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Toto tour dates 2024

Toto is currently touring across 7 countries and has 20 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at Tollwood Sommerfestival - Musik Arena in Munich, after that they'll be at Stadtpark Hamburg in Hamburg.

Currently touring across

Upcoming concerts (20) See nearest concert

Tollwood Sommerfestival - Musik Arena

Stadtpark Hamburg

Seebad - Stausee Haltern

Almeauen Büren

Freilichtbühne Zwickau

Schloss Bruchsal

Zitadelle Spandau

Tivoli Friheden

Théâtre De Verdure

Palais des Sports

Arena Santa Giuliana

Schlosswiese Moosburg

Foro Boario

Castello Carrarese

Piazza Napoleone

Poble Espanyol

Théâtre Jean-Deschamps

Théâtre Antique d'Orange

Past concerts

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Foro de las Estrellas San Marcos

Total Mortgage Arena

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Recent tour reviews

This was an absolutely AWESOME show by TOTO! In 40 years TOTO has only aged visibly; however, TOTO's music has evolved into the 21st century! TOTO not only entertained the audience at THE WARNER THEATRE with Its old hits and new compositions, TOTO wowed the audience with lead guitar solos that would have granted a nod from Eric Clapton, Steve Howe, and from the great Jimmy Hendrix, if he were still with Us. Also, TOTO made certain to include the audience of THE WARNER THEATRE in Its music performace by ordering Us on Our feet to sing & dance! In addition, TOTO gave Us a music history lesson by telling the audience who wrote the music score for the 1970's hit movie, JAWS and who wrote one of Michael Jackson's hit songs! Finally, a new member of TOTO, Xavier, a PRINCE rollover, wowed the audience with a classical music solo ... . Hopefully TOTO will keep Us entertained, in the future, with "50 Trips Around The Sun"!

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I attended ToTo's "40 Trips Around The Sun" concert on Monday and was absolutely blown away by the amazing talent of this band.The band played a mix of songs, that they don't usually perform in concert, which included songs from their earlier work, as well as some fan favorites. The guys were on fire, full of energy and always entertaining the audience with their humor and enthusiasm. Loved it when the audience was encouraged to join in on some of the old favorites and when band members Steve Lukather, Joe Williams and Steve Porcaro sat down and reminisced about how certain songs came about and the stories behind their 40 plus year friendships.I would highly recommend seeing this fabulous band and I'm already looking forward to seeing them again!

I saw them in Dublin 5th April and paid for the VIP-experience as well. The guys weren`t in the best form, but it was amazing seeing them doing their soundcheck, Joseph Williams was chatting to the more curious fans - we were just standing there mesmerized..We got our photos taken with the band, our music sheet signed, got a keyring then we got escorted to the bar, and got back in before the rest of the crowd was let in, so in a way we all paid for having a spot in the front rows too..

They were brilliant! This was the end of the tour, so at some point you could see they`re only human and are tired, but they offered an exceptional music experience to us all! I can`t remember any other band playing this good live; yes, they did get older of course, but they are still masters of their instruments and the new band members fit in perfectly with them!

I could go on praising them, but I won`t.

They were amazing and that is that!!!

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Dogz Of Oz Tour

• Date Feb 16 , 2023
• Event Starts 7:30 PM
• Doors Open Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to curtain
• Ticket Prices $38.50 - $153.50
• On Sale On Sale Now
• Location Diamonstein Concert Hall

Event Details

The Dogz of Oz World Tour is presented by TOTO co-founder and musical director David Paich. Joining Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams on the road are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note), and keyboardist/ background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist/ vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble.

This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the TOTO line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited. Collectively, TOTO has over two billion streams worldwide on all streaming services. Just last year one of their biggest hits “Africa” went from being a Platinum single to being recently recertified 6X Platinum. The band has found a new generation of fans.

With 40+ years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller , and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community being simply synonymous with musical credibility. They are pop culture, and are one of the few '70s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles continuing to remain relevant while enjoying their multi-generational global fan base.

Limit of (8) eight tickets per purchase. 

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Toto Reform With New Lineup, Plot ‘Dogz of Oz’ World Tour

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Just one year after Toto announced their breakup following a gig in Philadelphia’s Metropolitan Opera House, the band has announced a reunion with a radically revised lineup.

Founding guitarist Steve Lukather and long-time vocalist Joseph Williams are returning to the fold, but founding keyboardists Steve Porcaro and David Paich are both out of the group.

Joining the band for this new era is Huey Lewis and the News bassist John Pierce, Snarky Puppy drummer Robert “Sput” Searight, and keyboardist/background vocalist Steve Maggiora. They will be joined by keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Warren Ham, both of whom played with Toto during their last few tours.

This new incarnation of Toto are plotting a world tour they’re calling Dogz of Oz where they’re promising to play “all the hits, deep cuts, and solo music from Lukather and Williams’ individual catalogs.” They’re going to preview the tour on November 21st with a livestreaming event. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday .

“We could not be more at peace with this move,” Lukather says in a statement. “There is a refreshing, optimistic enthusiasm to step into the future. At this moment, Joe and I are the only long-tenured members of the band that want to be on the road continuing to bring music to our multi-generational fan base. I’ve spent almost four and a half decades of my life as the only original member who never missed a show or an album nurturing this legacy while enabling the music to continually exist in the live concert setting. That is something I’ll never stop doing.”

“The Dogz of Oz global tour offers a rare opportunity to reimagine our personal futures while simultaneously preserving the deep connection that exists with the audience while likewise yielding continual discovery,” he continues. “The hope is to move forward with the planned itinerary for summer 2021 that will bring us back to our fans across the world.”

Williams echoed the sentiment in a statement of his own. “Luke and I have been through a lot with one another,” he said. “He’s like a brother to me. Our creative partnership has always enriched our lives. As we look toward what’s to come in unison, there is nothing but anticipation to bring everything in our minds to life. I can’t think of anyone else on earth I’d rather launch the next chapter with this lifelong, loyal, and gifted friend and bandmate. We’re the last men standing…the Dogz of Oz!”

