BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Kern County Fair favorite, for many, is going and enjoying a concert at the Bud Pavilion. Josh Turner was scheduled to be Tuesday's musical act, but that changed after his road crew was in a bus crash, killing one member of his team.
Turner cancelled the appearance and Phil Vassar took his place, hundreds turning out to see the show. Although most of the fairgoers that 23ABC spoke to said that they had hoped to see Josh Turner, they still came out to enjoy a good show.
“I was kind of bummed out but I’m grateful that someone showed up to take his place," said Bakersfield resident Roy Valtierra.
That’s a sentiment shared by many who came out to the concert.
“I understand why he cancelled the show I mean that’s just something you have to do pretty much. Take care of his own. And I am disappointed but I understand also, it makes sense," said Steven Gee, who drove from San Luis Obispo to see the show.
Gee says he’s a regular at the Kern County Fair.
“I always plan my trips out here depending on what people are playing and he was one of the dates I had picked," he said.
Gee is a big Josh Turner fan and planned this trip before the bus crash. He decided to come out even though turner was cancelled
“I’m happy to be here, I’m happy that someone is playing in his place. And it is still a country concert, they were able to get someone on short notice and someone was able to fill in his spot, and I came to the fair to have fun, so I’m gonna do it," he said.
“I was looking forward to seeing josh turner with his bass voice and everything but then I heard there was another country act so we came for this one," said Dave Ensz, of Bakersfield.
Next on the agenda for the kern county fair concert series is Francesca Battistelli on Tuesday, and Scotty McCreery on Wednesday.
