Kansas is considered the stuff of rock legends, an iconic and awe-inspiring band that is a fundamental part of Classic Rock radio, yet continues to entertain audiences today.

Kansas performs 8 p.m. Oct 25, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown.

The group remains relevant with new and younger audiences by its presence in video games such as "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band." Kansas's impressive 40-year span was highlighted by its 2013 induction into the Kansas Historical Hall of Fame.

In a recent phone interview, Kansas violinist David Ragsdale reflected on the band, known for its progressive rock hits, "Carry On Wayward Son," from the album, "Leftoverture" (1976) and "Dust In The Wind," from "Point Of Know Return" (1977).

Ragsdale's history with Kansas began when the band's original violinist, Robby Steinhardt, left the band temporarily. "I actually entered the band twice," says Ragsdale. "It's a complicated story that began in the late 1980's."

Ragsdale didn't know any of the band members personally, but he was a Kansas fan and talented violinist. He listened to the band's music post-Steinhardt and realized the lack of violin was a detriment.

"I could hear the parts that were missing," says Ragsdale. "So I got my four-track recorder and played my own violin portions. Then I made dozens of copies and sent them to everybody, just hoping one would land."

His persistence and networking paid off. A friend of a friend happened to be the band's accountant. The recording was passed along to Phil Ehart, who liked it and contacted Ragsdale in 1991.

Ragsdale hails from Columbus, Ga. He started taking violin lessons at a very young age, despite his protestations, "I had no choice in the matter. I didn't like it at all." But he continued, even while attending the University of Alabama.

When asked how changes in the music industry have affected Kansas, Ragsdale says, "The free advertising is much more readily available. But I'm not crazy about where music is going. If I were a young musician today, the first thing I'd do is take dancing lessons.

"It's all visual. All cleverness is removed, so immediate and simple, no adventure. It's like the difference between a Da Vinci painting and a stick-figure drawing."

In addition to Ragsdale, violin, guitar, vocals, the Kansas lineup includes Rich Williams, guitar; Steve Walsh, keyboards, vocals; Billy Greer, bass, vocals, and Ehart, drums.

Ragsdale is moved by the response of Kansas's new generation of fans. "I can't tell you how great it feels to know that Kansas fans are bringing their kids to our concerts. And to see a 15-year-old watching us with his jaw slack because he's never seen or heard anything like us before ... "

He attributes the band's longevity to a simple answer: "Good songs. Well-constructed songs that are musically adventurous. It's music that commands your attention, yet is very accessible."

Kansas strives to raise awareness for collegiate music programs. In 2010, after the band created a 35th anniversary DVD there was the "symphony tour," where its songs were accompanied by college and university orchestras across the United States. "It turned out better than we thought," says Ragsdale. "We hired Larry Baird to do the orchestrations, and it was very successful."

Ragsdale took his own hiatus in 1997 after "being on a tour bus for 10 years." The violinist rejoined in 2006.

"We tour every year. We performed on a cruise ship to Haiti last year with 20 other rock bands, and we have a possible European tour next year."

When asked what the future holds for Kansas, Ragsdale replies, "Making a record is a terrible expense and you have to take a year off. So we'll do what people want, and what pays: live performances."