By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
On April 23, country music songwriters Phil Vassar and Keith Anderson will perform at Center Stage.
Vassar is known as “a piano-pounding powerhouse” during performances. He has written hit songs for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, BlackHawk and Collin Raye.
Vassar has written ten No. 1 singles and 26 top 40 hits. Some of his notable songs include “Carlene,” “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Six-Pack Summer,” “That’s When I Love You,” “Little Red Rodeo,” “Right on the Money,” “For a Little While,” “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Postmarked Birmingham,” “My Next Thirty Years” and many more.
Vassar got his songwriting start in the mid-90s. In the late 90s, Vassar began releasing albums of his own. He has since released five additional albums. His work in the country music business has led him to receive two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country.
Vassar’s songs have been described as having “incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.”
Vassar is originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, but now lives in Nashville with his two daughters. Vassar is also involved in charity work with children’s hospitals.
Vassar performs at more than 135 shows a year, leading him to have a strong fan base. He uses social media to connect with his fans.
Anderson is known for co-writing “Lost In This Moment,” the No. 1 smash for Big & Rich which garnered him a CMA and ACM Song of the Year nomination, “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” the Grammy-nominated hit for Garth Brooks and George Jones, “The Bed” for Gretchen Wilson and “Barn Burner” for Jason Michael Carroll. Anderson’s debut CD earned him the titles of country music’s No. 1 New Male Artist of 2005 and the top new solo country artist of the year by Billboard.
For more information, visit Center Stage’s Facebook page. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65. Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1153325.