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Concert Reports
Earth, Wind and Fire
09/17/2019, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
All Photos: Gary Lambert
EarthWindandFire.com VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com
The stage at Vine Robles Amphitheatre went dark shortly after 8:00PM and then the screens behind the group’s futuristic stage set projected interplanetary images of deep space and images related to Earth Wind & Fire’s iconic album covers when suddenly a spaceship appeared center screen ( perhaps from a Funkified Solar System? ) and slowly lowered behind the staired, multi- level platform at center stage. Moments later the members of Earth, Wind & Fire rose from behind to appear and break into the opening song, “Sing A Song,” the group’s #1 Hit from 1975.
Familiar hits throughout the band’s incredible career followed, “Shining Star,””Serpintine Fire,” and “That’s The Way of The World” which featured a montage of photos from the band’s rich & storied history that included a fitting tribute to founding member Maurice White who passed away in 2016
More hits followed highlighted by “After The Love,” and a trifecta of the band’s mega hits “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland,” & “Lets Groove” to close the group’s high energy and emotional show which had the sold out crowd either dancing or reminiscing fondly of days gone by. The timeless hit “September” closed out the night for the band’s encore.
One of the most important, innovative, and commercially invincible contemporary forces of the 20th century, Earth, Wind & Fire has released a total of 23 albums. They have recorded eight #1 R&B singles and eight Double Platinum Top 10 Pop Albums. EWF has earned more than 50 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 100 million albums worldwide, earning them a solid spot on the list of all-time best selling music artists.
During the 1970s, a new brand of pop music was born – one that was steeped in African and African-American styles – particularly jazz and R&B but appealed to a broader cross-section of the listening public. As founder and leader of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White not only embraced but also helped bring about this evolution of pop, which bridged the gap that has often separated the musical tastes of black and white America. It certainly was successful, as EWF combined high-caliber musicianship, wide-ranging musical genre eclecticism, and ’70s multicultural spiritualism. “I wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before,” Maurice explains. “Although we were basically jazz musicians, we played soul, funk, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and dance music…which somehow ended up becoming pop. We were coming out of a decade of experimentation, mind expansion and cosmic awareness. I wanted our music to convey messages of universal love and harmony without force-feeding listeners’ spiritual content.”
Earth, Wind & Fire's career achievements and their music influences impacted music history. They have been inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Science (NARAS) bestowed its highest honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, totaling nine Grammy Awards for the group. The ensemble has also earned Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP, NAACP, and the BET Awards.
In April of 2014, lead singer Philip Bailey released his memoir SHINING STAR: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Shining Star is a story of triumph and challenges —chronicling the band’s iconic rise to the top.
Three of the group's principle members--Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson--have each earned honorary doctorate degrees from the Columbia College in Chicago. Philip Bailey and founder Maurice White have earned doctorate degrees at Berklee College of Music.
On July 18th, Earth, Wind & Fire became the first R & B Group to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. They'll be just the fourth music group overall to receive this acknowledgement, following three rock groups: The Who (2008), Led Zeppelin (2012) and Eagles (2016).
The Kennedy Center Honors tend to go to individuals. As a result, they have generally chosen to honor lead singers and/or principal songwriters from groups, rather than the groups themselves.
“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons, who, through their artistry, have left an indelible stamp on our collective cultural consciousness,” Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement. “Earth, Wind & Fire’s hooks and grooves are the foundation of a seminal style that continues to shape our musical landscape.
The awards will be presented on December 7th followed by a gala on December 8th. CBS will broadcast the event on December 15th.
About Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.
The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here
www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com