Toto’s popularity peaked in 1982 when their singles “Africa” and “Rosanna” became massive hits all over the globe. They’ve held onto a devoted cult fanbase ever since that time, but they saw an incredible resurgence in popularity a few years back when a new generation of fans discovered “Africa.” Weezer covered the song in 2018 and turned it into a hit yet again.

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The renewed attention helped draw many new fans to Toto concerts, but a lawsuit by Susan Porcaro Goings, the widow of late Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, stalled their momentum. She claimed they weren’t paying money that was owed to Jeff Porcaro’s estate.

“A lot of kids were coming to see us [because of Weezer], believe me,” Lukather told Guitar Player . “I didn’t want to stop this way. We were doing amazing shows, so it’s sad and disgusting to stop this way because of a legal issue. We have a big debt to pay. The process made us break down financially. Getting to the point that we need to make a deal that didn’t favor us…This action stuck a knife in us and it is a lot to endure. The final show was ‘bittersweet’, to say the least.”

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• Joseph Williams
• Steve Lukather

Toto Announces Headlining Dogz of Oz Tour Alongside Journey Support Dates

by Nick Stockton November 6, 2023, 5:50 pm

Already riding high off the announcement of their support slot on the upcoming Freedom Tour with Journey, Toto took to Instagram to announce headlining dates of their own.

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The Dogz of Oz Tour will feature the “Africa” balladeers taking the reins on a limited run of shows alongside their Freedom Tour route, taking advantage of their precious off-days to deliver some special headlining sets to their diehard fans along the way.

[RELATED: Journey Celebrates 50th Anniversary with 2024 Tour Featuring Toto]

The band, featuring original Toto guitarist Steve Lukather as well as singer Joseph Williams, will be stopping off at select North American cities from February through April. A European leg is planned for July and August, with seven German dates just announced and the complete itinerary forthcoming.

The venerable songsmiths have much to celebrate. Toto has experienced an incredible resurgence in popularity in the past decade, perhaps best exemplified by their racking up over 3.4 billion streams on Spotify.

[ RELATED: Toto Talks ‘Toto’ to Celebrate Their Debut Album’s 45th Anniversary ]

Lukather shared a statement via the band’s website , reflecting that “There is a refreshing, optimistic enthusiasm to step in to the future. As long-tenured members of the band, Joe and I want to be on the road continuing to keep the original legacy of the band alive, bringing the music to our multi-generational fan base.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 10 at 10AM. They’ll be available via Stubhub , where orders are 100% guaranteed through StubHub’s FanProtect program. StubHub is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

Tickets are likely to go fast, so head to Stubhub and secure yours as soon as they go on sale.

Toto Dogz of Oz US Tour Dates

• 2/20 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center for the Arts
• 2/25 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
• 3/05 – Regina, SK @ Conexus Arts Centre
• 3/19 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
• 3/23 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel
• 4/09 – Beaver Creek, CO @ Vilar Performing Arts Center
• 4/12 – Salina, KS @ Stiefel Theatre
• 4/18 – Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
• 4/21 – Columbus, OH @ Merson Auditorium
• 4/24 – Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
• 4/28 – Munhall, PA @ Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

Photo by Francesco Prandoni/Redferns

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Toto announces 2024 Touring Lineup

The band will stage 44 appearances across North America beginning on February 9 at Biloxi’s Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The itinerary features 30 appearances as support for Journey in arenas across The United States and Canada, with an additional 14 headline performances planned. A tour of Europe follows this Summer. Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks, with a run of the UK and plans to visit other continents in motion now. Tickets for all appearances are available for purchase here .

Over the past decade, Toto has had a major renaissance in popularity like few bands at this point in their career. No individual statistic exhibits this more than achieving the milestone of over 3.4 billion streams at Spotify alone. The total plays of the band’s collected works across all platforms is now approaching five billion. Amongst the most listened to recordings, “Africa” accounts for over one billion streams at Spotify alone. The song was recertified by the RIAA 8X Platinum.

Individually and collectively, the band’s family tree can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with hundreds of Grammy nominations. They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles while continuing to remain relevant.

North American Tour dates with Journey. Headlining shows in red.

North American Tour Dates 2024: 2/09 Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum 2/12 Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena 2/14 Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena 2/15 Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC 2/17 Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena 2/18 Baltimore, MD – CGG Bank Arena 2/20 Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts 2/21 Providence, RI – Amica Mutal Pavilion 2/22 Rochester, NY – BlueCross Arena 2/24 Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center 2/25 Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center 2/26 Madison, WI – Kohl Center 2/28 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center 2/29 Rapid City, SD – The Summit Arena 3/02 Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center 3/04 Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre 3/05 Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre 3/07 Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome 3/09 Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place 3/10 Saskatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre 3/13 Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena 3/15 West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center 3/16 Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena 3/19 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre 3/21 Las Cruces, NM – NMSU Pan American Center 3/22 Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena 3/23 Albuquerque, NM – Revel 4/09 Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center 4/12 Salina, KS – Stiefel Theatre 4/15 Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha 4/16 Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center 4/18 Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park 4/19 Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4/20 Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum 4/21 Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium 4/23 North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum & PAC 4/24 Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium 4/26 Norfolk, VA – Scope Arena 4/27 Wilkes Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza 4/28 Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall 4/29 Bridgeport, CT – Total Mortgage Arena

European Live Shows 2024: 24/06 Munich, Germany – Tollwood Festival 25/06 Hamburg, Germany – Statdpark 27/06 Haltern, Germany – Open Air 28/06 Buren, Germany – Almeau 29/06 Zwickau, Germany – Freilichtbuhne Zwickau 30/06 Bruschal, Germany – Schlossgarten 02/07 Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle 04/07 Halden, Norway – By The Border 05/07 Stockholm, Sweden – Gardet – Sthlm Fields 06/07 Aarhus, Denmark – Tivoli Friheden (Summer Session) 10/07 Saint-Malo du Bois, France – Festival de Poupet 11/07 Paris, France – Palais Des Sports (Dome de Paris) (Sold Out) 12/07 Zottegem, Belgium – Rock Zottegem Festival 14/07 Weert, NL – Bospop 17/07 Perugia, Italy – Arena Santa Giuliana 19/07 Moosburg, Austria – Schlosswiese Moosburg 20/07 Veszprem, Hungary – Veszpremfest 22/07 Bari, Italy – Foro Boario 23/07 Este-Padova, Italy – Caste 24/07 Lucca, Italy – Piazza Napoleone 26/07 Barcelona, Spain – BCN Guitar Festival 27/07 Madrid, Spain – Noches Del Botanico 29/07 Carcassonne, France – Festival de Carcassonne

Weblinks: totoofficial.com www.facebook.com/totoband

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TOTO – Dogz of Oz Tour

Tickets: $69.50, $79.50, $85.50, $89.50 + tax/fees

The DOGZ OF OZ WORLD TOUR is presented by Toto co-founder and musical director David Paich. Joining Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams on the road are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the Toto line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.

