One of the inevitable things that happens, over the course of being in Las Vegas for a few decades, is that there are certain musical acts you are just bound to see, whether in concert, performing at a charity event, or out on the scene.  Such is the case with those mighty elements of the universe - Earth, Wind and Fire, who I’ve seen roughly a dozen times through the years – whether ruling the stage as one of the final acts to play Caesars Palace’s legendary Circus Maximus showroom (1998); or bringing the swells to their feet, in the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children (2005), I saw them whenever I could.

So, when I saw that Earth, Wind, and Fire would be playing the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort, I just knew I had to be there.  The only bummer – for me – was that throughout the rest of the country (except for Los Angeles and Las Vegas), EWF was touring with Chic featuring Niles Rodgers (perhaps one of the only musicians imbued with more jazzy, soulful, discofied-funk than EWF!); but I’d get over it.

Lemme give you a few stats on this dynamic and legendary genre-defying ensemble that, having earned more than 50 gold and platinum records, as a result of selling over 90 million records, is ranked the seventh best-selling American band of all-time.  Merging the elements of Latin music, African music, disco, funk soul, jazz, rock, pop, and more; Earth, Wind and Fire are known for a number of things.  There’s the famous Earth, Wind and Fire Horns (who often sat in with the band on The Arsenio Hall Show); there’s the way that Maurice White’s voice played and contrasted with that of Philip Bailey’s (a tenor and a falsetto, respectively; with the departure of White from the touring band in the late ‘80s, Bailey would sing both parts); there’s the African thumb piano, known as the Kalimba, that’s played on all 21 of their albums.  They were the first black act to sell-out Madison Square Garden, and the first act to perform at the White House during the Obama administration.

Between 1975 and 2005 the band received 17 Grammy nominations; resulting in a half-dozen Grammy Awards.  That works out to more than one nomination, every other year for thirty years - and that doesn’t even count 2016’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award!  EWF received a dozen AMA nominations; resulting in five American Music Awards.  They were the second recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2002), and after 4 nominations through the years from the Soul Train Music Awards, received their Legend Award, in 2011.

Earth, Wind & Fire received their star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, in 1995 (in September, of all months!).  They were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, in 2000; and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, in 2010.

Now, even though founder, Maurice White had stopped touring with the band in the mid ‘90s (due to Parkinson’s Disease), this was the first time I’d see Earth, Wind & Fire since his passing, in 2016; so I was seeing them in a different light.

I met-up with my pals Tiffany Twohig, Tyler Sherman, and Alex Acuna (Director of Public Relations, Palms Casino Resort), at N9NE Steakhouse, where we were joined by Ginger Melien and her husband Kurt (President, Live Nation Las Vegas), his number-two, Billy Conn, and recently returned to the fray, Jon Gray (VP, Palms Las Vegas).  After a delicious dinner (which you’ll read about in a future essay) we went to the Pearl, and made our way to the private bar on the second level, before entering the VIP Box.  As we entered the bar, I heard the sounds of “Shining Star” permeate the room, and (remembering that it was the song playing on the Seinfeld episode “The Tiny Kicks” where we first see Elaine dance) I began impersonating Elaine dancing, with the afore-mentioned tiny kicks (and the thumbs – can’t forget the thumbs), to the delight of my friends (and the bartender).

Since we had seats, on the floor, in the second row (which was more suited my photo-taking needs) we bid our adieus, and went downstairs – and I’m so glad we did!   Earth, Wind & Fire didn’t just jam: Those cats were en fuego!  Philip Bailey’s falsetto is as clear as it ever was, and he’s now taken on the tenor parts originally performed by the late Maurice White – without batting a lash, mind you.  Ralph Johnson sang his heart out, when he wasn’t playing the drums.  Not to be confused with drummer John Paris, who kept the beat.  And B. David Whitworth, when not drumming and singing, was tossing a tambourine into the air, and catching it; or doing high-kicks to hit his drum cymbals, or playing the drums, upside down!  But for me, it’s always been about Verdine White (who’s also the band’s only remaining founding-member).  With his full head of long, straight hair, and the energetic dance moves he employs, all the while deftly fingering his bass guitar; he’s always been my favorite to watch.  And on this night, he had paired electric teal sequined tuxedo pants with a ruffled tuxedo shirt, and it was delicious ensemble!* Cheers, Verdine!

And lest you’re worried about not knowing enough of their music to warrant buying a ticket, here’s a sampling of some of the songs you’ll hear: “Shining Star,” “Sing a Song,” “September,” “Got to Get You into My Life,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “After the Love has Gone,” “Let’s Groove,” and my favorite, “Fantasy” (and, let’s face it – if you don’t know these songs, it’s time to leave that bunker, Kimmy Schmidt!).

I’m just gonna leave you with the following words of advice…  If you have a chance to see Earth, Wind & Fire –Do not pass GO: Do not collect $200.  Just get your tickets, go to the concert, dance your ass off, and have a great time.  There’s a reason that, after nearly a half-century of performing, these guys remain masters of the universe.

Earth, Wind & Fire
2054 – The Tour | Presented by Live Nation
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#EarthWindAndFire

[EDITOR’S NOTE: As with all of the members of Earth, Wind & Fire; White has never met a sequin, palette, fringe, tassel, or rhinestone that he didn’t like.]