Crowds may have traveled to hear Sara Evans sing at Chautauqua Institution on Friday, but it was the performer who said she was "amazed" at Chautauqua Institution.
"It's the most amazing place I've ever seen," said Ms. Evans, who said she took time before performing to walk the grounds.
"Every house is picture perfect," she said, adding she wanted one.
Ms. Evans won the Academy of Country Music's Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association's Video of the Year for "Born to Fly." She was 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in R & R Reader's Poll, and she was named one of the 50 most beautiful people in People Magazine. Ms. Evans has numerous No. 1 hits including, "Born to Fly," and "No Place that Far," "Suds in the Bucket" and "A Real Fine Place to Start."
Her five albums include one gold, one double platinum and two platinums.
Originally from Booneville, Mo., she is one of seven children and began singing with the family's band at the age of 5 years old.
Much of the family performed with her during Friday's show at Chautauqua Institution.
Not only did some of the crowd enjoy their performance, but they liked the institution also.
Jerry and Eileen Spindl of Wayne, Pa. enjoyed the season so much, they just bought a house on the grounds.
"It's heaven," said Eileen, who said there is "a feast of things" to do at the Institute, which, she said, reminds her of college.
"There's something every day," she said, while Jerry called its offerings "a cultural buffet" with classes and workshops.
Mike Sullivan, director of institution relations and public affairs, said those who liked this year's season should stay tuned for next year. He said institute officials were unsure what the year would bring, due to the economy.
"It was a terrific season," he said, adding attendance was up at the institute, while down at other recreational venues. That poses a problem, however, he said, adding officials are pondering how to beat the season next year.
"It will be the biggest opening week we've ever had," he predicted about next year, when he said Roger Rosenblatt will bring friends including Jim Lehrer. A photography week, along with ones focusing on energy/nuclear power, the Middle East will all be part of the season.
Visitors to Evans' concert also had some ideas: Willie Nelson, Johnny Mathis, Tim McGraw, Diamond Rio and Brad Paisley were mentioned.
It was Evans' concert that brought the crowds Friday, however.
"You can't beat it," said Kennedy's Mark Dolecki, who said an outdoor concert provides the atmosphere he enjoyed at his first time visiting the Institute for the concert.
Kathy Wiemer brought her family, who, she said, is crazy about Ms. Evans. Besides, she said, the Institute's shows are convenient.
"You'd pay twice as much and be twice as far away," she said about other venues.
Although most, including Ms. Evans, enjoyed the venue the institute provided for the concert, Toby Weiss of Jamestown planned to take the singing with her. Dennis Weiss confided Toby likes to sing Ms. Evans' "Suds in the Bucket" karaoke. After taking her to Friday's concert, he said Mrs. Weiss has some work to do.
"She (Ms. Evans) raised the bar for her," he said about Toby's karaoke.
