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Music spotlight: Earth, Wind and Fire at PACER benefit

By Jon Bream

April 28, 2012 at 10:28PM

Maurice White, Verdine White and Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Saturday 5/5

EWF is such an exciting live band that the PACER Center is bringing the Rock Hall of Famers back for its 30th annual benefit a mere four years after last showcasing them. Don't expect the pyrotechnics of EWF's regular tour but do expect Philip Bailey's soaring vocals, Verdine White's dynamic energy and nonstop fun, punctuated with party jams, sophisticated jazz-soul musicianship and romantic ballads. Two EWF classics have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame: "That's the Way of the World" and "Shining Star." PACER works with children with disabilities. With silent and live auctions and additional tickets for a pre-benefit dinner and post-concert patron party.

about the writer

Jon Bream

Critic / Reporter

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.