PLYMOUTH- The next installment of Helwig Winery’s acclaimed summer concert series will deliver a thunderous dose of classic and progressive rock when Asia Featuring John Payne hits the stage on Thursday, August 15. Set against the stunning backdrop of Amador County’s wine country, this powerhouse performance promises a high-octane night of timeless anthems and deep cuts from one of rock’s most enduring catalogues.
Asia Featuring John Payne continues the legacy of the legendary 1980s supergroup Asia, known for blending symphonic rock with arena-ready hooks. At the helm is bassist and vocalist John Payne, who became the frontman of Asia in 1992 at the invitation of keyboardist Geoff Downes, replacing original vocalist/bassist John Wetton. Over the next 14 years, Payne led Asia through a prolific period of international touring and studio success, recording eight acclaimed studio albums including Aqua (1992), Aria (1994), Arena (1996), and Silent Nation (2004), as well as several live releases.
Following Downes’ departure in 2006 to reunite the original 1982 lineup, Payne contractually retained rights to continue under the name Asia Featuring John Payne, officially established in May 2007 with the agreement of Downes, Wetton, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe. Since 2008, Asia Featuring John Payne has toured extensively across North America, delivering performances that honor both the band’s progressive rock origins and its evolution through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Concertgoers at Helwig Winery can expect a dynamic setlist that includes Asia’s best-known hits like “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Don’t Cry,” “Time Again,” and “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.” These staples are performed alongside high-energy fan favorites from Payne’s era, including “Who Will Stop the Rain,” “Military Man,” and “Long Way from Home.” With soaring vocals, precise musicianship, and the spirit of arena rock intact, the show promises an unforgettable experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
In addition to his work with Asia, John Payne is a seasoned producer, composer, and performer. His credits include collaborations with Roger Daltrey, ELO, and Saga, as well as vocal contributions to the hit Las Vegas production Rock of Ages. Payne’s rich baritone voice, commanding stage presence, and decades-long association with Asia’s legacy make him a uniquely qualified torchbearer for the band’s next chapter.
The band is rounded out by a lineup of elite touring musicians, many of whom are veterans of the progressive and arena rock scenes, ensuring each show is as technically masterful as it is emotionally resonant.
Helwig Winery’s open-air amphitheater, nestled in the Sierra foothills just outside of Plymouth, provides the perfect setting for this rock spectacle. The venue’s sweeping vineyard views, casual elegance, and first-class hospitality have made it a top destination for summer concerts throughout Northern California.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $80, with a special price of $75 for Wine Club Members. Guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets for lawn seating.Tickets and full concert information are available now at www.helwigwinery.com.
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