June 2023 Edition

Our Evan Davis “Drops the Mic”
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
Over eleven years
ago, the Las
Vegas music scene
priced itself out of most locals’ budgets.
Evan Davis, hungry for an economical
alternative to ever increasing prices on
The Strip, bravely donned a producer’s
hat and began introducing top quality
entertainment through performances at
local cafes and supper clubs.
Two years later, Davis joined The Vegas
Voice, producing nearly 100 shows and
extravaganzas starring some of the
town’s top names…many of whom were
near unknowns before teaming with
the magazine’s Entertainment Editor.
Last month, Davis announced the time
had come to “drop the mic”, ending his
tenure as producer and Entertainment
Editor.
“Evan was the person who gave me
my first gig in town at the Blue Fire,”
remembered the enchanting vocalist
Rita Lim. “He introduced me to the Las Vegas community.”
“Evan has created an amazing amount of opportunity for singers
and musicians,” credits Doug Taylor, a musician and vocalist in town
since 1982. “He afforded us the opportunity to show what we could do.”
During his Vegas years, Taylor acknowledged significant industry
changes. Early on, performers were contracted to one venue for two
years or more. Today Taylor says, performers scurry for one-nighters.
“Evan went out and found places for us to perform. He did the legwork.”
Rick Dougherty, who fell victim to an ownership change after 15
years with the Kingston Trio, teamed with the group’s alum George
Grove and rock and roller Jerry Siggins to form the Folk Legacy Trio.
The apprehensive trio, not ready to retire, wondered if their performing
days were over.
With one of his tightly knit variety shows just days away, Davis
squeezed them into the lineup. Today, the trio tours the country playing
before sold out audiences.
“He introduced us in the perfect way to our first audience and he did
it in such an enthusiastic way that it gave us confidence. He has a great
sense of how to make things sparkle.”
August 14, 2014, on Facebook, Vegas Voice publisher, Dan Roberts,
announced Davis would take over a newly created position, announcing,
“Through his Evan Davis Jazz Blog, (he) has become one of the most
recognizable faces in the lounges, nightclubs and showrooms around
town. I look forward to working with Evan and helping create an even
better product to inform and promote the local entertainment scene.”
Davis quickly fulfilled that prophecy, scheduling the twice monthly
Afternoon Affair and a sold out tribute to Sinatra’s 100 th birthday
Joining Evan are (L to R) Rita Lim, wife
and Vegas Voice Fashion Cents columnist
Sandi & Pia Zadora
Evan with (L to R) Anne Martinez, Elisa Fiorillo,
Jonathan Karrant, Chadwick Johnson, Amanda
King, and Chris Phillips
starring Gary Anthony at the Italian American Club. He followed up
with the Spirit of ’45 salute to veterans
that packed over 750 into the Silverton
Casino’s showroom.
The all-star lineup featured comedian
Marty Allen, singers Clint Holmes,
Frankie Scinta, Bob Anderson, Mark
Giovi, Bill Fayne and relative newcomers
at the time including Chadwick Johnson,
VV
Elisa Fiorillo, Michelle Johnson and
others who have emerged in the national
spotlight.
Rita Lim, who starred in Davis’ final
show, summed up Davis’ contributions.
“He opened doors for me. I will always
carry that very first friendship with
Evan.”
And on a personal note, I will miss
my friend and our weekly breakfasts. I,
along with everybody at The Vegas Voice
wish Evan & Sandi all the best in their
new Florida life adventures.
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