LIFE ON THE ROAD

Members of Palmer’s Walker family talk about life as aspiring musicians and performers experiencing the American Dream.

What’s the hardest thing about being on the road?

Apryll: “Making sure we have enough to pay the bills.” The next concern, mechanical breakdowns.

Is living on the road seeking fame worth what you give up?

Kendra: “It’s well worth it. You see a lot of things that other people don’t see in a lifetime. We’re always somewhere new and exciting.”

How to you keep your children from being caught up in show business?

Apryll: “We’re close as a family. We pray together. We read our Scripture every day. We have a good connection to each other. We’re each other’s friends. If they’re grounded, if they have faith … that helps a lot.”

Are you financially successful?

Brett: “Yes, now. We’ve far surpassed many of the family bands that have been out there five, 10, 15 or 20 years. We’ve learned what we needed to learn. We’re much more successful on the road.”

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Apryll: “My dad told us, ‘Don’t forget who you are.’” That, she said, includes everyone keeping their natural hair color — from strawberry blond to auburn, and Alisa’s brown mane.

Is it hard to be away from your home?

LaRae: “Home is with my family. I love Alaska, but right now home is on the road.”

Alisa: “It’s like making a bunch of homes all over the U.S.”

Who’s the most-recognizable star you’ve met?

Kendra: “Vince Gill. It (Nashville) is a really small world.”

What message do you want to send back to the Valley?

Kendra: “You can take your dreams and take what you love, and with a little effort, you can accomplish them.”

When are you coming back to Alaska?

Apryll: “Honestly, we can’t afford that big trip right now.” And they have lots of dates booked during the winter, many in S outh Texas. Apryll said they hope to be invited to the Anchorage Folk Festival 2012.