Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Pop Culture Weekly as Kyle McMahon takes you behind the scenes of the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert! Kyle had the honor of chatting with the phenomenal show hosts Joe Montegna and Gary Sinise, along with talented performers such as Trace Adkins, Yolanda Adams, Mary McCormack, Phillip Phillips, John Slattery, Jo Dee Messina, S. Epatha Merkerson, Dule Hill, Chosen Jacobs and The War and Treaty. Join us as we pay tribute to our brave servicemen and women by honoring their sacrifices and learning about their experiences.
During Kyle'sr conversations, he dives deep into the privilege of representing Gold Star families and the responsibility actors carry when telling someone's personal story, as well as offering a sneak peek into their future projects. Furthermore, Trace Atkins and Yolanda Adams open up about the powerful stories behind their showstopping performances and discuss the weight they carry in honor of our servicemen and women.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness this heartwarming tribute to our heroes, airing live on PBS and available for replay on YouTube or pbs.org. Join us for this inspiring and emotional episode of Pop Culture Weekly, and let's honor the sacrifices made for our freedom together.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Kyle McMahon YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/officialkylemcmahon
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
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During Kyle'sr conversations, he dives deep into the privilege of representing Gold Star families and the responsibility actors carry when telling someone's personal story, as well as offering a sneak peek into their future projects. Furthermore, Trace Atkins and Yolanda Adams open up about the powerful stories behind their showstopping performances and discuss the weight they carry in honor of our servicemen and women.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness this heartwarming tribute to our heroes, airing live on PBS and available for replay on YouTube or pbs.org. Join us for this inspiring and emotional episode of Pop Culture Weekly, and let's honor the sacrifices made for our freedom together.
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming: https://www.deathandgrief.show/Chapter-One-The-Diagnosis-AKA-WTF/
---------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at: https://podcast.popcultureweekly.com
Watch celebrity interviews at: https://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon/videos
or Kyle McMahon YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/officialkylemcmahon
Read the latest at http://www.PopCultureWeekly.com
Follow Kyle on:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kmacmusic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/realkylemcmahon
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kmacmusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/officialkylemcmahon
Website: http://www.kylemcmahon.me
Pop Culture Weekly twitter: http://www.twitter.com/popculturepodca
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, it's all about the 2023 National Memorial Day
(00:04):
concert we've got Trace Agkins, Philip Phillips, Yelanda Adams, and so much more.
Let's go!
Welcome to Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from My Heart Radio.
Your Pop Culture News, Views, Reviews, and Celebrity Interviews on all the movies, TV,
music, and pop culture you crave weekly.
(00:25):
Here's Kyle McMahon.
Hey, what's up?
It's Kyle McMahon, I heart Radio's Pop Culture Weekly, and I am here live in Washington,
D.C.
Once again, on the West lawn of the Capitol for the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert
on PBS.
It is, I'm in rehearsals now, and it is going to be an incredible show.
(00:51):
Joe Montenia and Gary Seneese once again are hosting performers, Trace Agkins, Yelanda
Adams, Jody Messina, Philip Phillips, Esopotham, Markerson, John Slattery, Doole Hill,
Chosen Jacobs, Mary McCormick, The War and Treaty.
(01:12):
It's the National Symphony Orchestra, and I'm talking to all those people as well, FYI,
it is going to be an incredible show.
The stories that they are telling, one, in particular, really, really, is just incredible.
Sergeant Anthony O'Neill McGee, Colonel Carlisle, Smitty, and Louise Harris, his loving wife.
(01:38):
It is going to be an excellent show, a locket right here for all of the interviews, and
then, of course, the show airs live on Sunday, and if you're listening to this after, for
two weeks afterwards, you can watch the live show on YouTube, PBS is YouTube, or go to
(01:59):
PBS.org to the National Memorial Day Concert site, and you can watch it there.
It is well, well worth your time.
Next up, we have our hosts, The One and Only, or The Two and Only, Joe Montenna, and Gary
Sinise.
(02:19):
All right.
So, you both have done this, you know, since it's inception, essentially.
Why is it so important for you to come back every year and tell these amazing stories?
This is our National Memorial Day Concert.
It's actually a well-kept secret when you consider how many people don't know about this concert.
(02:44):
I didn't know about it until Joe called me 2005 and asked me and said, "Hey, I started doing
this Memorial Day Concert a few years ago, come and do a segment."
And that was 2005, and I was unaware of the National Memorial Day Concert.
But this is our 34th year.
This concert has been going on for 34 years.
I hope that we can spread the word and more and more people each year will tune in.
(03:07):
This is a way for our nation to come together in remembrance and honor and appreciation of
the sacrifices that have been made to keep us all free over the years.
And the freedom comes at a cost.
There's a price that has to be paid.
People have paid it and we honor them here at the National Memorial Day Concert.
I love that.
I love that.
Well, you know, at Coing area, I didn't know about the concert before I first did it.
(03:31):
And after I was in my third year of doing it, and when they asked me to take over his host
with the great Aussie Davis, it passed away.
I wanted to bring Gary in because I knew he already, this was a guy that already knew that
Memorial Day was the most important holiday we celebrated in this country.
I didn't until I did that first concert.
I had a lot of military in my family, but they all came home.
And so the Memorial Day didn't quite have the same meaning for me as it ultimately did
(03:54):
from doing this concert.
So now both of us have been here, you know, a couple of decades now.
And it's, I could easily say that it's the most important thing I do over here.
So given the opportunity to do it, it's a privilege.
I love that.
I learned more about the relatives in my own family and their service.
(04:16):
And kind of later in life when I was growing up, my family members never talked about their
war years or anything like that.
It was after September 11th and the attack on September 11th and the recognition that people
were now deploying in reaction to that event and that I started doing all kinds of things
(04:39):
and then discovered this thing that had been going on for years, the National Memorial
Day concert.
So I learned more about my own relatives and my own family.
I started doing this show than I did when I was growing up as a kid.
I love that.
Thank you both so much.
I really appreciate it.
(04:59):
National Memorial Day concert.
West Lawn of the Capital.
They've been doing this show as you heard for a long time now and they do it impeccably
and they're going to do it impeccably once again.
Next up we have Mary McCormick and John Slattery.
(05:21):
Let's talk to them.
So Mary you've been here numerous times.
This is your first time for you.
Why do you keep coming back?
It's obviously very important.
It's a beautiful concert that is put on every year but you make it a point to do that.
