Tuesday, June 2nd, Hollywood speakeasy, The Sayers Club, hosted the first night of a new residency with Evan Ross. The actor turned singer brought together a star fueled night at which to debut his new songs. Hosted by T.I., his co-star from the 2006 film ATL, he stated Evan, “is like family,” citing the 10-years since filming that seminal film in both of their careers. Evan then graced the stage for a 30-minute set of Michael Jackson inspired originals and a few notable covers.
The son of legendary Motown queen, Diana Ross, and husband to Ashlee Simpson, Evan’s personal life has earned him a respectable amount of press in recent years. Family ties aside, he’s made solid moves in Hollywood as part of the cast of the rebooted 90210 show on the CW network and more recently in the blockbuster The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1. With Motown in your blood, it only makes sense to at least dip your toes in the musical waters too. The set began with his late 2014 single “How To Live Alone” showcasing his MJ style nasal falsetto and growls. One of two covers was his mother’s 70’s classic “Love Hangover” which, with Diana in the front row, garnered a huge crowd response.
Among the many notable attendees, the one that stood out as a novelty was Dallas Austin, the 90’s super producer Evan portrayed in CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. T.I. closed out the night with some kind words before a set change, making way for LA indie Rockers Fire In The Hamptons.
Evan Ross returns to Sayers Club Wednesday, June 10th. Check out “How To Live Alone” on youtube and keep an eye out for more releases in 2015.
photo credit: Joe Simpson