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A dramatic photo of Gatlinburg in the mountains.

Country Star Rodney Atkins to Headline Free Concert in Gatlinburg

One of country music’s biggest stars is coming to the Smokies this spring! Singer-songwriter Rodney Atkins will perform in Gatlinburg, TN on April 28, 2017. This special concert is completely free and both locals and visitors are invited to attend. Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to everything you need to know about this eagerly anticipated concert in Gatlinburg.

Where and When

The Rodney Atkins concert will take place on Friday, April 28th from 6 – 9 p.m. The event will be held in the Shade Tree Parking Lot next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center, which is located at 234 Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, TN.

The schedule for the concert is as follows:

  • Cassidy Daniels with Scott Gagne (6 – 6:45 p.m.)
  • Firewater Junction (7 – 7:45 p.m.)
  • Rodney Atkins (8 – 9:15 p.m.)

About Rodney Atkins

As an East Tennessee native, Rodney Atkins is no stranger to the Smoky Mountains. Atkins grew up in Claiborne County, which is just a couple of hours away from Gatlinburg. Rodney’s love for his home state was evident in his recent tweet about the concert in Gatlinburg:

“We are headed back to beautiful Gatlinburg for a free show! Always love playing in East Tennessee! #TheseAreMyPeople”

Rodney Atkins released his first single in 1997 but did not put out his debut album until 2003. Always a perfectionist, Atkins is known for shying away from cliches and taking the time to expertly craft each and every song. Rodney’s breakthrough moment came with his sophomore album If You’re Going Through Hell in 2006, which produced four number-one singles. Some of Atkins’ biggest hits include:

  • If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)
  • Watching You
  • These Are My People
  • Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)
  • It’s America
  • Farmer’s Daughter
  • Take a Back Road

Rodney Atkins won the award for Top New Male Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music in 2006. He has also received five additional nominations from the Academy of Country Music and two from the Country Music Association.

About the Opening Acts

In addition to Rodney Atkins, the concert in Gatlinburg will feature a number of other talented musicians. Kicking things off will be Cassidy Daniels and Scott Gagne. Cassidy is a rising star in the world of country music and has shared the stage with big name artists like Trace Adkins, Hunter Hayes, Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, and Tyler Farr. Scott Gagne is a Florida-based musician with eclectic influences, including funk, blues, and rock.

Immediately before Rodney Atkins performs, the audience will be treated to some toe-tapping bluegrass music from Firewater Junction. Formed in Sevier County in 2012, Firewater Junction can frequently be seen at the Ole Smoky Moonshine locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Various members of the band have written songs that have made their way onto the bluegrass charts.

Where to Stay

If you will be coming to town for the Rodney Atkins concert in Gatlinburg, you’ll definitely want to check out our listing of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals! Visit My Smokies has a guide to over 650 of the area’s very best cabins, so finding the perfect vacation rental is a breeze. To start planning your trip, browse all of the properties on our Where to Stay in Gatlinburg page.