CUMBERLAND - An exciting lineup is in store for the tri-state area when the legendary '70s rock bands Styx and Kansas perform live in concert on Aug. 11 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds off U.S. Route 220.

Currently on a joint multi-city tour, the blockbuster bands will take the stage with Kansas performing at 7 p.m., followed by the featured lead band, Styx.

Styx formed in the early '70s as an artsy progressive-rock band, which eventually transformed into the virtual rock prototype by the late '70s/early '80s. They are the first musical act to ever have four consecutive triple platinum albums and are known for such chart-topping singles as "Renegade," "Sail Away," "Lady," "Too Much Time on My Hands" and "Blue Collar Man."

In its early days, the band featured James Young, Chuck Panozzo, Dennis DeYoung, John Panozzo and John Curulewski.

While Styx has undergone many changes throughout its rich 30-year history, time has been very good to the band. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, as of April 21, 2006, Styx was listed with 17.5 million records sold within the United States, with a ranking of 127.

Today, Styx continues to tour and entertain their audiences worldwide while still enjoying solid commercial success.

Kansas, a self-described garage band from Topeka, released their first album in 1974, stating, "From the beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will always remain so."

Staying true to their motto apparently struck a chord with the public, as the band went on to produce eight gold albums, two triple platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and their gold single, "Dust in the Wind."

Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the '70s and '80s and played to sold-out arenas throughout North America, Europe and Japan. "Carry On Wayward Son" was the No. 2 most played track on classic rock radio in 1995 and went to No. 1 in 1997.

In reflecting on the band's illustrious history, original member and keyboard player Steve Walsh said, "We're now heading into a new century with new ideas and discoveries ahead. Once again, we want to spark the imagination."

Now fans of the popular band can enjoy new sparks from an orchestral tour that delivers a favorite sound in a fresh setting. Styx/Kansas tickets are on sale now at (301) 784-1715 with nonreserved seating only. Admission is limited to those 21 years of age or older.

Sponsored by the Cumberland Firefighters International Association of Firefighters Local 1715, the concert is part of a multi-day event that features the union-sponsored fourth annual Sportsmen's Bash on Aug. 12. The Sportsmen's Bash will offer ticketholders a chance to win more than 80 prizes totaling in excess of $750,000 in value.

The event also will feature a first-time Treasure Chest drawing every two minutes during the final hour of the Sportsmen's Bash, giving a separate group of ticketholders a chance to win a total of $100,000 in various cash denominations from $1,500 to $15,000.

Other activities planned around the weekend event include a No Limit Texas Hold em Tournament on Aug. 10, and the fifth annual MDA Poker Run on Aug. 13. Vegas-style gaming, musical entertainment, food and beverages will be offered Friday and Saturday. Admission will be strictly limited to all Sportsmen's Bash events to those 21 years of age and over.

Proceeds raised from activities associated with the Sportsmen's Bash are used to generously support a number of local charities such as Toys for Happiness, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and also fund a scholarship program.

For more information concerning the Cumberland Firefighters Local 1715 Sportsmen's Bash, call (240) 727-0806. For Styx/Kansas concert ticket information, call (301) 784-1715.