October 13, 2021

A lot of toe tapp’n will be happen’n at the Kiplinger Arena, Red Willow Fairgrounds, on Saturday, October 23 when Phil Vassar presents his Piano Bar Tour 2021. The intimate, yet energizing Concert for Healthcare will help raise funds for Community Hospital Health Foundation. Doors open at 6 pm. Nashville recording artist, Brandon Lay, opens at 7 pm and Phil Vassar cranks out the songs beginning at 8 pm.

Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes ten number-one singles, and 27 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. A throwback to the days when he was getting his start, the “piano-pounding powerhouse” will treat concert goers to his hits as well as covers from Vassar’s icons.

Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of nine albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. Vassar's songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own in 1998 and was named ASCAP's Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999 and 2001. Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

Opening for Vassar is Nashville recording artist, Brandon Lay. Described as “the hard-to-tame son of a Tennessee preacher,” Lay is back with a new batch of vintage-inspired country rock, releasing eight fresh songs as 2021 becomes 2022. Part rock ‘n’ roll heat and part country heart, he describes himself as “just a country boy that likes to rock ‘n’ roll, so that’s what I need to do.” His song, “Broke” leads the way, along with “Back Home,” Summer In the South,” and “Rust.”

Attendees can enjoy a beer garden and limited concessions. Tickets, which are only $15 in advance, and $20 at the door, are available through Ticket Storm at www.ticketstorm.com or can be purchased locally at Community Hospital Health Foundation, 711 East 11 Street, or Sehnert’s Bakery.

“This exciting, boot-kickin' event is a way to bring the community together while raising funds and awareness of our local healthcare services,” says Jessica Bortner, Community Hospital Health Foundation Executive Director. “Thanks to Community Hospital, the Health Foundation Board of Directors and more than 40 wonderful business sponsors, this year’s ticket prices were intentionally reduced. We want to show our appreciation of our healthcare staff and community members who have given their unwavering support during the pandemic.”

The Concert for Healthcare began as a way to raise funds for cancer services provided through Community Hospital. Thanks to community support, Community Hospital now offers a full range of cancer care services, providing regional healthcare close to home. People are encouraged to meet up with friends, share memories with neighbors and just enjoy some good-hearted musical entertainment.

For more information about the concert, contact Community Hospital Health Foundation at 308-344-7222.