Home for the holidays

Valley Life editor

Evangelo's is hardly a jazz Mecca, but for Hilary Gardner, the applause she got there Thursday night following a concert meant every bit as much as when she sings with the New York Pops.

Gardner, a Wasilla native, really meant it when she sang, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," as she returned to the place she grew up for a jazz concert before a packed house of at least 300 people.

Sure, she's the featured vocalist for the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble, and sure, she's appeared at some of the top jazz clubs in the country. Yes, she's currently heard around the country on jazz radio stations and is featured on several CDs by some of the jazz heavyweights.

Those are all great accomplishments and the accolades are nice, but the standing ovation she received before taking the stage at the sold-out concert was perhaps more overwhelming.

"You aren't supposed to get emotional before coming up here," she told the audience during her first set, "but I did. Thank you."

Gardner's career has taken her from Wasilla first to Seattle, where she made a name for herself in the many jazz clubs there. She moved to New York City nearly two years ago, where she is continuing her career, with much success.

Recently, Gardner joined Monday Off, a group of vocalists that sings in New York. In March, the group will be playing with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. During the last two weeks, the group was featured on ABC World News Now.

Gardner brought with her a pianist and guitarist from New York City, and a bass player from Reno, all of whom were featured throughout the evening.

Gardner recently released a jazz Christmas CD, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which was distributed to troops stationed around the world. Proceeds from the sale of the CD were used to purchase more copies for the troops -- and judging by how many folks bought CDs at the Evangelo's concert, there should be plenty of holiday music heading overseas.

Prior to the concert beginning, two local Marines, Capt. Isaac Moore and 1st Lt. Tyler Moore, received an extended standing ovation from the capacity crowd. Gardner then took the stage, to yet another standing ovation.

Gardner sang several selections off the CD, as well as several other non-holiday songs, during the two-set concert. Following each set, she visited and talked with those in attendance -- many of whom were familiar faces.

The concert was a success, and not just because it sold out in less than a week. You were hard-pressed to find someone leaving the concert who wasn't amazed at Gardner's talent and the performance.

Gardner was also scheduled to perform Sunday at Valley Bistro in Wasilla.