PRESS RELEASE

Date: 05/20/2001 Print This Post


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COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR SARA EVANS AND HUSBAND OREGON CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE CRAIG SCHELSKE TO GUEST ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL’S HANNITY & COLMES FRIDAY MAY 17, 9:00 PM (EST)

Platinum selling country music star Sara Evans will step out of her usual element when she joins her husband, Oregon Congressional candidate Craig Schelske as guests on the Fox News Channel show Hannity & Colmes, Friday May 17, 9:00 PM (EST).

Turns out that co-host Sean Hannity is a major Evans fan and was thrilled that the couple was booked on the show. Topics to be discussed will include how the two will balance their careers especially if Schelske is elected to Congress.

Evans is nominated in the “Top Female Vocalist” category in the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM’s). Her current CD Born To Fly yielded a #1 hit of the same name and she recently garnered a Country Music Association (CMA) award.

SARA EVANS SURPRISED WITH PLATINUM AWARD

BACKSTAGE DURING GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT DATE IN LOS ANGELES

BORN TO FLY KEEPS SOARING, “I COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE” THE BIG ONE ON CMT

Sara Evans has another excellent reason to sing “I Could Not Ask For More,” her current hit song.  Not only has she kicked off the first dates on the Girls’ Night Out tour with Reba McEntire, Sara was surprised last night with a Platinum album award (certified by the RIAA for sales in excess of one million units) for Born To Fly, her career-breaking third release from RCA Records. This is Evans’ first Platinum certification and the recognition is twice as sweet as Born To Fly, co-produced with Paul Worley, marks her first production credit.

Evans was doing a radio interview backstage with Blair Garner for his nationally syndicated AfterMidnite program at the Staples Center last night during the Girls’ Night Out Los Angeles stop.  Garner challenged Evans to answer some Newlywed Game-style questions and said there would be a special prize if she could answer five right. When Sara correctly identified the names of all five groomsmen from her wedding, Joe Galante, Chairman, RCA Label Group and Butch Waugh, Executive Vice President, RCA Label Group entered with the impressive Platinum album plaque. Evans screamed with delight upon seeing the RCA top brass with the award and presented them with a round of big hugs.

The most touching moment came when Sara entered her band’s dressing room and was greeted with wild applause and shouts of congratulations from her band, road crew, family, friends, her husband Craig and their two-year-old son Avery. At this point, Sara broke down with tears of joy, then posed for pictures with everyone.

Born To Fly does not show signs of touching down anytime soon.  “I Could Not Ask For More” and the album are lodged near the top of the country single and album charts.  The music video was recently declared “The Big One” and #1 two weeks in a row on CMT‘s (Country Music Television) Top Twenty Video Countdown. “Saints & Angels” is Evans’ next single being released to radio.

# # #

SARA EVANS ABOARD

REBA McENTIRE’S GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT TOUR

This summer’s only all female country music tour has been confirmed. Girls’ Night Out starring Reba McEntire and Martina McBride, along with Sara Evans, Jamie O’Neal and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, will play 24 cities from July 13th through August 19th, 2001.

Reba McEntire, joins the tour fresh from a five month stint on Broadway, where she has received unprecedented unanimous acclaim for her starring role in Annie Get Your Gun. McEntire, multi-lauded singer, actress, author and twice-named Entertainer of the Year, is well known for her elaborate concert stage productions. “I am so excited to get back on the road,” McEntire said, “And I am especially thrilled to share the stage with these super talented girls!”

Renowned vocalist, Martina McBride, is a multi-platinum selling artist whose accolades include recognition as the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year, and countless nominations for vocal and video performances. McBride’s former collaborative efforts with Reba include the 1996 Grammy nominated recording of On My Own. “It’s an honor to be a part of this line-up,” McBride said.

Sara Evans is currently riding high on the success of Born to Fly, her RIAA gold-certified third album for RCA Records, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard charts. A critic’s favorite since her 1997 debut, Evans’ first foray into producing has resulted in her fastest selling CD to date.

Jamie O’Neal’s There is No Arizona was the first #1 debut single by a female artist since 1996. Currently heard singing All By Myself in the comedy release “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” Girls’ Night Out is O’Neal’s first country music tour.

Newcomer and former Martina McBride backup singer, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, opens the show with a rare acoustic set. Johnson’s debut Arista Nashville album, Room With A View, is due out by summer’s end.

