What a way to start things off.

Thanks to a phenomenal performance by country music star Phil Vassar, The Kern County Fair opened with a bang Sept. 23. Hundreds of fans packed the seats at the Budweiser Pavilion well before the official start time of 8 p.m. to see one of country music’s most influential and successful singer/songwriters. Vassar came bursting on stage, sliding across his zebra-print piano, and rocked Bakersfield’s fair like it had never been rocked before.

Many of his hit songs such as “Just Another Day In Paradise” got everyone on their feet, as well as people from outside the pavilion area crowded around to see the performance. From the time he stepped on the stage to the time he left at 9:30 p.m., he had everyone in the area singing and dancing without a care in the world.

That’s what Vassar’s music is all about, inspiration.

It was so refreshing to see this man perform his feel-good music in front of hundreds of adoring fans. While his songwriting is beyond superb, his musicianship is equally as great. The way he stands up at his piano, mashing away, and then suddenly jumping on top of his piano, mic in hand, and giving the show of a lifetime (which was free with admission to the fair.)

Country concerts can promise a great variety of music, seeing how most of these artists were brought up on anything from classic rock to the blues. Most country artists throw in a rock song or two in every concert. Vassar’s concert was no different.

As always, the main act gives credit and praise to the members of their band. But Vassar did this in a way I have never seen done before. Each member of the band was introduced by fellow band mates and performed their own song in the spotlight. It was really cool to see the complete talents of these musicians, and only reinforces my opinion that country/bluegrass musicians are the most talented musicians. My favorite part was when lead guitarist Jeff Smith busted out “Sherry Baby” by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

“Let’s hear Jeff sing like a girl!” shouted Vassar.

The crowd (mostly the older group that was familiar with the number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from 1962) erupted into a huge sing-a-long number for this song.

With great music and a great performance, I can’t see what would have made a better opening act for the 2009 Kern County Fair.