Kansas will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special one-off concert featuring its co-founders on August 17th. Vintage Vinyl News reported that the upcoming show at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Benedum Center for the Performing Arts will include an opening set featuring the band with a 35-piece symphony orchestra. The show "will have numerous specials guests including all of the original members of the group, including Dave Hope, Kerry Livgren, and Robby Steinhardt." The trio will join their fellow co-founders and current Kansas members Phil Ehart, Steve Walsh, and Rich Williams.

 

In a statement, Phil Ehart said: "People need to know that Pittsburgh, and the whole state of Pennsylvania, discovered the band Kansas first! We came here in the early days, and Pittsburgh was like our home away from home! Heck, we are even using Rich Engler to promote this show at what used to be the Stanley Theater. Rich Engler and the incredible Stanley Theater. . . just like the old days! How cool is that?"

 

Guitarist Kerry Livgren gets emotional when talking about the band's career and the loyalty of their fans: "I just live in a wonderland. Sometimes I'm constantly pinching myself, because for a musician to enjoy a career that's been as continuing as this seems to be, and with a continuing interest in our band, that's just a dream come true."

 

Kansas will next perform on March 22nd in Salisbury, Massachusetts at the Blue Ocean Music Hall.