Road to Frendly Gathering feat. Will Evans

Will Evans pulls everyone into his embrace. He musically accesses a space without boundaries where all are welcome to commune openly and move freely. Through quotable folk-inspired lyrics, breezy grooves, and roots energy, it’s as if he’s giving you permission to be that pure self you can’t always be at work or even at home...

The Rhode Island-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist also puts his words into action via his “Kind Folk” fan community, activating small acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill in tandem with performances nationwide. After generating over 50 million streams independently, he inspires once again through 2025’s “The Wild Unknown” with a series of singles featuring artists like Tristan Prettyman, Dirtwire and Moontricks.

“I want to make music that moves you,” he states. “It’s rooted in compassion, kindness, and community. With anything I release, there’s a lot of passion behind it. I’m always giving you the most authentic version of myself.”

Buzzing out of the East Coast, he has consistently engaged and enraptured a fervent audience. By rotating between acoustic guitar, didgeridoo, handpan, percussive beatboxing, and more, he has developed a living and breathing signature sound of his own. Following Wishin’ Well [2013] and Signal Flares [2015], he reached a creative tipping point on Rise [2018]. Beyond collaborations with Trevor Hall, Mihali, and Paul Izak, it yielded the fan favorites “Adam & Eve”, “Rise” and “Hoka Hey” with over 5 million streams and counting. The album notably garnered three nominations at the New England Music Awards. 2023 saw him share After The Burnt Out Sun. Met with critical acclaim, “a sophisticated collection,” Seven Days professed, “the record showcases Evans' multi-instrumentalist prowess.” Between selling out shows across the United States and Europe, he has graced bills alongside Crosby & Nash, Grace Potter, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, and Railroad Earth, to name a few. Meanwhile, “Kind Folk” has supported philanthropic organizations, including Surfrider Foundation, Operation Warm, Do It For The Love Foundation, Always Home, and more. Their campaigns have ranged from beach cleanups, clothing and food drives and benefits for land trust organizations.

All the while, he continually pushes himself sonically.

“I try to find sounds that are grounding ,” notes Will. “Everything starts with the rhythm, but I just love to create this ethereal atmosphere like a blanket around the lyrics. I treat it like a tapestry and add colors. It almost feels spiritual.”

That’s definitely the case with the 2024 single “The Wild Unknown.” This patchwork of dreamy guitar and vibrant bells finds him in a moment of reflection. The lyrics wrestle with life’s highs and lows only to lift off on the anthemic refrain, “We lit the fire in the wild of the great unknown.”

“It talks about how the mistakes you make and the lessons you learn in life are what really shape you,” he goes on. “All of those things are important to help you on your journey, rather than shutting them out and considering them failures. You need to be strong enough to own those experiences and actions. Life is just a wild ride.”

On “Lay Our Weapons Down,” his mesmerizing vocals practically float atop lithe acoustic guitar. Emotion pours straight from the heart as he wonders aloud, “What are you gonna do when you hit the ground?”

Then, there’s “Tides.” It layers hummable melodies between gentle guitar and soft piano. He cuts deep with proclamations a la, “It wasn’t a burden, but it was enough to change the tides.”

In the end, Will has built a place for you, if you need it.

“This is pure music,” he leaves off. “It’s like my sanctuary or my connection to a higher power. I hope it can be the same for you. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to create.”

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Catch Charleston rising star, Layton Meacham opening! https://linktr.ee/laytonmeachammusic

*Taxes and fees included

The TREX Theater at The Double E Performance Center Lounge is located in the heart of The Essex Experience. With the largest screen and most sophisticated lighting and sound system in Vermont, a show here is unlike any other! We offer free parking, onsite concessions, and a full bar in the Double E Lounge, adjacent to the theater.

REFUNDS
Tickets are nonrefundable unless the show is completely canceled.

CONCESSIONS
No outside beverages may be brought into the venue. For patrons over 21, our bar serves beer, wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages, with a valid driver’s license, liquor ID, passport or military ID present at the time of purchase. Drinks purchased at the bar may be brought into the TREX Performance Center during Double E produced events. Movie theater concessions are generally available on event nights, until 9:00 PM.

Looking to dine before the show? The Essex Experience has many restaurants and markets offering an array of culinary options!

Black Flannel Brewery and Distillery - Burgers, small plates, and craft brews made on site.

Bramble - Farm fresh family-style dining and wood-fired pizzas

Junction - An immersive culinary experience awaits. Reservations required.

