Kevin Costner is leading a double life — professionally, that is.
Most people likely know him as the much lauded actor from movies including “Dances with Wolves,” “Field of Dreams,” “3000 Miles to Graceland,” and dozens of others. But Costner is also touring the country with his band Modern West that includes longtime friends John Coinman and Blair Forward with buddies Teddy Morgan, Larry Cobb and Park Chisholm.
“We could play all the time. I’m not ready for that,” said Costner of the demand for the group and his need to balance music with his acting, directing and producing duties. “But when we do play, we always have a great time.”
| Onstage |
| Kevin Costner and Modern West |
| When: 8 p.m. Thursday |
| Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda |
| Info: $35 to $90; strathmore.org |
Costner actually began playing music years ago and somewhat formalized it when he met Coinman in an acting workshop. The two formed the band the Roving Boys and found some success but shelved it when Costner’s star rose. A 2005 reunion brought the band back to life and planted the seeds from which Modern West was born.
Unlike some actors who also play music, Costner sees his two professional artistic pursuits as absolutely intertwined.
“I am going to be thinking about the audience a lot that night,” he said of his upcoming local concert. “A lot of us have a mutual history. I don’t run away from my movies; my movies are a large part of who I am and so [tell the audience] what they can expect. I want them to get their money’s worth, to find this an experience that is more positive than they anticipated.”
There’s little chance that won’t be the case when you consider how the songs have impacted so many.
Consider the song “The Angels Came Down,” a song that the Gold Star Moms and the Gold Star Wives have adopted. The song, about a felled soldier, is used by the military families of those who lost loved ones in the Chinook-SEALs crash on August 11.
Costner said he didn’t hesitate when asked to appear at an April 14 event at Fort Knox to honor those that lost their lives.
“I am thrilled that the Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives use that song,” he said. “I have been very pleased with so many of the awards and honors I’ve received, but this is truly a stand out. I am very, very proud.”
Costner underscores that his appearance and the song’s use is not something that he sees as a way to further the band’s career.
“It is really important to me that it is played [at military services]. That breaks my heart and also thrills me,” he said. “This is not political. I am going to be there to honor those that lost their lives.”
