The legendary Earth, Wind & Fire brought five decades’ worth of rhythmic groove to the beautiful E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Center in Akron! The group is synonymous in my head with youthful days in the sun amongst family. EWF conjured a diverse, well-dressed, and perfumed crowd that felt like family by the end.
The elemental group from Chicago, named after the late founder Maurice White’s astrological chart, continues to bend genres and transcend generations. This summer tour has allowed them to do just that. Founding members Ralph Johnson (percussion) and vocalist Phillip Bailey Sr. are the only two founding members left in the current lineup, while founding bassist Verdine White was unable to be present on this tour due to recovering from a medical procedure.
A short highlight video introduced the 2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees before the grooving began promptly with their top charting knockout “Shining Star,” with the energy never plateauing until the final note of the night. The band captivated the stage in sleek, all-black attire that dazzled and shimmered under the spotlights. The instrumentation kept the crowd’s eyes and bodies bouncing from horns and keys and expansive percussion.
The showmanship from Bailey was a sight to behold, with a voice aged just like fine wine, only competing with himself to sound like the records. Joining Bailey on vocals was his son, Philip Bailey Jr. Their combined energies were electric.
Enhancing the show was a video screen that featured a variety of cosmic animated interludes, as well as archival photos, including pictures of the band’s late founder and leader, Maurice White. EWF continued seamlessly with hits interwoven with deep cuts that had the crowd on the edge of their seats (figuratively, of course, because everyone who could was on their feet) for what came next.
Something magical happened just a few songs after “Sing A Message To You,” though, when Philip Bailey Sr. ushered in the awe-inspiring back half of the set with spine tingling falsetto on “Reasons,” the opening to an effortlessly smooth hit parade that made its way through “After the Love Has Gone,” “That’s the Way of the World,” “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and“Let’s Groove,” which drew a huge reaction, and the song that now defines their legacy, “September.”
As the night drew to a close, Earth, Wind & Fire left an indelible mark on everyone present at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Center. Their ability to unite people through rhythm and melody showcases why they remain a beloved force in the music world. The seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair reminded us of the power of music to transcend time and space. With their electrifying performance, EWF not only celebrated their legacy but also created new memories for fans, both old and new. As the final notes of “In the Stone” echoed through the venue, it was clear that the spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire will continue to shine brightly, inspiring generations to enjoy the magic of their unparalleled sound. Here’s to many more years of joyful exuberance and unforgettable concerts from these legends!
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