KANSAS MERGE ROCK AND SYMPHONIC SOUNDS ON JUST-LAUNCHED TOUR, HONORED BY MASSIVE CROWD AT ALABAMA FOOTBALL GAME
As first reported several months ago, world renowned classic rockers Kansas have launched a highly anticipated “Collegiate Symphony Tour” (Presented by D’Addario), which in turn would help raise funds for school music programs. And the lads are certainly proving that they are men of their word, as this past weekend, Kansas played to two packed houses at the University of Alabama. Additionally, the band was honored as musical guests during halftime at the Alabama vs. Penn State game (which Alabama won, 24-3). With a mammoth crowd of 106,000 looking on, spectators were treated to renditions of two Kansas classics performed by Alabama’s Million Dollar Band – “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Point of Know Return.” Video of the pep rally where band were guests and over 40,000 attended can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELN21WI4rgY
“We were extremely excited to have the opportunity to feature the members of the band Kansas as guests of the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band during the halftime show of the Alabama vs. Penn State football game,” says Alabama’s School of Music Director, Skip Snead. “These guys are one of the best-known, iconic groups of classic rock and it was a treat for the marching band members and all of the fans to have them introduced and honored during halftime.”
Adds Kansas drummer Phil Ehart – “Standing in the middle of that stadium, surrounded by over 100,000 people, and the Million Dollar Band blasting away on ‘Wayward Son’ and ‘Point of Know Return’ was truly one of the most unique experiences of my life. It was goose bump time!”
During the 1970s, KANSAS went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts. The band – which is comprised of singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, bassist Billy Greer, violinist David Ragsdale, and drummer Ehart – continue to rock on to this very day.
With the success of the Alabama shows under their belt – ‘Kansas Collegiate Symphony Tour’ may point to the band’s future. And Ehart agrees with this assessment – “This is going so well, that other schools are contacting us for 2011 and 2012. City orchestras are even calling us about doing the same for them. Kansas has always been a symphonic rock band. We have found our niche!”
Confirmed ‘KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour’ dates and venues:
September 17, 2010 – University of Texas – San Antonio (Laurie Auditorium – San Antonio, TX)
September 18, 2010 – Wichita State University (Hartman Arena – Park City, KS)
September 23 & 24, 2010 – Oklahoma State University (Stillwater High School Performing Arts Center – Stillwater, OK)
September 25, 2010 – Hardin-Simmons University (Behrens Chapel Auditorium – Abilene, TX)
October 9, 2010 – Truman State University (The Family Arena – St. Charles, MO)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.kansasband.com
Source: Chipster PR
