HOW TO GO
What: Groovin’ on the Green featuring The Dan Varner Band on July 30
When: 7 p.m., Thursdays
Where: Village Green Park, Wessel Drive, Fairfield
Cost: Free
More info: www.fairfield-city.org for more details and a complete concert line-up. Also, visit www.danvarner.com.
FAIRFIELD – The Dan Varner Band will take the stage for the first time at the Village Green Amphitheater Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. as part of Fairfield’s popular summer concert series, Groovin’ on the Green.
We caught up with Cincinnati native Dan Varner in a phone interview to talk about the concert and to find out what fans can expect from the show.
“This will be our first time playing at Groovin’ on the Green. We are touring Cincinnati extensively this summer and Fairfield is one place we wanted to hit,” Varner said.
In addition to touring the region, Varner said he is coaching his son’s baseball team this season.
“We put on a high energy show. We perform a lot of covers that people will know, songs that our audiences can tap their feet to, and dance to as well as a couple of slow ones if they want to slow dance,” he said.
Varner said the band may start off playing songs like Merle Haggard’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” and work into Montgomery Gentry’s “Hillbilly Shoes,” and then, the band will move on to play modern country songs from Dierks Bentley or Luke Bryan.
The band will also include a few original songs in the set, such as, "From Within," and "Back Into My Life," which can be found on iTunes and at www.danvarner.com.
“We will be throwing out some shirts into the crowd, and guitar picks. We try to get the fans involved, so they can have a good time with us, which is really what it’s all about,” Varner said.
He described the band’s sound as traditional country meets newer country, mixed with a little bit of rock and roll.
“I love being out in front of people and seeing the smiles on their faces, and when I see the crowd singing and requesting my own songs, that’s what does it for me. The band and I feed off of the energy, when everyone is having a good time,” Varner said.
Along with Varner, the other band members include Jeff Price (drums) Allen Davis (bass) Mark Robinson (vocals, rhythm guitar) Wade Owens (steel/electric guitar) and Brad Kelly (vocals, lead guitar).
“We have something for everybody. If you like country music, or rock n’ roll, I guarantee you’re going to find a song you’ll enjoy, or recognize and sing along with,” Varner said.
The Dan Varner Band has opened for national country acts like Blake Shelton, Kip Moore, Love & Theft, John Michael Montgomery, Charlie Worsham, Josh Gracin, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Randy Houser, Jason Michael Carroll and Bucky Covington, among others.
“We’ve been really blessed and fortunate is what it comes down to. We have a great following and fan base and we owe it all to them,” Varner said.
Groovin’ on the Green concerts are scheduled every Thursday through Sept. 3. All concerts are free and open to the public. Concerts will start at 7 p.m.
Other upcoming Groovin’ on the Green concerts will include Blues Merchants on Aug. 6; The Rusty Griswolds on Aug. 13; The Klaberheads on Aug. 20; Stagger Lee on Aug. 27 and Thunderbay on Sept. 3.
During the event, there are also things for children to do, as well as vendor giveaways. Food, beverage and dessert vendors will be on hand, along with business vendors, event partners and sponsors.
Groovin’ on the Green will also offer guests the “Groovin’ Grill.” The Community Room and the Balcony at the Community Arts Center will be open during the Thursday Groovin’ on the Green concerts with food available for purchase as well as a cash bar. Dinner service will be open from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cash bar will remain open until the conclusion of the concert.
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