Classic rockers Kansas are in the midst of a tour that somewhat strangely pairs them with college orchestras, dubbed the Kansas Collegiate Symphony tour.  The band’s latest live release There’s Know Place Like Home was recorded with the Washburn University Orchestra, and the positive feedback for that release brought inspiration to explore the idea of a full tour featuring the band supported by student orchestras. A portion of the proceeds from the outing (produced in conjunction with D’Addario Strings) will help raise money to support college music programs.

So of course, The Musicians’ Association of St. Louis is planning to picket outside the scheduled area date at Family Arena this weekend. You know, because why should young musicians gain valuable experience from playing with professional musicians?  You’re right, we gotta protest that s#%t!

The St. Louis show on Saturday night is the final date on the band’s tour and we’ll assume that if The Musicians’ Association happen to be planning an adult kegger for that night after their protest, chances are good that Kansas will not be invited.  BYOB, dudes – and stay the hell off of our lawns!

If you want some good entertainment, check out the RFT post about the issue and witness the thread of comments that now is 45 comments deep.  Wow.

The best part might be the statement from the union, which includes plenty of choice bits, including this one:

Kansas is an established rock band that has produced classic rock albums using professional musicians. It is unfortunate that they are putting on performances using students from a Missouri public institution who are unpaid or minimally paid for this ticketed public performance. Professional musicians are being denied the opportunity to accompany Kansas and receive wages and fringe benefits for themselves and/or their families.

The article struck a chord with me personally, having recently seen the Cleveland Youth Orchestra backing former Yes vocalist Jon Anderson.  It was such a joyful experience (and in fact, I enjoyed watching the CYO even more than Anderson’s performance) and I can’t imagine people here in Cleveland picketing an event like that.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all….