"Falcon Eye" to the Future….

by Kathleen Wilkerson

This is a new column meant to help students decide what they would like to be. The subject of this issue is entertainers. After preparing a list of questions about students wanting to go into entertainment, I looked for entertainers in this area that could answer my questions. As part of my research, I was fortunate to be able to interview Trace Adkins and Montgomery-Gentry at the WSOC Racing Reunion Concert. I quickly learned that entertainment does not usually allow much time to just talk, but sometimes you get lucky.

Shortly after their appearance on stage, I met Montgomery-Gentry. This two-man singing group (Montgomery and Gentry are their last names) was really busy and could only answer one of my questions. In response to my question about becoming an entertainer, they said that you have to be persistent and dedicated, and that you must stick with it and stay in school.

Still hanging on to my backstage pass and clipboard with notes, I returned to my seat to watch and listen to the unmistakable voice of Trace Adkins. After listening to his performance and as the audience applauded, I slipped backstage in hopes of having the chance to interview Mr. Adkins. I was met backstage by Trace Adkins's stage manager. He led me past a long line of fan club members eagerly waiting to meet and greet the man himself. To my surprise, he helped me up the steps and into Trace's private tour bus. As his wife and 19-month old daughter Mackenzie sat nearby eating "peez" (pizza), my dream came true - a real interview with Trace Adkins.

Adkins says that if you want to be an entertainer, you need to be patient. He also believes that you don't really decide to be an entertainer. He said that the reason he is where he is today is because he enjoys singing and got some wonderful opportunities. When asked why he sings country music instead of rap or pop or rock music, he said, "I grew up listening to country music. My daddy wouldn't let me sing anything else." The final question of the interview was how Trace would like most to be remembered.  His simple answer was as " a good Dad."

As I floated out of the tour bus and returned to my seat for the rest of the concert, I kept remembering the special moments of that interview on the bus with Trace and his family. The music of Brooks and Dunn was ringing through the air, but the sounds of Trace were in my head.

Special thanks to WSOC-FM 103.7 (especially Craig Hahn and Paul Johnson), Trace Adkins, and Montgomery-Gentry.

   Kathleen Wilkerson with Trace Adkins.