Dates Cities Venues

July 13 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay

July 14 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre

July 15 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

July 18 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena

July 19 San Jose, CA San Jose Arena

July 21 Portland, OR The Rose Garden

July 22 George, WA The Gorge Amphitheatre

July 25 Paso Robles, CA CA Midstate Fair

July 27 Phoenix, AZ America West Arena

July28 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion

July 29 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green

August 2 Wantaugh, NY Jones Beach Amphitheatre

August 3 Reading, PA Sovereign Center

August 4 Hartford, CT Hartford Civic Center Coliseum

August 5 Washington, DC MCI Center

August 7 Albany, NY Pepsi Arena

August 9 Pineknob, MI DTE Endery Music Theatre

Augut 10 Chicago, IL United Center

August 11 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Amphitheatre

August 12 Buffalo, NY Midland Arena

August 15 Tampa, FL Ice Palace

August 16 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center

August 17 Winston-Salem, NC LJVM Coliseum

August 18 Louisville, KY KY State Fair

# # #

After her unforgivable sin, life goes on for Sara Evans

By Cathalena E. Burch
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

To country purists, Sara Evans committed an unforgivable sin on her third album, “Born to Fly.” For the most part, she turned her back on her traditional country convictions and softened her approach – even covering two pop songs: Diane Warren’s “I Could Not Ask for More” and Bruce Hornsby’s “Every Little Kiss.”

For the record, she’s sorry. “For the people who want to criticize me, it’s fine. I understand where they’re coming from,” Evans said from a concert stop in Northern California in late February. “They were counting on me in a way to really hold on to that traditional sound. So I disappointed them in a lot of ways.”

That’s the only time she’s going to apologize.

Evans towed that traditional line since first taking the stage with her brother as a child. Frankly, it didn’t get her too far: a No. 1 hit song from her 1998 sophomore album “No Place That Far.” The album and the single went gold – just before she released “Born to Fly” last October.

And once again, “Born to Fly” the single has made it to No. 1, and the album went gold (500,000 copies) within four months.

” ‘Born to Fly’ is a country song; it’s just different,” Evans says. “The music on this record is so different. We spent so much time on this album, getting it to the coolest possible place that we could.” Although the album is billed as pop country, it’s rich with traditional elements, from subtle banjo in the title song to the steel guitar wailing in the bittersweet ballad “I Learned That From You.” “My album is really country still,” Evans says as her 18-month-old son, Avery, giggles in the background. “As far as what country music is today, it’s right down the middle.”

Evans will bring that blend and her amazing soprano voice to Tempe at 1 p.m. Saturday for the George Strait Chevy Truck Country Music Festival. She’s on after the festival opener, Asleep at the Wheel.

Evans, who’s up for an Academy of Country Music Award in the category of top female artist, says the festival gives her a chance to prove her country mettle alongside some of the genre’s leading troubadours. She admits to being competitive and doesn’t want to think too much about the tens of thousands of faces staring back at her. The Strait dates will be her largest audiences to date, and she says she’s a little nervous.

“I want to have a great, great show, and I’m nervous about that. I know all the other acts are going to be watching me, and vice versa, so I’m nervous. I want to be great,” she says without sounding boastful. Those ultra-pure country purists in the crowd expecting a pop performance from Evans may be a little surprised. In 30 short minutes, she plans to mix it up.

And if they don’t like it, that’s fine, too. “I just decided this is who I am. Who I am is exactly what I want to record, song by song,” she says. “If I love this song, then that’s who I am.” Sara Evans is aiming to prove her country mettle.

# # #

SARA EVANS CONTINUES TO TAKE THE “FAST TRACK” WITH TNN COUNTRY WEEKLY AWARD NOMINATION

The accolades continue to pour in for Sara Evans. She’s received a Fast Track Award nomination from the TNN Country Weekly Music Awards.

Says Evans, “I feel truly blessed to receive this nomination since it’s a validation that I will be around for a long time. To be recognized by the fans like this is all I could ever ask for and more.”

On the heels of touring with Alan Jackson, Evans hits the road this weekend with country music’s elite on the George Strait Chevy Truck Country Music Festival. “I Could Not Ask For More,” her second single from Born To Fly is currently rising to the top of Billboard‘s country singles chart.

