Finale for Kansas’ Another Fork in the Road 50th Anniversary Tour at Benedum Center

Kansas, the Last Show Of The Another Fork in the Road Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. (Photo: Courtesy of the artist)

The progressive rock band Kansas returned to fertile fields of long ago when the group performed the last show of their Another Fork in the Road 50th Anniversary Tour Wednesday evening at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center. The concert marked a reunion of sorts. Legendary Pittsburgh concert promoter Rich Engler helped break the band in Pittsburgh and other national markets. The relationship between Engler and Kansas has always been very special as  he has continued to be the promoter that brings them to town. Engler even introduced the concert with a special ceremony that told the band’s origin story and singled out others in the industry that helped make the band a big success. Kansas’ success in the recording industry was also acclaimed with special citations. Engler noted that a two-night concert run in the 1970’s by Kansas broke Elvis Presley’s attendance record at the Civic Arena.

I have always wanted to see Kansas live, but hadn’t up until now. And it was a “Point of Know Return” moment for me as after seeing them perform I would definitely like to see them again. Kansas is a very versatile band. They are like a heartland hurricane who can rock with the best of them, but can also take it down a few notches for beautiful acoustic ballads. When one thinks of Kansas’ sound, the elements that usually come to mind are blazing violin, keyboards, guitars, and crystalline vocals. One element that is often overlooked is the powerful drumming. Those duties last night were split between original drummer Phil Ehart and Eric Holmquist. The synthesis of all the disparate musical elements of Kansas is a sight––and sound––to behold.

After the pre-concert ceremony, Kansas got down to business with “Belexes.” Fans didn’t have to wait too long to get one of the group’s biggest hits, “Point of Know Return”. The audience roared their approval. Up next was another popular song, “Play the Game Tonight,” “Fight Fire with Fire,” “Icarus-Borne on the Wings of Steel,” “Icarus II, “ “Throwing Mountains,” “A Glimpse of Home,” and “The Pinnacle” were all performed early in the set. Kansas then went into a semi-acoustic set with the pleasing “People of the South Wind” followed by a fantastic version of “Dust in the Wind.” Written by Kerry Livgren and inspired by a finger picking guitar exercise. When his wife saw him doing that she said he should make a song with it. Good thing he listened to his wife as it turned into a big hit for the band. Kansas performed it with two acoustic guitars, one played by original guitarist Rich Williams and Dan McGowan, the band’s bassist. Lead singer Ronnie Platt sounded amazing on the vocals. Kate Livgren, daughter of founding band member Kerry Livgren who was sidelined by a stroke in 2009, joined violinist Joe Deninzon, on viola. For the song the electric violin of Robby Steinhardt, the band’s original violinist, was displayed on the stage. Platt has many fun audience interactions and callouts during the show. Keeping the energy level high. Up next was “Reason to Be” and “Lonely Wind.” There must be a lot of wind in the state of Kansas.

The tempo picked up again with “Hold On.” The song featured a scorching lead run by Williams, joined on lead by Joe Deninzon who switched from lead to violin halfway through the song. Original bass guitarist Dave Hope sang and played his bass. Next was “Song for America” which featured some intricate instrumentation. Deninzion’s violin featured prominently as did skillful keyboard playing by Tom Brislin. Platt joined him on those duties. Kansas is known for wonderful harmonies and they shined brightly on that song. Strong drums and guitar formed a strong structure for the tune. “Can I Tell You” was the song that got Kansas a record deal with Kirshner Records. It saw Deninzon playing violin as he walked on the stage left extension to get closer to the audience. “Down the Road” featured some strong guitar shredding from Zak Rizvi. “The Wall” another hit, was followed by “Miracles Out of Knowwhere.” It opened with outstanding violin and keyboard playing. Fantastic keyboards continued through the song. The group then departed the stage to loud cheers. After a few moments they returned and played the song that everyone was waiting for “Carry On Wayward Son.” Ehart played with the band for the finale. The encore didn’t disappoint and a good time was had by all. With these classic rock songs they were played so frequently on the radio that almost everyone can anticipate the next note and lyric. Kansas performed all the songs  true to the band’s original form. 

Kansas isn’t just content to rest on their laurels. They put out a new album in 2020, The Absence of Presence. They performed “Throwing Mountains” from that LP. Kansas albums featured outstanding cover art, several of the designs were used for backdrop screens behind the band. In our high tech world it was fun to see the screens unfurl. Next time you have the opportunity, catch Kansas.

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central Pittsburgh.

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