Through the lens of numerous songs that have become rock staples (“Roundabout,” “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Starship Trooper”), each YES album is a journey, a chapter for the ensemble, and also of the fans, where the cosmic wonders of life itself only deepens the mysteries of the universe, and of the aura around YES and its ultimate purpose — to push and expand musical boundaries.

The Smoky Mountain News recently had the pleasure of doing a phone interview with YES keyboardist Geoff Downes. Atop his years with the group, Downes also found radio and touring success as a founding member of ASIA (“Heat Of The Moment”) and also The Buggles (“Video Killed The Radio Star”).

YES will bring its “Yestival” tour through Boone at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, in the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University. Opening acts are Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer’s “ELP Legacy.” Tickets are $55 for adults and $40 for ASU students. For more information or to purchase tickets, click on www.yesworld.com .