Proto-Kaw

The opening act was Berek Hill from Joplin, Missouri. He wasn't bad...just a man, a guitar, sometimes a harmonica, decent voice. Takes a lot of balls to get up on stage by yourself. The man did a respectable job...some covers, some originals.

Proto-Kaw took the stage shortly before 8:00pm. This was about a thousand seater...and there were about three hundred seats sold. (I was on the sixth row.) But these guys played like it was a packed arena. They were having a blast, and it came through in the music. Make no mistakes, these guys are damn good...Though I'm sure most of you have never heard of any of the players, except maybe for Kerry Livgren. The thing that surprised me the most was the fact that this wasn't "Kerry's band." They were all equal players in the grand scheme. From the opening note of More Worlds than Known to the closing of Belexes, these guys were "on". Rarely is seen the amount of talent of these gentlemen have, let alone from guys you've never even heard of:

Lynn Meredith is an outstanding vocalist...unreal for a man who hasn't really sung professionally.

Dan Wright KILLED on the keyboards. I swear, Jon Lord has very little on this guy. His unorthodox style of playing was something to see. Unbelievable for a man who wasn't playing professionally before Proto-Kaw.

Jon Bolton played Sax and Flute. This guy was "into" every note. His interplay with Kerry Livgren's guitar work was excellent.

Craig Kew played bass. While Craig was not an original member of the band, this guy was a world-class bassist. He has studied the bass "greats"...and it shows. Craig's backing vocals were very good.

Brad Shulz was the drummer...very solid timekeeper.

Kerry Livgren played mostly guitar with some assorted keys. If you know his work at all...there isn't really much else to say.

Jake Livgren, Kerry's nephew, rounded out the "touring band" and practically stole the show as a "utility player". He played keys, bongos, guitar, and provided outstanding backing vocals. (He has provided lead vocals on many of Kerry's solo efforts.)

Bottom line...this was a great show. One of the best I've seen in a long time. I love their new CD, Before Came After...which is a prog-rock masterpiece by the way, but I was blown away by how good these guys really are. All those empty seats? People, you don't know what you missed. $20...and I could have pissed on the stage from my seat. It was truly a pleasure to see one of my heroes, Kerry Livgren, up close and personal. Yes, I saw the old KANSAS many times, but never from that distance. If you get the chance...which, unfortunately is doubtful because they are only playing a handful of live dates...go see these guys. And if you haven't listened to Before Came After...if you are a fan of the "old" KANSAS and/or Kerry Livgren at all...pick it up and enjoy.