New York, U.S.A - Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where it remained No.1 for nine consecutive weeks), the legendary British classic rock band (with all original members Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer & John Wetton) returns with a brand new studio album, a 30th Anniversary edition of their debut album, 2 DVDs, and a world tour.

ASIA will release their new studio album “XXX” (pronounced Triple X) on Frontiers Records on July 3, 2012.  The new record, produced by Mike Paxman, is being hailed as ASIA’s best album since its classic early 80s releases, and features original artwork by Roger Dean.

The first single taken from the highly anticipated new album is entitled “Face on The Bridge”, released worldwide on May 14, 2012. The video clip can be seen on YouTube.

“We’re very pleased with, and confident about XXX,” says John Wetton. “It encapsulates, lyrically and instrumentally, the essence of ASIA today.  However, it is the very same four people that gave you the original, iconic album 30 years ago.  If you loved it then, you will love it now.”

“We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” adds ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, and fantastic musicianship. I’m sure fans of the first album, will fall in love with XXX.” In addition ASIA has also completed “Resonance”, a DVD concert film of the group’s 2010/2011 Omega World Tour, captured live in Switzerland which will be released later in the fall.

To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, ASIA will release a collector’s edition box set based on their legendary 1982 eponymous debut album, including 2 audio CDs (a re-mastered edition of the debut album, plus a CD of live rare tracks), an expansive historical booklet, a limited edition ASIA T-shirt, items from ASIA’s 1982 tour, plus a DVD of the new band documentary: ASIA - 30 Years On.  A newly commissioned painting by Roger Dean updates the symbolic dragon and pearl from 1982 to 2012.

2012 North American tour dates so far:

Oct 17 - Red Bank, NJ, Count Basie
Oct 18 - Boston, MA, Wilbur Theater
Oct 19 - Westbury, NY, Westbury Theater
Oct 20 - Philadelphia, PA, Keswick
Oct 21 - Wilmington, DE, Opera House
Oct 23 - Verona, NY, Turning Stone Casino
Oct 25 - Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
Oct 26 - Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun
Oct 27 – NY, NY, Best Buy Theater
Oct 28 - York, PA, Strand Capital
Oct 30 - Annapolis, MD, Rams Head On Stage
Nov 01 - Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak
Nov 02 - St. Charles, IL, Arcada Theatre
Nov 03 - Sloan, IA, Winnavegas Casino Showroom
Nov 08 - Santa Ynez, CA, Chumash Casino
Nov 09 - Agoura Hills, CA, Canyon Club
Nov 10 - Las Vegas, NV, Green Valley Casino
Nov 11 - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Coach House
Nov 13 - Scottsdale, AZ, Talking Stick Casino
Nov 16 - Dallas, TX, Granada Theater
Nov 17 - Austin, TX, One World Theatre (2 shows)
Nov 20 - Clearwater, FL , Capitol Theatre
Nov 21 - Orlando, FL, Fl Plaza Theatre
Nov 23 - Manistee, MI, Little River Casino Resort

Image Courtesy of   Original Asia

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On October 19th international known rock star Jon Bon Jovi opened up his new donation only restaurant, Soul Kitchen. Teaming up with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, the Soul Kitchen is located in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bon Jovi’s home state. The Soul Kitchen is a unique restaurant where people can enjoy healthy meals from locally grown products without dipping into their wallets to pay for it.

Bon Jovi understands the struggles of his fellow Americans during the current hard economical times. With the increased prices of food and millions losing their jobs, many people across the country are left hungry and without much hope. Bon Jovi’s mission in creating a pay what you want restaurant is to make sure people in his supportive community do not go hungry anymore.

“This is not a soup kitchen,” the rocker stated. “You can come here with the dignity of linens and silver, and you’re served a healthy, nutritious meal. This is not burgers and fries.” For the minimum donation of $10, people can enjoy the experience of dining out in a restaurant while eating a nutritious and delicious meal.

Every person dining in Soul Kitchen can enjoy a three course meal American meal. For the first course, diners can choose from either a soup or salad. For the main course, people are given the choice of having a meat, fish, or a vegetarian entree. A sweet dessert rounds out the three course meal.

The chefs at Soul Kitchen strive to create regional dishes using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant uses organically grown produce as much as possible and often sources its ingredients straight from New Jersey. Although there is a minimum of $10, people who are able to afford to donate more can make an impact in the lives of their community.

Those who pay more than $10 can cover the bill for someone else who can’t afford the meal. Dining out is often considered a luxury for people around the country, and some simply can’t afford it. Soul Kitchen aims to make sure people don’t go without a healthy meal, even if the $10 minimum donation is too high of a price for some.

Soul Kitchen will not turn away anyone who can’t pay, and instead gives these people an opportunity to volunteer at the restaurant. These diners are able to pay for their meals by helping around the restaurant. They are able to lend a helping hand in preparing the food in the kitchen, cleaning and setting the tables in the front of the restaurant, or helping others as a waiter or waitress.

Not only are people able to work for their healthy meals, they learn valuable skills in the restaurant business that may lead to permanent jobs in the industry. Soul Kitchen has their doors open to volunteers in the community who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

The selfless act of community service is highly encouraged and Soul Kitchen is always on the look out for people who want to help serve others. For more information on how to volunteer at Soul Kitchen, check out jbjsoulkitchen.org.

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