(05:44):
Why is that important to you?
I came the first year I came.
I was so touched and moved by how powerful the night is that I just said to the producers
and everyone here.
I was like I'll be back next year.
I wasn't really invited back next year but I just said well I'm coming either way.
So I'm a little stalker/performer.
I'm not sure I'm really invited but I just was so taken with it.
(06:05):
My dad was a Marine and I just grew up thinking Memorial Day should be about more than
cookouts and so it's a real honor to be here.
I love that.
And for you this is your first time.
What is that moment like for you?
You know to be here on the lawn of this rehearsal is unbelievable.
I mean as you can see where we are.
(06:26):
I mean just to acknowledge all the people, all the men and women who are serving now, who
have served their country over the history of the United States, all over the world.
So that we can live the way we live here and to protect us.
I think sacrifice and POW and all the, and thank you for your service or things that are
(06:52):
thrown around genuinely but to consider the actual sacrifice is and how these people have
to live their lives in order to do this.
It just means a lot.
And the your performance is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the return of POW.
(07:16):
Thank you.
Does that, you know, I feel like as an actor, I'm not an actor but I feel like if I was I would
feel almost more nervous than like a than a normal role maybe rather than you know telling
the story because it has such reverence and history.
(07:36):
Is that true or are you able to disassociate yourself a bit or?
I mean we're we're reading I'm reading the part of Carlisle, Smitty Harris who was who was
imprisoned in the Hanoi Hilton was now known as the Hanoi Hilton for eight years.
Met his eight year old son when he got back at the Air Force Base when he got back.
(08:00):
He was supposed to be here but he couldn't make it.
This couldn't be here this weekend.
So I just want to mention I mean we're not you know we're reading his words and I mean I'm
not nervous because we're just saying thank you.
It's a tribute to him and so it's not like a film performance.
(08:24):
It's not like a we're here in thanks and in service to all these people and I'm just
glad to be a part of it.
Yeah I think if we stay present in that you know sometimes it's live so there's a beautiful
orchestra playing behind us and there's you know tens of thousands of people out here.
It's a big night and it's magical and powerful but I find if I stay present in the thank you
(08:49):
and just let their words do the work.
Their words are beautiful and authentic and speak to so many.
You know I hope all POWs and their families will hear of Smitty's story and his wife's
story and relate and all Vietnam vets.
I hope they all feel honored by it.
Awesome.
What can we expect next from you beyond National Memorial Day Concert?
(09:10):
What are your do you have any projects landed on?
Yeah I'm on a show right now that's on stars network and it's called Heels and our second
season is premiering in July.
Okay so we have a month or so to get.
Yeah awesome.
I just finished directing a movie while I finished it a while ago.
It's called Maggie Moore's it's with John Hamm and Tina Fey and it I directed it and it
(09:32):
is coming out June 16th.
Wherever you can buy movies it'll be in New York and LA and theaters and then I believe
Hulu after that.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Good I'm looking forward to both of your projects.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Cool.
Nice to see you again.
Nice to see you.
Definitely.
(09:52):
We're a master.
We're a master.
All right Mary McCormick and John's slattery two incredible talents and there I can't
wait to you see their the story that they are performing really really powerful stuff
here.
(10:12):
Next up we have Dulay Hill, Esapatha, Markerson and chosen Jacobs.
I'm here with these three incredibly talented artists and you all are telling an incredibly
powerful story from three different perspectives over you know three different generations.
(10:32):
Can you tell me a little bit about what that means to you being here telling that story
Memorial Day at the Capitol?
I believe it's a really unique opportunity especially as an actor to be able to show just
the breath of the pain that comes from war and just from these battles and these brave soldiers
that go out and risk their lives and not only themselves but the families that they leave
(10:57):
behind.
So I'm just grateful to be here and be able to express this story that's just so human
and a pain and loss but also of triumph and coming up.
Well he said it beautifully.
The reason we're here is to highlight this family the McGee Davis family of losing their
son Anthony and to be able to look at it from three perspectives.
(11:22):
I've done this before and it was just me and now to have a family because that is who
is affected large families you know to not just the three of the people that we're speaking
for but sisters and brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles.
(11:43):
So it's a real privilege to be able to speak for the gold star families.
It's an honor to be here.
Alright.
I don't even know what more I can add to it as we say so wonderfully by chosen in a
payther but really and truly we are here to honor those who came before us, honor those
(12:04):
who've given the ultimate sacrifice and really to highlight the domino effect, the ripple
effect of pain, the cost of it all.
We don't really count the multiplying effect of it when somebody gives their life.
It's so brave as to lay down their life.
There was a ripple effect of struggle that is happening that really goes for generations.
A generational trauma.
(12:24):
Right.
And you know we're so we're really just taking the time right now to shine a light on it so
that hopefully the rest of the nation can really get a grasp of what that cost is.
When we get up we're here talking right now.
It was a cost somebody had to pay for us to do this.
And that is what this moment is about saying we see you, we appreciate you and we are here
(12:44):
for you.
And for all of you is you know as actors you've done all kinds of different roles and pieces
and performances.
Is there something different when you're doing a real life person's story?
As an actor do you feel more of a responsibility?
(13:05):
Do you disassociate like how does that work for you?
Take the responsibility.
And the thing that heightens this as well is that they'll be sitting in front of us.
So you want to honor them in a real way but not you know go too far where you can't tell
the story.
But it is a sad story.
(13:28):
But our job is to tell it properly and emotionally and allow the family to feel you know
really good about what their son, what their daughter, what their child has done.
And I would echo exactly what Epitha said even though we are there telling this story especially
(13:51):
when a family is right there then it really brings it to light that your story actor that
you are telling is my journey.
Your story is my life.
This pain that you are talking about is a reality for me.
That does heighten the stakes for me to make sure that I do honor and do justice to their
experience.
(14:11):
It's not just words on the page.
It's not just, this doesn't connect for me.
Yes it does because it's my life.
You see what I'm saying?
Yeah.
That's amazing.
I mean really just once again echoing what they're saying it's less so even acting as much
as I'm not imagining a world.
(14:32):
I'm not imagining a scenario.
You're really here to tell someone's story.
So I think as an actor it even informs anything I do after this point where I'm not just here
to tell stories of fictitious people.
This is a real life situation and this is real life pain.
So you know you have that true responsibility and I just know I'm here with great actors so
(14:53):
I feel like we'll be able to do it to the best of our ability and just show respect to
the family.
