Heat of the Moment

Asia, the ’80s supergroup made up of former Yes, ELP, and King Crimson members, came to the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge to promote their new album, Omega. The band, with all four original members, played to a small but appreciative crowd for two hours. They didn’t just stick to hits such as “Sole Survivor” and “The Heat Goes On,” they played several songs from Omega, including “Holy War” and “End of the World.”

Steve Howe performed a show-stopping acoustic-guitar solo that brought the crowd to its feet, followed by an impressive drum solo by Carl Palmer of ELP fame. John Wetton's vocals still sound strong and he seemed to be enjoying himself up there, joking at one point that he may need some help remembering the chorus to “Here Comes the Feeling.” The audience gladly helped him out.

Geoff Downes, however, was having more fun than anyone, smiling and playing to the crowd as he deftly moved from one keyboard to another throughout the show. The concert ended with the crowd joining in on classic-rock-radio staple “Heat of the Moment,” which is still stuck in my head!

• Concert: Asia
• Date: August 26
• Venue: Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge
• Seats: Row 1