Phil Vassar is a great guy. He played our BBQ Nationals last summer at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, and he has played 1077 'GNA's Countryfest too.The one thing I remember about Phil Vassar at Countryfest was that it was the hottest day weather-wise of all the shows. The temperature was 87 of 88 but the heat index made it feel like 91.

Before it was his time to hit the big stage at Countyfest, Phil's bus and band were backstage hanging out all day. The 'GNA staff had an area set aside that was way down at the end of the street where we could go get water and ice to stay cool. Sometimes, though, we were so busy running around that we couldn't get there. Phil Vassar actually noticed this, and he and his manager set up a bar with coolers outside the back of his bus for our staff and told us if we needed water, ice, or a beer, to just grab it because he didn't want any of us to get sick from the heat. That was very cool, and it shows the kind of guy Phil Vassar really is.

When he got onto the actual stage for his set he wrapped it up with his version of Billy Joel's "Piano Man." He actually had the whole 'GNA staff jump on the stage and sing the chorus with him. It was awesome.

We're looking forward to more memories like this at 1077 'GNA's Countryfest 2012 at the TU Center on July 7th with Josh Thompson, Thompson Square, Joe Nichols and Eric Church. Plus, a free all-day street festival on Pearl Street starting at noon with concessions and great live country music outside featuring Dustin Lynch, who sings the hit "Cowboys and Angels."

All of the details on the show this year, tickets sales and prices, a special one day $10 off pre-sale and more can be found here.

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