Jon Anderson Headlines at Playhouse

Jon Anderson, the former frontman of the international British classic rock band YES—responsible for the hits Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround, I've Seen All Good People, Find My Way Home and Wondrous Stories—is embarking on a five-week solo tour.

He headlines at the Ridgefield Playhouse on August 29, playing keyboard, guitar and a host of other instruments. His special guest is an artist to watch, singer/songwriter Lisa Bouchelle.

Anderson spoke to Ridgefield Patch by phone from his home in Northern California, discussing the tour, working with some of his former band-mates, his latest projects and why he resigned from YES to go solo.

"One of the reasons I resigned from YES was because I had a problem (asthma and other issues). The engine stopped running. It was a difficult year and, thanks to my wife, Jane, and some very good operations, I was able to survive," Anderson said.

"I've been performing solo for four years now on and off," he continued. "I'm working with former original YES bandmate Rick Wakeman in the UK in October; we're doing a tour. So we're old friends and I'm even writing songs with YES bandmate Trevor Rabin. You keep your connections."

Anderson also recently recorded a show with the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra, which will be on HD Net in October and DVD, CD and iTunes around Christmas.

He is also putting the finishing touches on a new album, he said.

"I spent 35 years working with YES, he said. "It was part of my life and now I'm still creating and writing, just getting on with my next dream."

Tickets ($55-60) are available by calling the Ridgefield Playhouse box office at 203-438-5795, or at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.