Tenille Townes and Phil Vassar share excitement ahead of Quonset Days performances

Townes, a five-time Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year, says returning to Alberta always holds a special meaning, and she is looking forward to bringing her full band to the stage.

“I have a very sweet spot in my heart for Medicine Hat and the surrounding areas. I already can’t wait to come back after Quonset Days,” Townes said.

Townes said her performance will be about more than just the music, to create an atmosphere where fans can feel connected.

“Everybody who’s gathered around the music feels like they can just show up and be exactly who they are,” Townes said.

“That’s something we do at all our shows,” she added.

“We’re gonna maybe get a little emotional at times, just lean on our neighbours, and then we’re gonna rock out and forget whatever’s heavy on our heart.”

Saturday’s retro-themed lineup features Kentucky country duo Montgomery Gentry with Eddie Montgomery, followed by Phil Vassar. Opening up will be Phoenix, and Fox & The Hounds.

Vassar has been part of the country music scene for nearly three decades, first making a name for himself as a songwriter before releasing his own music, also writing songs recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Jo Dee Messina and Alan Jackson before launching his own recording career.

His debut album was released in 2000, leading to a run of chart-topping hits and a career that has taken him around the world.

Vassar said he is excited to return to Canada and perform at an outdoor festival after recently completing a cross-country run of shows.

“It’s always good to do these outdoor festivals. That’s my favorite times. Everybody has a lot more fun outside,” Vassar said.

“You’ve got these three months [in the summer] to really just get outside and play your songs and watch everybody have a good time.”

For those attending Quonset Days, Vassar says his set will feature many of the songs fans have come to know over his career.

“I have a great band, which I love playing with these guys. There’s a lot of hits. I’m just going to do a bunch of hits,” Vassar said.

Vassar said performing songs that have been part of his career for decades never loses its meaning.

“The coolest thing we get to do is sing songs and watch everybody sing them back to you. It’s a real, real special thing, and I’ll never get sick of that,” Vassar said.

The festival was created in honour of Peter Biemans, who died in 2009 following a battle with ALS.

Since its launch in 2010, Quonset Days has become one of the region’s largest fundraisers for the ALS Society of Alberta, surpassing the $1-million fundraising milestone last year.

Townes says being part of an event with that kind of impact makes the weekend even more meaningful.

“It gives permission to just feel connected to each other and to just go on a bit of an emotional journey,” Townes said.

Festival organizers say camping and free shuttle services will again be available for attendees, with the event offering a mix of live music, community support and a chance to come together for a cause that continues to impact families across Alberta.

Quonset Days runs Friday and Saturday at the Biemans family farm near Seven Persons.

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READ: Sponsorship continues to bring Quonset Days to life

by Jett Schwaier

Tenille Townes and Phil Vassar share excitement ahead of Quonset Days performances

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