Phil Vassar, Love and Theft join fair's grandstand lineup
DU QUOIN - Phil Vassar with Love and Theft will round out the Du Quoin State Fair grandstand by playing on Saturday, Sept. 1.
"We're thrilled to have Phil Vassar close out the grandstand at the Du Quoin State Fair," says Assistant State Fair Manager, Tibretta Reiman. "This year features an eclectic lineup and Phil Vassar fits a perfect niche in the lineup."
With hits like "Carlene," "Last Day of My Life," and "Just Another Day in Paradise" everyone is sure to have a favorite Phil Vassar song. As he is also a songwriter, you might recognize some of the artists that have picked up his songs: Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina to name a few.
Vassar has many accolades behind his name including two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards and Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, in addition to his own label, Rodeowave Entertainment.
"Songs should evoke something, whether it makes you happy and puts you in a good mood, or makes you cry and feel desperation … you know, whether you're going through a marriage, or a divorce, or you're in love or you hate somebody, or whatever it is ... songs should evoke something," says Vassar.
Love and Theft already has a No. 1 hit, "Angel Eyes" and a Top 10 hit, "Runaway," but they are looking to add to those accomplishments. In the six years they've been recording together, Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson, have achieved milestones together, both personally and professionally, and their music reflects that.
Bishop Gunn will be opening for Blackberry Smoke on Saturday, Aug. 25. The group has been doing nonstop touring, festivals, and opening for other acts recently. The Mississippi natives named their first album Natchez, which also happens to be their hometown. Listeners can expect to hear a mix of rock 'n' roll, soul, and blues from these guys. In May 2018, Rolling Stone Magazine listed them as one of the "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know."
Southern Illinois native, Kendell Marvel, will be opening for Brothers Osborne on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Already armed with songwriting awards for some of the biggest names in country, including Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, and perhaps his most well known, "Right Where I Need to Be" by Gary Allan, Marvel has his sights set on his own album. His debut solo album Lowdown & Lonesome, combines his down home country roots with some rock 'n' roll vibes.
Tickets for Phil Vassar/Love and Theft are on sale via ticketmaster.com and the Du Quoin State Fair box office. Tickets for all previously announced concerts are currently on sale.
The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Friday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, or Monday, Sept. 3. For more fair news, go to www.duquoinstatefair.net; www.facebook.com/DuquoinStateFair or www.twitter.com/DQStateFair.