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!
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder Write
A Music Review, Prog
Rock Music Talk, New
Age Music Reviews, MuzikMan
Productions, Rate
The Tracks, MuzikMan
Reviews
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