Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Press release here:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Prog-rock legends Dream Theater bring Progressive Nation Tour to Asheville
What: Progressive Nation Tour 2009 featuring Dream Theater with special guests Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain Of Salvation and Beardfish
When: Wednesday, July 29, 8 p.m.
Where: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
How: Tickets are $56 and $40.50, plus applicable service fees, available beginning Friday, May 8, at 10:00 am via all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Asheville-Civic-Center-tickets-Asheville/venue/114961.
Dream Theater Bio:
James LaBrie — vocals
John Myung — bass
John Petrucci — guitars
Mike Portnoy — drums
Jordan Rudess — keyboards
Octavarium is not only the eighth studio album from progressive heavy rockers Dream Theater, but it also marks 20 years of existence for this majestic outfit. “It’s pretty incredible,” says drummer Mike Portnoy, “Especially given the nature of what we do. I think maybe that’s probably been the secret to our longevity, is that we’ve never fit in. But it’s still incredible that here we are, 20 years later, and we’re not one of those bands that’s just sticking around on the downslide. We’re still growing and progressing with each album and tour.”
Not only has the five-piece resolutely defied both popular trends and fickle public tastes throughout its career, but Dream Theater’s sound and approach is more vibrant, powerful and wide-ranging than ever. Octavarium, produced by the longtime tandem of Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci, and mixed by Michael Brauer, encompasses the many varieties of heavy, epic, complex rock that has drawn legions of fans to the band’s monumental catalog of releases and dynamic, marathon live shows.
