\n<\/p>\n
Kansas<\/a> is officially adding a new member and he’s a familiar face: Scott Bernard has been filling in for stalwart guitarist Rich Williams when needed over the summer. <\/p>\n Williams, who’s been with the group since 1973, will remain a member of Kansas. He’s simply scaling back on touring. “Scott Bernard is a fantastic guitar player, a great guy, and is my hand-picked choice to help carry on the legacy of the band Kansas,” Williams said in an official statement. “I am not stepping down nor retiring, but I am slowing down.” <\/p>\n Kansas just wrapped a series of shows<\/a> with 38 Special<\/a>, with more headliner concerts beginning later this month<\/a>. See a complete list of upcoming dates below. <\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Top 10 Kansas Songs<\/a><\/p>\n Bernard had a nearly 20-year tenure in Kenny Loggins<\/a>‘ band, serving as musical director for the last seven. The Nashville-based Louisiana native has also worked with Michael McDonald<\/a>, Alan Parsons<\/a>, Joe Bonamassa<\/a>, Al Stewart and Richard Marx<\/a>, among others. “To say that I am excited to join the Kansas family is quite the understatement,\u201d Bernard said in an official statement. “As a lifelong Kansas fan, their music has been an integral part of my musical upbringing.” <\/p>\n Williams and Bernard are joined in the current Kansas lineup by vocalist\/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist\/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, violinist\/guitarist Joe Deninzon and bassist\/vocalist Dan McGowan. Eric Holmquist is still filling in while co-founding drummer Phil Ehart recovers from a major heart attack<\/a>. Platt has also been dealing with a cancer diagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n Listen to Ronnie Platt on the ‘UCR Podcast’<\/strong><\/p>\n Williams said he’s been hampered by an eye issue. “Macular degeneration has made travel increasingly difficult to the point where it impedes my ability to get to as many shows as I want,” Williams said. “I will still be at, and perform at, as many concerts as I can. Adding Scott as a member of Kansas, alongside Zak Rizvi on guitar, allows the shows that I’m not at, and Kansas, to go on well into the future. When we all three are there, we will all perform.”<\/p>\n The first concert Bernard ever attended as a teenager was Kansas. “I have closely followed their career ever since,” he said. “They were and remain my favorite band ever. I am deeply humbled to be chosen to help perpetuate their legacy, which is both a privilege and a surreal experience.”<\/p>\n Kansas 2025 Tour Dates<\/strong> Founding drummer goes in depth on a series of career-changing LPs from Kansas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: David Chiu<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy Is Rich Williams Not Touring With Kansas?<\/h3>\n
8\/22 \u2013 Wheeling, WV @ Capitol Theatre
8\/23 \u2013 Farmington, PA @ Timber Rock Amphitheater
8\/24 \u2013 Oxon Hill, MD @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor (Rescheduled from 6\/7)
8\/29 \u2013 Michael, ND @ Spirit Lake Amphitheatre
9\/4 \u2013 Monterey, CA @ Golden State Theatre
9\/5 \u2013 Modesto, CA @ Gallo Center for the Arts – Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
9\/6 \u2013 Rohnert Park, CA @ The Event at Graton Resort and Casino
9\/10 \u2013 Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center
9\/12 \u2013 Rancho Mirage, CA @ The Show: Agua Caliente Casino
9\/13 \u2013 Chandler, AZ @ Gila River Resorts and Casinos: Wild Horse Pass
9\/19 \u2013 Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Waite Park Amphitheater
9\/21 \u2013 Grand Island, NE @ Heartland Events Center at the Nebraska State Fair
9\/26 \u2013 Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater
9\/27 \u2013 St. Louis, MO @ Fabulous Fox Theatre
10\/1 \u2013 Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre – PA
10\/2 \u2013 Williamsport, PA @ Journey Bank Community Arts Center
10\/4 \u2013 Bensalem, PA @ Xcite Center: Parx Casino and Racing
10\/9 \u2013 Lexington, KY @ CommonSpirit Health Stage at Gatton Park
10\/16 \u2013 Greensboro, NC @ Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
10\/17 \u2013 Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium
10\/18 \u2013 North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Performing Arts Center
11\/2 \u2013 Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center
11\/7 \u2013 Des Plaines, IL @ Rivers Casino Des Plaines
11\/8 \u2013 Oshkosh, WI @ Oshkosh Arena
11\/9 \u2013 Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre – PA
11\/15 \u2013 Rama, ON, CA @ Casino Rama (Rescheduled from 5\/30)
11\/16 \u2013 Kitchener, ON, CA @ Centre in the Square Ontario
11\/21 \u2013 Catoosa, OK @ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa: The Joint (Rescheduled from 2\/14)
11\/22 \u2013 Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater (Rescheduled from 2\/15)
12\/5 \u2013 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
12\/6 \u2013 Albuquerque, NM @ Route 66 Casino
12\/11 \u2013 San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre San Antonio
1\/30 \u2013 Meridian, MS @ MSU Riley Center<\/p>\nPhil Ehart Looks Back at 8 Key Kansas Albums<\/h2>\n