MR

Covering pretty much ANY Kansas song is a serious endeavor for even the best pro acts (Dream Theater does an epic job in this regard). There's just so many moving parts which directly equates to so many possibilities for errors, miscues, tuning issues, failed harmonies... you get the idea.
This Kansas tribute band called Leftoverture from Pittsburgh, PA made it look easy. Unfortunately, they were short lived and broke up before they ever became known for their ability to reproduce Kansas' very intricate sound - especially in a live setting, like a local bar. The videos are from 20 years ago so it's pretty safe to assume they wouldn't still be around today even if they had stayed together back then.
Anyway, I just thought I'd post a couple of their performances here to share with anybody else who appreciates and enjoys Kansas.
The lead singer, who nails Steve Walsh's vocals, reminds me of a cross between a short Axl Rose and Breckin Meyer - kinda, sorta Both keyboard players, the violinist and drummer are definite standouts!

The Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXVLnyBNUvE

Song for America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgEBGvpGsNw

List and links to all their videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Leftovertur ... ture=watch

Wow, those guys are incredibly talented! Thanks for finding them.

G.I.Jim wrote:Wow, those guys are incredibly talented! Thanks for finding them.

Especially glad you saw this post, Jim. I was going to include a side note to you regarding the keyboardists...
The younger guy's (on the right) kit is a lot more "old school" .... "older school"?... whatever... than the other guy's. Notice he's got 5 boards (4 stacked & 1 on his left utilizing the very early programmable midi cards that required connection to a computer: note the CRT) to achieve all the voices/sounds he does, whereas the other guy has a then new technology, multi-voice, digital board (presumably a DX-7 or maybe even an Oberheim). Whatever the case, they both have some serious chops! The guy on the right reminds me just a little bit of Rick Wakemanin his pre-strung-out-looking wizard days.
And although there are a few noticeable "out-of-tune" moments between the violin and the keys/guitar, it sounds pretty damn good considering they're in a bar!