IPT: Your concert is billed as "Celebrate the Season." Tell us what fans can expect Sunday.

Evans: The show actually consists of two different sets. One (the first half) includes some of my biggest hits, and the other focusing on songs of the season.

I've never done a holiday tour before. It's about three weeks non-stop from starting the day after Thanksgiving right into the third week of December before I head home to spend time with my big, blended family.

IPT: You have been called one of the few traditional-styled singers to come out of Nashville in the 1990s. What does that mean to you?

Evans: It goes back to the way I was raised. I'm young, but my parents were huge, huge country music fans. I was raised on listening to Hank Snow and Loretta Lynn, singers like that. I learned how to sing that way. I also sang a ton of bluegrass. When I came out in the 90s, that was how I was labeled. My voice sounds that way, especially on certain songs. I guess I'm drawn to the real old fashioned side of me.

IPT: Songwriting is a big part of who you are as a professional. Tell us about that.

Evans: I definitely enjoy both (singing and songwriting) ... they go hand in hand for me. It's really an amazing process to write song, demo it, go into the studio, and then put in on an album. Then to release a single and perform it live on tour ... all from a crazy idea I had in my head. I'm really very passionate about my songwriting and performing.

IPT: Live or studio? Do you have a preference?

Evans: There's nothing like a live audience. It's the favorite part of what I do. You get a high from it and such a feeling of being loved and appreciated for all your hard work. I tell my fans how much I appreciate them and how I realize they are spending their hard earned money to hear me sing. It means the world to me.

IPT: You came to Idaho earlier this summer to perform at the new Sun Valley outdoor pavilion...

Evans: I brought my kids and had all these plans to go horseback riding and it poured down rain all weekend!

IPT: Do you look forward to your return?

Evans: I love Idaho, and especially Boise. It's one of my favorite cities in the whole wide world ... so beautiful.

Doing the anthem is always fun. I get so nervous. Like, I don’t even talk the whole day before, ’cause I want my voice to be in tip-top shape. And I tell you what, once you get out there — ’cause you get out there on the field — you know that you are all alone. It’s all you, and there’s all those people in the stands, and they’re, you know, they’re wanting to be riled up. And it’s a very emotional song. And it’s probably my favorite thing to do, because when I’m done with it, it’s just like (whew), and thank you, God, and I made it through, and it sounded great. And the main thing for me is just don’t mess up the lyrics.

Sarah Evans brings her distinctive voice and innate ability to relate to her audience to Mesa Arts Center. She is a songwriter, who has received the accolades of her industry receiving multiple CMA awards. Her albums have gold and platinum rating by the Recording Industry Association of America RIAA. Her honesty and integrity resonate throughout her music. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 480-644-6500 or visit mesaartscenter.com.

Whether dominating country radio with one of her many hit singles or attracting new fans with her spirited turn on "Dancing with the Stars," Sara Evans' drive, talent, and determination have placed her in an elite class of artists who transcend musical genres to become a household name.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 9
7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mesa Arts Center
Ikeda Theater
One East Main St.
Mesa, AZ

COST: $31/$51

CONTACT: Mesa Arts Center Box Office at 480-644-6500 or visit www.mesaartscenter.com