Leo and Co. - Juices, smoothies, farm fresh produce and groceries, baked goods, sandwiches, soups. Kitchen closes 3:30 PM, market closes at 6:00 PM.

Mad Taco - Fresh Mexican + margaritas

Magic Mann - Consumer cannabis for responsible enjoyment

Oriental Wok - takeout only and delicious traditional Chinese dishes

Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar & Market - Charcuterie, small plates, wine, and grab + go market supplies

Sukho Thai - dine-in and takeaway gourmet Thai

Lazy Goat Tavern - Seasonal Vermont favorites in a cozy setting, honoring Stuart and Penelope, the goats who reside at The Essex Resort and Spa

Vermont Cider Lab - Small plates and charcuterie, paired with incredible hard cider brewed onsite Some events have specialty food for purchase available.

*Check websites for operating hours. Reservations may be required.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

No outside alcoholic beverages may be brought into the venue. For patrons over 21, our bar serves beer, wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages, with a valid driver’s license, liquor ID, passport or military ID present at the time of purchase.

SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICIES

All bags are subject to searches prior to entering the venue, no exceptions.

Our patron’s safety and security is our top priority. To protect the safety of our patrons, staff and performers you’ll be greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who will conduct a thorough but speedy check of all bags and purses. Clear plastic tote bags/small backpacks are encouraged!

Pocketbooks/purses and other bags which are not fully viewable (where they are stuffed full with items making it difficult to view everything inside the bag without emptying the bag) may be asked to be returned to the patrons vehicle at the discretion of the security personnel.

During our security screening process, all patrons will be asked to open / unfold large jackets, coats, etc.

The following items are also not allowed inside the venue under any circumstances: firearms, including those carried by off-duty law enforcement; weapons of any kind; sharp items such as knives (including pocket or “Swiss Army”-style knives), multi-tools, screwdrivers and scissors; illegal substances; laser pens; fireworks, or any item that can be deemed potentially harmful, including pepper spray and Mace.

People attempting to bring in the items listed above will be asked to return them to their vehicle which will delay their entrance inside the venue.

These policies are designed to make all of our patrons feel safer at our venues. Any questions on these policies can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

SMOKING

There is no smoking of any substance inside The T-Rex/Double E Performance Center. Smoke is restricted to designated smoking areas located outside The Green. This includes cannabis, e-cigarettes and vaping.

ACCESSIBILITY

There are accessible restrooms and parking.

Please call the box office at 802-878-4200 for accessible tickets or for more information regarding accessibility.

PARKING

The Essex Experience, where The Old Stage, The Green, and The Double E Performance Center are located offers plenty of complimentary, on-site parking adjacent to the venue.

The parking lot entrance is located at 21 Essex Way. We offer handicapped parking in designated areas.

We do not allow any tailgating or barbecuing in our lots, however concessions are available inside the venue prior to the performance through the end of intermission.

Since we are located in a mixed-use residential area, please consider our “good neighbor policy” and do not sound horns when exiting the venue.

The Essex Experience, T-Rex Productions/Double E, and EuroWest Retail Property Holdings are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents.

VIDEOGRAPHY + PHOTOGRAPHY

We do not allow SLR or DSLR cameras with detachable lenses in the venue without a photo pass and prior written consent of artist management. if you wish to obtain a media/photo pass, please reach out to Brady Kimball, Community Engagement Ambassador at [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

We do not allow SLR or DSLR cameras with detachable lenses in the venue without a photo pass and prior written consent of artist management. if you wish to obtain a media/photo pass, please reach out to Brady Kimball, Community Engagement Ambassador at [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

By entering an event or program at The Essex Experience, Essex Cinema, and Double E Performance Center, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with By entering an event or program at The Essex Experience, Essex Cinema, and Double E Performance Center, and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

This event is all ages.

BOX OFFICE

Ticketed events can be found on EssexExperience.com. All major credit cards are accepted for phone and online purchases. Cash payments are only accepted in person, via the Box Office, one hour before doors up through the start of the show.

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges, unless a show is canceled. Please direct any questions to [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

ATM

For your convenience, ATMs are located at the Essex Cinema at 21 Essex Way, #300, in front of the Essex Cinemas and within Hannaford's Supermarket, at 21 Essex Way, Suite A.

COMMUNITY STATEMENT

Proceeds from our venues are reinvested in the Essex community and non-profit organizations that support the arts, humanities and education in Vermont. We do not tolerate hate speech, bullying, violence, or antagonistic behavior at our venues or on our community pages. We accept and welcome feedback sent to [email protected].

Host or Publisher The Double E