I love that.
For me anyway that's what great art does is it's not just telling stories but it's telling
stories in a way that affects the viewer in some way and this you know happens to be a
very real story that not just affects me watching you perform it but affects exactly
(15:20):
exactly.
So finally what can we expect next from you guys after this?
I can't speak on that yet.
I'm heading down to Savannah to do a film.
Awesome.
And next to me is this summer June 14th the one-de-years returns to ABC.
June 14th.
That's right.
(15:40):
Cool.
Thank you all.
I really appreciate it.
Powerful, powerful stuff.
I think for me anyway it's going to be a real highlight of the show.
Okay next up that I'll be talking to next up the war and treaty these guys oh wow they
(16:03):
are showstoppers the song that they're performing performing two songs actually.
It's a husband and wife duo Michael Trotter Jr and Tanya Tanya Trotter and those are these
guys are wow.
What I can't say enough about them you got to see the show.
Let's talk with the war and treaty.
Good.
(16:25):
All right I am here with the war and treaty we're on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for Memorial
Day.
You yourself come from the military thank you for your service.
What is this like for you this this moment?
We walked on stage last night for the first time and I must say I was speechless.
(16:45):
I didn't have one word to say it took my breath away to be out here to think about all
that those who have fallen have done for us so that we can honor them you know.
How about for you?
This means everything for me as you know I'm a warrior.
(17:06):
I feel the presence of my battle buddies and I'm happy to be here to honor them but
also to represent them.
The songs the two songs that you guys at first of all showstoppers that incredible
how did you decide on those two songs for this concert?
(17:28):
Well they decided for us they heard the two songs and believed that these two songs would
not just fit this moment but will fit the moment that our entire nation is in as far as
we feel the separation at times but we want to come together and realize that we are one
and that's what our nation's military represents the one this of the will to survive and the
(17:52):
will to close this together in freedom.
For both of you you know especially you have been there you know in the trenches and I
come my father's just retired from the Navy after 30 years thank you both and you know we
(18:12):
know how it is right we know we all have friends or a loved one who didn't make it you have
been there.
Do you feel that weight you know that you carry with you of your brothers both that came
home and that didn't or are you able to when you're up here kind of disassociate yourself
(18:35):
a little bit and get the song out you know yeah there's no heaviness brothers and sisters
yeah there's no heaviness nothing of a pure honor pure honor just say hey brother I made
it driving on I'm continuing your legacy so there's nothing but pure honor that I feel
(19:01):
and I'm grateful to the decision makers to give me and my wife this opportunity to be here
and on a different topic that you are obviously married to each other and your career is just
skyrocketing and and you know you're you are making your mark but I gotta ask who who's
(19:25):
who are you both equal and call in the shots or like what's you know how do you come to an
agreement I heard that your he's pointing to you and you're pointing to depends on the
true the values of an of the army is telling the truth and as you can see here I serve you
can see that she has it's time's not time true she calls all the shots he's a shot call
(19:48):
yeah yeah yeah I made it I did nothing wrong with that how do you decide when you're doing you
know when you're doing the song do you both come together and kind of work it out yourselves
like who is there a certain role that one or the other has or is it totally collaborative
every part of the process you know it early on when we started the war and treaty it was
(20:13):
pretty much Michael bringing me songs that were totally complete and I would say what do
you think about them you know we I think we should do this song and I would you know decide
if it's something that I wanted to think about but as we've grown as a band we've gotten
more into a collaborative effort with a lot of things and from here on forward yeah
definitely what can we expect next from you after this we go home for a little bit spend some
(20:36):
time with family and then we hit the road with Chris Stapleton yeah yeah yeah oh my god
ready to go Chris yeah awesome thank you both so much thank you for your service thank you for
your service I appreciate or they amazing I told you these guys are incredible and I can't
wait for you to see their performances next up we have Joe D. Messina let's talk with her
(21:05):
Kyle McMan and I heart radio I'm here with the one and only Joe D. Messina you absolutely beautiful
song that you're performing what does that song mean to you performing it at you know
I think West Lawn of the US Capitol on Memorial Day what is that moment like for you
(21:28):
um fascinating I wrote that song I remember I was like three o'clock in the morning and I was
watching the news why I was up at three o'clock in the morning I don't know and I wrote it
after we lost the first female soldier in combat and I saw the news coverage of it and I was
really moved by it and sat there in my piano and just wrote the song by myself and who would
(21:51):
have thought you know years later that they would invite us to this is great that's that's mind-blowing
to it's kind of surreal right I can't put it in words but to have it be put such part of such
a huge event and honoring our soldiers and the men and women lost in war protecting our
freedoms I mean in this country it's it's a great honor and as you're singing that this
(22:13):
song that you wrote you know does it does it hit you as you're doing it you know or are you
able to kind of take yourself out for those four minutes or I think it's surreal is a great word
for me it's performing it it's not like oh I wrote this song it's more like what it's about
and who it's for and in the front row to my left you're right my left is you know there will be
(22:38):
people from like Walter Reed you know soldiers that have come back and that are injured or have done
some you know rehab there and so it's really kind of a personal thing to be able to like sing it
to these guys and then the lawn all the folks here celebrating it's pretty neat I know my dad is
he just retired from the Navy after 30 years and I know he's a fan of yours so he's looking forward
(23:04):
to seeing you so I think it'll have yeah my dad was a Navy man too yeah you're telling me stories
yesterday but like his first trip he had to go down a Puerto Rico and they went out to see and he's
like once we went out there once we passed wherever it was he's like hurricane hit and so he was telling
me all of his stories of being in the Navy and on the ships and and so it does you know being from
(23:25):
a military family does it have you know a even more powerful meaning to you you know that because
there's there's family history there well yeah there is I mean on both sides of the family and my
brother still works for the government and my in down in Tennessee he works for the VA hospital
and my my my both my parents worked my mother worked for the VA as well and then my dad
(23:51):
deserved the military so it's huge we were just playing basketball yesterday before we came up
here my dad has you know the veteran license plate and so it sees very proud we're very proud
of that and finally what's what's next for you what what were you up to next oh jeesh we've been
touring we're in the middle of the headscarolina tails california tour so we will head out would do
(24:12):
see them a fast I think before we head out for our next run which is next week the week after June
8th I don't even know what day it is I do know a date is but it's I can't the calendars not right in my
head yeah but where we doing that all summer right up until November is we're doing the headscarolina
tails california tour awesome cool jody missina thank you so much all right there she is jody
(24:35):
missina and I love I love our next guest I've interviewed her numerous times before and I love her
more every time she's so talented one of the best voices ever the queen of gospel performing
two songs at the 2023 national memorial day concert the one and only yelanda Adams I am here at the
(25:02):
west lawn of the u.s. capital once again with the amazing yelanda Adams legend icon
ever all the things I could listen to you narr sing anything what should I like narrate my life
as I'm like walking around but but you were here once again this is not your first time by any means
why do you choose to keep coming back first of all capital concerts they're my family I love them
(25:29):
so much and I love the fact that they honor men and women who sometimes get overlooked and don't
get the recognition of being heroes and keeping the peace here at home and abroad and I just I'm just
