Mirage can be seen, heard

According to Webster's dictionary, "mirage" is a deceptive image in the atmosphere, but in Yuma, Mirage is not deceptive.

It is the name of a band that can be seen and heard — and has performed for hundreds of events since it started on Cinco de Mayo, 1992.

Mirage, which plays a mix of Latin, jazz, rhythm and blues and rock, will be playing Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to closing in the Hangar Room of The Landing Restaurant, 195 S. 4th Ave.. There is no cover charge to hear the band and dance to its music.

Coincidentally or not, all members of the Yuma band are Yuma High alumni: Bobby Evaro, a member of the Class of 1967; Bobby Guzman, Class of 1970; Jimmy Evaro, Class of 1972; and Steve Vasquez, Class of 1989.

"All of us had played in other groups, but after our first gig, we stayed together," said Bobby Evaro, who plays guitar that is synthesized so it sounds like a piano, organ or horns "It's something like a keyboard," he said.

Bobby Evaro was in the U.S. Army from 1969 through Vietnam and until 1971. "I played in a band in 1982 and '83, then took time off until our group got together. One of the proud moments was when we were playing in Palm Springs — and that's where my uncle Sonny Evaro has a star on the Walk of Fame — and Eric Burdon of the Animals was on the same stage."

When he's not playing with Mirage, he may be found at his job at Yuma Proving Ground.

His brother Jimmy plays lead guitar in Mirage. "I started playing professionally when I was just 14," said Jimmy. "During my time with Hot City and other bands, I was on the road, touring in Oregon, Alaska and Canada — and were in the Northwest when Mount. St. Helens erupted."

Jimmy is employed by the Yuma Private Industry Council.

Guzman, the bass guitar player, has been strumming since he was about

13.

His day job is with the state motor vehicle department. "With Mirage, it's companionship and fun, because we play such a variety of music."

From the fourth grade all through high school and at Arizona Western College, Vasquez has played drums. "I'm the youngest in the band, and really 'keep the beat' while we're playing."

Vasquez is a window clerk in the Foothills Post Office.