04/04/2019
By Gabrielle L. Wheeler
Evan Dillon brings raspy vocals and a blend of rock and country to the stage whether performing with the Evan Dillon Band or singing solo with his guitar. Currently booking shows for 2019, Dillon is also working on a new solo album of original songs that he hopes to release at the end of the summer.
Originally from Lakemont, Dillon began performing at 16 as a drummer while he attended military school in North Carolina. “I started as a drummer and played for years playing for other people. And then something would happen, and the singer wouldn’t show up so I would take over vocals for the day while playing the drums.” Also around the same time, Dillon learned to play the guitar and, as he moved through playing with different bands over time, his role changed to include guitarist and vocalist.
Through the years, Dillon continued to play in cover bands whose performances were sporadic, but eventually returned to the Finger Lakes Region where he now leads his own band and plays solo. As a full-time musician, he has found success across the region, as well as having a regular fan-base in the Jamestown area and Wellsburo, Pennsylvania, for which he is elated.
Dillon says he loves performing at bars where he can crack jokes and mesh with the energy of the atmosphere. With the band, Dillon turns popular songs into an eclectic mix of country, rock, and blues. However, when he plays solo, he tries to do a lot of “raspy vocals” on songs that might originally have a softer sound. “When I play solo, I kind of simplify the guitar parts so that I’m not doing anything really special, and I try to get those really aggressive vocals to show out.”
For the last two years, the Evan Dillon Band has performed at the Save the Sampson fundraiser in support of restoring the Sampson Theater in Penn Yan and intends to perform again this year. The band also played at the Watkins Glen International in July of 2018. A regular at the Rooster Pub in Watkins Glen, Dillon and the band play at bars, wineries and restaurants across the region, and can be booked for private events. Look for new, original music from Dillon this summer.
“I’ve been incredibly happy playing music,” Dillon comments with a smile, and says that, if he could, the only thing he would change would be to start chasing the dream sooner. He also gives a word of advice to anyone who has a hobby they could potentially turn into a career, “If you can do that, I would suggest doing it immediately.”
For samples of music, a list of upcoming events, or to contact please visit evandillonband.com.