# # #

SARA EVANS TO FILM MUSIC VIDEO FOR “I COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE” IN THE DESERT OF WHITE SANDS, NM ON TUES. FEB. 13TH

FOLLOW-UP TO #1 “BORN TO FLY” SINGLE IS EXPECTED

TO SOAR TO SIMILAR HEIGHTS

Sara Evans has been blessed with a riches of accomplishment recently. The title track from Born To Fly, her critically acclaimed third album for RCA Nashville hit #1 and she celebrated that feat with a performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She’s is currently on tour with Alan Jackson, another tour with Kenny Chesney for Maytag, and will then join the crème of the country music crop on the George Strait Country Music Festival. EMBE Cosmetics has even developed and markets a Sara lipstick named after her. Not to mention the joy of her infant son Avery and Craig Schelske, her dashing political candidate husband. Who could ask for more?… Evans’ fans that’s who.

With nary time to bask in the glow, Sara Evans is prepping her wardrobe, and straight from a performance at the Grand ‘Ole Opry will fly to the pristine sand dunes of White Sands, New Mexico. On Tuesday, February 13th she lenses the music video for “I Could Not Ask For More,” her second single from Born To Fly, written by mega-hit-maker Dianne Warren.

Peter Zavadil, who produced the wildly popular video for “Born To Fly” (#1 on CMT) will once again will be at the helm for “I Could Not Ask For More.” He senses this production will take Evans to an even higher plateau. The location will provide a vast expanse of pure white sand dunes and brilliant blue skies against the far off backdrop of rocky mountains. The look will be simple, elegant and perfect. Perfect not only in natural beauty but a perfect venue to compliment Sara. The production will utilize a mixture of extreme close-ups and drifting camerawork with swing and tilt lensing, slow motion… all with clean art direction. The piece will be stunningly crisp in color and starkness. The compositions will be sharp, clean and fresh.

Who could ask for more?

YOU’VE MADE IT WHEN…

NASHVILLE-BASED EMBE COSMETICS NAMES LIPSTICK FOR COUNTRY MUSIC STAR SARA EVANS

***

EMBE founder and renowned make-up artist Mary Beth Felts keeps the Billboard hitmaker’s look fresh and current for upcoming video shoot and George Strait Country Music Festival tour

Country music star Sara Evans has been bestowed with a unique honor to add to her #1 hits, gold albums and CMA, ACM and AMA award nominations. She’s at the top of her form and now has a lipstick named for her to prove it. “Sara,” a soft peachy shade with shimmer and shine, was designed for the songbird by EMBE Cosmetics founder and renowned make-up artist Mary Beth Felts, who introduced the full line of top-quality lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners, foundations, eye and cheek shades, application tools and accessories two years ago.

“Sara is fun and light, and this color is the very same. It’s everything Sara is,” Felts describes. “Beautiful and soft, but vibrant at the same time. Her skin is olive and warm, and peach tone look exceptional on her, especially with her dark hair. ‘Sara’ is a natural, timeless color you can wear always.”

Felts was inspired and motivated to start the Nashville-based EMBE after evoking so much curiosity from women when working her magic on film and video shoots and receiving thrilled responses after giving them quick, easy and positive makeovers — and showing them how to do it themselves with what Felts calls “The Five-Minute Basic.”

“There’s a diva in all of us, screaming to get out,” Felts enlightens. And though Evans’ diva didn’t have to make a lot of noise to be set free, it’s very much present and accounted for in her naturally appealing look, which EMBE enhances.

Not only are Felts’ techniques simple to replicate at home with a minimum of time and tools, but women don’t even need to have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard “Hot Country Singles & Tracks” chart like Evans does with the title song from her third release, Born to Fly, to have access to EMBE Cosmetics or Felts’ terrific make-up tips.

In fact, ladies don’t even have to visit the famous Trumps Salon in Nashville, which carries the line, in order to enjoy the swan-like transformations that invariably occur with EMBE. Felts and EMBE have kept Evans’ look current and youthful since the vocalist/songwriter’s 1997 Three Chords & the Truth debut, preparing for photo sessions, TV appearances like the recent Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and even the upcoming video shoot for “I Could Not Ask For More”. But the meticulous, caring and fashion-forward make-up artist is as good as there for all women with her comprehensive website, EMBEcosmetics.com, and personalized catalogue. Both offer convenient methods to order EMBE products, as well as Felts’ step-by-step instructions to the “Five-Minute Basic.”

