Kirkland Fine Arts Center has housed many events ranging from musicals to comedy acts to huge vocal festivals, and Saturday September 12 was no different. On that particular day Kirkland Fine Arts Center brought in an act that would cater to nostalgic fans and newcomers as well. And who exactly is that act? That would be Brass Transit, a Chicago cover band from Ontario, Canada. Playing songs such as “Saturday in the Park,” “Just You ‘N’ Me” and “Colour My World,” the band put on a show worthy of the standing ovation they received. After the show, I was lucky enough to receive an interview with Don Breithaupt, keyboardist for the band and a 2009 Emmy Award Winner, where we sat down and talked about the band.

SL: What is your favorite part of the show?

Don Breithaupt: Oh, wow, that’s a tough one. I think it changes every show. Something always pops up that gives me goosebumps and I feel as though I am listening to one of the original records sometimes.

SL: Could I ask you what your favorite part from this show was?

DB: The drum solo was really great tonight.

SL: Definitely! I really enjoyed it. Okay, do you know if anyone has any superstitions about performing? Like if one thing doesn’t go this exact way everything will be wrong?

DB: You know, we’ve all done road work for so long now that I think anything like that would have worn off by now. We’re all more realistic than superstitious.

SL: Are there any pre show routines or things to help the band get focused?

DB: This band switches on to show mode very quickly. We can be backstage relaxing and goofing off, but as soon as we get the five minute call we’re ready for our “battle stations” and to go out and perform.

SL: What is your favorite part of traveling, and what is your least favorite part?

DB: Let’s see. I mean the fun part for me, because I’m the one guy who lives out on the West Coast is that they’ll fly down from Toronto of wherever it is they’re coming from, and I’ll usually fly into the same airport so we’ll have a reunion right there so that’s my favorite part. The only thing bad thing about doing a lot of road work is if you are out in the North East during winter. We got hung up in Philadelphia for a few days because of the snow and everything being shut down. That was sad, but as long as you make it to the next show on time.

SL: Do you have a favorite city to play?

DB: We just played two nights out in Las Vegas and we play there at least once a year. That’s a lot of fun. You know, people are just…it’s the essence of Vegas, people are there to have a good time so you play to a full house there and it really rocks.

SL: Can I ask you what your favorite Chicago song is?

DB: Let’s see, I really like “Searchin’ For So Long.” Definitely my favorite. It starts out soft and then finishes with rocking out. It’s a lot of fun to play.

SL: Definitely! Now in the show you mentioned having a CD, is it already out?

DB: Yes, it is! People are buying it online, and you can get it at cdbaby.com, otherwise we sell them at the show.

SL: You also said that for the CD you covered other bands but put a Chicago twist on them. What can listeners expect to hear?

DB: There’s The Guess Who, Gino Vannelli, Jackson Brown, Rare Earth and also an original that I actually wrote, so it’s a nice blend of rock and soul.

SL: That sounds great! Thank you so much for your time!

DB: It was no problem at all.

Brass Transit has left this station, but maybe it will return soon and make another stop for your viewing pleasure.