On Wednesday night, the new Forbes Center at James Madison University held its first ever concert, bringing back an alum, who's also a world famous singer-songwriter.

Phil Vassar took the stage before a sold out crowd of 600.

Vassar attended JMU and was thrilled to be playing in the new theater.

University officials felt the same way about having Vassar back on campus for this historic opening night.

"He's a JMU alumnus, and I think he is really supportive of the Forbes Center, and what we're trying to do here," says Regan Byrne, executive director of the Forbes Center. "He's always been really, really a fan of JMU, and being an artist, he was approached, and was extraordinarily excited to be the first act in the venue."

The concert was the kickoff to the Arts Center's "Masterpiece Encore" concert series.