so grateful that every year I get to do my part to make them feel needed wanted and seen and
(25:51):
my part is to give them the encouragement and the love and let them know that there are people out
here such as myself who have family members who've been deployed overseas and who have served in
the military for years and we see you we love you we appreciate you and don't give up I love that
(26:12):
and you know for you you're doing the national anthem you're also doing count on me
CC winons and Whitney Houston yeah and you are you are carrying that lead by yourself flawlessly
of an amazing choir in the background um what does it mean I mean that song yes with the backdrop
(26:32):
of this is so powerful do you do you have to like kind of step back when you're when as you're singing
because it is it's at least for me it seems like it would be super overwhelming it number it's
overwhelming because I love both of those ladies with all my heart and then to know that you know
(26:52):
our Whitney is gone but the song still carries such a huge positive loving message and um
Gary and John have been in the forefront of veterans rights and making sure that our veterans
and our servicemen and women who are presently working in service are you know are applauded or
(27:18):
you know are are seen and so when they came to me with the song I said guys this is perfect it makes
perfect sense because sometimes you know when you are in service and you hear crazy things from
just one person you know one troll on a social media or something like that it can make you feel like
what you've done is not worth it but I'm here to tell you guys and gals that all of your service and
(27:43):
all your dedication means a whole lot to us so you can count on us as well that's I love that so much
on a personal note what can we you have Yelanda Adams jewelry you have so much going on what
what can we expect from you next well season two of kingdom business is coming up we don't have this
yes we're hoping that it's summer because of the writers we're not saying strike the writers'
(28:05):
decisions we're saying that because we need y'all to come back to work and give them their money
no because they are so worth it I mean you're a writer you understand what that means you know time
and talent and you know writing your babies out and stuff like that so that's coming out and then
we're trying to schedule new music Jimmy Jammitarian I have finished the project okay so now it's
(28:28):
up to Sylvia Roan awesome and we're really excited I cannot wait because last time I guess it was
4th of July at the hotel we were talking about you starting to work on that project so now it's
here yeah that's awesome so we'll be looking for a date for that and you're gonna do some shows
to support the album yeah we're doing all of that and we have been green stamped for green lit
(28:54):
for a season three of kingdom business so all of those things that we happening at one time so
just make sure you follow me awesome we're gonna have all the Ylanda stuff thank you so much queen I
appreciate it I know how much I love you thank you I literally love Miss Ylanda Adam she is just a
(29:15):
powerhouse she's a legend you know she is the queen of gospel she could sing anything and I would
listen she's amazing all right next up American Idol winner he's got a new album coming out too
Philip Phillips all right I am here with Philip Phillips West Lawn U.S. Capitol for National Memorial
(29:41):
Day you're performing one of your songs what does that moment mean for you oh man it's just an honor
to be asked to come back and and then perform an informa gone from my first record and uh
you know that song has really throughout the years I've heard so many stories how people have
connected with it and it's a you know it is a song about you know loss but also you know it's a
(30:04):
it's a love song about you know all of those memories that you did get to have with those people
and that you're creating with those ones that you love and so tonight or tomorrow night just
hope everyone enjoys enjoys performance yeah and it and you did an incredible job I can't wait to
see tomorrow when it is at something like this you know something that Memorial Day you have you
(30:29):
know Gold Star families in the audience does it hold something different for you when you're
up on stage or you able to block that out or you do that every time you perform or you know I'm
honestly I get so nervous either any any kind of performance man I get really nervous so I'm just
gonna go out there and try to sing it the best I can and play it and forget everything I just say I
(30:50):
get really nervous but it is you know it's just such an honor you know the families that are here
that you know have lost someone and you know I'm again I get to play music for live and they you
know they're them and their families and all the other one everyone else that whose family has lost
someone they've made it possible for me to you know be able to create music and pursue it so
(31:14):
anytime I can give back I want to I love that and for your career you are now independent right
and you have a new album coming out June 9th yeah yeah yeah got new album coming out June 9th
called Driftback and really loving these songs they've got four new songs out right now
dance with your shadows and several others so check them out really excited about it going to
(31:38):
announce a tour for the fall as well and it's gonna be a good time good good year and you have so far
it I think it's over what 1.3 billion Spotify strings something like like what are you like stoked I
mean that's a huge thing you don't even know the number I don't keep up with the numbers it stresses
me out too much yeah I said that too yeah you're stressing me out no no it it's pretty cool man I'm just
(32:04):
again I'm very very blessed and very thankful for all the fans and people that enjoy my music I
can never ever think anyone enough for that and yeah just got some new music coming out too and
hopefully they all like that and just yeah just working away awesome so we have a National Memorial Day
concert tomorrow live we have the new album coming out in a couple weeks and a tour after that right
(32:28):
all awesome cool thank you so much Philip Phillips one busy man thank you brother appreciate you
such a great guy Philip Phillips is the man and and of course the song is performing you will know
it love and sing along with I love it all right finally we have trace adkins let's talk with trace
(32:57):
all right I'm here with trace adkins Washington DC for the National Memorial Day concert this is
not your first one why why do you choose to keep coming back and and doing this incredible event
I think man this is just such an inspirational show I don't I can't recall ever doing a Memorial Day
(33:17):
event that moved me the way this does and as a singer I mean if you got but if you have an
opportunity to have one of your pieces of music interpreted and played by an orchestra you don't pass
that you don't pass that up and what does Memorial Day mean to you well it's just a chance for us to
(33:39):
remember and I think it's important that we let those families that have sacrificed one of their
loved ones let them know that we were never going to forget I think they need to be reminded of
that from time to time because I'm afraid sometimes they feel like nobody cares or remembers anymore but
some of us do absolutely I think it's a good reminder for all of us really what's next for you
(34:04):
what can we expect after after National Memorial Day concert I'll get back on the bus go somewhere else
get off and do my silly country music show are you sorry you in the middle of the tour yeah you know
we're just we're just doing weekend stuff this summer I wanted to kind of you know kick back a
little bit this year not not work quite as much and so we're just doing weekend stuff awesome and now
(34:29):
you preparing for anything else for next year no I don't I might do another record it just depends
how I feel you know if I have anything left to say okay all right Trace thank you very much I
appreciate your time all right Trace addkins I'm sure you've seen all of my social coverage I've
(34:50):
been posting to stories and Snapchat and everything else Instagram and Facebook and all so that's our
show I have to get ready for our for the actual live broadcast Sunday PBS live 8 p.m. Eastern and like
I said the next two weeks after that you can watch it on YouTube or PBS dot org and believe me from what
(35:20):
I'm saying from rehearsals this is one you will not want to miss all right from live live from
National Memorial Day concert West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol PBS is National Memorial Day concert all
right I love you yeah thank you for listening to pop culture weekly you're all the latest at pop
(35:43):
culture weekly dot com
you
In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, it's all about the 2023 National Memorial Day
(00:04):
concert we've got Trace Agkins, Philip Phillips, Yelanda Adams, and so much more.
