Anthony Evans

Anthony’s rendition of ‘Oh Holy Night’ and His original tune ‘Immanuel’ check it out!

(Interview and Article from West Michigan Christian News)

Gospel singer and songwriter Anthony Evans toured with Truth and Kirk Franklin before focusing on his solo Christian music career.

Evans leaves his Franklin, Tennessee home once a month to lead worship at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, the Dallas mega church where his father, the internationally famous Dr. Tony Evans, is senior pastor.

In addition to recording, Anthony Evans, Jr. estimates that he travels to an average of 100 worship events every year.

I met with Evans after a performance at the 2010 Evangelical Press Association Convention in Dallas. What was his perspective on the difficulties Tesh encountered with “keeping it real” in church as a “celebrity” artist?

Evans thought geographical location was a key factor. “Hollywood? L.A.? I’m sure that if you’re worship leading in L.A., and you’re on T.V… yeah, it’s a problem.”

Of his own challenges he interjected with intensity, “I was praying about this the other day! ‘God, get me to a point where I can sit down on Sundays and be part of the congregation, sit on the fiftieth row,’ you know what I mean? Not be in the first row and have a mic in my hand! I think making sure there is a balance is very important.”

Most of Evans’ appearances are at churches across the country where he leads Sunday praise as the guest worship leader. The songs on his newest album, Undisguised, reflect his experiences in local congregations. Does he make “celebrity adjustments” on Sunday?

“I try to defuse situations. Even if it’s things like autographs in church, I try to say, ‘let’s wait until we’re done. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing right now, you know?’ Because that’s a very uncomfortable feeling. I make sure that there’s lots of eye contact, letting people know that I’m – you! I tell the truth from onstage. A lot of the heartbreak that I faced in my life, I was honest and vulnerable about it.”

“For me, it’s about remembering why I do this kind of music. There’s a part of Christian music that follows the celebrity trend… I choose to do Christian music, so the celebrity trend is null and void. I’ve surrounded myself with people who remind me that I’m here to serve, even though there are lights, and there’s smoke, and there’s fancy stuff, ultimately I’m here to serve.

“What can I do to reach your heart? Keeping a mindset of service is how the celebrity thing goes away.”

He strives for authenticity. “The real life – that’s my objective. As long as I’m doing Christian music, I want to be authentic so that the celebrity becomes back seat to ministry.”

Regular gatherings with other worship leaders for prayer and music is another key element for staying spiritually refreshed. Evans looks forward to these “special nights” of accountability and interaction to counteract the temptation of celebrity buzz. “Yes, it can get to you and it’s discussed a lot amongst me and my friends in the industry.”

Balancing distraction is an on-going concern for Evans. “(It is) a conversation that happens often and is taken very seriously because when you’re doing ministry for a living, it can wear you out.”

Anthony contributes his vocals on the number 1 Hip Hop Album on iTunes… Listen here!

This past weekend Anthony was able to do something that few artists have had the opportunity to do. He sang his new rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” preceding an address by former President George W. Bush, as well as Super Bowl winning Coach Tony Dungy. See what Coach Dungy had to say about Anthony’s performance below:

“Having been a coach in the National Football League for 28 years, I have seen many National Anthems performed.  I recently heard Anthony Evans do a rendition that was unique and inspiring.  I would put it right up there with Whitney Houston’s and Jennifer Hudson’s, done at Super Bowls in Tampa, as one of the most stirring that I have heard.”     Tony Dungy

Tune in Tonight for the Praise The Lord program recorded on June 28.

Host: Dewey Friedel

Guests:
Melba Moore
Michael Chitwood
Jeannette Bayardelle
Jamal Harrison Bryant

Music: Anthony Evans Jr.

This Friday’s show at Rocketown Florida in Pompano Beach has been canceled.  Please accept our apology if this has caused you any inconvenience.  For information on future appearances at Rocketown Florida please continue to check the tour dates on Anthony-Evans.com or visit Rocketown’s website at www.rocketownfl.com.

We are currently booking Anthony’s second Christmas Tour “What Christmas Means 2010″. Last year Anthony’s tour received rave reviews!! If your a leader in your church, and you want to see Anthony at your church give us a call and we’ll try to make it happen!

BOOKING INQUIRIES

Singer-song writer Anthony Evans will lead his audience in worship on Saturday, July 17. He is the son of Tony Evans, renowned communicator of God’s Word and president of The Urban Alternative. Read below to learn more about his family, and how God worked to transform him from performer to worship leader. A former vocalist with TRUTH and Kirk Franklin, Anthony has recorded five albums and is known as an artist who takes his faith seriously.

By Joy Allmond

GROWING UP EVANS
“Growing up in the home of Tony and Lois Evans was an amazing experience. I had a mom and dad, who not only stayed together, but they cared so much about me. In this day and age, having all that is such a rare thing.”

He was also raised to be close to his siblings. “Our parents raised us to love on each other and to be close. We appreciate each other,” said Evans. One of them is popular Bible teacher/speaker Priscilla Shirer, Founder of Going Beyond Ministries. He travels with her as the worship leader at her Going Beyond (LifeWay) events. “I love the dynamic I have with her. She can look at me in a particular way and I know what to do. It is really a gift to be able to minister with her like that.”

A DEFINING MOMENT
When asked if he was the stereotypical preacher’s kid, Evans said he had his moments, but they were mostly internal. “When I was 25, I had somewhat of a breakdown. I was a performer on stage – and in my relationships. This was my dynamic with the Lord, and my approach to life. I realized I couldn’t do this anymore.”

“I was always overwhelmed and tired to the point where I almost quit singing. That is when I stopped being an ‘artist’ and became a worship leader. I got to the point where all I could do was worship, and that’s what God wanted from me in the first place. He doesn’t want me to be slick and cool and hip. He wants me to live in worship.”

AN AUTHENTIC WORSHIP LEADER
These days, Evans’ approach to worship is authentic. He wants to engage people in transparent worship. “I want there to be truth between my lips and the listeners’ ears. I’m going to be authentic with my audience.”

He recalls one particular night on stage when he told the audience that he didn’t want to be there. “I made a decision to worship that night anyway. I was honest about how I felt, but stood upon the truth that He’s going to finish what He started in me. That ended up being my most connected night in ministry.”

Today, he stands on truth rather than feelings. “My dad once told me that feelings do not have intellect. My feelings will follow my feet.”

AT THE COVE
On July 17, during this Evening at the Cove event, the audience can expect this same authenticity as he focuses on songs from his three latest albums. “I want to feel connected with my audience – and feel like we’re friends by the time we leave the room. It will be a night full of worship, stories, and original songs that come from those stories. Ultimately, I want to connect people to the truths of God’s Word through music.”

*Anthony will hold his concert at the end of his father’s seminar, Returning to the Cross (July 15-17). Come two days early and do both!

Hi Everyone! Just a heads up that Anthony had has laptop stolen recently, so he will not be posting any journal entries for a little bit. Writing up journal entries on his iPhone is not an option! Hopefully he’ll be back online soon. He has had some pretty neat opportunities lately, the last of which was a week and a half long stent in Hawaii. Will keep you posted!

Anthony Evans’ “Undisguised” is in fine company, debuting in the top five of Jet Magazines Gospel Chart.