The man behind the hits performs at Sims Park

Phil Vassar has written songs for everyone from Alan Jackson to Jo Dee Messina. He'll sing his own tunes at the Chasco Country Concert.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 28, 2003

Chasco Fiesta's Country Concert committee has the uncanny knack of signing country stars just as their careers are taking off -- Ricochet, BlackHawk, Lonestar, to name a few.

This year it's Phil Vassar, a longtime award-winning songwriter for Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), BlackHawk (Postmarked Birmingham) and Jo Dee Messina (I'm Alright). Vassar finally put out his own album in 2000 and went straight to No. 1 on the charts with his own Just Another Day in Paradise.

In 2002, Vassar was named "Top New Male Vocalist" by American Country Music.

The former college football player's songs run the gamut, from honky-tonk, rocking in Houston, to southern-fried guitar in Athens Grease, and the emotional, patriotic American Child, the title track on his latest album.

Vassar plays keyboard (one of the few keyboardist/singers in country music) and has been known to jump atop his band's piano to point at the crowd and bellow his country rock-tinged songs.

Opening for Vassar is Sixwire, a three-part harmony group that has toured with Faith Hill and Randy Travis. Sixwire is known for its big, buoyant, melodic sound and its live performances. Its debut album, Way Too Deep, features songs written by the band members.

Also opening is New Port Richey's own Daniel Lee Martin, who moved to Nashville several years ago and has frequently returned to perform at local shows like Charlie Daniels Angelus Concert and Chasco. Martin recently signed with ChinMusic Records and will release his first CD with that label, All That I Am, in June.

Rounding out the Chasco Country Concert are regional favorites, Wiley Fox, a country rock band based in Hudson. Wiley Fox has opened for Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks and Willie Nelson.

At a glance

WHAT: Chasco Country Concert

WHERE: Sims Park amphitheater, New Port Richey

WHEN: Gates open at 5:45 p.m., show at 7 p.m.

TICKETS: $20 general admission; $30 VIP reserved seating. Call (727) 842-7651

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