Two-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year and ACM Top Male Vocalist Phil Vassar will kick off the Sandhills Celebrates America 250 weekend on Sept. 25 with a performance at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines. This year, Vassar is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout hit “Just Another Day in Paradise” and this stop in the Sandhills is part of his “25 Years of Paradise” Tour. The concert will be presented by Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen.
“We couldn’t think of a better artist to kick off the Sandhills Celebrates America weekend,” said Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen President and CEO Phil Werz in a press release. “Phil puts on a fantastic show and in a venue as acoustically good as the Sunrise, this will be a special treat and a great night of music for everyone. We’re stoked he’s coming to Southern Pines for a stop on his 25th anniversary tour.”
Over 25 years, Vassar has racked up chart-topping hits and numerous accolades, including performances in Europe, Australia, and the White House, as well as memorable moments with country legends like Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. But it’s the connection he builds with fans through live performances that remains the heart of his career. “When I go on stage, the world fades away, and it’s just about having fun and connecting with the fans,” he shares.
Vassar’s reign of chart-topping singles includes 10 No.1 hits and 27 Top 40 tracks. Standout songs like “Carlene,” “Six-Pack Summer,” and the enduring “Just Another Day in Paradise” showcase his signature style. His songwriting, whether penned for himself or others, is deeply rooted in authenticity. The timeless connection in songs like “American Child” and “My Next Thirty Years” — written in less than 20 minutes on his 30th birthday — exemplifies his ability to craft stories that resonate. Recently, Vassar was nominated for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“We are very excited to have one of Country music’s greatest artists play the Sunrise” says Tim Russell, Sunrise Theater executive director. “This will be a great kickoff event to the Sandhills Celebrates America 250 weekend.”
Show time is set for 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for the Phil Vassar concert at: www.SunriseTheater.com.
Vassar kicks off the first night of the Sandhills Celebrates America Weekend. The following night, country artist Dustin Lynch will perform at the Carthage Airport. Lynch is expected to bring his popular, high-energy DJ CLUB SET — a one-of-a-kind experience that blends his re-imagined country hits, dance remixes, and festival-level DJ production into a nonstop party built for enthusiastic crowds. Lynch will perform his hits live alongside a DJ-driven set packed with explosive drops, unexpected mashups, and club-ready remixes. The show pulls from his growing catalog of crossover releases and CLUB SET REMIXES, including fan favorites like “Small Town Boy,” “Seein’ Red,” “Stars Like Confetti,” and “Thinkin’ ’Bout You.”
Following the concert, there will be a special 300-drone light show provided by SkyElements from Dallas, Texas. The display will illuminate the sky and have a patriotic theme set to music. SkyElements is the largest drone show company in the United States and is famous for its massive drone shows all over the country, and for clients like Disney, Major League Baseball and Coca-Cola.
Additional performers for the Sandhills Celebrates America weekend are expected to be announced soon. Tickets for both shows are expected to sell out. To purchase tickets to the Dustin Lynch concert, go to www.SandhillsCelebratesAmerica.com.
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Contributed article and photo.
