Just say Yes
It’s reached a point in the group’s 50-year history where there are actually TWO bands of bickering former members. We’re talking about Yes, of course — as opposed to Wishbone Ash’s two line-ups (they’ve been around 48 years) or Queensrÿche’s two units (35 years).
In terms of Yes, there’s the band retaining the name “Yes,” which includes original guitarist Steve Howe and very-longtime drummer Alan White (along with keyboardist Geoff Downes, vocalist Jon Davison and bassist Billy Sherwood). Then there’s “Yes Featuring (vocalist) Jon Anderson, (keyboardist) Rick Wakeman and (guitarist) Trevor Rabin” with a rhythm section of bassist Lee Pomeroy and drummer Louis Molina III.
Both are touring the States now and into fall, and it’s the Howe version that headlines tonight’s Yestival in the Grand Theater at Foxwoods. Expect a scattershot setlist spanning the band’s entire career — as opposed to recent tours where they’ve replicated specific albums.
As far as the “festival” aspect is concerned, there are two fine support acts. Todd Rundgren, on the road behind his new “White Knight” album, will feature tracks from that recording as well as a sprinkling of career biggies. And Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy — featuring the only surviving member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer — will serve up instrumental arrangements of that band’s prog-defining catalog. Yestival, 7 p.m. Thursday, Grand Theater, Foxwoods; $35, $55; 1-800200-2882.