Kansas Reflects on Decades of Rock, Anticipates 'Very Lively' Return to Dallas

On July 20, when the curtain rises at Irving’s The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, the Dallas area will once again play host to rock royalty.

Kansas, the iconic band whose unmistakable anthems like "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" have transcended time, is set to return to Texas with a show that’s destined to send attendees on a nostalgic yet electrifying odyssey.

Accompanied by Southern rock heroes 38 Special, the concert promises to be a monumental night. If music has the power to forge unbreakable bonds, Kansas has been wielding that power in Dallas for decades.

A Love Affair with Dallas

For Kansas, Dallas is more than just another stop on the map; it’s a place rich with memories and a deep appreciation for the art of live performance. Guitarist and original member Richard Williams recalls the days when the band played in unique Texas spaces like Dallas Alley, an old part of the city where streets opened up to become venues bursting with fans.

“I don’t believe Dallas Alley is around these days,” shares Williams, reflecting on the vibrant energy. “But it was a really good time.” Though the scene may have shifted over the years, one thing remains constant in Texas: a dedicated, passionate fan base. “There’s so much music there…you have a pretty educated audience,” Williams adds.

Texas audiences have long championed Kansas, offering the kind of infectious enthusiasm that fuels a band that thrives on energy exchange. Lead vocalist Ronnie Platt summed up the connection perfectly when talking about the Lone Star vibe.

“It’s a very lively crowd,” he says. “Unlike some of the more refined crowds that sit back, Texas crowds get enthusiastic and feed us with that energy.”

Evolution and Reverence

Kansas today is much like Dallas itself. It’s a mix of history, reinvention and timelessness. A band once young and hungry is now legendary, but they’re not content to simply rest on their laurels. That dedication to artistry and evolution shines through in their approach to live performances.

“We take pride in reproducing the song as it was written,” Platt explains. “But we also bring it up to date, finding ways to make it a little better.”

The band’s willingness to grow without losing the essence of what made them great is rare and undeniably powerful.
Williams highlighted another layer of their process.

“There are so many computations going on during a show,” he says. “But what pulls it through is having confidence in the amazing musicians around you.”

This trust and fluid interaction between bandmates makes Kansas a living, breathing entity on stage rather than a mechanical nostalgia act.

For Tom Brislin, who joined the band on keyboards in 2018, the creative energy within Kansas is humbling.

“When I first joined, I asked if I’d be able to participate in the songwriting, and they welcomed me with open arms,” he says. “That meant so much. It’s been about finding balance. We honor the memories attached to these songs for the audience while keeping it alive and present.”

This balance allows Kansas to please loyal fans while continuing to innovate.

The Spirit of Collaboration

Kansas isn’t just about the five decades of music they’ve crafted; it’s also about how they add their own energy to the other legends they share the stage with.

While Dave Mason is unable to perform on this leg of the tour due to ongoing health challenges, his influence on the initial lineup remains significant. Though his absence will be felt, his legacy of collaboration and storytelling resonates with the spirit of this tour, perfectly complementing what fans can expect from Kansas and 38 Special.

With Southern rock anthems like “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” 38 Special will bring their own fire to the evening. Platt couldn’t hide his excitement about their inclusion in the lineup, calling it “a great time with incredible artists.”

For Kansas, it’s more than a gig alongside other artists; it’s a reunion of sorts with musicians they deeply respect.

Williams captured that sentiment, saying, “We’ve always done well with 38 Special. Every time we’ve worked with them, they’ve delivered an amazing performance.”

The synergy between these iconic acts promises an evening of electrifying rock and musical chemistry, laying the groundwork for a set that will leave Dallas fans in awe.

Concerts as Connection

Kansas concerts have always been about connection, a two-way street between the performers and the audience. That energy is palpable in the way Platt interacts with the crowd. Known for his infectious stage presence, Platt moves with purpose, often pausing mid-performance to spotlight a bandmate during a solo.

“When someone’s playing, they deserve the spotlight,” he notes. “It’s about making the audience feel like they’re part of the experience, like our friends.”

Whether it’s a subtle mimicked gesture that gets a laugh from fans or a finger-to-the-air move signaling applause for a virtuoso moment, Platt has a knack for breaking the barrier between the stage and the audience, making every show feel personal.

Legendary status aside, Kansas' human, relatable side shines in moments rooted in reality. Williams, for instance, confessed to still battling stage fright after all these years.

“I’ve always had stage fright,” he admits. “The only way to deal with it is to just push through. It’s a burning feeling in your gut right before a show. But then, as soon as you start, it vanishes.”

Even with this lingering nervousness, Williams finds moments to marvel at his bandmates’ performances, giving him a chance to pause, take a deep breath and enjoy the powerful live music they’re creating together.

Get Ready to “Carry On”

For the city of Dallas, the upcoming performance represents more than an evening of music. It’s a chance to revisit the magic that Kansas brings and feel the reverence they hold for their craft and for their audience. It’s also a chance to celebrate what makes Texas crowds so special, as Platt puts it, “the connection, the energy, the passion.”

When Kansas takes the stage, prepare for a celebration of life, creativity and resilience. Prepare to sing every word of every classic song while being surprised by the ways they’ll breathe new life into them. Be ready for a night rich in collaboration, storytelling and a shared sense of belonging that only live music can create.

Kansas and 38 Special will perform on Sunday, July 20, at 6:15 p.m. at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, 300 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. Tickets are available starting at $67.20 on Ticketmaster.