Kansas-The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY – February 19, 2026
Review and Photos – Rebecca Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawolfconcertphotos/
I believe those of us who were lucky enough to grow up with 60s, 70s and 80s rock had the opportunity to experience music in its most naturalistic, immersive form. Musicians played instruments in studio and onstage; music was not generated by computers. Vocals were performed by singers, using their real voices, not filtered through auto-tune. Buying music meant scrimping and saving to purchase it in its physical form, on vinyl, 8-track, cassette, and CD. Albums were played from start to finish, drawing listeners into the thematic energy and mood of the music. From these tangible experiences a strong sense of connectivity developed between the fans, their favorite musical artists and the beloved music they created. It’s this connection that’s kept this now Classic Rock alive in the hearts and souls of adoring fans for the past half-century.
It’s challenging with the passage of time to watch some of these beloved artists diminish in their performance capabilities, leave their touring days behind them and pass away. Many bands who began with multiple musicians and vocalists have opted over the decades to continue performing even when original members have departed, searching for appropriately skilled replacements to fill the instrumental and vocal spaces. While no one can replace the roles original members played in a band nor the cherished place they hold in fans’ hearts, a band’s desire to continue to perform and bring their music to devoted fans often keeps them on the road, even with limited founding members.
It’s understandable that some fans are resistant to attending concerts with limited original members. Their cherished memories and connection to the band, forged forty to fifty years ago, leaves them feeling that anything but the original is inauthentic. However, there are plenty of adoring fans who feel differently. While they’d love the original members to be there, they’ve accepted what’s no longer realistic realistic; with the passage of time there will inevitably be the departure of band members. So, they’ve opted to be happy for an opportunity to hear the music they love performed by new musicians who are able to recreate and honor the sound and energy of the originals. It’s these adoring fans of the band Kansas who continue to attend their live performances after more than 50 years since the band’s origination.
On February 19th The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY was filled with an impassioned crowd, eager to be enveloped by a half-century of Kansas’ powerful, spirited music. A towering backdrop loomed over the stage. A large center circle was filled with a Galleon sailing on stormy seas, similar to ships on several Kansas album covers. In the center of each circle flanking the center circle, was a piercing, scaled reptile eye. The image felt intense and foreboding, hinting at the energy and vibe of the music that would soon be forthcoming.
Cheers and applause rippled through the audience as the band arrived onstage under glowing shades of blue and purple lights. The current Kansas lineup includes vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, guitarist Scott Bernard, violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon, bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan, and drummer/percussionist Eric Holmquist. (Original lead and rhythm guitar player Rich Williams remains a band member but has only toured part-time since 2025 and original drummer/percussionist, Phil Ehart is still a band member but has not toured since 2024 after suffering a heart attack.) Opening the evening with the powerful rock hit “Point of No Return,” the electricity onstage was immediately reflected back by the passionate spirit of the crowd.
There was never a moment when the energy onstage wasn’t in full-force. While all the musicians were spirited participants, it was impossible not to be taken in by the effusive, dynamic spark of Deninzon on his electric violin. Deninzon frequently traveled about the stage as he fiercely played, violin strapped to is shoulder, at times joining McGowan on the mic for an instrumental/vocal jam or meeting up with Rizvi for a blast of guitar/violin energy. Equally impressive was Brislin on keys, who performed with frenetic passion, often playing both keyboards simultaneously. Of course, lead singer Platt could never be missed, as he swiftly moved from behind his keyboard on the stage’s upper tier to centerstage, his mane of hair and black leather-patched pants adding the quintessential rocker look to Platt’s powerfully rich rock vocals.
At every concert there are fans who know a band’s hits, as well as those who know a band’s catalog beyond the radio-played numbers. Looking around The Capitol Theatre audience it was clear there were hundreds of diehard fans cheering and singing along to each and every song….from new numbers, including “Jets Overhead,” from 2020’s The Absence of Presence, highlighting Brislin on keys, to older songs, including “Child of Innocence,” from 1975’s Masque, showcasing McGowan’s dynamic vocals and Rizvi’s impassioned guitar skills to “Song for America,” the title song from the band’s second album, that brought rapturous applause at the culmination of the 10 minute number.
“The next song started as a guitar exercise for Kerry,” shared Platt, referencing Kerry Livgren, Kansas’ primary songwriter, lead guitarist and keyboard player. “Kerry’s wife heard it and said he should make it into a song and he did.” Huge cheers erupted in the crowd as the band played the first unmistakable notes of the song that reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 1978, “Dust in the Wind.” Platt’s rich vocals and Deninzon’s incredible violin solo immediately mesmerized the audience and turning the clock back fifty years.
Additional songs in the set included, “Can I Tell You,” from Kansas’ 1974 self-titled debut album, the emotional plea “Hold On,” from 1980’s Audio-Visions, with a passionate guitar solo by Bernard, and “Down the Road,” dedicated to Kansas’ original violin player, Robby Steinhardt. “Help us out. Will you?” Platt requested to the audience members, who obliged by clapping along, as the house lights flashed and the band played “Portrait (He Knew),” followed by “Miracles Out of Nowhere,” ending with a standing ovation.
As the band exited the stage, audience members eagerly awaited their return, knowing no Kansas performance would be complete without “Carry On Wayward Son,” the band’s first top 40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 11 in April 1977. Cheers and applause erupted as band members made their way back onstage. “You’re a lot better than a Saturday night crowd…and it’s a school night!” Platt praised the enthused fans. “We want to thank ALL of you from ALL of the Kansas members, past and present, for more than 50 years!” Platt expressed with heartfelt emotion. As they performed the band’s beloved hit, it was undoubtedly clear these musical artists continue to honor the legacy of Kansas with their musical skills, energy and spirit. How lucky Kansas fans are to have these tangible opportunities to be immersed in the sound and feeling of the beloved music of their yesteryears.
