By Eddie Jorgensen

Philip Bailey and company have nothing to prove at this stage in their career: Since forming in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has sold a staggering 100 million-plus records and performed to capacity crowds all over the globe. That is causing plenty of anticipation for the band’s upcoming show at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland.  

With eight double platinum records to its credit and nine Grammy awards, the members of the group have not been resting on their collective laurels. This year, they’re gearing up for an ambitious run of shows supporting Commodores’ frontman, Lionel Richie, set to play in arenas all over the U.S. And while Earth, Wind and Fire’s core member-count is down to three – Philip Bailey Sr. (lead vocals), Verdine White (bass guitar) and Ralph Johnson (percussion and backing vocals) – its supporting assemble has been touring with the group for a decade or more.

In terms of the upcoming Sacramento-area show, expect fan favorites “Reasons,” “Shining Star,” “September,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Let’s Groove” and other greats to be part a setlist that clocks in just under 25 songs. For fans, it won’t just be a dance party of epic proportions but also a chance to remember the band’s past members who left too early. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are scarce but, as always, there’s an abundance of resale tickets atwww.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.