Kansas Talks to Patch About Scottish Rite Show

Carry on, wayward fans. Kansas is back in Collingswood and they are ready to rock.

Guitarist Rich Williams spoke with Collingswood Patch about the band’s upcoming show at the Scottish Rite on Friday, March 18. For the past 38 years, Williams said the band has been traveling the globe, performing classic hits like "Dust in the Wind" for loyal followers.

“We’ve been all over,” Williams said, noting that the group currently still performs every week.

While Kansas today is a far cry from the days when they'd be on the road months at a time, the band's touring schedule has never stopped taking them wherever the fans are.

“Instead of being stuck on a tour bus day after day, we have the chance to do what we love on the weekends,” Williams said. “Then, when it’s over, we get to go home and be ‘normal’ for a few days.”

But normal is a relative term for Williams and the band, considering their full tour schedule for the upcoming summer months—which includes a tour through Europe alongside bands like Journey and Foreigner.

It's a tour that offers the ultimate summer show for the classic rock lover—and one for which Williams expressed a lot of excitement. 

“It’ll be like the old days of touring. But I’m excited to be in Europe for the summer, especially with guys as iconic as (the ones in) Foreigner and Journey,” Williams said.

Aside from touring with rock legends, Kansas makes it a point to expand their musical presence by performing with local symphonies. Kansas performed the final show of their symphonic series this past Jan. 28, with the Kansas State University student symphony. The show, performed in the university’s McCain Auditorium, not only celebrated the state of Kansas’ 150-year anniversary, but also promoted awareness for the school’s music program.

“All the money made from that show we donated to Kansas State University’s music program. It’s important to help, appreciate, and recognize the arts,” Williams said. The group has no definitive plans to collaborate with symphonies in the future, but Williams said they definitely want to. 

“Working with the symphonies expands our audience and kind of broadens our appeal," said Williams. "Of course there are some people who aren’t into it, but for the most part, people really enjoy the additions."

For those who can’t make it to Europe, the Collingswood show will offer all hits and more—while satisfying Kansas' love and support for arts communities.

“I love when we start playing 'Carry On Wayward Son' or 'Dust in the Wind,' and the audience immediately responds,” Williams said.

Those two hits, from the band's five-time platinum album, Point of Know Return, are instantly recognizable to just about anyone, a Kansas fan or not.

With their music featured in everything from video games to movies, Kansas' songs have made their mark in the music industry—and on pop culture in general.

But even after all these years, Williams hasn’t let the fame get to his head.

“I try to go back home (to Kansas) when I can. I like seeing my old friends and remembering that, without the fans, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do," said Williams. "Without them (the fans), I’d probably be working in some bar in Kansas.”

Who—Kansas

When—Friday, March 18, at 8 p.m.

Where—The Scottish Rite Auditorium, located at 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood

Tickets—Available through Ticketmaster and at the Scottish Rite Auditorium

Ticket Pricing—Varies, with tickets ranging from $29 to $49

For more information, call 856-858-1000, or visit the borough's website.