Smokin’ drums and soaring strings – Kansas sets the fair on fire!

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion/Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion/I was soaring ever higher…,” those time-tested lyrics of what is likely the band Kansas’ greatest hit, “Carry On Wayward Son,” soared into the night while an audience of thousands cheered relentlessly.

With a smoke machine and colored lights creating a classic rock concert mood, Kansas took to San Diego County Fair’s Heineken Grandstand Stage on July 3 for an electric performance. Each player brought his own brand of magic to the stage and the crowd responded.

Many of the people seated in my area were in their 50s or early 60s. I saw a lot of white heads and wrinkled tattoos. But, there were also some younger fans who were just as enthusiastic as the older ones.

The venue was packed – all the way to the Level 5. I decided to purchase tickets for reserved seats, knowing the band was so popular, and am glad I did. My brother and I sat in Level 2 and were able to see the band members on stage without binoculars, but we were glad we had them for a closer view. Screens flanking the stage brought the singers closer to the audience and it was thrilling to see the rapid finger work on the instruments when the cameras zoomed in.

Throughout the concert the audience enjoyed songs that ran the gamut of the band’s 40-year career. Each musician brought dynamic skills to the stage and the result was powerful.

Cheers and applause thundered throughout the venue when the band played their Gold single, “Dust in the Wind,” (written by Kerry Livgren). Violinist David Ragsdale wrapped up the song perfectly and lyrically with his masterful playing. My brother and I both noticed that the concert would have been much different without his vital accompaniment. As Ragsdale played with such vigor – putting so much energy into it – sometimes I would catch myself holding my breath, it was so extraordinary.

The audience’s response reached a crescendo when the group played, “Carry On Wayward Son,” (a Kerry Livgren tune that was a Gold single), as their final song. The tempo was lively and the amazingly talented double keyboard player, David Manion, lit the keys on fire. The adept guitarists had their turns in the spotlight and the drumming was intense. Together the band members created a musical aura that generated a wave of enthusiasm in the crowd. It was easy to forget that these musicians are in their late fifties and early sixties.

Like most bands with a 40-year history, Kansas has had some members retire, or leave, and others have been chosen to replace them. Two of the original members are with the band and a third has been with them for 30 years. The group is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, original guitarist Richard Williams, 30-year veteran bassist/vocalist Billy Greer and violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale (1991- 1997 and 2006 to the present). Keyboardist David Manion joined the group in 2014, and vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt also joined last year.

The original band members lived in Kansas – that’s the short story behind the name. They released their first album in 1974 and have eight Gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums, and one Platinum live album.

I admit it – I was slow to appreciate Kansas, only because I was out of high school and didn’t listen to the radio as often as in my younger years. But, I do remember the first time I heard the song, “Dust in the Wind.” It struck me like few rock songs have. I thought to myself, “this is a song that has soul – it is deeper than most rock songs.”

I happened to have the radio on while I was in my kitchen doing dishes and I stopped to listen. As an English major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, my ear was attuned to the poetic. I remember writing “Dust in the Wind,” and “Kansas” on a scrap of torn paper after the DJ announced it. That was the day I became a Kansas enthusiast. It was 1979. Although not all of their songs are as philosophic or poetic, I was also endeared to their unique style. Yes, I am a fan of the band Kansas, but then, so are thousands of others. I am in good company. Oh…and by the way…I still have that scrap of paper somewhere…