Collectively TOTO has over two billion streams worldwide on all streaming services. Just last year one of their biggest hits “Africa” went from being a Platinum single to being recently recertified 6X Platinum. The band has found a new generation of fans. With now 40+ years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time: Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility. They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles continuing to remain relevant while enjoying their multi-generational global fan base.

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TOTO Announces February/March 2022 U.S. Headlining Tour

TOTO will return to the road in early 2022. The band will begin the "Dogz Of Oz" world tour in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 25. Initial dates on sale this week are presented below, while additional appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.

In April and May 2022, TOTO will perform an additional 18 shows in U.S. arenas with JOURNEY . In July and August, the band will be touring in Europe headlining festivals, alongside performing in arenas and large theaters which include an already sold-out appearance at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

For the headline appearances, American Express card members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Wednesday, December 1 at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday, December 2 at 10 p.m. local time. A local pre-sale will follow on Thursday, December 2, with general on-sale being live Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

TOTO newly announced headlining tour dates:

Feb. 25 - Las Vegas, NV - Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Feb. 26 - Indio, CA - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Feb. 28 - Tucson, AZ - The Rialto Theatre Mar. 02 - Midland, TX - Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center Mar. 03 - Corpus Christi, TX - American Bank Center - Selena Auditorium Mar. 06 - Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre Mar. 07 - Jacksonville, FL - Florida Theatre Mar. 09 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall Mar. 10 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center Mar. 12 - Atlantic City, NJ - Ocean Casino Resort – Ovation Halllee Mar. 14 - Munhall PA - Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall Mar. 15 - Detroit, MI - MotorCity Casino Hotel – Sound Board Mar. 19 - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theatre

TOTO 's "Africa" recently crossed the threshold of one billion streams on Spotify . This accomplishment speaks to the continual discovery of the band's repertoire, alongside the multi-generational fan base enjoying a composition that is nearing 40 years since the band's album "IV" was released. Co-writer David Paich shares: "This surpasses a dream come true! Thank you to our family, friends and fans! 'Africa' is the result of a team effort in the studio – resulting in musical magic! And thanks to Spotify for helping TOTO connect with so many awesome listeners. I know my co-writer Jeff Porcaro would be smiling and celebrating this moment with us." Cumulative Spotify streams exceed 3.3 billion plays.

TOTO will stage 18 appearances with JOURNEY in arenas across the United States. The run begins on April 7 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California and ends on May 11 at XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

TOTO recently released "With A Little Help From My Friends" , a recording of a special November 21, 2020 concert when guitarist Steve Lukather , singer Joseph Williams and Paich appeared with the new lineup of TOTO for a global event originating from Los Angeles. They were joined by bassist John Pierce , drummer Robert "Sput" Searight , keyboardist/background vocalist Steve Maggiora , keyboardist Dominique "Xavier" Taplin and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Warren Ham . This lineup marks the fifteenth incarnation of TOTO in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited. In the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the set, a documentary is featured alongside the performance, which includes commentary from all members of the band that appeared that evening.

On February 26, Lukather and Williams presented separate solo albums via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group which charted in multiple territories across the globe. Both artists made significant contributions to the other's recordings. Additionally, Paich performed on select tracks on Lukather 's "I Found The Sun Again" and Williams 's "Denizen Tenant" . The titles were released on LP and CD, and a limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together.

This past June, Lukather confirmed to Jeff Gaudiosi of MisplacedStraws.com that there are no plans for TOTO to record new music. "There's not gonna be another TOTO record," he said. "What we do is we continue doing what we do. Joe and I can make [solo] records and have some of the cats on it. And we can go out and play as TOTO . And if we get the audience, we pay off the people that sued us, and we go forward."

Lukather continued: "I'm gonna dig in. I don't roll over easily. I've taken a lot of punches over the last 45-plus years — whatever the hell it is; it's a long time. So I can take a punch, man, and I've taken a whole lot of 'em on falsities. But that's okay. It's behind me now. I let it all go. Peace and love to everybody. I don't carry around any hate. I'm, like, 'Okay, life changes. I'm sorry.' It broke my heart too. But it's like getting over a divorce — you've gotta get back on the horse again and do it. And that's what we plan on doing. There's no malicious vibe or, 'I'm gonna get even with anybody.' It's just such a waste of time. I'm 63 years old, man. I don't wanna play the games anymore."

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Joseph Williams of TOTO

New solo album "denizen tenant", toto announce february / march headline tour of the u.s..

Posted on November 29, 2021

TICKETS ON-SALE THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3

The “dogz of oz world tour” begins february 25 in las vegas, nv.

FROM APRIL 7 THROUGH MAY 11, THE BAND WILL STAGE EIGHTEEN

PERFORMANCES WITH JOURNEY IN ARENAS ACROSS THE U.S.

TOTO has announced the band’s return to the road in late-February, 2022. The band will begin the DOGZ OF OZ WORLD TOUR in Las Vegas, NV on February 25. Initial dates on-sale this week are presented below, while additional appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.

On April 7, TOTO will perform an additional 18 shows in U.S. arenas with Journey. In July and August, the band will be touring in Europe headlining festivals, alongside performing in arenas and large theaters which include an already sold-out appearance at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

For the headline appearances, American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Wednesday, December 1 at 10am local time through Thursday, December 2 at 10pm local time.  A local pre-sale will follow on Thursday, December 2, with general on-sale being live Friday, December 3 at 10AM.

