08/24/2017

KISS brings more than theatrics!

/ www.nwitimes.com

When the curtain falls and the stage erupts with pyrotechnics, smoke, fire and an explosive sound, it means rock gods KISS is in town.

On Sunday night in the sweltering heat, KISS brought their rock and roll inferno to RiverEdge in Aurora to a capacity crowd.

For years, KISS was looked upon by some as a novelty, and critics never gave the notable showmen the respect their deserved. But the band is more than gimmicks and stunts and in 2014, the prestigious Rock Hall finally gave the NYC boys their due as they were enshrined into legendary status.

KISS have sold more than 100 million records and still bring their cathartic rock anthems like "Detroit Rock City," "Cold Gin," "Shout It Out Loud," "Lick It Up," "Psycho Circus," "Love Gun," "Black Diamond" and arguably the most recognizable and impactful rock songs of all time: "Rock and Roll All Nite."

KISS are four of the most recognizable and influential personas and continue to pack stadiums all over the world with their infusion of explosiveness and theatrics that has permeated the souls of millions of fans. Many of them dressed like their icons.

The Demon, known by many as bassist Gene Simmons, continues to electrify audiences with his monumental personality and his fire-breathing and blood-spitting. And his partner and co-founder, Star Child Paul Stanley, still embraces the fans with the same charm that he has for more than four decades ago (since 1973). Guitar aficionado Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer complete the group that has been playing together since 2002.

On Sunday, KISS was presented with the key to the city by Aurora's Richard Irvin, who pointed out the band's "inspiring" responsibility to support the troops.

Stanley spoke on behalf of the band and reminded the crowd, "These are the folks that walk the walk and not the ones with the big mouths" as he spoke to a couple of veterans that joined them onstage. He commended them for defending our freedom and led the audience into the Pledge of Allegiance.

08/23/2017

Hometown hero: KISS honors Buffalo woman at WNY concert

13 WHAM

Niagara Falls, N.Y. - For every KISS concert, a veteran gets to be a roadie for the day, part of the band's way of honoring those who have served our country.

They're also recognized during the actual concert.

On Saturday, a Buffalo woman was honored not far from her hometown.

Kathryn Poynton got to be the band's second honorary roadie at Seneca Casino in Niagara Falls.

Poynton is an Iraq veteran, retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, and director of events for Hiring our Heroes.

Saturday's honor for Poynton was extra special, since she is the actual coordinator for the Veteran Roadie program for KISS.

"To be recognized for my years in service in my hometown by the members of KISS, who are not only rock and roll legends but true �Heroes� in my book, means more than words can say," Poynton said in a statement. "What KISS does for our military, how they honor and respect those that have served is second to none. I will cherish this opportunity for years to come."

With Hiring for Heroes, Poynton has made it her day-to-day focus on helping veterans find employment, through more than 120 hiring fairs since 2011.

08/21/2017

KISS & KISS ARMY ILLINOIS

KISS ARMY Illinois, you were amazing last night at River Edge Park in Aurora! Thank you!

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