Serving shows and showtunes across the boroughs, “Southern Siren” Ty Evans also co-hosts a star-studded weekly affair of her own. [Cover photo: Austin Ruffer]
Thotyssey: Hi, Ty! Thanks for chatting with us today! You’ve been quite busy lately with unique gigs: there was 3 Dollar Bill’s Dollapalooza showgirl showcase two weeks ago, the Cher edition of “Idolatry” at Red Eye last week, and a show called Grits” at Parkside Lounge this past weekend! How did it all go, and is it crazy to have such a jam packed calendar?
Ty Evans: Hi! This month has actually been intense; I’ve had a gig almost every day, which has felt so fulfilling–like, getting to do what I moved here for! Dollapalooza was actually insane; I felt like a star, and with the audience singing with me!
In a scene dominated by lip synching drag queens, you are a live singing lady! Was it your intention to be a part of NYC queer nightlife, or did you just kind of find yourself there the way so many performers do?
It actually happened on accident! I moved to NYC to be a performer, and I also love to party like a lot. I met some amazing people who just really took me under their wing who work in nightlife, like Baby Love, Jarvis Derrell and Linux to name a few, who all helped me starting out. And being a Doll, I obviously was in queer nightlife!
I’d say my intentions are now really immersing myself into nightlife as a singer / performer, and to start really taking my own music more seriously–and getting to share my gifts with people in a more personal way.
Where did you come here from, and when did music enter your life?
So I moved here from Alabama, but I’m originally from Mississippi. Music has honestly always been around me. I first started singing in church, then as I got older I started doing theatre. Then I was making my own music and performing in choirs, then doing more solo performances.
There are probably a lot of beautiful things about life in Mississippi and Alabama. But given who you are and what you wanted, it must’ve been great to get the hell out of the South when you did!
OMG, I say the only things that are beautiful there were the food, the nature and me… that’s it! Don’t get me wrong– I love being from there and what it taught me, but I was so ready to get outta there. I worked at a gas station for about a year doing night shifts, performing gigs, doing hair and makeup… just to save up enough to move!
Do you have a favorite number to sing today?
I’d say for theater, I love singing Wicked or anything that shows a lot of range and that has some depth to it. I can get into more, but just to throw on and sing I’d say “American Teenager” is my favorite just because the lyrics really speak to me–but it dosen’t really show my vocal range off, so I just start riffing when I’m really into it
How about some overall favorite musicals?
Heathers and Dogfight… Wicked is my absolute favorite. My goal is to be the first trans Elphaba.
Do you find that Broadway these days has more offerings for trans actors than probably a decade ago?
I think Broadway definitely has more offerings for newcomers; I’ve received more callbacks for things that I feel like before I wouldn’t have. But [musical theater] definitely still has a way to go when it comes to being more inclusive with casting, especially when it comes to my trans family.
It’s been cool to see Jynkx Monsoon take over Broadway the way she has!
I agree; I’m so glad she’s getting to open these doors for us! She is an amazing actress, and she handles everything with grace.
You and Jarvis have been hosting a popular piano open mic called “Drama Club” at Red Eye every Thursday for several months! What can you tell us about how this night began, and what it’s like?
So it was originally called “Ghostlight,” it was just Jarvis and [accompanist] Yaz. but I started coming to see them, and eventually got invited to host with them at Red Eye. It’s honestly one of my favorite nights of the week; I’ve met so many amazing people like Alex Newell, Mykal Kilgore and even Tom Francis have been a few times, and just sang down! I love it!
This coming weekend, you’ll be back at 3 Dollar Bill for three consecutive nights! First up, it’s the “Something Beautiful Ball” Miley Cyrus tribute on Friday… lots of great performers, and you’ll be a host!
I might even be singing… stay tuned!
And then Saturday and Sunday, you will partake in the latest installment of 3DB’s recurring series of large production show tributes, care of Baby Love: “Fagtasia,” celebrating the Hairspray musical this time around!
Fagtasia is like a family to me. Baby Love literally took me under her wing by pushing me as a performer, and really teaching me. Getting to perform with a nightlife crowd that loves musical theatre is everything! I have the most fun doing that show, and I’m so thankful to be asked back. We really put our all into making it!
What else is coming up for you?
Right now, I’m working on my EP that’s coming soon! So be on the look for The Southern Siren–it’s gonna be a lot different than what I’ve been doing!
Amazing! Okay lastly: did you, or will you, see Beyoncé?
I have not! But praying to Sasha Fierce I’ll get blessed with a ticket soon!
Thanks, Ty!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Ty Evans’ upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 