Evan Schwam, a native of New York City, began playing the tenor saxophone at the age of twelve while attending junior high school and began taking lessons at the age of 13. While attending New York's La Guardia High School of Music, Art and the Performing Arts, Evan was first exposed to jazz music and played the tenor in the jazz ensemble under the direction of Jazz tuba player Bob Stewart. Evan was a member of the All-City high school jazz band in 1996.

While attending the Mannes College of Music's New School Jazz Program for 4 years, Evan studied with Jazz Legends Chico Hamilton, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Junior Mance, Arnie Lawrence, and Cecil McBee. Upon Graduation in May 2000, Evan joined Chico Hamilton's working band Euphoria, and has been playing with Chico ever since. Performances with Euphoria have included the 2001 Free Jazz Festival in Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, a week-long stay at Los Angeles' Jazz Bakery. Recent Festival performances have included the 2003 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the 2004 Ford Detroit Jazz Festival and the 2005 Playboy Jazz Festival.