By Tom Rohrer
Even after garnering fame, bright lights and big crowds, home is always the place you hold highest in your heart.
It’s been nearly a decade since Adam Craig left Tenino for Nashville, Tenn., armed with his guitar and a mind filled with experiences from his beloved hometown.
Those experiences have carried Craig (now signed by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) up the country music ladder, establishing himself as one of the strongest song writers in the business. Craig has written songs for such famed performers as Jason Aldean, whose album My Kind of Party sold over 3 million copies and took home the CMA Award for album of the year.
Craig has proven to be more than just a writer, serving also as the singer/guitarist for the Adam Craig Band, comprised of Adam and Brian Smith, Jimi Hendrix (no, not that Jimi Hendrix) and Ryan Jones.
Together, the Adam Craig Band will again perform at the Four Square Mile Music Festival, held this Friday and Saturday in downtown Tenino. The proceeds of the festival, which includes food, beer and crafts vendors as well, all go to the Adam Craig Foundation and the City of Tenino. Craig’s foundation benefits youth, educational and athletic organizations within his hometown.
This year’s festival will also include performances by The Dark Horses Band and the Andy Shofner Band.
The Adam Craig Band has toured the last few years and have opened for big acts in giant arenas along with headlining shows across the country. While playing in front of 20,000 people has been an exhiliarating experience for the band, Craig always enjoys the personal atmosphere in his hometown.
“We’ve done a bunch of really large shows, which are great, but this always feels a little more personable, and you can really feel everyone in the crowd,” said Craig in an interview with ThurstonTalk.com before a show in Spokane. “Everyone takes the time to learn the songs and really, we’re not singing to them, we’re singing with them. It’s as good as it can get.”
Like a majority of country music artists and bands, Craig’s songs focus on all life experiences: heartbreak, friends, family, good times and bad. Craig experienced the whole spectrum growing up in Tenino, and uses that as fuel for his lyrics.
“It’s funny because the first three years in Nashville, I told myself I was going to completely change everything I do, and run from where I came from,” said Craig. “But that is impossible. I fell back in love with where I was from. I really never fell out (of love), but I learned to appreciate it more. The big city is cool, but my hometown is so much a part of me and just a special place. I don’t think I would be where I am now without (Tenino).”
Having the opportunity to come back, visit with family and friends, all while helping the area, is what the festival is all about.
“Being able to help and bring some fun to town, that’s the biggest payoff right there,” said Craig. “When (Tenino citizens) need to band together and do a great thing and raise money, they come out in droves. It’s awesome to watch them get so into this festival. For a town that doesn’t have 900 people, it’s crazy to see 3,000 show up.”
Along with the actual festival, Craig gets to spend some much needed time catching up with family and old friends.
“It’s great (coming home) and just driving down old familiar roads. I hopped in a dune buggy last night, rode around, caught up with some folks from high school, families I know….It’s just cool getting to hang out on the farm and relax.”
With the summer weather scheduled to be ideal, and cold beverages flowing all night, Craig has a few words of encouragement to those deciding whether to attend the festival or not.
“Let’s just get together, have some beers and have a great time for an even greater cause,” said Craig. “It’s as simple as that, and it doesn’t get any better.”
For more information on the Four Square Mile Music Festival, visit http://www.foursquaremilefestival.com/.
For more information on the Adam Craig Band, including tour dates and videos, visit http://www.adamcraigband.com/.