Toto’s “Africa” recently crossed the threshold of ONE BILLION streams on Spotify. This accomplishment speaks to the continual discovery of the band’s repertoire, alongside the multi-generational fan base enjoying a composition that is nearing forty years since the band’s album IV was released. Cumulative Spotify streams exceed 3.3 Billion plays.

The band recently released With A Little Help From My Friends via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group. To screen the title track, which presents the new line-up of Toto, click here: https://youtu.be/C25LRl15fOE .  Steve Lukather shares, “We are keeping the music of Toto alive with a little help from our friends.” Joseph Williams offers, “In the midst of a global pandemic and an unprecedented lockdown we realized a few things.  Musicians must play and people need to get together to watch them.  It was then Luke, Dave and I decided to call upon our friends to create this performance.  We welcomed new friends on to the stage and found an instant connection with them. Welcomed back old friends to do a little work!  The fact is we couldn’t have pulled it off without the love and support of our friends and family. Never was a title or a song been more appropriate. I hope you enjoy ‘With a Little Help From My Friends!’” 

The global tour that will stretch several years is presented by Toto co-founder and musical director David Paich.  Joining Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams on the road are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the Toto line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.

Steve Lukather offers, “When the music is performed by great musicians it honors Toto. The documentary featured on the DVD offers great insights in to our thoughts looking forward. David, who stands with us, alongside Joe and myself, desire to keep this music alive.  And Paich could pop in any time for a show as a special surprise.  We’ll be selecting a broader mix from the Toto catalog that includes deep cuts, the hits, and tunes from Joe and my recently released solo albums. Both of us could not be more thrilled with the global response to these records. ” 

Luke and Joseph Williams are life-long friends since they were kids, and bandmates sharing a deep colorful history that has thrived professionally on a global basis over the past decades.  Luke offers, “There is a refreshing, optimistic enthusiasm to step in to the future. At this moment, Joe and I are the only long-tenured members of the band that want to be on the road continuing to bring music to our multi-generational fan base. I’ve spent almost four and a half decades of my life as the only original member who never missed a show or an album nurturing this legacy while enabling the music to continually exist in the live concert setting. That is something I’ll never stop doing, and when we inevitably return to the road it presents a rare opportunity to reimagine our personal futures while simultaneously preserving the deep connection that exists with the audience while likewise yielding continual discovery.” Williams adds, “Luke and I have been through a lot with one another. He’s like a brother to me. Our creative partnership has always enriched our lives. As we look towards what’s to come in unison, there is nothing but anticipation to bring everything in our minds to life. I can’t think of anyone else on Earth I’d rather launch the next chapter with than with this lifelong, loyal and gifted friend and band mate. We’re the last men standing…The Dogz of Oz,”

With A Little Help From My Friends was Produced by Joseph Williams, who also edited the accompanying long-form video.  The band’s long-time front of house engineer Ken Freeman mixed and captured the sound. On February 26, Luke and Joe presented solo albums via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group which charted in multiple territories across the globe.  Both artists made significant contributions to the other’s recordings. Additionally, David Paich performed on select tracks on Luke’s I Found The Sun Again and Williams’ Denizen Tenant . The titles were released on LP, CD and a limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Available here: https://smarturl.it/Steve-Lukather and https://smarturl.it/JosephWilliams .

Confirmed appearances include:

2/25     Las Vegas, NV                                               Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

2/26     Indio, CA                                                        Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

2/28     Tucson, AZ                                                     The Rialto Theatre

3/02     Midland, TX                                                   Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

3/03     Corpus Christi, TX                                         American Bank Center – Selena Auditorium

3/06     Mobile, AL                                                     Saenger Theatre

3/07     Jacksonville, FL                                              Florida Theatre

3/09     Charleston, SC                                                Charleston Music Hall

3/10     Durham, NC                                                   Durham Performing Arts Center

3/12     Atlantic City, NJ                                             Ocean Casino Resort – Ovation Halllee

3/14     Munhall PA                                                    Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

3/15     Detroit, MI                                                      MotorCity Casino Hotel – Sound Board

3/19     Kansas City, MO                                            Uptown Theatre

WITH JOURNEY:

4/07     San Diego, CA                                                Pechanga Arena San Diego

4/09     Glendale, AZ                                                  Gila River Arena

4/11     Denver, CO                                                     Ball Arena

4/13     Dallas, TX                                                      American Airlines Center

4/15     New Orleans, LA                                            Smoothie King Center

4/20     Tampa, FL                                                      Amalie Arena

4/21     Orlando, FL                                                    Amway Arena

4/24     Cincinnati, OH                                                Heritage Bank Center

4/25     Atlanta, GA                                                    State Farm Arena

4/27     Nashville, TN                                                 Bridgestone Arena

4/28     Charlotte, NC                                                  Spectrum Center

4/30     Columbus, OH                                                Schottenstein Center

5/02     Rosemont, IL                                                  Allstate Arena

5/04     Grand Rapids, MI                                           Van Andel Arena

5/05     Indianapolis, IN                                              Bankers Life Fieldhouse

5/07     Cleveland, OH                                                            Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

5/09     Washington, D.C.                                           Capitol One Arena

5/11     Hartford, CT                                                   XL Center                              