It will come in handy when Evans heads out on the George Strait Country Music Festival in March. Due to Felts’ demanding shooting schedule, she won’t be touring with Evans, who will be wielding her own mascara wand and namesake lipstick before taking the stage on a hectic timetable of her own.

“Sara looks so great since the birth of her baby. She’s slimmer, she’s happy, and willing to try new looks. Her beauty just radiates. Keeping her look fresh and current is a joy” Felts observes. “She’s able to wear clothes she wasn’t able to wear before, so she’s having a lot of fun with it. I’d love to see her change her look on a regular basis, and she’s really into that now.

Evans, though, isn’t the only country music celebrity whom Felts has honored with a lip color. She shares the distinction with Martina McBride (“Martina”), Jo Dee Messina (“Messina Matte”), Trisha Yearwood (“Trixie”), and several others. Even Trumps owner Earl Cox has been shaded in with “Earlfriend,” so tagged for the nickname Felts’ husband bestowed on the revolutionary beauty guru, who often teams up with Felts in perfecting Evans’ look.

Felts designed “Sara” and the rest of the celebrity lip colors in the EMBE palette because, as she explains, “There are shades I gravitate towards with specific clients, and there are certain colors that always work on Sara. The colors that are named for these artists are those that always work on them. When you work with a client, you develop a relationship and a signature look that always works, whether for interviews or TV things. We always discuss what the look is going to be that day.”

Fresh and natural, or elegant and glamorous, Felts’ artistry makes everyone notice the person, not the makeup.

# # #

SARA EVANS WAS THE BELLE OF THE BALL, THE INAUGURAL BALL WITH PRESIDENT BUSH THAT IS…

Sara Evans took a last minute time-out from her extensive schedule (she hasn’t been home since before her Tonight Show appearance two weeks ago) promoting her hit CD Born To Fly to attend the Presidential Inaugural Ball held at the D.C. Wardman Marriott Hotel last weekend. That’s where the Oregon Republican Party was celebrating what would be the last stop of the night for ball-hopping President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

When Sara and her Republican activist husband (and future Congressional candidate), Craig Schelske, prepared to enter the ball room, fire marshals initially turned them away because the event was over capacity. Luckily some members of the press recognized Sara and ushered them in through the Press entrance. Sara had a ball at the party where she was quite popular with the guests and politicos. She even met the Master of Ceremonies for the night, Wayne Newton, who gave Evans a big kiss on the cheek and got a copy of Born To Fly in return.

###

SARA EVANS SOARS TO #1 WITH “BORN TO FLY” AS HER 2ND CHART-TOPPING SINGLE WILL CELEBRATE WITH PERFORMACE ON TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO THURSDAY, JANUARY 11th AND SHE’S READY TO TAKE OFF WITH GEORGE STRAIT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sara Evans has just secured the #1 position on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart with “Born To Fly,” the title track and lead single from Born To Fly, her 3rd album. The single even leapfrogged over the Dixie Chicks and Tim McGraw’s high-profile songs to top the chart. Additionally, the video for the song has hit # 1, for a record-holding three weeks on CMT: Country Music Television. Sara Evans and her band will celebrate the achievement by performing her #1 hit song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, this Thursday, January 11th on NBC.

Sara previously scored her first #1 with “No Place That Far,” the title track from her second release. Three Chords & The Truth was her critically acclaim album debut that originally secured her spot as a country music favorite. To date her career has been showered with accolades including nominations from The American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards, to name a few.

Sara won’t be resting her wings anytime soon. She’s currently in the midst of the Maytag Making Music Matter Tour (with label mates Kenny Chesney and Jennifer Day) to help raise awareness about the conservation benefits of energy-saving appliances. Next up in February is a string of tour dates with Alan Jackson. Evans then hooks up for the crown jewel of concert tours, the George Strait Country Music Festival kicking off sometime in March (tour dates to be announced soon).

Also noteworthy regarding the success of Born To Fly is the fact Sara Evans was sidelined much of the year 1999/2000 during the pregnancy and birth of Avery, her son and first child. She used the time off wisely to gauge the state of the industry and prepared herself and her music to be the best it could possibly be.

Explains Sara Evans, “This #1 is more precious than the first to me and is meaningful in such a personal way. Last time with ‘No Place That Far,’ due to my pregnancy, I wasn’t able to follow-up and tour and do all the other things necessary to take that album to the next level. But this has assured me… by taking time for family and committed preparation this time around, we were able to pick up where we left off and then some. It’s nice to know we are off to a fantastic start to take this album all the way… and I’m thrilled about that!”

