progressive rock band is a real audio visual treat that you simply cannot forget.

Some of favorites of the night was the opener “Point of Know Return,” “Miracles Out of Nowhere,”  “Belexes,” which was a crazy transitioning number that required an enormous amount of talent to perform, and “Portrait (He Knew),” which was inspired by Albert Einstein.

This was a great night for many reasons and one I believe the packed house at The Colonial are going to remember for a long time. Witnessing the raucous applause, hand clapping and whistles from the audience for their encore was proof positive that they still are relevant force in music and their songs are unforgettable. To all of you people that decided your cellphones were more important than what you where there for, you missed a great show!

March 27, 2016

Set List:
Point of Know Return
What’s On My Mind
Play The Game
The Wall
Reason To Be
Dust In The Wind
Miracles Out of Nowhere
Icarus
Opus Insert
Closet Chronicles
Hold On
Belexes
Portrait (He Knew)
Sparks of the Tempest

Encore:
Fire
Wayward Son

Concert Review: Kansas at The Colonial Theater

Kansas In Concert At The Colonial Theater
UCP Life Without Limits Benefit
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
March 26, 2016

Phil Ehart (drums), Richard Williams (guitar), Ronnie Platt (vocals, keyboards), Billy Greer (bass, vocals), David Manion (keyboards, vocals) and David Ragsdale (violin, guitar, vocals) are Kansas.  

The show benefited United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County. The “Life Without Limits” concert replaces UCP’s annual fundraising telethon, which ended last year after more than five decades.

Ms. Brittany Dorwin (pictured here) whom I have known since she was a baby was crowned the Massachusetts Jr. Miss Amazing 2016. She will move on to the Nationals in Chicago very soon. If you are interested in sponsoring her trip to Chicago on June 30TH make your donation here http://www.missamazing2016.com/sponsor-a-queen



Brittany certainly fits the description of amazing. I have never looked at her as someone with a disability; she is an intelligent, funny, warm, and a loving soul. Thanks to her wonderful parents Pam and Dan and the support of her sister Samantha, she was given every opportunity for a normal and healthy upbringing. The event was very special for her and everyone that knows her. Congratulations Brit we love you!

This was the third time I have seen Kansas and all with different line ups. I would have to say after watching them last night that they are as tight as ever and sounded fantastic! There are two original members left, founder and drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Richard Williams. Billy Greer has been with the band since 1985 and quickly became one of the foundations of their sound with his bass and strong vocals (He also has been in Seventh Key and Native Window). Ronnie Platt is the most recent addition holding down the lead vocals that I am aware of. He is voice is very strong and reminiscent of the great Steve Walsh the original voice of the band. 

Their set was very efficient with very little band to audience exchanges. Kansas is one of the true prog rock innovators and legends that are still performing today. The sound they present is mixture of rock, classical and pop and for the most part remains very complex. It is the kind of music built for improvisation and although they stay true to a planned set list they really stretch out musically much to the delight of their audiences. 

David Ragsdale is a multi-talented component offering his distinct violin sounds along with guitar and backing vocals. Phil Earhart is the rock of the band and always was. His drumming is extraordinary and he makes it look so effortless. Watching a superb progressive rock band is a real audio visual treat that you simply cannot forget.

Some of favorites of the night was the opener “Point of Know Return,” “Miracles Out of Nowhere,”  “Belexes,” which was a crazy transitioning number that required an enormous amount of talent to perform, and “Portrait (He Knew),” which was inspired by Albert Einstein.

This was a great night for many reasons and one I believe the packed house at The Colonial are going to remember for a long time. Witnessing the raucous applause, hand clapping and whistles from the audience for their encore was proof positive that they still are relevant force in music and their songs are unforgettable. To all of you people that decided your cellphones were more important than what you where there for, you missed a great show!

March 27, 2016

Set List:
Point of Know Return
What’s On My Mind
Play The Game
The Wall
Reason To Be
Dust In The Wind
Miracles Out of Nowhere
Icarus
Opus Insert
Closet Chronicles
Hold On
Belexes
Portrait (He Knew)
Sparks of the Tempest

Encore:
Fire
Wayward Son

9/29/2015

Music Legends Unite! The Rock Pack Feat. Mickey Thomas of STARSHIP, Bobby Kimball original lead singer of TOTO, Steve Walsh formerly of KANSAS, Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK, Fee Waybill of THE TUBES, and John Payne formerly of ASIA!


The Rock Pack To Perform At The Germain Arena, Ft Myers, FL. Nov 19, 2015

Fort Myers, FL -  November 19th sees the arrival of THE ROCK PACK at The Germain Arena, Ft. Myers, FL.

John Payne, former ASIA lead vocalist and co-creator of the #1 Vegas musical “Raiding the Rock Vault,” has created a unique new event. THE ROCK PACK concert is an incredible 80s rock extravaganza featuring the vocalists and the hits from six major classic rock bands.

The cast of stellar star singers includes Mickey Thomas of STARSHIP, Bobby Kimball original lead singer of TOTO, Steve Walsh formerly of KANSAS, Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK, Fee Waybill of THE TUBES, and John Payne formerly of ASIA.

This stunning show features the classic hit songs sung by the original singers; Dust in the Wind, I Want You to Want Me, We Built This City, Africa, Surrender, Beauty, The Flame, Rosanna, White Punks on Dope, Carry on My Wayward Son, Dream Police, Hold the Line, Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now and more.

Ringmaster Payne also extracts interesting stories from the cast of classic rock artists as well as pertinent visuals on huge screens. Throughout the show he sings the ASIA classics Heat Of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Sole Survivor, and Time Again.

Prepare yourself for an unprecedented evening of superlative music, enthralling stories and visuals.

THE ROCK PACK, Presented by KDIM Entertainment as part of The Classic Rock Series.

Who: The Rock Pack
When: November 19, 2015
Where: Germain Arena, Ft. Myers, FL
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/classic-rock-series-the-rock-pack-estero-florida-11-19-2015/event/0D004F23AAF679AC?artistid=1475086&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

For more information:
http://theclassicrockseries.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ClassicRockSeries
https://twitter.com/ClassRockSeries
www.kdimentertainment.com ;

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR. PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com