With authenticity at his core, the acronym M.E. is only fitting for this rising star who is creating his own niche within the Reggae-Soul genre. He defines his music as the place where R&B and Soul meets Reggae and Dancehall. It is with passion and tenacity that this artiste develops and delivers his music.
Mario completed his degree in Songwriting and Music Business Management from the Berklee College of Music in December 2010 and is spending some time in New York performing, developing his artistry and carefully piecing together his album, "Reggae Soul Vol. 1: M.E. on Love". Since arriving in New York, Evon has opened for Reggae Crossover band, New Kingston, performed numerous times at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, and also at the first Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. Most recently Mario has won first place at two of four rounds of the Amateur Night at the Apollo competition in Harlem, NY and will draw from the diverse experience he has gathered as a performer, to prepare for the future rounds.
He began singing at age 7 and has sung in school choirs, the male quintet 'Choir Boyz', University Singers and later as a solo wedding singer. Mario has performed in Jamaican theatrical productions such as 'The Lion King' (Jamaica Musical Theatre Company) and 'Once on this Island' (The Company Limited), and has provided studio and live background vocals for Jamaican artists such as Stevie Face, Camar, Benjy Myaz, Cezar and Alaine. Evon has also shared the stage with the late legendary Luther Vandross while singing backgrounds for Stevie Face. While at Berklee College of Music, he shared the stage with Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), producer/bassist Don Was, Angelique Kidjoe, and had the privilege of performing for legends, such as Smokey Robinson and Gamble and Huff. In January 2010, he was an opening act on the main stage of Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival setting the stage for Marion Hall, Jon Secada, Hall and Oates and Gladys Knight.
Mario Evon's songwriting is also evidence of a potpourri of musical influences. 'Love in Di Mawnin'' and 'You Used 2 Love Me' both contain a beautiful blend of reggae, jazz, R&B, dancehall and soul genres. Evon considers Bob Marley, Donny Hathaway, Boyz II Men, Babyface, Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley and India Arie among the many musicians who have influenced his music.
