The thing is, I had no intention of going.

I hadn’t thought about the music of Kansas since the late-eighties or early-nineties. Their music was great, sure. But I had long since moved on to other things.

While I tend to think of Kansas as Classic Rock, they really are one of America’s first progressive rock bands. Nevertheless, I was more than a little surprised when I got an email from Prog magazine, asking if I would go to the show and review it for future publication.

Former tennis pro Ivan Lendl once said, “Never spit in the face of someone trying to give you money.” So, sure. I’ll take the gig. Kansas was celebrating its 50th anniversary. If anything, it could make for an interesting trip down memory lane.

The show took place at the Chicago Theatre, a stately old room that sat at the very edge of my tolerance for concerts at large venues. I expected to find myself somewhere in the upper balconies, straining to see the stage. But Prog came through with some pretty good seats. I was about 18 or so rows back, just right of center.

I had no expectations for what would take place. I would just sit, take in the music, and take notes. Anything beyond that was a bonus. But to my absolute delight, Kansas put on one helluva great show!

The musicians were locked in, the lead and harmony vocals soared, and the audience was captivated from the first note. Kansas only had three original members left, but the group sounded like everyone on stage had been there from the band’s inception. I found myself standing and cheering with everyone else.

I went home on a cloud. The review was written in less than an hour. And I had yet another lasting Chicago concert memory.

I’ve developed a thing for putting together Spotify playlists that replicate the band’s setlist for that evening. I’ve finally gotten around to creating one for Kansas. I have no doubt fans will find it exhilarating. Newcomers should find themselves marveling, as well.

So without further ado, here are the studio versions of what I heard that lovely July evening in 2023.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mmf8U4z8NoTLAlrN5JOo9?si=zgzSiL4RSAOwE98A3ZI87g&pi=M7BKjqb8Tg6yy

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com