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Big 106 KPLM Brought In Phil Vassar to get "LIT" at Fantasy Springs Casino

The title may be misleading, it is not what you may think, but to some not that far off. After seeing the great show the night before in San Bernadino, I knew a good opportunity could not be passed up to catch this show. A comfortable size crowd in attendance saw Phil in an intimate performance at the LIT Lounge at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA on Saturday, October 8th. Put on in partnership with 106.1 FM KPLM, this theater-style show provided a close up and personal setting for fans to see one of country music’s gifted artists.  http://www.thebig106.com/  http://www.fantasyspringsresort.com/prod/index.php

Vassar is comfortable on any stage, large or small.  He may not have the room to move around as much in a small setting but that does not deter him from bringing an upbeat fun time to his crowd.  This was just about like sitting in ones living room without a set plan of what to expect.  The show had no real set list, many requests were taken from the audience, such as favorites, "Carlene", "American Child", "Let's Get Together" and one of my all time concert favorites, "Joe & Rosalita."  Ok so yep, I requested it, but I knew since this was just Phil, the piano & his guitar player Jeff (aka J Dog) it would be a great song that would show case the piano playing art that is Phil Vassar. I asked Phil if it was a challenge playing the song and he stated, "That song is always a challenge but a fun one."

This audience was a mixture of solid long time fans, newer fans and those who really did not know Phil's music.  It does not bother Phil that people sit in the audience not knowing who he is. "That is ok that they don't know me coming in, but they know who I am going out. I love playing for everyone, and it makes me feel good to give them my best and hopefully make them new fans."

Vassar is busy these days since opening up shop, per say, with his own record label, RodeoWave.  "I am very happy with my new label and how things are going.  We are working on bringing in some label mates, be it newcomers or well known artists."  He is not only busy in his career but this Virginia born native is the proud father of two girls, one of which is starting the teen years.  "I have a little control on that teen stuff so far but not sure how long that will last," he laughs.

Phil has a busy tour schedule left for this year, no plan right now of slowing down.  He has a first time new live CD to promote, which was sold at the show, and an upcoming Christmas album that is also a first time venture.  I have learned through the years of Phil shows that there are many new people out there to meet who share the same experiences I do. This night was no exception.  Thanks to Eva (who came in from Virginia), Nancy & Lucinda for sharing the fun..Oh and Kenny too.  And thanks to Phil for bringing us all together.  http://philvassar.com/category/news

I did not get any pictures worth sharing but I hope you enjoy these amateur videos:

 

 

 

 

"Just Another Day in Paradise" For Phil Vassar at California Theatre

Phil Vassar starting out the show on October 7th at the California Theatre in San Bernadino CA with, "Baby Rocks" was not a misleading gesture.  The theme continued for almost two hours while Phil lit up the stage from his entrance to his exit.  He grabbed on to the audience and never let go.  He rocked, he rolled and turned the place upside down, it was "electrifying."

RodeoWave recording artist and label owner Phil Vassar is commonly known as one of the hardest working men in Country music, having written hit songs for Tim McGraw ("My Next 30 Years"), Jo Dee Mesinna ("Bye, Bye") and Alan Jackson ("Right on the Money") before traveling over from song writer to performer.  Vassar has many of his own hits to his credit; "Carlene", "Six-Pack Summer", "Love is a Beautiful Thing" and his latest single, "Let's Get Together" that he brings to his show with such a pace that you are almost as "spent" as he is when the show is over.  I find that as a good thing.

Vassar's style is a combination of traditional country to pop and even a little rock.  His shows are an array of revisiting the hits to asking the audience if they don't mind if he brings out some new songs, and they do not mind at all.  His unwavering energy during his concerts is contagious, it transcends into the audience and it was apparent this night.

Originally built as a 1928 vaudeville and movie palace, the California Theatre, over the years, played host to all of the major stage and screen stars. Will Rogers made his final stage appearance at the California Theatre. Currently the California Theatre serves as the performance home for Theatrical Arts International, producing top quality musicals, plays and host to several touring companies and the San Bernadino Symphony Orchestra, the Sinfonia Mexicana, Worldwide Theatricals and Inland Dance Theatre, Inc.  http://www.californiatheatre.net/Home.html

This was Vassar's first appearance at the venue and he stated, "I really loved that place. It was really cool, had a lot of history and I hope to get back there for another show sometime."   With his first Christmas album coming out later this year and a new first time live CD out and available at his shows, his energy not only is on the stage but in his career as well.  To check out Phil's site and future concert schedule click on this link & "Let's Get Together"   http://philvassar.com/category/news

 

Phil Vassar Ready for Next Step On His Music Journey

This Virginia-born songwriter & musician can grab your attention while performing in concert, doing a TV performance onThe Early Show, or at a charity fund raising event with his limitless talents &  high energy.  This "Piano Man" of country music has penned hits for artist's like Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, & Collin Raye, while making hits in his own right.

