Kansas returns for 40th Anniversary Tour

NEWTON — The Newton Theatre announces the return of classic rock band, Kansas on Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The group is known for their rock albums and powerful hits "Carry On Wayward Son," "Dust in the Wind" and "Point of Know Return."

Celebrating their 40th year as a band in 2013, Kansas' first public statement appeared on their self-titled album in 1974. "From the beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will always remain so." Little did this legendary rock group realize that back in the early ‘70's, what seemed to be “different," was actually ahead of its time.

This "garage band" from Topeka released their first album in 1974 and went on to have produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums ("Leftoverture," "Point of Know Return," "Best of Kansas"), one platinum live album ("Two for the Show") and a million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind."

Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks throughout the ‘70's and ‘80's and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums world-wide. In fact, "Carry On Wayward Son" was the number two most played track on classic rock radio in 1995 and number one in 1997.

The band is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Billy Greer, violinist David Ragsdale, original singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, and original guitarist Richard Williams.

Coinciding with the celebration of their 40th anniversary, the band Kansas was inducted into the Kansas Historical Hall of Fame in June 2013. They were included alongside other notables in Kansas history such as Dr. James Naismith, Superman/Clark Kent, and the First and Second Regiments Kansas Colored Infantry from the Civil War. Some previous inductees include President Dwight Eisenhower, Senator Bob Dole, Gen. Richard B. Myers, Amelia Earhart, George Washington Carver, and Ed Asner.

Along with touring, Kansas was included in the popular video games "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero," and in various television shows such as "Supernatural," and "South Park," and with films "Old School" and "Anchorman."

Tickets for Kansas are $79 for premium seating, $69 for orchestra and $59 for balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.