Ravinia

HIghland Park, IL

August 25, 2026

Photos and Review by: Anita Maree

There are bands you go see because you remember them. And then there are bands you see because, the moment the music starts, you remember exactly why you loved them in the first place.

Kansas delivered that kind of night at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL on August 25, 2026.

Opening the evening for Deep Purple, Kansas had approximately 70 minutes to make their case—and they made every minute count. From the opening notes of “Point of Know Return,” it was immediately apparent that this was not a nostalgia act simply going through the motions. This was a highly polished group of musicians attacking some of progressive rock’s most demanding material with confidence, precision and genuine enthusiasm.

Illinois native Ronnie Platt remains an impressive frontman. His vocals carried the power these songs demand, particularly on “Song for America,” “Dust in the Wind,” and the inevitable showstopper, “Carry On Wayward Son.”

Tom Brislin was terrific on keyboards and vocals, helping provide the rich, layered sound that has always been central to Kansas. Zak Rizvi and Scott Bernard brought plenty of fire to the guitars, while Joe Deninzon supplied one of Kansas’ most recognizable ingredients—the violin. His playing added both energy and character, particularly when the band shifted into its more intricate progressive passages.

Dan McGowan provided a rock-solid foundation on bass and vocals, while Eric Holmquist handled the drums with power and precision.

And that’s really what stood out: the musicianship. Kansas songs aren’t exactly easy to play. The changing time signatures, complex arrangements and instrumental interplay require serious chops. This lineup delivered them without making the songs feel overly technical.

The band also wisely mixed the familiar with the newer, performing “Jets Overhead” from The Absence of Presence.

But when “Carry On Wayward Son” arrived, Ravinia erupted. It was the perfect ending to a set that reminded everyone that Kansas isn’t simply preserving its legacy—they’re still out there playing it with conviction.

Under the stars at Ravinia, Kansas proved that great songs don’t age.

They become classics.

Kansas — Ravinia Festival, August 25, 2026

Complete Setlist

  1. Point of Know Return
  2. Paradox
  3. Fight Fire With Fire / Play the Game Tonight
  4. Jets Overhead
  5. The Wall
  6. Song for America
  7. Dust in the Wind
  8. Hold On
  9. Down the Road
  10. Portrait (He Knew)
  11. Miracles Out of Nowhere
  12. Carry On Wayward Son

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