Let's go!
Welcome to Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from My Heart Radio.
Your Pop Culture News, Views, Reviews, and Celebrity Interviews on all the movies, TV,
music, and pop culture you crave weekly.
(00:25):
Here's Kyle McMahon.
Hey, what's up?
It's Kyle McMahon, I heart Radio's Pop Culture Weekly, and I am here live in Washington,
D.C.
Once again, on the West lawn of the Capitol for the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert
on PBS.
It is, I'm in rehearsals now, and it is going to be an incredible show.
(00:51):
Joe Montenia and Gary Seneese once again are hosting performers, Trace Agkins, Yelanda
Adams, Jody Messina, Philip Phillips, Esopotham, Markerson, John Slattery, Doole Hill,
Chosen Jacobs, Mary McCormick, The War and Treaty.
(01:12):
It's the National Symphony Orchestra, and I'm talking to all those people as well, FYI,
it is going to be an incredible show.
The stories that they are telling, one, in particular, really, really, is just incredible.
Sergeant Anthony O'Neill McGee, Colonel Carlisle, Smitty, and Louise Harris, his loving wife.
(01:38):
It is going to be an excellent show, a locket right here for all of the interviews, and
then, of course, the show airs live on Sunday, and if you're listening to this after, for
two weeks afterwards, you can watch the live show on YouTube, PBS is YouTube, or go to
(01:59):
PBS.org to the National Memorial Day Concert site, and you can watch it there.
It is well, well worth your time.
Next up, we have our hosts, The One and Only, or The Two and Only, Joe Montenna, and Gary
Sinise.
(02:19):
All right.
So, you both have done this, you know, since it's inception, essentially.
Why is it so important for you to come back every year and tell these amazing stories?
This is our National Memorial Day Concert.
It's actually a well-kept secret when you consider how many people don't know about this concert.
(02:44):
I didn't know about it until Joe called me 2005 and asked me and said, "Hey, I started doing
this Memorial Day Concert a few years ago, come and do a segment."
And that was 2005, and I was unaware of the National Memorial Day Concert.
But this is our 34th year.
This concert has been going on for 34 years.
I hope that we can spread the word and more and more people each year will tune in.
(03:07):
This is a way for our nation to come together in remembrance and honor and appreciation of
the sacrifices that have been made to keep us all free over the years.
And the freedom comes at a cost.
There's a price that has to be paid.
People have paid it and we honor them here at the National Memorial Day Concert.
I love that.
I love that.
Well, you know, at Coing area, I didn't know about the concert before I first did it.
(03:31):
And after I was in my third year of doing it, and when they asked me to take over his host
with the great Aussie Davis, it passed away.
I wanted to bring Gary in because I knew he already, this was a guy that already knew that
Memorial Day was the most important holiday we celebrated in this country.
I didn't until I did that first concert.
I had a lot of military in my family, but they all came home.
And so the Memorial Day didn't quite have the same meaning for me as it ultimately did
(03:54):
from doing this concert.
So now both of us have been here, you know, a couple of decades now.
And it's, I could easily say that it's the most important thing I do over here.
So given the opportunity to do it, it's a privilege.
I love that.
I learned more about the relatives in my own family and their service.
(04:16):
And kind of later in life when I was growing up, my family members never talked about their
war years or anything like that.
It was after September 11th and the attack on September 11th and the recognition that people
were now deploying in reaction to that event and that I started doing all kinds of things
(04:39):
and then discovered this thing that had been going on for years, the National Memorial
Day concert.
So I learned more about my own relatives and my own family.
I started doing this show than I did when I was growing up as a kid.
I love that.
Thank you both so much.
I really appreciate it.
(04:59):
National Memorial Day concert.
West Lawn of the Capital.
They've been doing this show as you heard for a long time now and they do it impeccably
and they're going to do it impeccably once again.
Next up we have Mary McCormick and John Slattery.
(05:21):
Let's talk to them.
So Mary you've been here numerous times.
This is your first time for you.
Why do you keep coming back?
It's obviously very important.
It's a beautiful concert that is put on every year but you make it a point to do that.
(05:44):
Why is that important to you?
I came the first year I came.
I was so touched and moved by how powerful the night is that I just said to the producers
and everyone here.
I was like I'll be back next year.
I wasn't really invited back next year but I just said well I'm coming either way.
So I'm a little stalker/performer.
I'm not sure I'm really invited but I just was so taken with it.
(06:05):
My dad was a Marine and I just grew up thinking Memorial Day should be about more than
cookouts and so it's a real honor to be here.
I love that.
And for you this is your first time.
What is that moment like for you?
You know to be here on the lawn of this rehearsal is unbelievable.
I mean as you can see where we are.
(06:26):
I mean just to acknowledge all the people, all the men and women who are serving now, who
have served their country over the history of the United States, all over the world.
So that we can live the way we live here and to protect us.
I think sacrifice and POW and all the, and thank you for your service or things that are
(06:52):
thrown around genuinely but to consider the actual sacrifice is and how these people have
to live their lives in order to do this.
It just means a lot.
And the your performance is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the return of POW.
(07:16):
Thank you.
