Friends and well-wishers are invited to a casual gathering at the Columbus Riverwalk Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. to remember the late Ean Evans of Columbus.
“The Mississippi Kid,” as he was affectionately known, lost his battle with cancer in May 2009. At the time of his passing, and for the eight years prior, he was bassist in the iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
April 19 is the two-year anniversary of The Mississippi Kid Festival, a medical fund benefit concert held at the Columbus Fairgrounds in 2009. At that event, Evans was able to perform a final time on stage with members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and other musicians who contributed their talents on what became known as Ean Evans Day.
Those attending Tuesday”s gathering at the Riverwalk are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics. While no formal concert is planned, several area musicians are expected to perform. Artist Sammie Austin, who painted custom portraits on some of Evans” guitars, will create a painting on site.
Evan”s EvansCapps CD, recorded with Bobby Capps of .38 Special, will be sold for $1, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society”s Relay for Life.
Ean Evans was known for his generous spirit in helping others and for his commitment to his community and Mississippi. Eva, his wife of 24 years, hopes his memory can inspire others to give back.
“Even something as simple as picking up trash you see in your path, cooking a meal for the elderly who are home alone, changing a light bulb for someone who needs help … just because. We”d like to see everyone give to our community in some sweet way,” said Eva.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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