Styx

Styx draws from over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry’s sake of “Miss America,” from an individual yearning for a true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

Edwin McCain has been called a “street corner prophet” by USA Today, an “aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times, but Edwin is much more than those things. After a 20-year ride on a wave created by recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of music (I’ll Be and I Could Not Ask For More), and producing and starring in a tv series (Flippin’ Ships on Animal Planet); Edwin slowed his road schedule to dedicate more time to his primary roles as husband to his wife and father to their three young teenagers. And then Covid hit.

Well, the kids are grown-ish and Edwin’s fans are clamoring for more, so Edwin McCain is back at full throttle. Not that Edwin’s music ever slows down. “American Idol” and “The Voice” contestants turn to Edwin’s ballads every year to help them win over judges and fans. Millions more have been turned on by pop icons Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth who have both covered Edwin’s songs. And I’ll Be is prominently featured in the Jennifer Lopez movie Shotgun Wedding.