Does that, you know, I feel like as an actor, I'm not an actor but I feel like if I was I would
feel almost more nervous than like a than a normal role maybe rather than you know telling
the story because it has such reverence and history.
(07:36):
Is that true or are you able to disassociate yourself a bit or?
I mean we're we're reading I'm reading the part of Carlisle, Smitty Harris who was who was
imprisoned in the Hanoi Hilton was now known as the Hanoi Hilton for eight years.
Met his eight year old son when he got back at the Air Force Base when he got back.
(08:00):
He was supposed to be here but he couldn't make it.
This couldn't be here this weekend.
So I just want to mention I mean we're not you know we're reading his words and I mean I'm
not nervous because we're just saying thank you.
It's a tribute to him and so it's not like a film performance.
(08:24):
It's not like a we're here in thanks and in service to all these people and I'm just
glad to be a part of it.
Yeah I think if we stay present in that you know sometimes it's live so there's a beautiful
orchestra playing behind us and there's you know tens of thousands of people out here.
It's a big night and it's magical and powerful but I find if I stay present in the thank you
(08:49):
and just let their words do the work.
Their words are beautiful and authentic and speak to so many.
You know I hope all POWs and their families will hear of Smitty's story and his wife's
story and relate and all Vietnam vets.
I hope they all feel honored by it.
Awesome.
What can we expect next from you beyond National Memorial Day Concert?
(09:10):
What are your do you have any projects landed on?
Yeah I'm on a show right now that's on stars network and it's called Heels and our second
season is premiering in July.
Okay so we have a month or so to get.
Yeah awesome.
I just finished directing a movie while I finished it a while ago.
It's called Maggie Moore's it's with John Hamm and Tina Fey and it I directed it and it
(09:32):
is coming out June 16th.
Wherever you can buy movies it'll be in New York and LA and theaters and then I believe
Hulu after that.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Good I'm looking forward to both of your projects.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Cool.
Nice to see you again.
Nice to see you.
Definitely.
(09:52):
We're a master.
We're a master.
All right Mary McCormick and John's slattery two incredible talents and there I can't
wait to you see their the story that they are performing really really powerful stuff
here.
(10:12):
Next up we have Dulay Hill, Esapatha, Markerson and chosen Jacobs.
I'm here with these three incredibly talented artists and you all are telling an incredibly
powerful story from three different perspectives over you know three different generations.
(10:32):
Can you tell me a little bit about what that means to you being here telling that story
Memorial Day at the Capitol?
I believe it's a really unique opportunity especially as an actor to be able to show just
the breath of the pain that comes from war and just from these battles and these brave soldiers
that go out and risk their lives and not only themselves but the families that they leave
(10:57):
behind.
So I'm just grateful to be here and be able to express this story that's just so human
and a pain and loss but also of triumph and coming up.
Well he said it beautifully.
The reason we're here is to highlight this family the McGee Davis family of losing their
son Anthony and to be able to look at it from three perspectives.
(11:22):
I've done this before and it was just me and now to have a family because that is who
is affected large families you know to not just the three of the people that we're speaking
for but sisters and brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles.
(11:43):
So it's a real privilege to be able to speak for the gold star families.
It's an honor to be here.
Alright.
I don't even know what more I can add to it as we say so wonderfully by chosen in a
payther but really and truly we are here to honor those who came before us, honor those
(12:04):
who've given the ultimate sacrifice and really to highlight the domino effect, the ripple
effect of pain, the cost of it all.
We don't really count the multiplying effect of it when somebody gives their life.
It's so brave as to lay down their life.
There was a ripple effect of struggle that is happening that really goes for generations.
A generational trauma.
(12:24):
Right.
And you know we're so we're really just taking the time right now to shine a light on it so
that hopefully the rest of the nation can really get a grasp of what that cost is.
When we get up we're here talking right now.
It was a cost somebody had to pay for us to do this.
And that is what this moment is about saying we see you, we appreciate you and we are here
(12:44):
for you.
And for all of you is you know as actors you've done all kinds of different roles and pieces
and performances.
Is there something different when you're doing a real life person's story?
As an actor do you feel more of a responsibility?
(13:05):
Do you disassociate like how does that work for you?
Take the responsibility.
And the thing that heightens this as well is that they'll be sitting in front of us.
So you want to honor them in a real way but not you know go too far where you can't tell
the story.
But it is a sad story.
(13:28):
But our job is to tell it properly and emotionally and allow the family to feel you know
really good about what their son, what their daughter, what their child has done.
And I would echo exactly what Epitha said even though we are there telling this story especially
(13:51):
when a family is right there then it really brings it to light that your story actor that
you are telling is my journey.
Your story is my life.
This pain that you are talking about is a reality for me.
That does heighten the stakes for me to make sure that I do honor and do justice to their
experience.
(14:11):
It's not just words on the page.
It's not just, this doesn't connect for me.
Yes it does because it's my life.
You see what I'm saying?
Yeah.
That's amazing.
I mean really just once again echoing what they're saying it's less so even acting as much
as I'm not imagining a world.
(14:32):
I'm not imagining a scenario.
You're really here to tell someone's story.
So I think as an actor it even informs anything I do after this point where I'm not just here
to tell stories of fictitious people.
This is a real life situation and this is real life pain.
So you know you have that true responsibility and I just know I'm here with great actors so
(14:53):
I feel like we'll be able to do it to the best of our ability and just show respect to
the family.
I love that.
For me anyway that's what great art does is it's not just telling stories but it's telling
stories in a way that affects the viewer in some way and this you know happens to be a
very real story that not just affects me watching you perform it but affects exactly
(15:20):
exactly.
So finally what can we expect next from you guys after this?
I can't speak on that yet.
I'm heading down to Savannah to do a film.
Awesome.
And next to me is this summer June 14th the one-de-years returns to ABC.
June 14th.
That's right.
(15:40):
Cool.
Thank you all.
I really appreciate it.
Powerful, powerful stuff.
I think for me anyway it's going to be a real highlight of the show.
Okay next up that I'll be talking to next up the war and treaty these guys oh wow they
(16:03):
are showstoppers the song that they're performing performing two songs actually.
It's a husband and wife duo Michael Trotter Jr and Tanya Tanya Trotter and those are these
guys are wow.
What I can't say enough about them you got to see the show.
Let's talk with the war and treaty.
Good.
(16:25):
All right I am here with the war and treaty we're on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for Memorial
Day.
You yourself come from the military thank you for your service.
What is this like for you this this moment?