# # #

SARA EVANS IS CALLED TO PERFORM AT PORTLAND RALLY FOR GEORGE W. BUSH

HER HUSBAND’S POLITICAL CAREER MAY ALSO BE “BORN TO FLY”

Country star and sometimes Oregon resident, Sara Evans was called to perform for George W. Bush and his campaign rally yesterday at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Evans’ husband Craig Schelske is an up & comer in Oregon politics, so the couple and her band jumped on the first plane after getting the invite from the Oregon Republican Party. The performance took place at 2:30 PM (PT) yesterday. Evans closed her set with the National Anthem to a standing ovation.

Evans is no stranger to politics as Oregon is hometown for her husband Schelske who has recently been approached about running for congress there. He is currently exploring the possibilities and is becoming more involved in local politics. Evans met her husband after moving to Nashville, TN, to pursue her singing aspirations. In short order, Evans garnered a recording contract at RCA Records and launched a critically acclaimed career. Her current Born To Fly album and single are currently riding to the top of the Billboard country music charts. Her previous CD, No Place That Far, spawned a #1 hit for the title song and was certified gold.

Schelske had put his own career on hold to assist Evans with hers. Now Evans is supporting him at events such as today’s. Although the couple and their year-old son Avery reside in Nashville, they also maintain a vacation home in Oregon.

Additional appearances for Evans will be announced shortly.

# # #

SARA EVANS GETS HER WINGS WITH FIRST BABY AND BORN TO FLY

***Third release promises to soar as the country music star boastsa sleek new look and a whole lotta savvy

When country music star Sara Evans gave birth to her son Avery, she experienced a rebirth of her own. She began working on her third album, Born to Fly, the follow up to her 1998 RIAA gold certified No Place That Far. Not only was she co-writing half the songs on the album (with ever-present Avery as a prime source of inspiration), but she inadvertently broke through the production realm, earning a co-producer credit after the fact at the recommendation of producer Paul Worley, who was impressed by Evans’ tireless dedication and complete participation in the project.

Evans’ transformation, however, is much more than purely creative. While she considers Born to Fly “the most important record I’ll ever make,” motherhood absolutely completes her, and has done wonders for every aspect of her life.

“I was surprised,” Evans remarks at the seamless convergence of being a creative force as well as a maternal one. “They blend so well. Being a mom makes me much more artistic and emotional in my songwriting, because I’m so happy. I have a child — and I’m going to have more children. My true calling in life is to be a mommy and singing is something fun that I get to do also. Being a mom has undoubtedly made me appreciate my career.

“Before, I was trying to hold onto it soooo tightly and I felt like I had to control my career and my life and I had to be the very best, like if I didn’t go No. 1 [which she did with

No Place That Far] I was just gonna die. Now I don’t even think about it. I’m still really competitive, but my career isn’t the thing I love the most.”

At a time when new moms typically chop off their tresses for the sake of perceived practicality, Evans, who is now at her most svelte and most glamorous (and has a lipstick, brand name Embe, named after her to prove it) has grown a long, luxuriously rich dark mane, making her a walking advertisement for top-shelf hair care products.

In addition, her heightened fashion savvy is the direct result of the golden-voiced singer’s sleek physique.

“I’m thinner than I was even before I was pregnant,” Evans marvels, and willingly shares the secret to her weight-loss success. “My diet revolves around a Christian-based way of looking at eating. Most of us don’t have a clue as to how to lose weight and keep it off. I was very obedient to dieting and exercising, but I never go really thin like I wanted to. Now I just keep shrinking. All of my clothes are too big, I’m down to a size 6 and I eat whatever I want.”

As far as exercise goes, Evans burns calories like a marathon runner in her quest to tend to Avery’s every need. An advocate of traditional family values, she credits her son with the positive changes in her life, saying, “Having him just made everything better. I feel so much more secure as a woman.”

In addition to sharing dieting and mothering tips with others who could use as much fresh perspective in these areas as possible, Evans has mastered the fine art and precise science of balancing motherhood with her role as an inspiring — and inspired — country music artist at the peak of her career. Furthermore, Evans has already begun taking on another new aspect of her life — that of a politician’s wife. She’s performed at several fundraisers hosted by husband Craig Schelske, who is currently working on his masters in government and has political aspirations.

