Evan - Voice,Piano

Evan Hannah, a native of Virginia Beach, embarked on his musical journey at the age of 9 under the guidance of his church music director and educator, John Vann (Rest in Peace). Mr. Vann introduced Evan to community-driven arts programs such as The Boy’s Choir of Hampton Roads and the Norfolk State University Summer Music Clinic, which he enthusiastically embraced throughout his formative years. These programs served as gateways into Evan's deep passion for Black art and community engagement. Upon graduating from high school, Evan delved deeper into songwriting and creative expression as a means of processing a complex and challenging adolescence, a pursuit he initiated when Mr. Vann taught him his first chord progression. His artistic work emerged from a profound need for self-understanding and catharsis. Each project revolved around a central theme, such as grief (The Morning EP), self-acceptance (Hissing Sounds), and loneliness (Drought). Through these creations, he aimed to provide others with layered experiences to navigate their own emotional journeys. One notable project, "The Morning EP," inspired an exhibition called "Morning to Morning," where a diverse array of artists presented works reflecting the loss of various aspects of themselves, with each artist dressed in all black. During an internship with a local community theatre, Evan crafted a live, multi-visual concert experience in support of "Hissing Sounds," drawing inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. Driven by a hunger for safety and community, each new project introduced Evan to new collaborators who remained part of his artistic journey. John Terrell collaborated on "The Morning EP," Michael Castillo on "Hissing Sounds," and Jake Hull on "Drought." While much of his work and projects were based in the Hampton Roads area, including the debut of his Black community arts festival, "Cotton Candy Grooves" in 2021 and 2022, Evan also began working on a body of work that would draw from the lessons learned throughout his adolescence and early twenties – encompassing both the positive and challenging experiences. In 2019, following a relocation and a breakup, Evan started crafting what would eventually become "Rooms," his debut three-part album. The first song, "Pressing U," was written in June 2019. Evan had always felt pressure from his family to withhold certain truths in his music, but he aspired to explore the nuances and boundaries of healing and trauma recovery more openly. "Rooms" allowed him to be more transparent, with the title drawing inspiration from a meditation by Tasha Nassar, which encouraged revisiting oneself at different ages within metaphorical rooms. For Evan, music and art serve as invitations to process complex emotions, connect with like-minded individuals, and inspire hope for change. Surviving and making the most of available resources have been integral aspects of his artistic journey. "Rooms" invites listeners to join him on a three-season journey, beginning with late spring in "Rooms, Part I," transitioning into winter in "Rooms, Part II," and concluding in spring with "Rooms, Part III." The intention is to encourage all listeners, whether part of the community or newcomers, to welcome the music and stories into their lives more deeply. While still finalizing "Part I" of "Rooms," Evan curated an exhibition titled "free space" in May 2022, in collaboration with The Contemporary Arts Network, exploring the early themes of the album. The exhibition showcased the work of LGBTQ+ artists Michael Logan, Sebastian Mills, and Tori Quallis, who created room installations inspired by their inner child. Attendees were invited to craft boxes inspired by their own inner child, and the exhibition concluded with a panel discussion during Pride Month. "Rooms, Part I" was produced remotely by Michael Castillo and Jake Hull and was released on May 26, 2023. The upcoming "Rooms, Part II" will feature new production from Evan Sutton, Buddy Speir, and Air Apparent, in addition to Hull and Castillo. In the spring of 2023, Evan officially launched his community arts and mental health non-profit, "The Treehouse Group." Their inaugural project, a theatre piece titled "Back to Earth," aims to bring the origins of "Rooms" to life and invites the audience on a healing journey alongside Evan. Workshops will be conducted throughout 2023, with the full project premiering in 2024.