Country singer and multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans is scheduled to perform at the Kenley Amphitheater on Aug. 3 as part of the Davis Arts Council's Summer Nights with the Stars series. The performance, set for 8 p.m. in Layton, follows a long career that includes over six million albums sold and multiple number-one hits on the Billboard country charts.
Summer Concert Series Goals
The performance is part of a broader 2026 concert series organized by the Davis Arts Council. Lisa Hoyt Zamora, the executive director for the Davis Arts Council, stated that the season reflects a commitment to bringing exceptional artists and memorable performances to the community. According to Zamora, the series aims to create summer evenings where neighbors, families, and friends can gather to experience live music together.
Connection to Utah Fans
Evans' upcoming appearance in Layton marks a return to the venue for the singer, who has a history of performing in Utah. As Davis Journal reported, Evans has expressed a fondness for the state, noting that she enjoys the scenery and has found Utah fans to be incredibly supportive. She stated that every show she has performed in the state has been incredible and that Utah fans never fail to bring high energy.
Early Musical Beginnings
The singer's musical journey began at age five, singing alongside her brothers in The Evans Family Band. Evans explained that after her brothers began taking guitar lessons, she began singing along to their practice sessions. Her mother eventually formed a band that included Evans and her siblings, which eventually evolved into the Sara Evans Show. This regional act performed at various venues across Missouri and the Midwest before Evans and her brother Matt moved to Nashville to pursue professional opportunities.
Breakthrough in Nashville
Evans' breakthrough in the music industry occurred after she was discovered while singing a demo for the late Harlan Howard. Howard, who wanted to pitch the song "Tiger by the Tail" to Patty Loveless, reportedly heard Evans singing and immediately contacted the head of RCA Records. According to Evans, the label offered her a seven-album deal that same day. While the sudden opportunity was terrifying, she credited RCA for giving her the time to develop her professional identity and transition from singing covers to her own original music.
Chart Success and Accolades
Throughout her career, Evans has achieved significant commercial success, including five number-one singles: "No Place That Far," "Suds In The Bucket," "A Real Fine Place To Start," "Born to Fly," and "A Little Bit Stronger." Her second album produced her first number-one hit, "No Place That Far," which featured Vince Gill. Evans has also been recognized by the Academy of Country Music as a top female vocalist and has received numerous nominations from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the Grammy Awards.
Diverse Professional Career
Beyond her music career, Evans has explored other professional avenues, including television and literature. She was a contestant on the 2006 season of "Dancing with the Stars," a decision she noted was driven by her competitive nature despite the personal turmoil she was experiencing at the time. Additionally, Evans has become a published author, releasing three fiction novels written alongside co-writer Rachel Hauck. These novels focus on the relationships of southern women.
Philanthropy and Media
Evans' philanthropic efforts include serving as a Red Cross ambassador and supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She was also presented with the NAB Education Foundation’s Service To America Leadership Award in 2018. Recently, she launched a podcast titled "Diving In Deep," which has featured guests such as Crystal Gayle, Martina McBride, and Bill Anderson.