11 July, 2022              Tilburg, NL                                         13

12 July, 2022              Tilburg, NL                                         13

14 July, 2022              Bonn, Germany                                  KunstRasen

15 July, 2022              Amsterdam, Netherlands                    Ziggodome

16 July, 2022              Halle, Germany                                  Peißnitzinsel

17 July, 2022              Ulm, Germany                                    Munsterplatz

19 July, 2022              Pratteln, Switzerland                          Z-7 (on-sale)

20 July, 2022              Tussling, Germany                             Schlossplatz

21 July, 2022              Middelkerke, Belgium                        Proximus Pop-Up Arena

23 July, 2022              Vitrolles, France                                 Festival Jardin Sonore

24 July, 2022              Vienne, France                                   Antiq Theater

25 July, 2022              Verona, Italy                                       Arena Di Verona

27 July, 2022              Hamburg, Germany                            Stadtpark

28 July, 2022              Schwetzingen, Germany                     Schlossgarten

29 July, 2022              Graz, Austria                                      Messe Open Air)

31 July, 2022              Warsaw, Poland                                  Torwar

02 August, 2022         Tallin, Estonia                                    Rakvere Vallikaar

04 August, 2022         Vaasa, Finland                                    Vaasa Festival

05 August, 2022         Tampere, Finland                               Tampere Sorsapuisto Festival

06 August, 2022         Helsinki, Finland                                Kaisaniemi Park

07 August, 2022         Turku, Finland                                    Paavo Nurmi Stadium / Park

09 August, 2022         Stockholm, Sweden                            Grona Lund

10 August, 2022         Helsingborg, Sweden                          Sofiero Castle

11 August, 2022         Viborg, Denmark                                Paradepladsen

13 August, 2022         Copenhagen, Denmark                       Royal Arena

14 August, 2022         Gothenburg, Sweden                          Partille Arena

16 August, 2022         Trondeim, Norway                             Sverresborg

18 August, 2022         Oslo, Norway                                      Vulkan Open

19 August, 2022         Bergen, Norway                                  Plenen

20 August, 2022         Alesund, Norway                                Jugendfest

26 August, 2022         Arbon, Switzerland                            SummerDays Festival

27 August, 2022         Spiez, Awitzerland                             Seaside Festival

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Recent Posts

TOTO to Join Journey for 40 US Dates

We are looking forward to staging 40 shows with Journey across the U.S.

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TOTO Dogz of Oz: All Dates on Sale Now

View the schedule and buy tickets

TOTO has announced the band’s return to the road in late-February, 2022. The band will begin the DOGZ OF OZ WORLD TOUR in Las Vegas, NV on February 25.

Toto to Stage Eighteen Appearances with Journey in Arenas

US Tour Begins April 7 in San Diego and Ends May 11 in Hartford

Toto’s ‘A Little Help From My Friends’ Pre-order Available Now

TOTO and The Players Club / Mascot Label Group have announced the global release of With A Little Help From My Friends on June 25.

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Toto Move All Tour Dates Forward to 2022

Toto have moved all confirmed tour dates to 2022 while announcing plans for additional concerts.

Fourteen shows in Germany, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland are immediately impacted. Cofounder Steve Lukather , who leads the band with longtime singer Joseph Williams, said more dates of the Dogz of Oz World Tour tour will follow and that they will dig deeper into Toto's catalog of music.

"In the interests of approaching the band’s activities with health as the primary concern for the fans, band, crew and all impacted when we commence activities, this was an easy decision to make," Lukather said in an official statement. "After four-and-a-half decades on the road, it’s been challenging living the past 14 months in isolation. As much as Joe, myself, the band and the crew would love to be active again, the world is still navigating the challenges that face all of us. We'll continue to announce shows so keep an eye out for confirmation that will be shared in the coming months."

Lukather and Williams both collaborated with one another – as well as semiretired Toto cofounder David Paich – on individual solo albums released in February. They'd earlier confirmed the group's 15th incarnation , with keyboardist Dominique "Xavier" Taplin and multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham as the other holdovers . New members include bassist John Pierce, drummer Robert "Sput" Searight and keyboardist Steve Maggiora.

"Looking forward, we'll be selecting a broader mix from the Toto catalog that includes deep cuts, the hits and tunes from Joe and my recently released solo albums," Lukather noted. "Both of us could not be more thrilled with the global response to these records. They charted all over the world, and integrating some of the music into the new Toto set will bring fresh spice to the Dogz of Oz World Tour. Simply, both of us aim to bring the past Toto to the present and beyond."

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Toto Wolff confident he can lead struggling Mercedes back to top of Formula One

A bullish Toto Wolff insists he remains the right man to lead Mercedes and has backed Lewis Hamilton to land his record eighth world championship at Ferrari.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team arrive for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix following a string of underwhelming results which leaves them a distant fourth in the constructors’ championship.

Hamilton, who is departing the Silver Arrows at the end of the year to join the Scuderia, will gear up for Sunday’s 78-lap race here in the principality only eighth in the standings, with just 35 points on the board, compared to championship leader Max Verstappen’s 161.

Mercedes enjoyed a unprecedented run at the summit of Formula One, winning eight straight team titles while also carrying Hamilton to six of his seven championships. But their form since Hamilton lost the 2021 decider to Verstappen has put Wolff’s future in the spotlight.

However, the Austrian, 52, who signed a three-year deal to remain as team principal prior to this season, told the PA news agency: “I have always been very self-critical and introspective. Is this what I am good at? Am I working in something that I understand and I feel I can contribute?

“I ask myself that question all the time, for 30 years and the decision I have taken is that I am a co-owner of this business and I am going to stay a co-owner of this business, whether I am team principal or CEO or chairman.

“I have had it in the past where suddenly you have that moment where you think there is somebody that could do this better, whether that is because they have more energy, more intelligence, more knowledge, or more compassion.

“That day will come but jointly (with co-owners’ Ineos and Mercedes-Benz AG) we have not identified who the next person will be.

“I still love it. Maybe one day I wake up and I don’t love it. There might be a stone falling on my head and I am not team principal anymore. But this is the destiny I am choosing with my co-shareholders.

“I have signed a new three-year contract and I am going to be the most permanent unless I die, but maybe in various roles in the top management.”

Wolff also defended Mercedes’ recent record, pointing to both Ferrari and McLaren who last took a driver to the title in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

He continued: “We have finished first 115 times and we have been knocked down over the last 50 races. That is not where we want to be and it feels horrible on the day. But on the Monday morning we regroup and we go again.

“Ferrari haven’t won a constructors’ championship since 2008. Red Bull did not win eight times in a row because we were winning.

“So we have to look at it with a certain perspective and say it is the third year where we have not won. It is not eight. It is not 16. When did McLaren win their last constructors’ championship? 1998. And their last drivers’ title? With Lewis in 2008.

“We finished second last year. It is not good enough but if you look at it in 10 or 20 years, you will see that we won eight championships in a row and then we lost three, or maybe four, but not 16.”

