Kevin Costner is well known for his acting and directing on film, particularly his 1991 Oscar sweep for "Dances With Wolves." After a decade leading a band, however, he's also becoming known for his music.
Costner and Modern West will headline tonight's StarNight 2016, a fundraiser for Siskin Children's Institute at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The band has been together for more than a decade and just released its fifth album.
Not bad for something that Costner did "without any expectation," he said in a telephone interview. "We just wanted to play original music."
He said he also wanted a way to connect with fans while he was in a particular part of the world making a movie.
"Wherever I was making a movie, I wanted to connect with fans beyond just doing autographs. And I figured if they were to get to know me, the best way would be through music."
Music is more than a minor diversion and not something Costner just dabbles in.
"That's typical of my life," he said. "I go the way I feel strongest about."
While he took the band seriously from the very beginning, Costner said it was his first paid gig that made it real for him - not because there was money involved, but because of something the man who paid the bill said.
"He was a very successful businessman, and I asked him 'Why us?' when he'd never heard us play. He said, 'I knew you wouldn't try to sabotage yourself and do something that wasn't good.' It was strictly a business decision for him, but I thought, 'Wow, he's right. I'm not going to do something just for myself. I have to give people a show.'"
That is his goal for every show, he said. He realizes many in the audience are there to see the famous actor, but he said the band comes with a plan and a set list designed to make people happy and maybe a little surprised at the show they've just witnessed. He does that not only with the songs, which are a blend of Americana, country and classic rock, but by sharing the stories behind the songs.
"In terms of the audience, I want them to have this total experience and have something they were maybe not prepared for. And then when something fresh happens, it always makes us [the band] feel good, also."
Everyone in the band writes songs, and Costner said that in 10 years, there has never been a disagreement. That might be in part because "I am the final say. The tiebreaker. I make the decision and everyone knows that. I may not always be right, but that's how it is."
As for his favorite part of performing and being in a band?
"I love practice. I enjoy the soundcheck. That's when we all reconnect and talk about our families and our kids."
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.