With her most recent album, Unbroke, Sara Evans wanted to showcase a more vulnerable side.
“It’s more introspective and raw compared to some of my earlier work,” says Evans, who performs at Levoy Theatre on Saturday, June 21. “I’ve always loved telling stories, but this album feels like a deeper conversation with my fans, reflecting on healing and resilience.”
The multi-award-winning vocalist performs about 100 shows a year, each around 90 minutes. Each show seeks a balance between showcasing Unbroke and fan favorites from the past.
“I’ll sprinkle in quite a few tracks from “Unbroke,” she says, “but I always keep the classics in the mix.”
Evans also tells just enough stories to keep a proper pace without rushing the set.
“We are always trying new things and experimenting. We do this huge intro to ‘Suds in the Bucket’ at most shows and it’s so fun.”
The mother of three older kids, Evans has also created her own podcast: “Diving in Deep with Sara Evans,” with other performers among guests, like Chayce Beckham, American Idol winner. “It’s a great way to connect with listeners on a deeper level and share stories you might not get to tell in a song or interview.”
Evans took the stage at four years old in a band with her brothers and has been on stage ever since. While a country girl at heart, she grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac and REO Speedwagon, along with Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline.
“I was drawn to a lot of pop and rock, but I’ve always had a broad taste,” she says.
She has been around long enough to see the evolution of the business. “It’s a whole new world now with social media and how fast music moves. Artists have to wear so many hats beyond just singing and writing now. But at the heart of it, it’s still about connecting with people through music.”
And it’s this world her children—son Avery and two daughters, Olivia and Audrey—hope to navigate.
In addition to writing and recording, Avery, 24, also works as a touring guitarist, including for his mom. Olivia, 23, leans more toward R&B than country. “I had always known, at least for the past 10 years, that I was going to probably do pop music, R&B music, something like that,” she said on Sara’s podcast. “And while I waited, I grew as a singer and a performer.”
Audrey, 20, also sees a career in music, but works as a personal assistant for baking influencer Samantha Bauchmann. She’s also begun making videos of her own.
“I tell them to always stay true to themselves and to remember why they love music in the first place,” Evans says of her offspring. “I started bringing them on the road with me as soon as each of them was born. The business side can be tough, but if you keep your heart and passion front and center, it makes the journey worthwhile.”
As for her own journey, Evans always thinks ahead on her new music front, but it’s way too soon to talk details. “I like to let each album breathe and find its own space. Right now, I’m focused on sharing Unbroke and connecting with people through it,” she says of the 2024 release.
Still…. “I have a ton of ideas up my sleeve but y’all are gonna have to wait!”
If You Go:
Country singer Sara Evans performs at Levoy Theatre on Saturday, June 21.
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Tickets: $81-$109, more for VIP tickets. Tickets are available Levoy.net and at the box office, located at 126–130 N. High Street, Millville.
More information: levoy.net, info@levoy.net, or 856-327-6400.