Wolff will be without Hamilton as he bids to turn Mercedes into a tour de force once more. The 39-year-old stunned the sport by cancelling his Mercedes deal a year earlier to switch to Ferrari.

Hamilton’s decision in February coincided with the release of Netflix’s latest Drive to Survive series which celebrated the British driver’s decision to stay at the Silver Arrows. In the episode, Wolff said he couldn’t imagine Hamilton in red. Does that comment sting Wolff?

“That is what he said to me,” he replied. “He said he was going to stay and then he decided to go.

“But people change their minds and circumstances change and you have to respect that. Today’s opinion might be different tomorrow and I have no hard feelings.

“If Ferrari is able to give Lewis a competitive car, he can win a world championship, there is no doubt about that.

“I will always have a personal relationship with Lewis and I will look back at the great times, professionally and personally. When Lewis moves to Ferrari he becomes a competitor but I will always wish him happy days.”

Mercedes protege, Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, 17, could be handed the opportunity to replace Hamilton and join George Russell at Mercedes.

However, Wolff remains hopeful he can steal Verstappen away from Red Bull, citing McLaren’s recent resurgence as proof that Mercedes could provide the Dutchman with a winning machine.

Wolff added: “Max is not going to get in a car that is not competitive and at the moment we are not competitive enough to lure a world champion.

“But we have to see how the next months go. Look at McLaren. If we can put four tenths on the car, we will be very competitive. I have to wait for the moment. There is no urgency.”

Opinion Jews, like all other Americans, have the right to lobby politicians

Readers respond to a Post article on Jewish business leaders lobbying in the aftermath of Oct. 7.

Regarding the May 18 front-page article “ Business titans pressed NYC mayor on protests, chats show ”:

Not that I am a spokesperson for anyone, but on behalf of the Jewish people, I would like to thank The Post for refraining from referencing the religious affiliations of the “business titans” who used their power and money to convince New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) to use police to clear protesters at Columbia University, at least in the headline. The Jewish names of these “billionaires” make it clear that they were Jews. Were there no non-Jewish “business titans” wanting the police to evict the squatters and reclaim the occupied building? If there were, why weren’t any included in the report?

For centuries, the accusation that powerful Jews pull the strings has been a recurring theme used by those who hate Jews to spread their poison. Today, this libel is more intense than at any time since World War II, when Nazi Germany turned it into an art form.

Here’s the irony. The left accuses Jewish billionaires of suppressing student freedom. The right has its evil Jewish mastermind, George Soros, who it accuses of paying students to demonstrate. Any way you look at it, it’s lose-lose for the Jews.

Larry Shapiro , Calgary, Alberta

What, exactly, is improper about a group of business leaders with similar views about combatting antisemitism urging the New York mayor to use the police department to remove encampments and protesters at Columbia University, whose actions posed a risk of physical harm and harassment? Anyone who feels that the Jewish students were not in danger should talk with them. The university’s decision to cancel graduation ceremonies confirms the volatile situation.

Are these community leaders guilty of bad behavior because they wanted to shift the media narrative from the one supplied by Hamas — a known terrorist group bent on the destruction of Israel — to the actual events of Oct. 7. These attackers boldly filmed their kidnapping, rape and killing of innocent Israeli and Thai civilians, along with those from other nations? Since when is it un-American to publish the truth or to urge others to publish the truth?

U.S. lobbying and politics, unfortunately, have become a money game with campaigns becoming more and more expensive. These business leaders were only recognizing that reality. The Post’s reporting confirmed that those members of the group chat who did donate to Mr. Adams’s reelection campaign obeyed the law and contributed only $2,100 apiece. Discussing donations is not inherently sinister or corrupt. What about the millions of dollars unions contribute to influence their preferred candidates?

I strongly applaud the actions of these Jewish leaders as they refuse to remain silent in the face of unprecedented antisemitism sweeping across America. News articles like this one fuel this scourge.

Noah Lightman , Baltimore

I was very frustrated reading the content of the May 18 front-page article about Jewish billionaires getting together to shape public opinion about Israel.

To quote New York City Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy: “The insinuation that Jewish donors secretly plotted to influence government operations is an all too familiar antisemitic trope that the Washington Post should be ashamed to ask about, let alone normalize in print.”

Please educate me as to why The Post found the content of this article to be newsworthy. In recent years, has The Post published a similar article about any other racial, ethnic or religious group? Don’t you think that wealthy Black men held meetings during the time period of the George Floyd protests? Don’t you think wealthy Asian American men held meetings during the worst of the covid-19 pandemic to discuss the hate crimes directed toward their community? Why should this very natural behavior be treated as so unusual only when it involves Jewish men?

David Katzoff , Silver Spring

Courting disaster

Regarding The Post’s May 18 news article “ Upside-down flag flown outside Alito’s home after Jan. 6 ”:

The upside-down U.S. flag flown at Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s home not long after the attempted coup of Jan. 6 , 2021, is an apt metaphor for the justice’s palpable sense of personal grievance, as well as his seeming contempt for the work of preserving the appearance of judicial impartiality. These appear to be long-standing character traits.

In 2010, Justice Alito made headlines when he was caught on camera declaring “not true” during a portion of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address in which Mr. Obama criticized the Supreme Court’s campaign finance decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission . The justice went on an extensive public relations tour last year during which he complained about the court’s critics, including those who questioned whether Justice Alito had violated ethics rules by accepting a trip paid for by someone who had business before the court. And now, Justice Alito’s insistence that he had no involvement in flying the flag upside down at his home — and that it was his wife who was responsible — offers further evidence of his stunning lack of insight into what is demanded of any judge, let alone one who sits on the highest court of the land.

The silence and inaction of the Supreme Court in the face of such corrosive conduct wears away the public’s confidence in the integrity of the court. This is painfully difficult to witness, but perhaps it is not so exceptional given that many of our democratic institutions are withering under the weight of grievance, real and imagined conspiracies, and open hostility to objective truth. The court has before it cases that test the strength of our democracy and its continued commitment to the rule of law. Justice Alito’s public display of the upside-down American flag must surely give the men and women who stormed the Capitol that day a welcome measure of hope — but maybe not so much the men and women in the Justice Department who have been prosecuting those responsible for the events of Jan. 6.

