ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- “I just want everyone to know that this is not the end. There's more to come. There's a lot of talented, great people out there who want to be heard.”
Kolbi Evans loves drumming so much, he’s posting drumming videos, trying to help other young musicians keep their spirits -- and their practice up -- all for free.
The 22-year-old St. Petersburg native is a regular at the Guitar Center in Clearwater. Whenever he has a day off, he tries to get behind a drum set.
We caught up with him there to see him play.
For him, it’s a healing oulet that always makes him happy—that’s why he wants to help others.
“I want our community to know that in between the Covid-19 situation, we still should have time to express ourselves and, you know, really get a little bit of relief,” Evans said.
Kolbi’s been in love with drumming since he was six, introduced to them by a family member during church services.
Consequently, Evans spends several hours in his church band every Sunday at New Generation Disciple Center Ministries in St. Petersburg.
They also travel to larger churches in the state to perform—Miami was a favorite.
“To show your gift and your talent to people and they like it is something,” said Evans. “It's encouraging, and encourages me to keep going.”
He says his faith plays a major roll in his endeavors.
“To me, faith means not giving up, not giving up, no matter what happens, no matter what takes place.”
A Big Surprise
After Reporter Virginia Johnson and Photographer Bobby Collins completed their shoot at Guitar Center on Monday morning, Guitar Center Manager Chris Milko wheeled out an electric guitar kit, an amp, wires, stool and drumsticks.
“Congratulations. This is all yours,” he told Evans.
Evans may have said thank you a dozen times.
“I don't want to cry or anything -- I’m just smiling under my mask. I'm smiling.”
Kolbi’s biggest hope for himself through this pandemic is to become a more patient person.
But now he doesn’t have to wait for a drum set.
Over the last few months, Virginia Johnson has taken you all over the Tampa Bay area to see how folks are dealing with Life in the Time of Coronavirus.
To watch her previous stories, click here.