We walked on stage last night for the first time and I must say I was speechless.
(16:45):
I didn't have one word to say it took my breath away to be out here to think about all
that those who have fallen have done for us so that we can honor them you know.
How about for you?
This means everything for me as you know I'm a warrior.
(17:06):
I feel the presence of my battle buddies and I'm happy to be here to honor them but
also to represent them.
The songs the two songs that you guys at first of all showstoppers that incredible
how did you decide on those two songs for this concert?
(17:28):
Well they decided for us they heard the two songs and believed that these two songs would
not just fit this moment but will fit the moment that our entire nation is in as far as
we feel the separation at times but we want to come together and realize that we are one
and that's what our nation's military represents the one this of the will to survive and the
(17:52):
will to close this together in freedom.
For both of you you know especially you have been there you know in the trenches and I
come my father's just retired from the Navy after 30 years thank you both and you know we
(18:12):
know how it is right we know we all have friends or a loved one who didn't make it you have
been there.
Do you feel that weight you know that you carry with you of your brothers both that came
home and that didn't or are you able to when you're up here kind of disassociate yourself
(18:35):
a little bit and get the song out you know yeah there's no heaviness brothers and sisters
yeah there's no heaviness nothing of a pure honor pure honor just say hey brother I made
it driving on I'm continuing your legacy so there's nothing but pure honor that I feel
(19:01):
and I'm grateful to the decision makers to give me and my wife this opportunity to be here
and on a different topic that you are obviously married to each other and your career is just
skyrocketing and and you know you're you are making your mark but I gotta ask who who's
(19:25):
who are you both equal and call in the shots or like what's you know how do you come to an
agreement I heard that your he's pointing to you and you're pointing to depends on the
true the values of an of the army is telling the truth and as you can see here I serve you
can see that she has it's time's not time true she calls all the shots he's a shot call
(19:48):
yeah yeah yeah I made it I did nothing wrong with that how do you decide when you're doing you
know when you're doing the song do you both come together and kind of work it out yourselves
like who is there a certain role that one or the other has or is it totally collaborative
every part of the process you know it early on when we started the war and treaty it was
(20:13):
pretty much Michael bringing me songs that were totally complete and I would say what do
you think about them you know we I think we should do this song and I would you know decide
if it's something that I wanted to think about but as we've grown as a band we've gotten
more into a collaborative effort with a lot of things and from here on forward yeah
definitely what can we expect next from you after this we go home for a little bit spend some
(20:36):
time with family and then we hit the road with Chris Stapleton yeah yeah yeah oh my god
ready to go Chris yeah awesome thank you both so much thank you for your service thank you for
your service I appreciate or they amazing I told you these guys are incredible and I can't
wait for you to see their performances next up we have Joe D. Messina let's talk with her
(21:05):
Kyle McMan and I heart radio I'm here with the one and only Joe D. Messina you absolutely beautiful
song that you're performing what does that song mean to you performing it at you know
I think West Lawn of the US Capitol on Memorial Day what is that moment like for you
(21:28):
um fascinating I wrote that song I remember I was like three o'clock in the morning and I was
watching the news why I was up at three o'clock in the morning I don't know and I wrote it
after we lost the first female soldier in combat and I saw the news coverage of it and I was
really moved by it and sat there in my piano and just wrote the song by myself and who would
(21:51):
have thought you know years later that they would invite us to this is great that's that's mind-blowing
to it's kind of surreal right I can't put it in words but to have it be put such part of such
a huge event and honoring our soldiers and the men and women lost in war protecting our
freedoms I mean in this country it's it's a great honor and as you're singing that this
(22:13):
song that you wrote you know does it does it hit you as you're doing it you know or are you
able to kind of take yourself out for those four minutes or I think it's surreal is a great word
for me it's performing it it's not like oh I wrote this song it's more like what it's about
and who it's for and in the front row to my left you're right my left is you know there will be
(22:38):
people from like Walter Reed you know soldiers that have come back and that are injured or have done
some you know rehab there and so it's really kind of a personal thing to be able to like sing it
to these guys and then the lawn all the folks here celebrating it's pretty neat I know my dad is
he just retired from the Navy after 30 years and I know he's a fan of yours so he's looking forward
(23:04):
to seeing you so I think it'll have yeah my dad was a Navy man too yeah you're telling me stories
yesterday but like his first trip he had to go down a Puerto Rico and they went out to see and he's
like once we went out there once we passed wherever it was he's like hurricane hit and so he was telling
me all of his stories of being in the Navy and on the ships and and so it does you know being from
(23:25):
a military family does it have you know a even more powerful meaning to you you know that because
there's there's family history there well yeah there is I mean on both sides of the family and my
brother still works for the government and my in down in Tennessee he works for the VA hospital
and my my my both my parents worked my mother worked for the VA as well and then my dad
(23:51):
deserved the military so it's huge we were just playing basketball yesterday before we came up
here my dad has you know the veteran license plate and so it sees very proud we're very proud
of that and finally what's what's next for you what what were you up to next oh jeesh we've been
touring we're in the middle of the headscarolina tails california tour so we will head out would do
(24:12):
see them a fast I think before we head out for our next run which is next week the week after June
8th I don't even know what day it is I do know a date is but it's I can't the calendars not right in my
head yeah but where we doing that all summer right up until November is we're doing the headscarolina
tails california tour awesome cool jody missina thank you so much all right there she is jody
(24:35):
missina and I love I love our next guest I've interviewed her numerous times before and I love her
more every time she's so talented one of the best voices ever the queen of gospel performing
two songs at the 2023 national memorial day concert the one and only yelanda Adams I am here at the
(25:02):
west lawn of the u.s. capital once again with the amazing yelanda Adams legend icon
ever all the things I could listen to you narr sing anything what should I like narrate my life
as I'm like walking around but but you were here once again this is not your first time by any means
why do you choose to keep coming back first of all capital concerts they're my family I love them
(25:29):
so much and I love the fact that they honor men and women who sometimes get overlooked and don't
get the recognition of being heroes and keeping the peace here at home and abroad and I just I'm just
so grateful that every year I get to do my part to make them feel needed wanted and seen and
(25:51):
my part is to give them the encouragement and the love and let them know that there are people out
here such as myself who have family members who've been deployed overseas and who have served in
the military for years and we see you we love you we appreciate you and don't give up I love that
(26:12):
and you know for you you're doing the national anthem you're also doing count on me
CC winons and Whitney Houston yeah and you are you are carrying that lead by yourself flawlessly
