Banding together
The third time should be the charm tonight at Agganis Arena as legendary R&B purveyors Earth, Wind & Fire and veteran pop group Chicago team up for another joint venture.
"The first time [in 2004] turned out really great. The second time [in 2005] was better, and this one's over the top, because now everybody really gets it and people really dig it," says the ever-genial Verdine White, bassist for EWF.
In addition to making beautiful music together, the groups are asking fans to bring canned food donations to help feed the hungry in Massachusetts through a partnership with World Hunger Year. Fans who donate either three cans or three dollars will have access to download three songs. We chatted with White last week from an Atlantic City tour stop.
SARAH RODMAN
Q. In addition to the brand-new song, "You," two of the three downloads are you guys covering one another. Why did you choose "Wishing You Were Here"?
A. We always really dug that song. And they did "Can't Let Go" from our "I Am" album. You never know what bands might like.
Q. Do you all play together during the show?
A. Yes, we open up [together] at the top. And then we do our set, and then they do their set, and we end together.
Q. So the guys in Chicago aren't nervous about following Earth, Wind & Fire?
A. (Laughs) No, not at all. It's a mutual admiration society, you dig?
Q. What was it like playing for President Obama at the White House in February?
A. That was fantastic. During the campaign, of course, he was playing a lot of our music and said we're his favorite group in Rolling Stone and a lot of the interviews, so that was really great.
Q. Did he have any special requests?
A. No, but he did want to know if we were going to do "Reasons" and all the songs he grew up on.
Q. Of the elements, which one are you most like?
A. I'm definitely fire. I have a lot of energy, I'm driven, I'm forward thinking. I'm a very upbeat person.
Q. Are you all at work on a new album?
A. We're working on some things now. Actually we recorded "You" the day we got back from the White House. We were on such a high, we said, let's go in the studio!
Sarah Rodman can be reached at srodman@globe.com. 