My orchestra is backing Kansas

manutabora · #1 02-06-2009, 01:49 PM

So, I know this may not seem like a big deal to you, but I think they are a cool band. They are playing with my school's (Washburn University) orchestra. It's really cool because they are playing in our concert hall, which has been transformed and it looks like an arena or something

They have like 70 people working on the setup...
Kerry Livgren will be here for a few guest appearances...
And Sony music is going to make a DVD out of it

Any Kansas fans out there?

Lady Kayri · #2 02-06-2009, 01:58 PM

Oh, yeah! Have enjoyed Kansas for quite a few years...also Journey and Starcastle (if anyone other than me even remember Starcastle) which have a somewhat similar sound.

manutabora · #3 02-06-2009, 02:05 PM

For those of you who don't know who they are...
This is one of my favorite songs from back in the day, when I wasn't born yet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB17uWuBrL0

the_evil_monk · #4 02-06-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manutabora

So, I know this may not seem like a big deal to you, but I think they are a cool band. They are playing with my school's (Washburn University) orchestra. It's really cool because they are playing in our concert hall, which has been transformed and it looks like an arena or something

They have like 70 people working on the setup...
Kerry Livgren will be here for a few guest appearances...
And Sony music is going to make a DVD out of it

Any Kansas fans out there?

Have the dates been posted yet for these shows? It's a short hop over to Topeka from here...

El-Bob · #5 02-06-2009, 02:33 PM

You are one lucky man.

**peabody** · #6 02-06-2009, 02:47 PM

Song For America is one of the coolest songs ever.

Commreman · #7 02-06-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peabody

Song For America is one of the coolest songs ever.

Song for America is one of the greatest ALBUMS ever!

I saw them many times with their original lineup back in the day. They were one of the best live acts of their time!

brachal · #8 02-06-2009, 03:17 PM

My band has recorded a coule of times at The Studio in the Country, Bogalousa La. Kansas recorded a couple of their albums at there, and we always feel good working there. There's always a "Carry on My Wayward Son was recorded in this same room!" moment.

progrockbass · #9 02-06-2009, 03:26 PM

I remember seeing a cover band back in '76 playing at an outdoor festival covering Wayward Son. I was totally blown away it was the first time I had seen a Jetglo Ric and heard the Leslie rotating speakers. It made me want to keep playing even more and I felt really great at age 14 conquering that bassline!

manutabora · #10 02-07-2009, 06:42 AM

Man...
The dress rehearsal yesterday was awesome!! They totally melted my face off. It helps that I actually like their music and I'm not just playing the gig because I have to...

It's cool to rock out on the violin

Tonight is the show for real and it's going to be even better, with a bigger crowd.

derrico1 · #11 02-07-2009, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Kayri

Oh, yeah! Have enjoyed Kansas for quite a few years...also Journey and Starcastle (if anyone other than me even remember Starcastle) which have a somewhat similar sound.

OT, but sure I remember Starcastle. When I was in Champaign in the 90s, Gary Strater was a fixture. Once, I was thinking of replacing my main gigging cabinet, and Gary checks out my rig, says, "Wait a second -- I know what you need," and ducks out for a couple minutes, and trots back in carrying a bass case. "Here, try this." It was his main bass, a nice Alembic -- just to let me play it through my rig to talk me out of changing my cabinet. Great sounding bass, great guy, great player.

Woodell · #12 02-07-2009, 07:45 AM

Way cool! Kansas was my first favorite band and I've only had two favorites in my life. Rush took over that spot eventually. I still like the old Kansas of course. Really good stuff.

KsPiNeSh · #13 02-07-2009, 08:01 AM

Congratulations - that is going to be a great gig! Where are you guys playing at? My guitar player and I are both 2006 grads (go Bods!) and will actually be playing Topeka in a month. I've always wanted to see Kansas... Kerry Livgren is one cool dude.

thumpbass1 · #14 02-07-2009, 08:08 AM

Wow! Congrats! I'm a huge Kansas fan to say the least and I can't really say how many times I've seen them over the years. It was a lot! Have fun with this gig and keep us posted about it.

Thangfish · #15 02-07-2009, 08:10 AM

Here are a couple cool old Kansas tunes actually PLAYED live!

The Pinnacle

Icarus

Prog rock!

Man I used to dig this stuff.

Steve · #16 02-07-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manutabora

So, I know this may not seem like a big deal to you

WRONG!

That is a HUGE deal!

Congrats. Lucky %$#^

wdinc01 · #17 02-07-2009, 08:13 AM

Granted, I've only really listened their two popular songs (Carry On and Dust in the Wind), but I'm sure I'd like Kansas if I listened to them.

You're lucky to have such a unique opportunity!

I expect video clips as soon as possible!

texasgreg · #18 02-07-2009, 08:23 AM

Congrats, it is a big deal. Take some pics if you can!

manutabora · #19 02-07-2009, 10:13 AM

To the alum who asked where it is going to be, it's going to be here at Washburn, in White Concert Hall. You can find out more about it at www.washburnsymphony.com or www.kansasband.com Oh, and you should let me know when your band is playing here in Top city, I'd love to go to your show!

Videoclips? Well, the thing is, I don't think they will allow recording devices in the concert because like I said Sony Music is making a DVD out of this. I might be able to upload some of that once I get my copy of the DVD, but that won't be until sometime in the fall.
We got some good feedback last night, the people who got the most expensive tickets ($200, I think) got to come to the dress rehearsal last night and most of them said the orchestra sounded really good. Of course, they were most extatic about the band, but that's a given.
It's going to be a memorable experience for sure. If I could only hear what's coming out of my violin a little better...

AJ Brown · #20 02-07-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manutabora

So, I know this may not seem like a big deal to you, but I think they are a cool band. They are playing with my school's (Washburn University) orchestra. It's really cool because they are playing in our concert hall, which has been transformed and it looks like an arena or something

They have like 70 people working on the setup...
Kerry Livgren will be here for a few guest appearances...
And Sony music is going to make a DVD out of it

Any Kansas fans out there?

That is freaking incredible! I've been into Kansas for over 20 years. I am officially jealous. Do you know the set list yet?