In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s dog, Toto, pulls aside the curtain to reveal an ordinary man who is anything but a grand wizard. Justice Alito has performed an even greater trick: By his own petulant public deeds and public words, he has revealed for all the nation, as well as for history, that he is no sage of the law safeguarding the promise of equal justice etched in stone above the court’s imposing entry.

I am an attorney who for four decades has represented poor persons in all manner of civil proceedings. My clients, who, in the words of theologian Howard Thurman, live with their backs to the wall, could teach Justice Alito, a person of privilege, a thing or two about integrity, character, courage and grace — all qualities the Supreme Court needs more than ever to help the nation remain committed to the rule of law and safely navigate the raging tempest that threatens our democracy.

Rob Hornstein , Arlington

The Post reported that Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. informed the New York Times that his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, was the one who purposely raised an upside-down U.S. flag at their home.

I am a retired executive for a major U.S. oil company. By my company’s policy and the policies of several nongovernmental organizations on whose boards I have served, if my wife had a conflict of interest on a certain matter, then I would be forbidden by those policies to engage on that matter. Our military leaders remain stone-faced neutral while attending the State of the Union. I do not understand why the justices on our nation’s highest court refuse to hold themselves to the same standard of integrity that our business and military leaders routinely follow.

William Irwin , Washington

Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., a member of the highest court in our nation, provided two excuses for his wife’s decision to hang an upside-down U.S. flag — a symbol that some have claimed to show support of the 2021 attempted overthrow of our government — from the Alito family flagpole. Any parent of two or more siblings will recognize the weakness of his arguments. “She started it,” and “I didn’t do it; she did,” don’t get you off the hook for misbehavior. Justice Alito should grow up, take responsibility for his actions and then act like an adult by recusing himself from all cases involving the insurrection and its perpetrators.

Mindy Oshrain , Durham, N.C.

Two years ago, it was revealed that Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, repeatedly pressed then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to persist in efforts to overturn the 2020 election because she said the contest had been stolen.

Now, it is reported that an inverted flag, like the ones flown by the “Stop the Steal” rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, was flown for several days shortly after those events at the Capitol at the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.

The justices, both of whom have been called upon to recuse themselves from Jan. 6 insurrection cases, are conveniently hiding behind their wives. Perhaps inspired by the successful reruns of “Suits,” Netflix should consider filming a new legal drama starring Justices Thomas and Alito. The streamer could call it “Skirts.”

John R. Maney Jr. , Springfield

About letters to the editor

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White House fetes Kenya with state dinner featuring sunset views, celebrity star power

President Joe Biden and Kenya’s President William Ruto capped off a White House state visit Thursday with a toast to the friendship and 60-year partnership between the U.S. and Kenya.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden honored Kenyan President William Ruto with one of the biggest state dinners ever thrown at the White House. Close to 500 guests are expected to attend the first state dinner for an African nation since 2008.

President Joe Biden welcomes President William Ruto at the White House for a pomp-filled ceremony aimed at recognizing the growing importance of the U.S.-Kenya relationship.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcome Kenya’s President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto to the White House in Washington for a State Dinner, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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Kenya’s President William Ruto exchanges a toast with President Joe Biden during a State Dinner at the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

County music performer Brad Paisley sings during the State Dinner with President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Kenya’s President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto at the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

LeVar Burton and Stephanie Cozart Burton arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Sean Penn and Ann Lee arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Kenya’s President William Ruto speaks before offering a toast during a State Dinner with President Joe Biden at the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Rev. Al Sharpton and Aisha McShaw arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Barbara Kingsolver and Steven Hopp arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Don McLean and Paris Dunn arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix and Mark Weinberg arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Roger and Jane Goodell arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenya’s President William Ruto and Kenya’s first lady Rachel Ruto, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Former President Bill Clinton toasts during the State Dinner with President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Kenya’s President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto at the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thursday’s White House state dinner honoring Kenyan President William Ruto offered around 500 guests stunning D.C. views, a knockout menu, a dose of celebrity star power and even a little family drama.

“I’m looking forward to having all the conversations,” Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar declared as she arrived, no doubt speaking for many a guest at one of the largest-ever White House state dinners.

Country singer Brad Paisley showed up in his signature cowboy hat, and was wearing dual hats as both dinner guest and featured entertainer. He joked that a pavilion largely made of glass that was erected on the South Lawn for the dinner was the world’s fanciest greenhouse, then led off his set with his hits “American Saturday Night” and “This is Country Music.”

Singer-songwriter Don McLean attended the festivities, as did Barbara Kingsolver, author of “The Poisonwood Bible,” set in Africa. Asked what about the continent inspired her, Kingsolver replied, “Everything.”

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms brought her 16-year-old son — but she confessed to reporters that he didn’t want to hold her hand. Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker brought his mom, pronouncing her “the greatest woman in the world.”

The dinner entertainment mixed Paisley’s country music and the gospel choir of Howard University. It was designed with the tastes of Ruto and his wife, Rachel, in mind, with first lady Jill Biden noting the Rutos’ “love of gospel and country music.” The Kenyan president is a former evangelist and often leads praise and worship songs when he speaks in churches in his country.

The menu featured fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup and a white chocolate basket.

Guests made their red carpet arrival in an entryway adorned with red roses and hot pink orchids while Toto’s hit “Africa” played on violin. The extra-long guest list did require cutting some corners: The typical presidential receiving line was nixed because it would have taken too long to get everyone through.

Actor LeVar Burton of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Reading Rainbow” fame joked that his word of the day for the modern political climate was “fraught,” but clarified that he meant it was fraught “with possibilities.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was there, as was his NBA counterpart, Adam Silver, who declared, “We need another basketball court at the White House.”

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, were on hand, as was another ex-president — Barack Obama — who popped by briefly early in the evening but didn’t stick around. During his toast to Ruto, President Joe Biden joked that attendees included “many members of the African diaspora, one who just left, Barack.”

