Renowned rock group Asia Featuring John Payne tops the entertainment lineup for the 28th Annual Taste of Edmonds, scheduled for Aug. 13-15,

This three-day celebration of culinary creativity, presented by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, features dozens of food vendors, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts booths, beer and wine gardens and kids’ activities.

Asia was formed in 1981 by former members of the rock bands Yes; King Crimson; Emerson, Lake & Palmer; Uriah Heep; U.K.; Roxy Music; Wishbone Ash; and The Buggles. Asia’s debut album was released in 1982, selling over 10 million worldwide and touted as album of the year by Billboard. The band received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist of the Year. Hit singles include “Only Time Will Tell,” “Heat of the Moment,” “Sole Survivor” and “Wildest Dreams.”

Vocalist/bassist John Payne became the frontman of Asia (replacing John Wetton) in 1992. In 2006, Payne formed Asia Featuring John Payne, backed by veteran musicans Jay Schellen, Erik Norlander and Mitch Perry. The band has been touring North America since 2008, with a new studio album planned for release this year.

Asia Featuring John Payne will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. Visit www.theasiaband.com for more information.
Joining Asia Featuring John Payne on the Main Stage will be perennial festival favorites Cherry Cherry, Dysfunksion, Stan Boreson and The Islanders, along with many more acts. In addition to the Main Stage, A Taste of Edmonds’ popular Budweiser Stage hosts a range of acts including 97.3 KIRO-FM traffic reporter Shane Cobane’s unforgettable Elvis tribute. There will also be a Kids’ Stage presided over by local funsters Buck & Elizabeth, as well as dynamic roving artists such as Little Rollo, the “World’s Biggest Kid.”

The 28th annual A Taste of Edmonds will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 13 and 14, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 15. Activities take place at Civic Playfield, located at 310 6th Ave. N. in Edmonds.

Admission is $3 for teens and adults, free for kids 12 and under. Pets are not permitted at the festival. Free parking and a free shuttle service will be offered from Edmonds-Woodway High School, located at 212th St. S.W. and 76th Ave. W. Shuttles run every 15 minutes each day, starting at 11 a.m. and ending one-half hour after the festival closes.

For more information, call the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce at 425-670-1496 or visit the Chamber website.