Taking Notes Beyond the Classroom

When Norman Evans stepped onto the stage at the Friday evening, it was immediately clear that despite his highly successful career and repeated recognition, his passions stretch far beyond creating music.

A resident of Glen Burnie, he said he understands the importance of giving kids a real chance at a good life. Evans established the Journey Foundation, which provides for needy students and their families in Anne Arundel County.

The soiree began with a silent auction and buffet. Guests picked their favorite items to bid on (including a few art pieces from participating schools and plenty of sports memorabilia), enjoyed delicious light fare and then made their way up for what turned out to be a true "one man show."

Notoriously engaging, Evans immediately embraced his audience and set the tone for the night. He said emphatically, "This a communal thing and we're doing it together. When I look out there, I expect to see heads moving!"

With that, he started into his first song. The beat saturated the room, he took his spot at the keyboard and played his catchy notes effortlessly. A slideshow ran behind him, featuring promotional photos, influential people in his life and logos of organizations that have partnered with the Journey Foundation.

Evans enjoyed sharing stories with the audience. He recounted an experience he had as a child that later inspired one of his songs.

"When I was a kid, I always had to spend most of my weekend in church and I hated it," he said. "My mom would give me money to put in the collection plate but I would always keep some and go get chips and soda."

For that, he wrote a song called Sunday Morning.

During the concert, Evans switched between instruments and showed his proficiency at the keyboard, jazz horn and even some tin put together to form a man.

This year , Brooklyn Park and Annapolis middle schools, as well as Brooklyn Park and elementary schools will benefit from the concert's proceeds. Faculty and volunteers from the schools helped to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

The Journey Foundation works closely with the Maryland Food Bank and Evans hopes to spread the foundation's efforts nationwide in the future.