of an amazing choir in the background um what does it mean I mean that song yes with the backdrop
(26:32):
of this is so powerful do you do you have to like kind of step back when you're when as you're singing
because it is it's at least for me it seems like it would be super overwhelming it number it's
overwhelming because I love both of those ladies with all my heart and then to know that you know
(26:52):
our Whitney is gone but the song still carries such a huge positive loving message and um
Gary and John have been in the forefront of veterans rights and making sure that our veterans
and our servicemen and women who are presently working in service are you know are applauded or
(27:18):
you know are are seen and so when they came to me with the song I said guys this is perfect it makes
perfect sense because sometimes you know when you are in service and you hear crazy things from
just one person you know one troll on a social media or something like that it can make you feel like
what you've done is not worth it but I'm here to tell you guys and gals that all of your service and
(27:43):
all your dedication means a whole lot to us so you can count on us as well that's I love that so much
on a personal note what can we you have Yelanda Adams jewelry you have so much going on what
what can we expect from you next well season two of kingdom business is coming up we don't have this
yes we're hoping that it's summer because of the writers we're not saying strike the writers'
(28:05):
decisions we're saying that because we need y'all to come back to work and give them their money
no because they are so worth it I mean you're a writer you understand what that means you know time
and talent and you know writing your babies out and stuff like that so that's coming out and then
we're trying to schedule new music Jimmy Jammitarian I have finished the project okay so now it's
(28:28):
up to Sylvia Roan awesome and we're really excited I cannot wait because last time I guess it was
4th of July at the hotel we were talking about you starting to work on that project so now it's
here yeah that's awesome so we'll be looking for a date for that and you're gonna do some shows
to support the album yeah we're doing all of that and we have been green stamped for green lit
(28:54):
for a season three of kingdom business so all of those things that we happening at one time so
just make sure you follow me awesome we're gonna have all the Ylanda stuff thank you so much queen I
appreciate it I know how much I love you thank you I literally love Miss Ylanda Adam she is just a
(29:15):
powerhouse she's a legend you know she is the queen of gospel she could sing anything and I would
listen she's amazing all right next up American Idol winner he's got a new album coming out too
Philip Phillips all right I am here with Philip Phillips West Lawn U.S. Capitol for National Memorial
(29:41):
Day you're performing one of your songs what does that moment mean for you oh man it's just an honor
to be asked to come back and and then perform an informa gone from my first record and uh
you know that song has really throughout the years I've heard so many stories how people have
connected with it and it's a you know it is a song about you know loss but also you know it's a
(30:04):
it's a love song about you know all of those memories that you did get to have with those people
and that you're creating with those ones that you love and so tonight or tomorrow night just
hope everyone enjoys enjoys performance yeah and it and you did an incredible job I can't wait to
see tomorrow when it is at something like this you know something that Memorial Day you have you
(30:29):
know Gold Star families in the audience does it hold something different for you when you're
up on stage or you able to block that out or you do that every time you perform or you know I'm
honestly I get so nervous either any any kind of performance man I get really nervous so I'm just
gonna go out there and try to sing it the best I can and play it and forget everything I just say I
(30:50):
get really nervous but it is you know it's just such an honor you know the families that are here
that you know have lost someone and you know I'm again I get to play music for live and they you
know they're them and their families and all the other one everyone else that whose family has lost
someone they've made it possible for me to you know be able to create music and pursue it so
(31:14):
anytime I can give back I want to I love that and for your career you are now independent right
and you have a new album coming out June 9th yeah yeah yeah got new album coming out June 9th
called Driftback and really loving these songs they've got four new songs out right now
dance with your shadows and several others so check them out really excited about it going to
(31:38):
announce a tour for the fall as well and it's gonna be a good time good good year and you have so far
it I think it's over what 1.3 billion Spotify strings something like like what are you like stoked I
mean that's a huge thing you don't even know the number I don't keep up with the numbers it stresses
me out too much yeah I said that too yeah you're stressing me out no no it it's pretty cool man I'm just
(32:04):
again I'm very very blessed and very thankful for all the fans and people that enjoy my music I
can never ever think anyone enough for that and yeah just got some new music coming out too and
hopefully they all like that and just yeah just working away awesome so we have a National Memorial Day
concert tomorrow live we have the new album coming out in a couple weeks and a tour after that right
(32:28):
all awesome cool thank you so much Philip Phillips one busy man thank you brother appreciate you
such a great guy Philip Phillips is the man and and of course the song is performing you will know
it love and sing along with I love it all right finally we have trace adkins let's talk with trace
(32:57):
all right I'm here with trace adkins Washington DC for the National Memorial Day concert this is
not your first one why why do you choose to keep coming back and and doing this incredible event
I think man this is just such an inspirational show I don't I can't recall ever doing a Memorial Day
(33:17):
event that moved me the way this does and as a singer I mean if you got but if you have an
opportunity to have one of your pieces of music interpreted and played by an orchestra you don't pass
that you don't pass that up and what does Memorial Day mean to you well it's just a chance for us to
(33:39):
remember and I think it's important that we let those families that have sacrificed one of their
loved ones let them know that we were never going to forget I think they need to be reminded of
that from time to time because I'm afraid sometimes they feel like nobody cares or remembers anymore but
some of us do absolutely I think it's a good reminder for all of us really what's next for you
(34:04):
what can we expect after after National Memorial Day concert I'll get back on the bus go somewhere else
get off and do my silly country music show are you sorry you in the middle of the tour yeah you know
we're just we're just doing weekend stuff this summer I wanted to kind of you know kick back a
little bit this year not not work quite as much and so we're just doing weekend stuff awesome and now
(34:29):
you preparing for anything else for next year no I don't I might do another record it just depends
how I feel you know if I have anything left to say okay all right Trace thank you very much I
appreciate your time all right Trace addkins I'm sure you've seen all of my social coverage I've
(34:50):
been posting to stories and Snapchat and everything else Instagram and Facebook and all so that's our
show I have to get ready for our for the actual live broadcast Sunday PBS live 8 p.m. Eastern and like
I said the next two weeks after that you can watch it on YouTube or PBS dot org and believe me from what
(35:20):
I'm saying from rehearsals this is one you will not want to miss all right from live live from
National Memorial Day concert West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol PBS is National Memorial Day concert all
right I love you yeah thank you for listening to pop culture weekly you're all the latest at pop
(35:43):
culture weekly dot com
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