Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
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Phil Vassar |
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
When Phil Vassar goes on stage at Celebration 2009 on Friday night, he will see a lot of familiar faces among the many thousands likely to show up for the annual event at Martinsville Speedway.
“I love it when I’m playing close to home,” said Vassar, who is from Lynchburg. “I love seeing old friends and family. I usually have a lot of folks that show up, and it’s great seeing everyone.”
Vassar, whose hits have dotted the Billboard charts for almost a decade, will be the featured performer at Celebration 2009, the free-to-the-public event in its 11th year. Gates will open, and carnival rides will begin, at 5 p.m. Local classic country-rock band Fatz will open the entertainment at 6 p.m., followed by Jonathan Singleton and the Grove.
Vassar will take the stage at about 8:30 p.m. The evening will be capped with the area’s largest fireworks display.
Vassar said there is no added stress in these close-to-home shows, just much more fun.
“I don’t think there’s any more pressure … just usually a lot more people backstage and more activity, which I enjoy,” he said.
The Fourth of July weekend is a big one for Vassar every year, and even bigger this year with a show an hour and a half or so from his hometown.
“Well, July Fourth was my dad’s birthday, so that date holds a special spot,” said Vassar. “Also, the Fourth of July weekend is always one of the most fun weekends. It means summer is in full kick.”
Vassar also is no stranger to racing or race tracks.
“I love racing. The racing atmosphere is exciting,” he said. “I’ve actually been to and ridden on most of the tracks. I’ve been to Martinsville (Speedway) before, but I’ve never ridden on it.”
Fans can expect many of Vassar’s big hits Friday night, songs such as “Six-Pack Summer,” “That’s When I Love You,” “American Child,” “Last Day of My Life,” “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” and “I Would.”
And there should be plenty of onstage excitement, Vassar said.
“It’s going to be rockin’ and fun. It’s a weekend at home, and it should be great … super high energy,” he said.
Everyone who attends the event is urged to bring nonperishable food and personal care items and drop them off at one of several collection areas around the speedway. The items will be distributed to the needy throughout the area by the United Way of Henry County and Martinsville.
As always, Celebration 2009 is free to the public, thanks to public and private support throughout the Martinsville and Henry County area.
Sponsors for Celebration 2009 include Allstate Insurance, American of Martinsville, Bassett Furniture, Bassett Office Supply, BB&T, Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Boxley Material Co., Carter Bank and Trust, city of Martinsville, Collinsville Printing, Commonwealth Laminating, Cool Knobs and Pulls, Frith Construction, Henry County, Henry County Baptist Association, Hooker Furniture, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation, Masterbrand Cabinets, Memorial Hospital, Millard’s Machinery, Nelson Automotive, Oak Level Finishing, Ridgeway Concrete, River Bank, Schlueter Electric, Shenandoah Furniture, Southwest Virginia Gas, Stanley Furniture, Startek, Steve Martin Trenching, Stone Dynamics, Tacoma Inc., The Dutch Inn, The Lester Group, Tarheel Paper and Supply Co., TR Properties, Virginia Mirror, West Windows and Zenith Logistics.
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