A Legacy That Still Resonates
Despite the fact that only two original members are still part of the band, musical pioneers Earth, Wind, and Fire continue to captivate audiences after more than 50 years of creating soulful melodies. Since their formation in 1969, EWF has reached incredible heights, often regarded as one of the greatest bands of all time. Their iconic hits, such as "Boogie Wonderland," "Reasons," and "September," have become staples at family gatherings, and they kept a packed crowd at the Starlight Theater moving and grooving on a Friday evening.
The Kansas City concert felt like a family gathering, with fans from multiple generations dancing under the moonlight and singing along to the 20-song set. For many, the experience was deeply personal, rooted in memories that span decades.
Anitra Warren, for example, has been a fan since childhood and has seen the band perform nearly 10 times, including a concert at Arrowhead Stadium. She attended Friday’s show with several classmates from Southeast High, who graduated in 1979. “It’s just a good thing to listen to music and reminisce about all these different songs that came out at different times,” said Warren, now 63.
LaChelle T. attended the concert with her sister and the father of her children, Richard Mitchell. LaChelle and her sister, Portia King, grew up hearing Earth, Wind and Fire in their home. “It was my uncle,” LaChelle explained. “He would wash my grandmother’s car and sing those songs. I knew all the lyrics because of him.”
Sue Scott traveled from Cleveland to attend the concert for her 70th birthday. She and her friends, including Molly Whaley, tailgated before the event and wore custom earrings inspired by the band’s albums. “In all our family weddings, the first song played is ‘September,’” Whaley said. She and her sister, Kathy Barsness, made the trip from Iowa for the show.
When asked which songs they hoped to hear, many fans simply responded, “All of them.”
A Night of Musical Excellence
The concert began at 8:15 p.m., with the band launching into one of their most popular hits, “Shining Star.” Each member entered the stage wearing coordinating black and gold glittery ensembles, setting the tone for an unforgettable performance. The current lineup, led by original members Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson, features a 12-member band. B. David Whitworth, who has been with the group since 1996, and Bailey’s son, Philip Bailey Jr., who joined in 2008, add to the vocal power of the ensemble. Each vocalist also plays an instrument, ensuring a well-rounded performance that highlights both their musical and vocal talents.
“There’s a party in Kansas City,” Bailey said to the crowd during the opening number. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band maintained the essence of their era, with synchronized dances, tambourine tosses, and constant audience interaction. Every musician on stage had a moment to shine, and throughout the show, images of the band’s history were displayed on the screen behind them.
Mitchell reflected on how EWF and other soul bands from the 1970s created music that resonated with people. “They tell stories based on their life, how they struggled to get where they are,” he said. “They are the pioneers of all this.”
A Grand Finale
Earth, Wind and Fire saved some of their most beloved songs for the end of the night. The final 15 minutes of the show featured “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “September,” with almost the entire theater singing and dancing along. Before the closing number, “In the Stone,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas took the stage alongside Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw and Councilmember Darrell Curls to declare the day “Earth, Wind and Fire Day.” This special recognition added a final touch to a high-quality, clean performance.
Lucas noted that Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II was among the audience members. “I am just amazed at how they truly still got it,” Parks-Shaw said after announcing the proclamation. The concert proved that Earth, Wind and Fire remain a powerful force in music, capable of bringing together generations through the timeless magic of their sound.