Phil Vassar: Up Close and Unplugged at The Newton Theatre

NEWTON — Country star Phil Vassar, Up Close and Unplugged, will perform at the Newton Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m.

Phil Vassar's career has seen the release of eight albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, countless hits as a singer and songwriter, and a mantle full of awards.

As a singer/songwriter, Vassar'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 number one 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 number one song in their Top 10 Country Songs of 2012.

“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.

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 for premium seating, $49 for orchestra and $39 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.