Celebrating their 35th Anniversary, the men in the band Kansas also helped celebrate the reopening of the new Artpark in Lewiston, NY. This year marks the 39th season at Artpark and the first time that an undertaking of this magnitude has taken effect.
For the past decade, Tuesday in the Park has grown to be one of the biggest concert series in WNY and the demand for improved facilities from concert goers escalated. On June 19, a vastly improved amphitheater opened with the first concert of the ‘First Niagara presents Tuesday in the Park’ series thanks to more than five years of work by the Artpark & Company Board of Directors and staff and the New York State Parks staff. This virtually new facility has been designed to infinitely improve the patron experience with enhanced views of the new stage, new walkways, a grand staircase, and easier and safer access. Other upgrades include new service areas for concessions, a new restroom building, a reformed bowl area for seating, and an enlarged and improved Sponsor area.
Now let’s get back to the music. The 2012 version of Kansas, who some still consider to be one of the original progressive rock bands, consists of two original members who have been there from the very beginning in drummer Phil Ehart and lead guitarist Rich Williams. Lead singer Steve Walsh (who left for a five year period 1980-1985), David Ragsdale on violin and rhythm guitar and Bill Greer on bass guitar make up the rest of the lineup. The band took the stage at 8pm sharp and opened up with the mostly instrumental tune “Magnus Opus.” The guys seemed to really appreciate being the first band for the re-grand opening of the Artpark outdoor stage. This enthusiasm went into their music as they delivered the goods on songs like “The Wall,” Icarus,” and of course “Dust in the Wind.” Ragsdale bounced his way between the violin and guitar all night as Williams did the same between the electric and acoustic. Walsh recently enjoyed his 61st birthday by singing and tickling the keys for the Lewiston crowd.
The band has a familiar face in the Western New York area as they tour here quite regularly. With shows like the one they performed for the much appreciative crowd at Artpark, there’s no reason for them not to continue on and on.
Set List:
Magnus Opus
Belexes
Point of No Return
Song for America
On the Other Side
Hold On
Dust in the Wind
The Wall
Cheyenne Anthem
Miracles out of Nowhere
Icarus (Born on the Wings of Steel)
Portrait (He Knew)
Encore:
Fight Fire with Fire
Wayward Son
We would like to thank Jen Farhood from Chipster Entertainment for the photo pass and Maria Costello from Artpark for the tickets to review the show.
