Kansas and 38 Special Review with Photos 7-19-25

   The humid Texas evening couldn’t dampen the spirits of thousands of classic rock fans gathered at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday July 19th 2025 for Houston's Eagle "Eagle Fest 2025," where Southern rock mainstays 38 Special and progressive rock icons Kansas delivered a powerhouse double bill that celebrated decades of timeless music.

38 Special Ignites the Night

    At 7:10p.m. 38 Special opened Houston's Eagle "Eagle Fest 2025" with a vibrant and tightly executed set that showcased their enduring Southern rock sound and undeniable stage chemistry. From the moment they launched into “Rockin' Into the Night,” the crowd was hooked, singing along and energized by 38 Special’s dynamic performance. Don Barnes, co-founder and lead vocalist/guitarist, led the charge with his signature gritty vocals and sharp guitar work, delivering other hits like “Caught Up in You” with passion and precision. Jerry Riggs complemented Barnes perfectly on guitar, injecting fiery solos and crunchy riffs on songs such as “Fantasy Girl” and “Chain Lightnin’,” adding depth and excitement to the set.

    The rhythm section was rock-solid all night. Drummer Gary Moffatt provided tight, driving beats that propelled the band through fast-paced numbers like “If I’d Been the One” and “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,” while bassist Barry Dunaway laid down punchy, melodic basslines that added groove and momentum. Their tight interplay kept the band’s sound grounded and powerful throughout the show. Keyboardist Bobby Capps added rich layers and soulful vocals, particularly shining during his lead on “Second Chance,” where his expressive performance became one of the night’s emotional highlights. His harmonies with Barnes throughout the set brought warmth and fullness to the 38 Special’s classic sound.

    Together, the members of 38 Special delivered a seamless and energetic performance that balanced high-octane rockers with melodic ballads. Fan favorites like “Teacher, Teacher” and “Back Where You Belong” were met with enthusiastic crowd participation, showcasing the band’s ability to connect deeply with their audience even after decades on the road. Their hour-long set wrapped up with “Hold On Loosley,” bringing the crowd to their feet and perfectly setting the tone for the night’s main event. Overall, 38 Special’s set at Houston's Eagle "Eagle Fest 2025" was a masterclass in Southern rock, blending musicianship, passion and a genuine love for their craft into a memorable show that energized fans and set the perfect tone for the evening.

Kansas Dazzles with Classic and Deep Cuts

    As nightime settled over The Woodlands, Kansas emerged to thunderous cheers. Celebrating their 50th anniversary tour, the band wasted no time, launching straight into a thunderous rendition of “Point of Know Return,” with lead vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt delivering the familiar lines with strength and clarity. Platt’s command of the stage set the tone early, while guitarist Rich Williams, the band’s founding member, showed exactly why he remains the heart of Kansas with his tight, expressive lead work.

    Kansas kept momentum with classics like “What’s on My Mind” and “Play the Game Tonight,” carried by the muscular guitar interplay between Williams and Zak Rizvi, who returned to the lineup in 2024. Rizvi’s lead work on “Fight Fire With Fire” was a standout, offering bite and drive to the performance. The show took a more emotional turn with “Child of Innocence” and “The Wall,” both of which highlighted Kansas’s progressive rock roots. Keyboardist Tom Brislin brought elegance and atmosphere to these tracks, layering in grandiose textures and tight harmonies that blended beautifully with Platt’s vocals.

    One of the night’s most stirring moments came during “Dust in the Wind,” where violinist and guitarist Joe Deninzon shone. His expressive violin playing captured the song’s melancholy beauty, honoring the legacy of the late Robby Steinhardt while adding his own unique flair. New bassist Dan McGowan held the rhythm section down with solid, melodic lines and his backing vocals added rich texture throughout the set, especially on “Can I Tell You” and “Hold On.” Behind the kit, drummer Eric Holmquist (filling in for founding drummer Phil Ehart) handled the complex time signatures and dynamic shifts with absolute precision and high energy, never missing a beat.

    Kansas kept the energy high with “Down the Road” before reaching their emotional and musical peak with “Miracles Out of Nowhere,” a sweeping track that showed off the full range of their musicianship. After nearly 90 minutes of masterclass musicianship, Kansas closed with an epic performance of “Carry On Wayward Son.” The opening riff drew one of the loudest ovations of the night and by the time the final chorus rang out, it felt as if the entire Pavilion was singing in unison.

Stage & Fan Experience

    With beautiful evening skies above The Woodlands, the acoustics were pristine. The crowd was enthusiastic, tracking each tempo change and cheering every solo. Kansas even allowed a few deep-cut fans to have their moment during their prog pieces - this felt like a show built for long-time lovers of the genre.

Final Take

    Houston's Eagle "Eagle Fest 2025" was more than a concert - it was a celebration of enduring music and the fans who have carried these songs in their hearts for generations. 38 Special proved their Southern rock still packs a punch, while Kansas showed that progressive rock can be as thrilling and alive today as it was 50 years ago. For anyone lucky enough to be there, it was an unforgettable reminder of why these bands remain legends. Thanks to Houston's Eagle 106.9 / 107.5 for an amazing event.

Kansas Setlist:
Point of Know Return
What's on My Mind
Play the Game Tonight
Fight Fire With Fire
Child of Innocence
The Wall
Song for America
Dust in the Wind
Can I Tell You
Hold On
Down the Road
Miracles Out of Nowhere
Encore:
Carry On Wayward Son

38 Special:
Rockin' Into the Night
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
Back Where You Belong
The Sound of Your Voice
Back to Paradise
Honky Tonk Dancer
Rough-Housin'
All I Haven't Said (their brand new single)
Teacher, Teacher
Somebody Like You
Second Chance
Like No Other Night
If I'd Been the One
Fantasy Girl
Good Times (The Easybeats cover)
Caught Up in You
Encore:
Chain Lightnin'
Hold On Loosely