"He’s been named the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year twice and has taken top honors from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard MusicRow, and also honored by the the CMA’s. Some of Phil’s accolades include two time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Billboard Magazine Top New Country Artist, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and ACM Top New Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of The Year- just to name a few." (Fan Club site)

One has to admit that you are taken in when you hear, "Carlene", "Just Another Day In Paradise", & "Six-Pack Summer."  Then you are brought into deep thought on, "Last Day Of My Life."  But after a tough day you can always envison a great time with, "I'll Take That As A Yes (The Hot Tub Song)".

I have had the great pleasure of following Phil's career for many years as well as meeting him a few times & have never been disappointed in his never ending musical talents, his great shows, & his undying love for his fans, who return the favor in kind. Even with all the changes in Phil's career over the last year or so, no fan has had any doubts he is a survivor & the captain of his own destinations.

Phils last effort, "Traveling Circus", was the first time he used his own band on an album project; putting their heart & soul into this. He released the song, "Everywhere I Go" to radio, but sadly this wonderful song went no where inspite of the great video that accompanied it. The list of songs on Traveling Circus were varied, but in true Phil style. So what happened?  Did Universal Records South not promote enough?  Did someone let him down? Then Universal merged with Toby Keith's label, Show Dog, becoming Show Dog Universal & Phil remained on the label.  But it appeared not for long.

"Phil is ready for the next journey in his musical career. No stranger to hard work and with a strong business mind on his shoulders, Phil’s taking control by launching Rodeowave Entertainment, a full-service Record Label/Promotions/ Management company based in Nashville, TN. First up to be released is Phil’s 7th album – his first ever Live CD/DVD combo recorded in Nashville with brand new music included. Phil’s ongoing evolution endures and will surely prove he’s here to stay." (Fan Club Site)

I, for one, am looking forward to this new step in Phil's career.  He has jumped up, along with many other country artist's, to take control & be where HE WANTS to be. Fans are so ready for this. Stop by Phil's site & take a look at his tour list; you just may find an upcoming show near you & you will not be disappointed if you take that leap of faith and attend; trust me on that.

http://philvassar.com/main/

Still Time to Make Plans to See Phil Vassar in Nashville New Year's Eve

If you are in the Nashville area during the holidays you stil have time to make plans to catch Phil Vassar on New Year's Eve.  Just sending out a reminder & so wishing I was one of the folks making plans. 

PHIL VASSAR TO HEADLINE NASHVILLE’S BASH ON BROADWAY

ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

  

NASHVILLE, TN (Dec. 7, 2010) – Country music’s PHIL VASSAR is set to ring in the New Year headlining Nashville’s Bash on Broadway, http://www.visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve/ on New Year’s Eve.  The free New Year’s Eve block party starts at 7:30 PM on Lower Broadway and along with great music includes a countdown to the fireworks and the midnight Guitar Drop.

 

“What better way to celebrate the New Year than at home in Nashville with thousands of your closest friends,” states Vassar.  “We’re going to have a great time ushering in 2011 and I can’t wait!”

 

About Phil Vassar

This Virginia-born singer/songwriter has made his mark in Nashville as an acclaimed performer and musician. Known not only for his knack for hit songwriting, but for his compelling and highly entertaining skills on the piano, Phil has achieved a long list of Top 20 hits on country radio, including 9 #1 songs throughout his career. Vassar’s latest release, Traveling Circus, took him overseas on his first ever European tour, performing in five countries and then continued on to perform in Australia.  His accolades include two-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Billboard® Magazine Top New Country Artist, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, Music Row® Magazine Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and The Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist of the Year as well as numerous appearances on national television shows. Most recently, Phil became a national spokesman for Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest) in an effort to help increase public awareness of hunger in our country.  Vassar tours nationally year-round; keep up with his road antics on http://blog.philvassar.com/

Phil Vassar honors the Vissers

Phil Vassar played a concert at the Surf Ballroom Friday night in Iowa and before the show headed to the local YMCA to work out with a couple of his bandmates. 

