JJ Evans grew up singing in the church choir, with his father directing, at Antioch Baptist Church.

Today, the 24-year-old has developed into a contemporary Christian gospel vocalist who will be performing music off his most recent CD, “Take 2,” on Sunday at Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University.

The show will feature Evans’ performance along with dancers, a comedian and Christian rappers, among other entertainment.
Evans said there should be something for everyone, young and old.

“There are a lot of fun songs; it is sing-a-long, it is simple and most of all it is relatable,” Evans said. “I started writing when I was 7 or 8. I would just write little songs and I hear melodies in my head all the time. I guess it was something that was always a gift I had.

“My parents are very musically inclined ... it has always been something that I have been around, so I guess it came naturally.”
We recently spoke with Evans about the upcoming concert, his recent album and the versatility of his Christian music.

Question: What do have planned for the concert on Sunday at Brenau?
Answer: Actually it is a live show from my CD (“Take 2”) that was released in June. So it is going to be a production of my CD. I’ll be performing most of the songs off of my CD. I’ll be performing a few songs off of my first CD (“Winding Road”) as well, which was released last year in April. Then I will also have some surprise appearances like dancers, Christian hip-hop rappers, mimers; a Christian comedian will be there.

Q: Tell me a little about your recent CD, “Take 2”?
A: I named it “Take 2” because it was more based on reality and things that everyone would go through in life, and I just wanted to touch on the fact that just because you are down one day doesn’t mean you have to be down forever — you get a second chance. God gives us more than one chance to dust yourself off and just accept life for what it is.

Q: What do you like about performing at Pearce Auditorium?
A: I actually like the whole atmosphere and the vibe of Pearce. Also, it reminds me of a mini-Fox (Theater) and it makes me feel like I am a step closer to my dreams. I’ve always wanted to perform on big stages and so when I perform at Pearce I have a live band and lights, cameras, the people, just an adrenaline rush.

Q: Can you describe your music for people who have never heard it before?
A: My music is basically contemporary Christian music and it is geared toward the younger generation, but at the same time the older generation can relate to my music.

Q: Do you write all of your own lyrics and compose the arrangements?
A: I write all the lyrics and then I arrange the lyrics as well, and do all my backgrounds as far as the studio music. Then my brother and a couple of friends help produce the music for me.