Name: THE GRAND NIGHT: Remembering Richard
Start: 2026-06-06T19:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-06-06T21:00:00-07:00
Location: 1711 Main St, Napa, CA, United States, California 94559

Napa, CA — On Saturday, June 6th at 7:00 PM, It’s a Grand Night for Singing at the Jarvis Conservatory will present a special tribute concert honoring the life and legacy of its longtime host, pianist, and composer, Richard B. Evans.
For more than 25 years, Evans was the heart of this beloved concert series, shaping it into a welcoming and vibrant space for performers and audiences alike. A gifted pianist, a beloved accompanist, and a prolific composer, he left an enduring mark on the Bay Area music community.
Following his passing in fall 2025, this tribute concert brings together just a few of the artists whose lives and careers were deeply touched by his work. The program will feature an evening of Evans’ original compositions, including selections from his Italian song sets, Irish oratorio, musicals, and operettas. The concert has been curated in collaboration with his widow, Debra, who has worked closely with the Jarvis team in making this performance both a personal and joyous celebration of Richard and his music.
The distinguished roster of performers, all who share a personal history of artistic connection with Evans, includes soprano Susan Witt-Butler, tenor Dennis McNeil, soprano Rachel Steiner, soprano Morgan Harrington, soprano and host Cris Walker, baritone Diego Garcia, tenor Robert Kaywin Dornaus, and violinist Yasushi Ogura.
The evenings pianist, Paul Dab, is a San Francisco–based performer, music director (Pocket Opera, Lamplighters MT, West Bay Opera, Cinnabar Theater, and more), and educator (SF Community Music Center, SF Opera Guild, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music). Paul’s versatility and commitment to new and living composers make him an especially fitting collaborator for this tribute.
Together, these artists will celebrate Evans’ legacy through the music he created and the community he fostered, honoring not only his compositions, but also his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the arts and artists.
It’s a Grand Night for Singing remains the longest-running concert series at the Jarvis Conservatory, continuing its tradition of bringing together artists and audiences in a spirit of connection and shared musical experience. Tickets are $20, available at the door. Box office opens at 6:00 PM, with general seating beginning at 6:30 PM.