Celebrating 40 years as a band, legendary US progressive rock band KANSAS is taking a break from their regular touring schedule to say “thank you” to their legions of loyal “Wheatheads” with a once-in-a-lifetime fan appreciation concert scheduled for August 17th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

When asked about the special evening, guitarist Richard Williams explains, “Our fans are the best in the world and have hung in there with us forever! We want to thank them with this very special event.”

To start the concert Kansas will perform a set backed by a 35-piece symphony orchestra. Following an intermission, Kansas will then rock out a traditional band set of classics from their repertoire. The night will be highlighted by special guest appearances throughout the concert by original members Dave Hope, Kerry Livgren, and Robby Steinhardt – marking the first time all original members of the band will be on the same stage together in more than 30 years.

Phil Ehart, Kansas’s drummer further describes the event, “We do a symphony set, then we do a regular set. And in the meantime we have Dave, Kerry, and Robby playing on different songs with the current band through the whole show!!

And we’ve got some great stuff planned for the intermission, too! It’s gonna rock!”

The event will take place at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Stanley Theatre) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This venue was selected because of the special meaning to the band due to their history of concerts and loyal fan base in the Steel City.

“People need to know that Pittsburgh, and the whole state of Pennsylvania, discovered the band Kansas first! We came here in the early days and Pittsburgh was like our home away from home!” says Ehart. “Heck, we are even using Rich Engler to promote this show at what used to be the Stanley Theater. Rich Engler and the incredible Stanley Theater….just like the old days! How cool is that?”

In addition to regularly priced tickets, a limited number of VIP and Premium ticket packages will be available for this once-in-a-lifetime event. VIP packages will include premier seating, merchandise, and a meet and greet photo opportunity with all original and current members of Kansas. Ticket and ticket package information will be forthcoming on the band’s official website.

The band Kansas was formed in 1973 in Topeka, Kansas, by drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Dave Hope, guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren, violinist/vocalist Robby Steinhardt, vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh, and guitarist Richard Williams; and is currently comprised of drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Billy Greer, violinist David Ragsdale, singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, and guitarist Richard Williams.

Along with touring, Kansas continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio and has reached a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence on the popular video games Rock Band and Guitar Hero, and through their songs inclusion in various television shows such as Supernatural and South Park and with films Old School and Anchorman.