Wife and mother. Music artist and glamour arbiter. Women’s advocate and political supporter. Sara Evans is not only Born to Fly, but she’s also earned her wings to meet these and other life challenges on the nearing horizon.

# # #

SARA EVANS

BORN TO FLY

CUT-BY-CUT

  1. “Born to Fly” (Sara Evans/Marcus Hummon/Darrell Scott)
  2. I always say that this song is my autobiography. When we decided to write it around the idea of flying I said, “Well, I’ll just write it about me.” About how I love my parents and how I was raised on a farm and all; but that I always wanted to do bigger things. Not that I wouldn’t enjoy being a farmer, but just that I knew I always wanted to leave. It became this anthem for me.

  3. “Saints and Angels” (Victoria Banks)
  4. This is my favorite on the whole album. I think it is Victoria’s first cut as a songwriter and she is the sweetest girl. The reason I chose the song is because as soon as I heard those lyrics I thought, “This is me and Craig.” This is our relationship to a “T.” We’re both “Type A” personalities, so we’re never satisfied. And he’s always talking about the fact that we’re only human.

  5. “I Could Not Ask for More” (Diane Warren)
  6. At our first meeting, Paul Worley came out to the house and brought a whole bunch of songs. We had supper and then we sat down to start listening. He said, “OK. I’m going to play you this next one; and I don’t care what you say, you will record this song. This is totally for you.” He was right. I loved it, too. I’m sure it will be a single. That’s Paul on the electric-guitar solo, by the way.

  7. “I Keep Lookin’” (Sara Evans/Tom Shapiro/Tony Martin)
  8. This is like my “second” autobiography song. Everything in this lyric is me. Tom and Tony and I wrote “No Place That Far” together. We also wrote this and “Why Should I Care.” Those are the only three times we’ve written together, so we’re three for three.

  9. “I Learned That From You” (Tony Lane/Jess Brown)
  10. My parents divorced when I was 12 and this reminds me so much of them. They were high-school sweethearts who got married. My dad didn’t drink, but a lot of people do. I love sad songs, and this one’s very country.

  11. “Let’s Dance” (Sara Evans/Randy Scruggs)
  12. When I was writing it, I pictured this everyday woman who’s a stay-at-home mom. She’s got the kids, she’s overworked and their lives are so crazy. And she just really needs some romance, so that’s what she’s saying to her husband. To me, this is just a sweet little song. And I’ve got my sisters singing with me on it.

  13. “Why Should I Care” (Sara Evans/Tom Shapiro/Tony Martin)
  14. Every man I’ve talked to loves “Why Should I Care,” so that’s a good sign. She’s missing him, so I guess it feeds the male ego. The harmonies on this are Wes Hightower and Troy Johnson. They also sang on my other Tom-and-Tony song, “I Keep Lookin’.’”

  15. “Four-Thirty” (Hillary Lindsey/Bill Lloyd)
  16. I don’t know why, but this makes me think of Fleetwood Mac, the way it grooves. It’s a road song. I think that’s the reason I cut it. When Craig and I were first married we had a brand-new red Festiva that we were so proud of. He’s from Oregon and I’m from Missouri. So we made 16 trips across the country driving in that car, because that was the only way we could afford to travel. And those drives are some of my fondest memories. This reminded me of our drives.

  17. “Show Me the Way to Your Heart” (Sara Evans/James LeBlanc)
  18. This is a very spiritual song. I wrote it with being a Christian in mind. This is what I would say to a non-believer, somebody I was trying to reach. I’m proudest of this song and I love the track.

  19. “You Don’t” (Sara Evans/Aimee Mayo/Ron Harmon)
  20. This is a big, angry ballad. “You don’t know how it feels to be the one who loves the most….You think you do, but you don’t.” The verses are in one octave and then the chorus goes up. It’s a very big sound and it’s very hard to sing. I hope it’s not a hit, ha-ha.

  21. “Every Little Kiss” (Bruce Hornsby)

I couldn’t believe it, but Bruce Hornsby knew me from my Three Chords and the Truth album. He said, “I think you’re awesome.” I said, “Are you kidding me?” But he loves country music. He came to Nashville to record it with the band and he loved what we did with his song. He sat down and played the intro and then thought up the rest off the top of his head.

###

SARA EVANS COMMENTS ON HER HORIZON AWARD NOMINATION FROM THE 34TH ANNUAL C-M-A AWARDS

Nashville, TN – Country songtress Sara Evans commented today on her nomination for the Horizon Award from the 34th Annual C-M-A Awards.

