“Trace Adkins brings free show to NY State Fair”
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Trace Adkins
With his new album “Proud to Be Here” only a few weeks old, country music superstar Trace Adkins talked about his upcoming concert in New York and what he remembers about his own State Fair growing up.
Known for his hits “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing” and “Ladies Love Country Boys,” Adkins has made numerous television appearances, including roles on “King of the Hill,” “Yes, Dear” and as a contestant on “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What are some of your favorite childhood memories of going to the fair?”
Trace Adkins: “My favorite memories were the State Fair in Louisiana, which was held in Shreveport (and still is). I just remember when we were kids we would have fair day, and we would all get to get on the school bus and ride 50 miles to the fairgrounds. It was just great. I remember they actually had a stock car track (race track) on the fairgrounds in Louisiana at that time. Since then, they’ve gotten rid of it. There’s not even a race track there anymore. I just remember that was a great fair, had a great midway, and there were always rodeos and shows. I have great memories going to the state fair when I was a kid.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “When are some of things going through your mind in those first few moments on stage?”
Trace Adkins: “Well, usually when I’m at a fair, I just feel very comfortable. You know, those are my people. Those folks that may have been wandering through the livestock barns before they came to the show, you know. That’s my crowd. So I always feel comfortable when I’m there in a fair environment.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “A lot of people who may not have been country music fans had a chance to get to know you on shows like ‘The Celebrity Apprentice.’ Have you learned any lessons about how to be a better entertainer or business person as a result of those experiences?”
Trace Adkins: “I don’t really think so. I’m not a business man. I’ve never pretended to be. I don’t want to be. The art of the business deal – I don’t get off on that. It really is not what motivates me. I enjoy entertaining people and singing songs and doing a little acting here and there, every now and then. You know, that’s what I’m into. I don’t worry too much about the business end of it. And really, you know the thing I learned about myself from being on… that one reality show that I was on (I can’t imagine myself ever doing another one), but I learned that I had a lot more tolerance than I thought I did.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s your favorite song to perform on stage right now?”
Trace Adkins: “My favorite is always the fans’ favorite… if you’re an entertainer then that should be your answer to that question. Some people that think that they are ‘artists’ – their favorite may be something different. But if you’re an entertainer your favorite should be the one that the fans like the most.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you hope people take away from your concert and is there an overall theme to your show and a message you want them to take away?”
Trace Adkins: “You know I don’t think there’s a theme. I go out there and I try to do a greatest hits show. I’m a country music fan myself and when I go to a show, I want to hear that stuff that caused me to be a fan of that particular performer and I’m cognizant of that. So I’m gonna go out there and give them the stuff that they’ve heard on the radio. And we’ve got a brand new album out, so we’ll do two, three or four things off that to give them a taste.”
Trace Adkins brings free show to NY State Fair
Copyright 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
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