Leslie Kiebert | Argonaut
By Hailey Stewart & Olivia Heersink
Country singer Rodney Atkins may have only been in Moscow for a short time, but true to one of his well-known hits, “Take a Back Road,” he took in all the Palouse has to offer.
“I think y’all win for the most gorgeous back roads in the world,” the award-winning artist said to the crowd.
More than 1,000 people brought their blankets, flannels and boots to Monday’s event on the SprinTurf, where Atkins headlined and fellow country singer Lucas Hoge opened.
The concert, sponsored by University of Idaho Vandal Entertainment and Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils, welcomed UI students back for the fall semester.
Having arrived at UI a week earlier, Deborah Hutchinson, Laura Steiner and Brianna Buseman were looking to get a better sense of their new university, as well as its community. Two of the three UI graduate students weren’t aware of Atkin’s stardom but thought the event sounded like a fun way to integrate themselves into the Vandal family.
“We’re all from different places,” Steiner said. “But it has been cool to connect with other students.”
However, students weren’t the only ones in attendance.
Leslie Kiebert | Argonaut
The Pfiffner family arrived early, setting up their chairs for an evening of fun country tunes.
“We just thought, ‘why not?’ Plus, it’s their first concert,” Pfiffner said as she pointed to her two young children.
Pfiffner said she and her family were excited to see a well-known country artist come to the university.
The event also drew in attendees outside the UI community.
For Shelby Daniel and Mykiah Hollenbeck, two Washington State University students, it was their first time crossing the border into Vandal territory.
“We just love country music and Rodney Atkins,” Daniels said.
Before Atkins lit up the stage, Hoge warmed up the audience with an array of original and cover songs.
The Nebraska native felt at home among the crowd and so did his wife, Laura Lynn.
“He’s used to this small town feel,” Lynn said.
Doubling as his manager, Lynn said Hoge has been singing since he was a child and touring for the last ten years. Before arriving in Idaho, he had played several shows with Atkins, helping push his single into the Billboard Top 30 list.
“I hope you enjoy this song as much as you enjoy Rodney,” Hoge said before ending his set.
Midway through his performance, Atkins’ wife, Rose Falcon and their child joined him on stage. Together, they sang a song for a future album, testing the potential tune on the captive audience.
“You guys are amazing — I should have gone to the University of Idaho,” Falcon said.
Atkins sang old and new hits, as the crowd echoed back with each lyric.
“God bless y’all for letting us do this,” Atkins said.
Hailey Stewart and Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Hailey_ann97 or @heersinkolivia