Local musician ‘absolutely gutted’ over stolen clarinet

Local music icon and celebrated entertainer Spencer Evans is pleading for the return of his clarinet after it was stolen from his front porch over the weekend.

On Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, someone walked onto Evans’ front porch in downtown Kingston and stole a beat up, old, green canvas backpack, Evans said. Inside that backpack was Evans’ clarinet, a Buffet R13, safely stowed in its case, which is adorned with a plethora of stickers Evans’ has lovingly collected over the years. Evans had set the bag down as he was juggling multiple items when he entered his house.

If you’ve been in Kingston for any length of time, chances are you’ve seen the clarinet and Evans. One of Kingston’s most celebrated musicians, Evans performs all over the city, from the stages of the The Isabel Bader Centre and The Grand Theatre, and those inside any bar or restaurant featuring live music, to the decks of the many ships cruising the 1000 Islands, and even the less-glamorous-but-equally-important nonexistent stage of Skeleton Park, where Evans has entertained hundreds annually with The Goat Steppers. Featured prominently in many of Evans’ performances is his clarinet, not only because of his incredible talents on the woodwind, but also his passion for the horn and its ability to span genres, from zydeco to jazz standards.

Purchased in 1986, Evans said the clarinet is irreplaceable, and he is offering a $100 reward for its return, no questions asked.

“It has traveled the world with him and has irreplaceable value,” said Jennifer Allan, Evans partner, noting that Evans is very upset about the loss.

“He feels like he has lost part of himself.”

Anyone with any information regarding the clarinet, or anyone who might find it, is asked to contact Kingston Police. Police are aware of the theft and will be able to return the instrument to its rightful owner.