Sara explains, “Being that I was pregnant for much of the No Place That Far album with my son, in the studio for the new album and out of the public eye, the Horizon Award nomination was an unexpected honor. This nomination is also very thrilling in that it’s a nod from my peers that I’ll be around for a very long time.”

Sara Evans is currently on a promotional tour in support of Born To Fly, her current single and new album of the same title scheduled for October 10, 2000 release by

RCA Nashville Records.

# # #

SARA EVANS’ THIRD RCA ALBUM, BORN TO FLY, DISPLAYS MULTIPLE TALENTS OF VOCALIST, SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER; NEW DISC AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26;

Bruce Hornsby among special guests featured on 12-song release; Martina McBrideco-produces bonus track for international version

NASHVILLE, TN – Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Evans has just completed her 3rd RCA Records release entitled Born To Fly. Available to consumers on Tuesday, September 26, Evans’ new disc contains 12 songs, 6 of which were co-written by the 28-year-old entertainer. Paul Worley and Sara Evans share producer credit on the entire album.

The title track and debut single from Born To Fly is currently 41* on Billboard and 38* on R&R’s airplay charts. This cut was co-written by Marcus Hummon, Darrell Scott and Evans. One of the many musical highlights on Born To Fly is the selection “Every Little Kiss.” This song features keyboards by Bruce Hornsby, who also composed the song.

The international version of Sara Evans’ new studio effort will include a bonus 13th track entitled “You.” This cut, co-produced by label mate Martina McBride, marks McBride’s first artist production project other than her own recordings.

Sara Evans’ last RCA album, No Place That Far, has been certified Gold by the RIAA, for sales in excess of 500,000 units. The country crooner’s awards nominations include the Country Music Association’s “Horizon Award,” the Academy of Country Music’s “Top New Female,” and the Country Weekly Presents: The TNN Music Awards’ “Collaborative Event of the Year” for “No Place That Far” with Vince Gill.

Although not included on forthcoming album, “That’s The Beat Of A Heart,” Evan’s collaboration with the Warren Brothers, is currently climbing country trade charts as well. Contained on both the RCA soundtrack from the original motion picture, “Where The Heart Is,” as well as the Warren Brother’s forthcoming BNA album entitled King Of Nothing, “That’s The BeatOf A Heart” is 29* in Billboard and 23* in R&R.

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Country Music’s sweetheart Sara Evans had this to say about her just announced American Music Awards nomination as Favorite New Artist – Country.

“I’m very honored to have been nominated – what a way to end 1999. It is especially exciting to be part of an award show that honors so many musical genres. It’s definitely made my holiday season.”

Sara Evans kicked-off 1999 in a big way with her first #1 single, “No Place That Far,” from her RCA Nashville sophomore CD of the same name. Another milestone for Evans this year was the birth of her first child, a boy, Avery Jack Lyon Schelske. She actually had to curtail her promotional and performing activities (Doctor’s orders) during the final months of her pregnancy.

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IT’S WAKE RATTLE AND ROLL FOR COUNTRY STAR SARA EVANS

Nashville, TN – RCA Nashville recording artist / double CMA award nominee Sara Evans and her husband Craig Schelske welcomed to the world their first child… a baby boy:

The Name has been selected:  Avery Jack

Born on Saturday August 21, 1999, at 1:36am central time at an undisclosed Nashville hospital.

Weighing in at 7lbs,8 ¾ oz. – 20 ½ inches long

Cards, flowers and gifts will be accepted c/o:

Brenner Management, Inc.

121 Blackburn Ave.

Nashville, TN 37205

This long awaited event tops off an incredible year for Evans, who has celebrated several career firsts in 1999, such as her first #1 record and video “No Place That Far”, her first two CMA award nominations (Video Event of the Year and The CMA’s Horizon Award). Now Sara ventures into parenting her first child …what a year !

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BUSY STORK DELIVERS GREAT NEWS FOR RCA AND SARA EVANS ON THE DAY SARA GOES INTO LABOR

The acclaimed country singer, Sara Evans, gives birth to Jack Avery Lyons Schelske on Saturday, August 21, 1999

RCA Records Nashville has sent out what is sure to be the most unique CMA “for your consideration” announcement this year for recording artist Sara Evans, who ironically went into labor on the very day the announcement arrived in many music industry executive’s mailboxes.

