Long hailed as a champion of small-town communities, MULTI-PLATINUM entertainer and TV/film actor Trace Adkins stopped by NBC’s TODAY this morning (4/12) to share with anchors Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, that he will bring FREE “SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA: A Concert For Mayfield” presented by KIOTI Tractor to the Tornado-devastated Western Kentucky region. Taking place at Mayfield High School’s CFSB War Memorial Stadium in Mayfield, KY, on May 20 – the site of a 2021 tornado that leveled the town as it ripped across Western Kentucky, claiming more than 50 lives and displacing thousands in the process – the big-hearted show is open to the public as Adkins and KIOTI Tractor seek to remember, honor and rebuild … not just the town of Mayfield, but the spirit of all those who call it home. “We were looking for a place to do a video for this song on our new album, called ‘Somewhere In America,’ and the song just talks about how somewhere in America there’s still people that have that indomitable spirit, that resilience, and we could think of no place better that exemplified that than Mayfield, KY,” Adkins explains in exclusive interview on NBC’s TODAY. “So now I’ve spoken with Mayor O’Nan, and she’s been wonderful to work with, and so we’re going to go to Mayfield and give them a pat on the back.” The city of Mayfield’s Mayor, Kathy O’Nan, is overjoyed and adds, “There are no words big enough to explain how thankful the people of Mayfield, KY are to Trace Adkins for coming here on May 20 for the filming of the video for his song ‘Somewhere In America.’ In December 2021, an EF4 tornado tore through and devastated our small town, and we are just like the people in one of the first lines of this song – ‘The whole town comes with their work boots on, and they raise it right back up.’ That is Mayfield – and we are so excited to be able celebrate our resilience with a Trace Adkins concert!” Named for the unifying song “Somewhere In America” from Adkins’ widely acclaimed 25th anniversary, 25-song album, THE WAY I WANNA GO (Verge Records), the day of music and support was inspired in part by small-town America, written by Jon Nite, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, and Zach Crowell. An up-tempo anthem, produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, dedicated to the resilience of small-town America, its lyrics celebrate the unshakeable hope of dreamers everywhere, with Adkins and his booming baritone paying tribute to those who will gladly give what they have, to others in need. That giving impulse has already brought hope to the Western Kentucky region, but there is more to do. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, more than $52 million has been donated through the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund – mostly in a wave of support that followed closely after the devastating storm. Along with support from KIOTI Tractor, Adkins hopes to reinvigorate the recovery effort, and lift up those who’ve stood tall in the face of trouble for so long. “We are proud to collaborate with Trace and the city of Mayfield to bring a moment of hope to its residents. Following what has been a difficult recovery, this concert offers an opportunity to reflect and look ahead to the future,” said Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, president and CEO of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division. “A commitment to giving back is at the core of our brand, from our corporate initiatives down to the work of our equipment owners through KIOTI’s Dirt Brigade initiative, which empowers and celebrates people using heavy machinery to give back to those in need. The concert is another way we can honor that commitment and celebrate the Mayfield community.” The “SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA: A Concert For Mayfield” presented by KIOTI Tractor is part of Adkins’ ongoing nationwide SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA 2023 TOUR, which finds him headlining in cities all across the U.S. through the end of the year. With an initial batch of shows announced in February, the tour takes Adkins from California to New York, and from Wisconsin to his home state of Louisiana, with more dates to be announced. Check out a complete list of tour dates and ticket information here.
