Kansas, one of America’s iconic classic rock bands, is set to make a visit to Evans in mid-November during the last leg of its 50th anniversary tour, “Another Fork in the Road.”
The band’s musical catalog has weaved itself into the tapestry of pop culture, from its quadruple-Platinum single, “Carry on Wayward Son,” which serves as the theme song for the 2005 drama series “Supernatural,” to songs featured everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Happy Gilmore.’
According to a band press release, the 50th anniversary tour celebrates five decades of the band’s history with two-hour concerts of the band’s biggest hits alongside its lesser known works.
Extended tour dates
The tour was initially set to end in May 2024, but original guitarist Richard Williams told the Augusta Press that they knew early on it would end up being extended.
“It’s just ‘cause it’s been so successful,” he said. “It’s a great show for hardcore Kansas fans, because you get to hear a bit of it all.”
The tour will now wrap up in December.
Williams said the band is enthusiastic to visit the Greater Augusta Area.
“It’s going to be great. Very much looking forward to it,” he said.
Rarely performed songs
Williams said that this tour will pay homage to the band’s early days with the inclusion of songs that have rarely been performed live.
“We wanted to do some deep cuts,” he said.
He went on to say that these songs might not be recognized by casual fans, but that “for a hardcore Kansas crowd, [they’re] perfect.”
Williams mentioned several songs in particular: “The Pinnacle” from 1974’s “Masque” – one that he said has been requested by fans for years – and “A Glimpse of Home” from 1979’s “Monolith.”
“It’s so us,” he said about the latter. “It’s very musical, it’s a great song.”
He also hinted at the inclusion of the violin-heavy song, “Can I Tell You,” which appeared as the first track on the band’s self-titled debut album, “Kansas.” Williams said this was the song that helped them land their first record deal in 1974.
“It’s so much fun to reproduce what you once did and haven’t done for a long time,” Williams said of resurrecting older songs. “And fans seem to appreciate it.”
More information
Kansas will be performing at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center on Nov. 15 starting at 7:30 p.m. The center is located at 1000 Market St. in Evans. Tickets are still available and can be found online on the Performing Arts Center website.
