HiLIFE: BAYFEST 2008
Atkins enjoys the road
The veteran performer takes advantage of meeting his fans and visiting new places
On the road supporting his sophomore album, "If You're Going Through Hell," Roy Atkins, another performer at BayFest 2008, is still often labeled as one with potential to spare, never mind all the hit songs the album has already produced since its release in 2006.
In fact, Atkins had been in the music business for more than 10 years before he landed gigs as opening act for a number of big names, including Brad Paisley and, more recently, Brooks & Dunn.
But that's OK, because Atkins ain't bitter. "It's been a long road, but I'm a firm believer in divine intervention," the singer said via e-mail. "We've gotten asked to be on some pretty amazing tours and gotten to do shows with Martina McBride, Paisley, now, Brooks & Dunn. We also got to open for Alan Jackson, which was very cool. To get to open a show for guys that made you want to do this, that's awesome."
Whether touring as an opener or main act this summer, Atkins will see, at most, two to three days off in between shows. And for the self-described family man, some of the hardest things about being on the road -- though he's not complaining -- is missing out on time with loved ones back in Nashville, Tenn.
One upside: the summer circuit provides ample opportunity for being with fans.
"As we travel all over the country this summer, we get to meet a ton of new folks -- we're just having a ball!" he said. "My fans are great -- extremely supportive. This year we had the fan club party in the service garage at Carl Black Chevrolet, here in Nashville. It was a good time."
As a songwriter who writes about what he knows, the dual experience of meeting fans and missing loved ones provides more writing material. But Atkins will be able to pencil in a few days of family time, at least while in Hawaii.
"The one place we don't get to spend a lot of time these days is at home, so ... we get to travel all over and see all kinds of places. These are opportunities that I can give my little boy that I would have never had as a kid," he said.
"I've never really been to Hawaii, so I'm excited to get to come and bring my family -- we're getting to make a family trip of it. ... I'm sure we'll spend some time on the beach. I hear it's beautiful and I can't wait to see it."