Peanut Fest announces lineup

Published 12:14 am Saturday, September 19, 2009

Suffolk’s Peanut Fest will go back to the good ol’ days this year.

Nashville singer and songwriter Phil Vassar is the latest addition to the entertainment for the 32nd annual October party.

“We’re very excited about having Phil Vassar as part of our Sunday entertainment,” said Linda Stevens, director of Peanut Fest. “Phil’s not been here before, but from what we know he is an accomplished musician and talented songwriter. He writes so many of his own songs, which makes for a better show, because he has a true understanding of what he’s performing.”

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A Virginia native, Vassar has become a country music success thanks to albums “Shaken Not Stirred,” “American Child,” and “Prayers of a Common Man.”

Additionally, throughout his career, Vassar has written songs for country stars Alan Jackson (“Right On The Money”), Tim McGraw (“For A Little While”) and Jo Dee Messina (“Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright”).

“It’s a good sign that we just announced it and we’ve already gotten people asking about when and where he’ll be playing,” Stevens said. “We’ve already gotten many calls and emails, so that’s encouraging.”

Vassar will take the Peanut Fest stage Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m., but he will have quite a lineup leading up to his performance.

Friday morning and afternoon, the city’s public middle and high schools’ band and chorus programs will be performing. The Bria Kelly Band will play at 7 p.m., and Wooden Nickel performs at 8 p.m. on the Harvest Family Stage.

On Friday night, The Pawn Shop Lifters will kickoff the Main Stage entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and serve as the opening act for The Marshall Tucker Band, who will take the stage at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, there will be performances from a variety of acts throughout the day, including Radio Disney, Triple T Sports Center, the Peanut City Cloggers and Dynamic Movements.

While Vassar will have the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon, the Harvest Family Stage will be shared by 4 Gods Sake, April Truitt and Kenny Mayo and Godz Praiez.

“We have a great lineup,” Stevens said. “We’re looking forward to it.”