Scene and Heard

February 2nd, 2015
At The 30th Annual Santa Barbara
International Film Festival

Film Reveals the Untold Story of the
Great American Progressive Rock Ban

Watch The Miracles Out Of Nowhere
Trailer Here: http://bit.ly/kansas_vid

January 9th, 2015 – Miracles Out Of Nowhere, the documentary film on KANSAS and the band’s incredible career will see its worldwide premiere at the 30th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on Monday, February 2nd. The festival holds a vast array of films representing 54 countries, 23 world premieres and 53 US premieres, tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach. The festival begins Tuesday, January 27th and continues through Saturday, February 7th, 2015.

Tickets and packages for the festival can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/1xKvImL

Miracles Out Of Nowhere producer and former manager, Budd Carr explains:

“It is an honor to have our KANSAS band documentary Miracles Out of Nowhere selected to premiere at the 2015 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. As a long time Santa Barbara resident it will be especially exciting for me celebrate the bands 40th Anniversary as part of the SBIFF’s 30th Anniversary year.”

Carr is recognized as one of the film industry’s top talents in the field of Film Music Supervision and best known for his work with Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone. He began his professional career as a music agent representing acts including The Cream, James Taylor, Carole King, Crosby-Stills-Nash and Young, and Eric Clapton.

2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the release of KANSAS, the band’s debut album. To commemorate the occasion, the classic KANSAS lineup reunited, for the first time in more than 30 years; at the place their incredible journey began, Topeka, Kansas! There, they relived the incredible untold story of one of the most successful American rock bands of their era. Returning to monumental career landmarks in their hometown, as well as sharing untold memories ranging from touring to songwriting and recording, the band shares how the smash hit “Dust in the Wind” was just a passing comment away from never being recorded! Viewers will hear the band tell stories about recording in the studio next to John Lennon, a backstage fight with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and how the words “free beer” changed their lives forever! Miracles Out of Nowhere presents KANSAS in a way they have never before been seen.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to be given the opportunity to tell the world the amazing story of the band KANSAS in our new film Miracles Out Of Nowhere,” states director Charley Randazzo. “It is an inspiring journey of friendship, musicianship and perseverance that will resonate with people of all walks of life. Their songs and music were and still are “rock classics”, and it’s nice to know this film will expose to the masses six of the nicest and most talented guys I have ever worked with.”

Randazzo has produced, directed and edited music videos, concerts and documentaries for such musical superstars such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, P Diddy, N’ Sync, Prince, The Backstreet Boys, Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

The documentary features interviews from legendary Queen guitarist and former tour mate Brian May, acclaimed producer Brendan O’Brien, Rolling Stone journalist David Wild, and more. Featured prominently is country icon Garth Brooks, who counts KANSAS, alongside The Beatles and the Eagles, as one of his greatest inspirations. These extraordinary new insights are coupled with rare and unseen footage, including live performances and candid, fan-shot footage of the band on the road. Miracles Out of Nowhere offers an unprecedented look at the incredible ascent of KANSAS, a story that will appeal to new fans and veteran enthusiasts alike.

Miracles Out Of Nowhere will be officially released on March 24th, 2015 and is available for pre-order at this link: http://bit.ly/kansas_MOON_d2c. You can also pre-order Miracles Out of Nowhere on Amazon.

About KANSAS:
From the beginning, KANSAS was fascinating in its unconventional approach to rock stardom. The sextet, composed of drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Dave Hope, keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren, violinist/vocalist Robby Steinhardt, vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh, and guitarist Richard Williams were unlikely candidates for mainstream success in every way. After an improbable pairing with rock impresario Don Kirshner, the man behind the Monkees who signed and financed KANSAS on his Kirshner label, their relentless drive to succeed eventually resulted in instantly recognizable iconic hits like “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.”

KANSAS has released eight gold albums, three 6x platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, The Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and the million-selling single “Dust in the Wind.” Albums and singles by KANSAS could be found on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks during the 1970s and 1980s. “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On My Wayward Son” can still be heard on today’s radio.

About Santa Barbara International Film Festival:
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG® Australia, is dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, SBIFF offers 200+ films, tributes and symposiums that range from American indie films to world cinema and everything in-between. With its commitment to cultural diversity and powerful storytelling, SBIFF transforms beautiful downtown Santa Barbara, CA into a rich destination for film lovers, which attract more than 85,000 attendees. SBIFF is committed to providing free children’s education and community outreach programs through its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies, AppleBox Family Films, 3rd Weekend and educational seminars. The Festival is set to run January 27 – February 7, 2015. For more information, please visit http://www.sbiff.org.