EVANSTON — The Evanston High School auditorium was crowded with music fans on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 19, for the annual Uinta County DARE Concert, which this year featured country music artist Aaron Tippin and special guests Tim and Myles Thompson. The performances had audience members laughing, cheering and singing along throughout much of the evening. 

The concert, sponsored by the Uinta County DARE Officers’ Association and the Uinta County Peace Officers’ Association, kicked off with the father and son duo of Tim and Myles Thompson. Featuring Tim on guitar and Myles on electric violin, the two won over the audience with a unique sound that covered a wide spectrum from rock to classical. 

Attendees cheered and whistled as Myles used his violin to channel Eddie Van Halen, through an original piece that Tim described as “chicken fried chicken wrapped bacon greasy blues,” and even a Mozart piece. 

Following the Thompsons’ short set and a brief intermission, headliner Aaron Tippin took the stage. Tippin interspersed personal stories with tunes focused on rural America and the working man, including “I Got It Honest,” “Honky-Tonk Superman,” and “Working Man’s Ph.D.” 

Audience members laughed as Tippin described being told that his songs were “too country for country music” and cheered at his multiple references to being a straight shooter. “I just kinda call it like I see it,” he said. 

Some of the most enthusiastic reactions from the crowd came whenever the artist mentioned his longstanding support of American troops and of performing for military stationed overseas. 

The 59-year-old Tippin frequently thanked the audience for attending and supporting his career spanning just short of three decades. For nearly two hours concert-goers cheered and sang along with tunes they recognized, and Tippin continued to entertain after the music ended. 

According to Leisa Reiter with the Uinta County Sheriff’s Office, Tippin stayed after the show to sign autographs and take selfies. “He stayed to get to every person in line,” said Reiter, “and there were a lot.” 

Reiter said that the concert was successful and early numbers estimate that the crowd numbered about 600, which is typical for the DARE concerts. Proceeds from the show go to support multiple local causes, including youth programs and scholarships. 

Reiter explained that the annual concerts are a collective effort. The concert promoter chooses the acts while the local officers’ associations make the local arrangements. She said, “The high school has been very gracious in letting us use the facility, and the acoustics there are excellent.” 

“It was absolutely wonderful,” said Reiter. “We don’t know who the performer will be, but we’re already looking forward to next year.”