FORT SILL, Okla., (May 5, 2021) -- Country music artist Trace Adkins will bring his distinctive bass-baritone singing voice to Fort Sill for a free, open-to-the-public concert May 15, on Polo Field.
Gates open at 6 p.m. for the evening of music that begins at 6:30 p.m. with the 77th Army Band. Special guest group The Powell Brothers will take the stage at 7:20 p.m.
Should you be deciding whether or not to go, keep in mind that Trace Adkins is a humble and appreciative entertainer. Not being an immediate fan of country music, I do enjoy the playful lyrics, and the melodic twang of a singer’s voice or the soulful feel of a steel guitar. But my awareness of who the stars are and what their hit songs are is miniscule at best. So, I did a little advanced research of Adkins online before joining other members of local media to get to know him May 5. His answers came from the heart and he really expressed what it means to be an entertainer as well as stating how much it means to him to perform at military installations.
“We always enjoy playing for service members and their families, and veterans and their families,” said Adkins. “It’s something we’ve been doing for years, and right now we’re just happy to be playing anywhere.”
He said he’s in awe of service members and has a lot of respect and admiration for what they do. This won’t be the country superstar’s first visit here.
“My favorite memory of Fort Sill is the time I did a show with Alabama,” said Adkins, who added that band was the first big country concert he ever went to. “To share a stage with them – one of my dreams coming true happened at Fort Sill.”
Another treat for concert-goers is Adkins will be performing his first show since October.
“I think it’s critically important that we all get back to life before COVID. I hope we get past this mess and go back to living our lives the way we are supposed to. I’ve been champing at the bit to do this for a long time,” he said.
Fan favorites
Indirectly, Adkins didn’t talk of any of his favorites he plans to play but will be ready to play what Fort Sill wants to hear the most.
“I think any entertainer’s response should be whichever one the crowd responds to the most. That should be your favorite song to do because your job is to elicit some sort of response from the audience. Whether laughing or crying or dancing – the crowd is going to determine that.”
Adkins said he’s met many veterans who epitomized the one portrayed in “He’s Still a Soldier.” He enjoys the times he’s been with the military or with veterans’ organizations.
“They still have that honor and discipline, and are just wonderful people,” he said. “Over the years we’ve tried to put at least one song on every album we do that pays tribute to the men and women who serve. We want (service members) to know that we do appreciate them.”
Success in country music came early for the native of Louisiana. Adkins started producing hits in 1996 with the release of his self-wrote “There’s a Girl in Texas” song. He followed that up with his debut album “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” which featured his first No. 1 hit “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing.” The 6-foot, 6-inch crooner also reached the top of the country charts with “Ladies Love Country Boys,” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.”
He said a new album will be coming out soon, and his response to whether it’s worth listening to was succinct: “It’s good.”
As for what he’s writing about these days, Adkins chuckled. “They’re all about me. I never have been able to really sink my teeth into anything I can’t really relate to.”
Concert details
General admission entry is at Gate 2 starting at 3:15 p.m. From Lawton, take I-44 to Exit 40B and follow Rogers Lane west to Post Road. From Elgin, take I-44 to Exit 40C. A valid state or federal issued ID is necessary for all attendees 16 and over. Vehicles are subject to random checks.
Handicapped parking is available for Department of Defense ID card holders with a valid handicapped parking permit. Handicapped guests who do not have a DoD ID will need a visitor pass from the
Visitor Control Center (T6701 Sheridan Road) before the event.
Guidelines
• Bring your lawn chair and blanket to enjoy this free concert.
• Personal belongings are subject to search at the event entry point. No backpacks.
• Coolers and similar containers are NOT allowed.
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the gates. Refreshments and food are available for purchase.
• Beer is served only to patrons displaying alcohol wristband, obtained at the event entry point.
• No weapons are permitted. (Includes small knives, or multi-tool devices, etc.)
• No cannabis or recreational drugs are permitted.
• No professional cameras or recording devices, laptops, iPads, or tablets.
• No pets (except service animals), glass, fireworks, or Frisbees.
• Unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
• Military police will staff the event to maintain safety and adherence to these guidelines.
Pandemic particulars
• Masks are required unless eating/drinking or when physical distancing is not possible.
• Maintain physical distancing - at least 6 feet from others.
• The general admission area will be marked with 8 foot circles to accommodate groups of up to four.
• Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout the venue to encourage handwashing during the event.
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