When you think of musicians who devote themselves to charitable causes, country singer-songwriter Sara Evans' name is at the top of the list.

So perhaps it's not surprising that Evans is the headliner at the Concert for the Kids, with proceeds from each ticket going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"None of us will go through this life without experiencing disappointment and devastation and pain and heartache," Evans said when talking about her charitable work. "That's why it's important to reach out to help others as much as we can."

Since returning to the spotlight with her much-heralded release "Stronger," Evans has reached out often, and not just through charities like the American Red Cross and National Eating Disorder Association. She tells of seeing audience members' reactions when she performs such tunes as "A Little Bit Stronger." Although such displays of emotion make Evans sad, she said she is overwhelmed with joy that fans connect with her in such a powerful way.

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Evans had basically stopped recording and performing for about six years before she released "Stronger" in 2011. Although she continued to write and work, a high-profile divorce, obligations to her three children and, later, devoting herself to the blended family she built with former football star and sportscaster Jay Barker, filled her time.

Since "Stronger" was released, though, Evans has been going to warp speed touring, writing and working on a host of projects. Word is that she went into the studio last month to begin working with producer Mark Bright, perhaps best known for working with Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreery, and of course on Evans' 2005 album, "Real Fine Place."

"It's fun," Evans said of the songwriting and recording process. "It feels like going home again. My number one priority is always, no matter what, my family and friends and then my career. I've been accused of focusing too much on my career and not my husband and children, but that's not true. They are always my first priority. But I am an artist and an entertainer, too. That's what I was meant to do."