The “For Your Consideration” announcement looks and reads like a birth announcement, proudly displaying a stork in route to deliver great news and expectations for Sara, who has not only given birth to her first child this year, but her first number one record and video with “No Place That Far” and now her first two CMA nomination for…“Vocal Event of the Year” (with Vince Gill) and the coveted “Horizon Award”, which honors country’s sure fire future superstars.

Sara Evans and her husband Craig Schelske welcomed the new member into their family: baby boy Avery Jack Schelske, born on Saturday, August 21st, 1999. The baby’s first name, Jack Avery, was chosen after Sara’s dad, Jack, and coincidentally after Dr. Avery who delivered Sara’s own birth; as for the middle name, Lyons, it simply came from Craig’s own middle name.

With a baby boy, two #1 spots and two CMA nominations under Sara’s belt for 1999…congratulations for a wonderful year and many great beginnings are certainly in order for Sara Evans and RCA!

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SARA EVANS FORCED TO CANCEL UPCOMING LILITH FAIR PERFORMANCES DUE TO DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND APPROACHING BIRTH OF HER BABY

RX IS LIMITED WORK ACTIVITY AND MODIFIED BED REST

Sara Evans, country music’s sweetheart, received some good and some bad news during this week’s pre-natal checkup with her doctor. The great news is that both mother and baby are looking great for a normal delivery around this same time next month.

Dr. Scott also prescribed some not so good news… “limited work activity, modified bed rest and no more concerts until after the baby is born.”

Unfortunately the mandate has forced the cancellation of Sara’s much-anticipated performances on the Lilith Fair tour this coming Saturday in Atlanta and Sunday in Nashville (July 24th & 25th).

The doctor was concerned about Sara experiencing some exhaustion and dehydration following her engagements last week in Kansas and Missouri. He was concerned about the combination of heat, humidity and strenuous activity this late in her pregnancy.

“In some ways I’m not surprised,” explains a disappointed Sara Evans. “I knew we were pushing the envelope with these dates but I really wanted to participate in such a wonderful experience. Sarah McLachlan and the promoters were very accommodating and even let me pick the cities I wanted to play. And I was looking forward to meeting all the women involved, especially Sheryl Crow — she is one of my absolute favorites.”

While confined to her home turf, Sara will spend some time doing light work on the house she is restoring with husband Craig Schelske. She is also preparing songs for her next CD but is also looking ahead to the October release of the new single from her current hit album, No Place That Far on RCA Records Nashville.

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COUNTRY MUSIC’S ALL AMERICAN SONGSTRESS, SARA EVANS, HAS PLENTY TO SING ABOUT AS SHE JOINS THE LILITH FAIR “NORTH AMERICAN FAREWELL” TOUR, WITH TWO SPECIAL PERFORMANCES JULY 24th & 25th

There is “no place that far” for country music singer, and soon to be mother, Sara Evans, as her name has recently been added to Lilith Fair’s prestigious lineup.

Evans will grace the stage of the Lilith Fair North American Farewell Tour in Atlanta and Nashville with two exclusive performances on July 24 and 25, respectively.

One of the most talented woman singers to emerge in country music in the past two years, Evans has scored #1 positions with her single and the music video for “No Place That Far” (featuring Vince Gill).

Weeks shy of giving birth to her first baby, Sara Evans will perform at the Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the First American Music Center in Nashville, Tennessee, along side tour visionary, Sarah McLachlan and a hand-full of other musical sisters for the all female festival.

Evans explains: “I am excited and honored to participate on the last Lilith Fair tour with all these wonderful artists – and with such a varied audience of music fans. With my baby almost here, I’m really looking forward to the musical energy I anticipate at the concerts. It’s bound to have a positive effect on our family in the months to follow”.

The Lilith Fair tour officially kicks-off on July 8th in Vancouver, Canada, and will run through August 31st with a total of 40 dates altogether. Since its conception in 1997, the tour has raised over two million dollars for national and regional charities; it has been praised by the media all across the country as well as overseas and has received tremendous support from fans. Once again the Tour features an eclectic mix of performers including emerging and developing talents as well as established artists such as Deborah Cox, Sheryl Crow, Dixie Chicks, Six Pence None The Richer and The Pretenders. Sponsored by VH1, Tommy Girl and Tower Records, among others, the Lilith Fair Tour continues its commitment to charities on both a regional and national level.