Rodney Atkins’ country cool

He’ll be at Clark State PAC next week.


How to go

What: Rodney Atkins

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: 7:30 p.m. next Thursday, Oct. 3

Admission: Adults $39-59

More info: 937-328-3874 or go to pac.clarkstate.edu/rodney_atkins

Country music star Rodney Atkins doesn’t think of being on stage as being the center of attention. He’s just the guy with the microphone being backed by a chorus in the audience.

“It means the world to be invited to lead a 90-minute sing-along, I can’t wait to be there,” said Atkins.

The Jeff Wyler/Clark State Country Artist Series will present Atkins live at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Clark State Performing Art Center. The show is appropriate for all audiences.

Atkins has scored six number one country hits including If You’re Going Through Hell; Watching You; These Are My People; Cleaning This Gun; It’s America; and Take a Back Road. He’s quick to point out although it’s his name on the song, it’s a team effort.

“Having a number one is such an achievement. It really signifies the teamwork of all the people involved in my career. I couldn’t achieve that without all the people around me.”

Atkins is excited to perform his new single, Doin’ It Right, to be released in October.

“It’s like you’ve been keeping really good news secret and finally get to share it with friends,” he said. “I love that folks can get new music so quickly these days. It seems like overnight folks will be able to sing along with the new single.”

It’s a busy time for Atkins. In addition to the new single and work on an upcoming album, he recently completed a summer tour with Darius Rucker and hosted a relief concert for victims of the deadly Oklahoma tornado. He’s involved with numerous charitable causes, including a USO tour and the National Council for Adoption.

“God bless all the men and women serving this country past and presents and their families and all their sacrifices. I can’t possibly thank them enough. I’m happiest when I am helping someone else. That’s how I measure how successful my day is.”

Although country music is often changing, Atkins said he’s clear on his role and mission. And audiences will get a full dose during his show.

“I want to be known for songs that really touch people’s lives, not songs that only go up and down a chart, but songs that will be remembered. I just keep trying to build my career on a foundation of great songs.”

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