The clerk at the front desk, Kelly Visser, turns out was a huge fan.  Before Vassar had finished his workout, another YMCA employee told him about Visser.

Phil met with Kelly before leaving the Y and found out that her husband, Michael, was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan in the next month or so for a whole year.  Phil invited the couple out to his concert that night and gave them backstage passes. 

“It was so cool. I have goosebumps,” Kelly said.

Kelly started crying at the ticket offer and when Vassar asked if she needed a hug, she said, "I don’t even care if you’re sweaty I’ll have a hug."

During the concert, Vassar dedicated the song American Child to the couple.

“It was a great night,” Visser said.

Great night indeed.  A nice memory for Kelly and Mike before what is to be a hellish next year.

{Via the Globe Gazette}

It's everything Phil Vassar....contest edition

 
Phil Vassar's'Traveling Circus' hit stores yesterday which means that Phil is EVERYWHERE right now.  I had the opportunity to interview him but every time we scheduled it something came up so it never happened.

Sad face.

Luckily, though, everyone else has interviewed him so you wont miss out if you just hit up any of the other sites.  Here's a portion of Phil's interview with US99.5's Lisa and Ray.  You can check out the rest here.

Also, if you haven't had the chance to listen to Traveling Circus you can now listen to the album in its entirety by visiting here.

And to celebrate the album release I was lucky enough to be given three copies to give away to you guys.  Thanks PR lady!

In this contest I'd dearly love to hear any circus memories you have - I love hearing what you guys have to say - but it's not necessary, you can just email me at blogginmomma@hotmail.com and I'll get you entered either way.  Contest will end in a week or so. 

Good luck!

Phil Vassar's gender bending music video

You gotta check this video out.  

A couple of days ago I had the funny behind-the-scenes peek at Phil Vassar's Bobbi with an I and thankfully the finished product is just as fun.

Oh yes, there will be men in dresses and wigs

Holy smokes, this looks like it's going to be one funny video.  Take a look at the making of Phil Vassar's new gender-bending video for "Bobbi With An i" and tell me you're not excited for the finished product. 

Phil Vassar rubs elbows with Hollywood

  photo via PhilVassar.com

 

Phil Vassar was at Sundance January 22 to perform at the ASCAP Music Cafe and seemed to have gotten a kick out of rubbing elbows with some Hollywood stars.

 

“It was a lot of stars doing their little movie thing,” Phil says. “I saw Marisa Tomei and Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson and Josh Brolin, and I saw Chris Rock. It was kind of fun. It was a lot more laid back than I thought it would be.”

 

Now Phil's done with the hobnobbing and is back to work promoting his new single “Prayer of a Common Man.”

 

He says the song was never intended to be a single, but that given the hard economic times radio stations just started playing it. “It’s a timely thing,” Phil says of the song. “A lot of people have a lot of struggles going on right now, and it’s striking a chord. I think you’re always looking for some divine answer, and I think that’s what this song is about. I think everyone can identify with the struggle. There are a lot of people with a lot of money that are really really scared right now. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor or in the middle. Everyone has something to be worried about.” But Phil says he tries to stay optimistic. “We got a new administration so hopefully they’ll be able to get it rocking again,” he says.

 

Sometimes you pick the single and sometimes the single picks you I guess.

 

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  photo via PhilVassar.com

 

Phil Vassar was at Sundance January 22 to perform at the ASCAP Music Cafe and seemed to have gotten a kick out of rubbing elbows with some Hollywood stars.

 

“It was a lot of stars doing their little movie thing,” Phil says. “I saw Marisa Tomei and Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson and Josh Brolin, and I saw Chris Rock. It was kind of fun. It was a lot more laid back than I thought it would be.”

 

Now Phil's done with the hobnobbing and is back to work promoting his new single “Prayer of a Common Man.”

 

He says the song was never intended to be a single, but that given the hard economic times radio stations just started playing it. “It’s a timely thing,” Phil says of the song. “A lot of people have a lot of struggles going on right now, and it’s striking a chord. I think you’re always looking for some divine answer, and I think that’s what this song is about. I think everyone can identify with the struggle. There are a lot of people with a lot of money that are really really scared right now. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor or in the middle. Everyone has something to be worried about.” But Phil says he tries to stay optimistic. “We got a new administration so hopefully they’ll be able to get it rocking again,” he says.

 

Sometimes you pick the single and sometimes the single picks you I guess.

 

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Phil Vassar stops by the CBS Early Show

Here's video of Phil Vassar on the CBS Early Show this morning. 

Watch CBS Videos Online