Fans of Jon Anderson looking for a unique getaway this summer are in for treat. The Yes co-founder and its longtime vocalist and songwriter will be spending several days with his band rehearsing the next leg of his world tour to support his new album, 1000 Hands. And fans can purchase packages to spend two days watching the action in a historic setting: Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY.
Anderson finishes up the first leg of several dozen dates on May 12. But before the next batch of dates begin two months later, he’ll be rehearsing with his eight-piece band for two days at Levon’s studio and longtime home of the Midnight Rambles.
On July 22 and 23, fans will get to spend two full days watching Anderson and his band rehearse the new material and classic songs from his Yes and solo catalogs. They’ll also get to participate in a Q-and-A on the first day and a meet-and-greet on the second.
Then, on July 24, they’ll receive premium seats at the intimate venue for a full concert that evening at the building, affectionately known as “the Barn,” as the next tour leg begins.
Complete details for the full package are here. (To purchase tickets to just the July 24 concert, click here.) There’s plenty to do in the Woodstock area, right in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley.
As for Anderson’s new album, 1000 Hands, it’s only been available via Anderson’s website and at his concerts. That is expected to change soon.
1000 Hands, as the name implies, includes collaborations with many others. While that may not total 500 (i.e., 1000 hands), the album, produced by Michael Franklin, does feature contributions from many of Anderson’s former Yes bandmates including, notably, the group’s late bassist Chris Squire, as well as longtime guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman and guitarist Trevor Rabin (the Yes alums with whom Anderson had been performing with in recent years).
Related: Best Classic Bands talked to Anderson about his early Yes years
Listen to the album’s leadoff track, “Ramalama”
Related: Our interview with Anderson on the album and tour
Anderson’s touring band includes Franklin, who serves as both musical director and keyboardist, his brother, Tim Franklin, on bass, drummer Matt Brown, guitarist Tommy Calton, violinist Jocelyn Hsu, percussionist Steady Joseph, keyboardist / trombonist Joe Cosas and saxophonist / flutist Billy Meethers.
Watch a fan video of the band performing “Yours is No Disgrace”
Jon Anderson 2019 Tour (Tickets for many of the dates are on Ticketmaster)
Apr 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Cannery Hotel and Casino
Apr 30 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
May 04 – Kansas City, MO – Crossroads KC
May 06 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 08 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theate
May 11 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage Theatre
May 12 – Arlington, TX – Kaaboo Texas at AT&T Stadium
Jul 24 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
Jul 26 – Staten Island, NY – St. George Theatre
Jul 29 – Ocean City, NJ – Ocean City Music Pier
Aug 02 – Asbury Park, NJ – Paramount Theatre
Aug 05 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
Aug 08 – Detroit, MI – Rocking on the River
Aug 18 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
Aug 29 – Pasadena, CA – The Rose
Aug 30 – Ojai, CA – The Libbey Bowl
Sep 01 – Montclair, CA – The Canyon
Much more to come…
Levon’s Barn continues to be home to Midnight Rambles throughout the year, featuring top notch guest musicians. Announced performers on the 2019 calendar include David Crosby, Hot Tuna, Maria Muldaur, and Martin Sexton. Through the years, stars who came to pay homage to Helm, who lived on the property for decades, and performed at most of the Rambles, included Elvis Costello, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Black Crowes, Marc Cohn, and Emmylou Harris.
Related: Our review of The Zombies at Levon’s Barn in 2018
[easy_sign_up title=”Sign up for the Best Classic Bands Newsletter”]
