Tropolitan Features Section

This Issue: Oct. 8, 1998

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Akins and Austin invade tennis courts

Shanna Beasley/Business Manager

The old tennis courts were packed Tuesday night, and it didn't have anything to do with trying to find a parking spot.

More than 1,500 students showed up to watch country musicians Rhett Akins and Sherrie Austin in concert.

The Adams Center Union Board sponsored the concert, as it does each fall. The money to pay for the concert and artist comes from the student activity fee.

"When we are looking for the bands for the concerts, we look at who's touring at the moment and who's available," said Lisa Motley, student adviser to the board. "We try to look at all of our options."

This was Akins' second time performing at Troy State.

"I love TSU," Akins said. "When the band saw Troy on the tour list they were all excited. I love the college atmosphere. Last year was a good concert."

When Akins took the stage he seemed at home at Troy State. He even left the stage to change into a TSU T-shirt in the middle of his performance.

Performing at a college campus also gives Akins a chance to sing other music. He sang not only his songs but those of Matchbox 20, George Strait, John Mellencamp, Third Eye Blind and Rolling Stones.

"I like country, blue grass and I also have a rock-roll side," said Akins. Some of Akins' musical influences are the Stones, Led Zeppelin, Hank Williams and Strait.

During the concert a TSU student joined Akins on the stage with his harmonica and they improvised a bluesy type song.

Other than having three albums out, Akins' most exciting moments are opening for Reba McEntire in 1995 and the birth of his children.

When not performing or on the road, Akins says he is "playing daddy." "I have two kids. I don't really have much time off."

This was Austin's first time at Troy State. She has been touring with Tracy Lawrence and Trace Akins for the past three months. This was her second time performing with Akins.

Austin, who is originally from Australia, started singing when she was 13 years old. When she turned 16 she moved to California with her parents, then moved to Nashville to continue songwriting.

Vince Gill, who is also with Arista Records, Dolly Parton, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the Eagles are a few of her many musical influences.

While not performing, Austin is reading and writing.

Austin's debut album, "Words," contains seven songs she wrote.

"I spent two years putting my heart, soul and guts into this record," said Austin. "I think people who hear it will get something from it, because in the last two or three years, I've lived all of it!"

"I love writing. I love writing poetry. I also write a lot of songs," said Austin. "To find a good country song, I give it the goosebumps test. If the song gives me goosebumps, it's good," said Austin

Austin has lots of memorable experiences. "One of my most memorable experience was getting my record deal," said Austin.

When asked where she sees herself in ten years, Austin laughs and says "older but still doing the music I love."

Austin said to accomplish your goals you have to "keep at it, have determinations and love what your doing. It is a lot harder if you don't love it."

Akins said: "You really have to have a desire for it. Shoot for something you really want to do."

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