Photography: Kimberly Kanuck / Review: Janel Spiegel
If Bethlehem heard the sounds of applause and pure happiness it was thanks to KANSAS. The band rolled into Bethlehem, Pa on Saturday night and gave a performance of a lifetime. It was a full-house and as usual the staff and security were helpful and polite. The crowd varied from a young kid with his dad who sat in front of me and he was thrilled decked out in a KANSAS t-shirt and people who were just so happy and standing up and singing along. It was a few hours of just having fun, singing along and just letting go of the hectic week.
The band did not have an opening act which honestly they didn’t even need one. KANSAS started as a “garage band” from Topeka and released their debut album in 1974 in which they graciously thanked the fans for “keeping the music going!”
KANSAS was inducted into “both the Kansas Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The band which is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, keyboardist David Manion, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, guitarist Zak Rizvi and original guitarist Richard Williams.”
The band killed it! The vocals were incredible, the guitar solos were amazing and for a moment or two it sounded like they may have been letting out their inner-Metallica. The guitar and drum solos were pure enthusiasm. KANSAS truly loves the fans, the music and playing. There is nothing extra needed. The music and beautiful talent of this band is perfection.
They thanked the fans several times throughout the entire show! They started around 8:15 but no one even seemed to care. Time seemed non-existent tonight for so many who just looked genuinely happy and relaxed. It was also the first concert where people truly sang along and got into every song. They celebrated the 40th Anniversary and performed classics and even a new song from one of their latest albums. They also thanked PA and said they love coming back to Pennsylvania.
They performed: “Point of Know Return,” “Hold On,” which they just rocked out. “Reasons to Be,” “Miracles Out of Nowhere,” and a newer song called, “Rhythm in the Spirit.” They received several standing ovations and one standing ovation that seemed to go on and on. The love was truly on display for this legendary band. They also paid tribute to the troops and thanked them. KANSAS reminded the audience of what Memorial Day and what it is really about.
They also performed “Dust in the Wind” and it was incredible to see an entire venue of people singing along to almost every single song. They did “Paradox” and “Down the Road.”
The crowd was thrilled BUT we knew, we all knew as you heard several people in the venue shouting, “CARRY ON” at the top of their lungs and then a KANSAS chant went slow but steady. Cell phone lights and more cheering from the audience as an encore was inevitable as the band returned to the stage and the music started again with “Statesboro Blues,” a beautiful tribute to the late great Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band.
Then of course one their most popular and loved songs started and all together the crowd was ready for it! “Carry On Wayward Son!” It was beautiful poetry masked in a concert. The entire venue of people from all walks of life singing together and it was happiness that washed over the crowd at The Sands Event Center this beautiful Saturday night and you know somewhere Sam and Dean Winchester are smiling! Carry on, KANSAS (or we should just say, ROCK ON KANSAS!) and thank you from all us for coming to the amazing Sands Bethlehem Event Center.
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL KANSAS LINKS
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