Hillary Clinton pronounced it “wonderful to be back.” Her husband told reporters he particularly liked ”the girl behind you,” pointing to a portrait on the wall of his wife from her first lady days.

The gathering was the first White House state dinner for an African nation since 2008 , and it was the sixth and largest of the state dinners thrown by Biden.

The event was part of the administration’s efforts to build ties with Africa. Biden failed to keep a promise to visit the continent last year, but this week he said he plans to visit “in February, after I’m reelected” — a show of optimism about his prospects in November’s election .

Ruto is on a three-day state visit that coincides with his East African nation prepares to deploy forces to Haiti , part of a U.N.-led effort to try to calm a spiraling security crisis there.

Biden said the U.S. and Kenya “share a strong respect for the history that connects us together.”

In his toast, Ruto said, “We proudly take a firm stance, shoulder to shoulder, for democracy in a world where troubles have shaken the faith of men.”

Other actors on-hand were Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Penn and Michaela Coel. But even celebrities felt a wow factor. Coel, wearing a red and gold dress borrowed from a Sudanese friend, said it was “my first time in Washington — the closest I’ve had to this is ‘Hamilton,’ the musical.”

NBC news anchor Lester Holt said it was his second state dinner, joking, “I don’t get out much.”

Other attendees included former “Top Chef” contestant Kwame Onwuachi and top Democratic donor Mark Gallogly. Sheryl Sandberg , who helped to transform Facebook from a tech startup into a digital advertising empire , philanthropist Melinda Gates and Hunter Biden, the president’s son, who is scheduled to stand trial next month on gun charges in Delaware and on federal tax charges in September, were also there.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, a longtime, leading Democratic voice and former presidential candidate himself, was asked while arriving about Biden’s chances against his predecessor and the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump . He responded that “democracy is going to win in ’24” while adding that Africa has not been properly recognized on the world stage — which he said made Thursday night’s dinner especially important.

The decor featured fuchsia and purple African orchids and American roses. That’s a pairing that symbolizes enduring U.S.-Kenyan friendship, Jill Biden said, while recalling her own visit to Kenya as part of a five-day, two-country 2023 African tour .

Guests dined in the sprawling, transparent pavilion meant to afford sweeping views of the sun setting over the Washington Monument and, later, stars overhead. More than 1,000 candles were placed along the pavilion walls, while a suspended centerpiece with 15,000 layered reflective metallic strips was there to amplify the candlelight.

Kenya last had a White House state dinner in 2003. No African nation has had one since President George W. Bush honored Ghana’s President John Kufuor five years after that.

The Bidens previously hosted post-pandemic state dinners for France, South Korea and India — which featured the Biden administration’s previous attendance high of nearly 400 guests — as well as for Australia in October and Japan last month.

Associated Press writer Evelyne Musambi contributed to this report from Nairobi, Kenya.

TOTO TO STAGE EIGHTEEN APPEARANCES WITH JOURNEY IN ARENAS

Posted on November 16, 2021

Tour Begins April 7 in San Diego and Ends May 11 in Hartford

“africa” crosses threshold of one billion streams on spotify.

Watch Performance of “With A Little Help From My Friends” Here: https://youtu.be/C25LRl15fOE

TOTO has announced the band will stage eighteen appearances with Journey in arenas across The United States.  The run begins on April 7 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA and ends on May 11 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. Toto’s Steve Lukather shares, “’On behalf of myself and the band, we are very honored and excited to do this tour with our old and dear friends Journey. Gonna be a great night of music, and as all the guys are lifelong friends… a blast off stage as well.” General on-sale is Friday, November 19.

Toto’s “Africa” recently crossed the threshold of ONE BILLION streams on Spotify. This accomplishment speaks to the continual discovery of the band’s repertoire, alongside the multi-generational fan base enjoying a composition that is nearing forty years since the band’s album IV was released. Co-writer David Paich shares, “This surpasses a dream come true!  Thank you  to our family, friends and fans!  ‘Africa’ is the result of a team effort in the studio – resulting in musical magic!  And thanks to Spotify for helping TOTO connect with so many awesome listeners.  I know my co-writer Jeff Porcaro would be smiling and celebrating this moment with us.” Cumulative Spotify streams exceed 3.3 Billion plays.

The band recently released With A Little Help From My Friends via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group. To screen the title track, which presents the new line-up of Toto, click here: https://youtu.be/C25LRl15fOE .

The global tour that will commence in 2022 will stretch several years, and is presented by Toto co-founder and musical director David Paich.  Joining Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams on the road are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the Toto line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.

Steve Lukather offers, “When the music is performed by great musicians it honors Toto. The documentary featured on the DVD offers great insights in to our thoughts looking forward. David, who stands with us, alongside Joe and myself, desire to keep this music alive.  And Paich could pop in any time for a show as a special surprise.  We’ll be selecting a broader mix from the Toto catalog that includes deep cuts, the hits, and tunes from Joe and my recently released solo albums. Both of us could not be more thrilled with the global response to these records.”

Luke and Joseph Williams are life-long friends since they were kids, and bandmates sharing a deep colorful history that has thrived professionally on a global basis over the past decades.  Joseph Williams shares, “Luke and I have been through a lot with one another. He’s like a brother to me. Our creative partnership has always enriched our lives. As we look towards what’s to come in unison, there is nothing but anticipation to bring everything in our minds to life. I can’t think of anyone else on Earth I’d rather launch the next chapter with than with this lifelong, loyal and gifted friend and band mate. We’re the last men standing…The Dogz of Oz.”

With A Little Help From My Friends was Produced by Joseph Williams, who also edited the accompanying long-form video.  The band’s long-time front of house engineer Ken Freeman mixed and captured the sound. On February 26, Luke and Joe presented solo albums via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group which charted in multiple territories across the globe.  Both artists made significant contributions to the other’s recordings. Additionally, David Paich performed on select tracks on Luke’s I Found The Sun Again and Williams’ Denizen Tenant . The titles were released on LP, CD and a limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Available here: https://smarturl.it/Steve-Lukather and https://smarturl.it/JosephWilliams .

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