Back on the road with Kansas!
Kansas completed the first leg of our 50th Anniversary Tour, and it was eventful! The shows were tons of fun to play, and while the band endured some unexpected challenges, there were many highlights: former band members joining us on stage at selected shows (including Steve Morse and founding members Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope), the return of guitarist Zak Rizvi to the band, and my good friend Dan McGowan of The Tea Club filling in for Billy Greer on bass for several shows, including a trip to Canada for the Festival d’été de Québec—an eventful night to say the least (more on that below).
It really is a special group of musicians, and I hope you will come see us this summer on the Kansas Classics Live tour. Check out all the tour dates on my site here.
About that show in Québec…
Ok, I'll tell you in this video, but only since you were nice enough to read my newsletter:
A musician’s personal connection to an instrument
In 1988, when I was 15, I bought a Yamaha DX11 synthesizer, which I used with my first bands in high school. In fact, it was onstage at my ill-fated but life-changing first gig ever. I talk about that experience in this interview for City Lifestyle.
When I got to college, I sold the DX11 to a friend, so I could save up for whatever next big thing in synths came out. Earlier this year, that friend contacted me; much to my surprise, he still had the keyboard and wondered if I wanted to buy it back.
I did.
Thirty years sure did a number on it. It needed attention, but I got it working. It reminded me that those were the days when every penny I had went into that one keyboard, and I learned every aspect of it—because it was all I had.
That was the last time I bought a Yamaha keyboard. Until last month. Sam Ash Music was going out of business, and everything in the store was going fast. I saw a Yamaha Montage M6 Synthesizer on the shelf and couldn’t resist taking it home. I’m glad I did, because it’s the perfect addition to my stage rig (especially after my experience in Québec!).
above: 2024
below: 1988
In case you missed it:
Rock History Book recently uploaded the entire interview I did for the channel back in 2020. Check it out:
Next time I'll tell you about my new studio and new song. Until then, stay cool, friends.