Cross Between John Wayne and The Rock?

Sarah Henning of the Anchorage Daily News is a talented wordsmith. I loved her review of Trace's recent concert in Alaska. She says....

A cross between John Wayne and The Rock, he swaggered onto the Sullivan Arena stage Thursday night in a tight black T-shirt that could barely restrain his massive pecs and biceps.

At 6-foot-6, his stage presence is immense and despite his long, flowing Olsen-twin hair you can practically see a halo of testosterone around his head. He is 100 percent believable when he sings about cold beer, hot wings, Wranglers and Skoal rings. In fact, you could see his chew tin through his painted-on jeans.

But the biggest gun Adkins brings isn't of the muscular variety; it's his highly controlled vocal instrument. When he hits his lowest baritone register, the sound vibrates through the floor and up your leg like a Harley-Davidson rumble. Not only does he have a gift, but he put in the sweat to maximize its potential.

Trace is going from one extreme to the other - Alaska to Florida - this week performing in St. Augustine on May 30th and St. Petersburg on May 31st. Then it is back to Nashville where fans get a rare opportunity for some one on one with Trace on June 5th when he will autograph copies of his book, A Personal Stand, in the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Store.

Trace Updates: FAAN, Milsap, Alaska Fishing

Have you all noticed on the FAAN O'Meter (at right) that Trace was able to raise more than Celebrity Apprentice's grand prize of $250,000 for his favorite charity after appearing on the show? Emphasis on the after.

On his website, Trace says....

FAAN has "made more money since the show than I would have won had I won the thing," Trace said. "If I had won, I’d have to be Trump’s Miss America and go around with him for the next year promoting The Apprentice. I’ve got a job, and Piers needed one."
I always love Trace quotes.

"Celebrity Apprentice" helped Trace end up on the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday. He wasn’t nominated for an award, but the show’s executive producer, R.A. Clark, said the visibility from his network TV run made him an attractive addition to the roster of ACM performers. Trace sang his latest number one hit, "You're Gonna Miss This". That is the fourth time I've heard him perform the song in front of a national television audience(Celebrity Apprentice, Jay Leno, Young & Restless, ACM). Not bad for a country boy and a country song! Above Trace poses with wife, Rhonda.

Trace and band are in Alaska this weekend continuing their concert series across the nation. I've heard rumours that he will get in some fishing while in that wild, beautiful state.

I was excited to learn that Trace will be in Atlanta on July 11th to perform with Ronnie Milsap. As all Trace fans know, Ronnie Milsap had a big influence on him as a young musician. That is a concert not to be missed, so buy your tickets if there are any left.

There's No Keeping Up With Trace

Last night I stayed up til midnight watching the dreaded Jay Leno show looking forward to hearing him mix it up with Trace. I should have known Leno didn't have the courage to interview someone with a brain. Trace sang his #1 hit, "You're Gonna Miss This" and that was the extent of his appearance. I wanted to know his take on the primary election.

Today there was an exciting announcement that Trace has written and recorded the title song for truTV Network's upcoming real life, high stakes series, BLACK GOLD. The series follows the dangerous world of drilling for American oil in west Texas, presenting an unfiltered look at lives on the line. Lucky, for me I will actually get to watch this show because my husband is a fan of that kind of entertainment. This Gripping Series About Life on an Oil Rig To Premiere Wednesday, June 18, 10 p.m. (ET)


Even more exciting is news about his new album. In an interview by Tony Sauro, Record Staff Writer, posted on Trace's website, he's working hard on his eighth studio album, which will be released later this year.

"I think it's gonna be great," he said, during a break from recording Monday. "I'm really proud of what we've done. It's gonna be very diverse. That's something we've always done.

"We're stretching out there, you know, getting edgy with some stuff, spreading the boundaries of it a bit."

Are there other boundaries this self-styled "American man" wants to stretch?

"I'd kinda like to do something more on the acting side of things," he said. "Beyond that, there's really nothing I'm itching to try. Maybe 10 or 15 years from now, I'll down settle down a little and get into local politics."

Until then, though, "If something makes sense in my itinerary, I'll do it," he said. "But music is gonna be always in the first position for me."