I’m a pretty big Kansas fan. Mostly that’s because of my friend Dave, who’s seen them 16 times, owns all the albums, rarities, solo stuff, etc. and can identify a Kansas song by name within the first three notes.

But now that I’ve been steeped in their Midwest prog rock goodness, I can testify they are arguably one of the finest, most under appreciated treasures in American rock history. And while it’s sad everyone associates Kansas with one of three hits, they are truly great songs.

Check this out:

You can’t argue that the song she’s playing isn’t totally sweet (not to mention she’s tackling it like a single-melody “Minuet in G” at her 6th grade piano recital). This 10 year-old Kansashead is playing a Yamaha Electone Stagea ELS-01C, which is available in Japan and Asia only.

Oh, and it’s 1,081,500 Yen, which is about $11k given today’s conversion rate. Then you have to add years of lessons and priceless talent to play like this little wunderkind.

Here’s another video of a different performance — but same girl — where you can see her pedal work. Wow.

Kansas is coming to Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee, MN on April 11. You can bet Dave and I will be there hoping to hear the title track off Song for America and then the “Carry On” encore with an entire band replicating the sound this one little girl got from a pricey synth.

(via Alexis)