As a singer/songwriter, Phil's hits include Carlene, Last Day of My Life, American Child and chart-toppers In A Real Love and Just Another Day in Paradise. As one of Nashville's top tunesmiths, other artists have taken his songs to #1 including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina. New artist David Nail had a hit with Phil's The Sound of a Million Dreams, which Billboard named the #1 song in their Top 10 Country Songs of 2012.
Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul, and his latest single, Love Is Alive, is no exception. For Vassar, his philosophy about songs never changes when writing hits for himself or other artists, it's important for a song to carry a message and make the listener feel something.
"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. "And if it's just having a drink with your friends in the hot tub, that's just as good as any song for me! I mean, I've had hits with every kind of song – ballads, mid-tempos, up-tempos and silly kinds of songs. You can't save the whales with every song you write, that's too heavy for me," he adds, laughing. "I honestly don't think I've written my best songs yet," he added.
Vassar is no stranger to a good time, and he makes sure with every performance that his fans feel exactly the same way. Years of playing clubs helped Phil cultivate the easygoing, fun-loving manner he displays onstage and the infectious energy that infuses every single show he does.
When not out on the road or taking care of business, he can be found picking up his two daughters from school and spending the afternoon just being "Dad." His heart for children extends well beyond his immediate family, supporting organizations like The Miller Home for girls in his hometown, being a featured artist on Charlie Daniels' annual Christmas 4 Kids concert, and regularly lending his time, talent and name to organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Tickets for Phil Vassar are $59.00 for Premium seating, $49.00 for the Orchestra and $39.00 for the Balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County's premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it's rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey's Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com.