Michael Stanley Band's legendary "Stage Pass" concerts turn 50

Flashback: The band released its sophomore album, "Ladies' Choice," earlier that year and was developing a loyal following thanks to heavy airplay on WMMS.

• To help establish MSB nationally, Epic Records executive and Cleveland native Steve Popovich pushed for a live album that captured the band's thrilling performances.

Zoom in: The three shows featured Stanley alongside guitarist Jonah Koslen, bassist Daniel Pecchio, drummer Tommy Dobeck and keyboardist Bob Pelander.

• The concerts kicked off with Stanley's powerhouse vocals on "Midwest Midnight."
• The peak moment came halfway through with a nearly 10-minute version of "Movin' Right Along."

The big picture: Songs from those three nights were used for "Stage Pass," released in 1977.

• The album went gold, introducing MSB to new audiences and bigger gigs, like opening for the Doobie Brothers and Foreigner, and headlining Richfield Coliseum.

What's next: Koslen will celebrate the album's 50th anniversary with tribute concerts at the Kent Stage on Thursday and Saturday.

• He's said they'll be his final MSB tribute performances.