Charitable Prodigy

"Warm root beer they said could raise the dead, but it reminds me of a menu at a Holiday Inn!"

If you think those lyrics don't match Jimmy Buffett's classic track "Cheeseburger in Paradise,"  don't be alarmed Parrotheads: you're right. It's the toned-down version, performed by an 8-, going on 9-year-old Dumfries resident named Evan DeGraff.

Evan, a huge Buffett fan, and his music teacher, Tim Cretella, will put on a "G"-rated birthday show Monday at the Woodbridge Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.

In a move that belies his age, Evan didn't ask for any gifts for his 9th birthday. Instead, part of the proceeds from his concert will be donated to INOVA Children's Hospital in Fairfax.

Evan's fundraising goal is $15,000, money which will be used for small items like crayons and computer games and hopefully for bigger ticket items like materials to re-model its playroom and an outdoor quiet area for patients and their parents.

A manager at the Woodbridge Lowe's, Evan's father Grayson said four separate locations will be helping to support Evan's cause through the company's community project called Lowe's Heroes.

And when Grayson pitched the idea to management at Cheeseburger in Paradise, all he had to do was show a clip of Evan's recent school performance on youtube.com and they were sold.

Aside from playing and even making music, Evan is a member of the 9-and-under Patriots of Northern Virginia baseball team.

Being part of the organization, coached by former major leaguer and Hylton High School star Mike Colangelo, means helping out in the community.

With that in mind, raising money by showing off his precocious musical talent was a natural fit. And it won't be the first time he played for money.

He garnered $53 in cash while walking around and playing for concert-goers at a Buffett show at Nissan Pavilion last summer.

According to father Grayson, Evan initially didn't realize he could make money by strumming his guitar and singing in front of people.

But Evan was up to the task that night and is anything but shy and demure.

When asked where he got his unselfish demeanor, Evan said his parents were great role models.

Seconds later, though, he pointed to his younger brother Drew and said, "I am not very sure about him."

On Monday, Evan will play two, four-song sets, which includes a track he wrote called "Hanna" (named after the 2008 storm that hit the East Coast).

And yes, one of those tunes, "Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude," will need a lyric adjustment.

"'Good times and riches' and then I will point to the crowd [for the next line]," Evan said.

For those of you who know Buffett, you know what comes next. If not, come out Monday and find out.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-878-8062.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT'S UP: 8-year-old Jimmy Buffett fan Evan DeGraff performs a concert to benefit INOVA Children's Hospital in Fairfax.

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 10, Show starts at 7 p.m., Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant, 14000 Foulger Square, Woodbridge

DETAILS: http://www.evanscharityconcert.com