The always popular Yve Evans returns to Idyllwild next week, Thursday, July 18. She and her group will perform at the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series staged at the Idyllwild Community Center site.
Evans’ singing, playing and humor are often seen at Jazz in the Pines and will now be on display for her Idyllwild followers.
When asked what she liked about Idyllwild, Evans first described the “trees, peaceful trees,” then chuckled and talked about the people and the friendly town.
“I walk down the street and people know who I am,” exclaimed Evans, who has been performing in Idyllwild for 15 years. She added, “I’ve gotten very familiar with Idyllwild.”
Evans sings the blues, gospel and pop. She described her show as, “My private party in a public place. It’s like a reunion of a huge family — something for everyone.”
She has described her entertainment as “from two of the greatest female performers that ever walked onto a stage — Pearl Bailey and Della Reese.”
She clearly embraces her art and her public. In 2006, she was diagnosed with cancer, but has been cancer-free for more than five years, which is one reason she so easily shares her talent with an audience.
Brad Bobo, bassist and composer, Larry Washington, drummer, and Mike Simms, guitar, will accompany her on stage.
All the musicians have great voices, she said. But since she doesn’t get to play any notes, they won’t be allowed to sing, she explained.
This week, Evans will be at the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Festival. After 50 years of traveling around the world to perform, she says it can be tiresome. But she never tires of it, because “it affords new friends and old friends, a mixed bag of action, which is a great life for me.
“But I can’t wait to get on the Hill,” she said gleefully. “We’re humble and honored to be part of the great summer series.”
Marshall Hawkins Seahawk Band will open the evening’s music at 6:15 p.m, and Evans follows at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18.