Recap: EVA’s 10-Year Anniversary “EVAlution Fest”

 [See/download photos for publication HERE]

(photo credit: Cass Riley)

 

EVA, the entertainment tech company that connects performers with corporate and private events, just celebrated its 10th anniversary with “EVAlution Fest”, a high-energy, genre-spanning mini-festival held at Eastside Bowl in East Nashville featuring up-and-coming artists, pyro performers, live art activations, and much more.

The night honored EVA’s decade-long impact on the live events industry — having booked more than 2,000 events and paid out over $6 million to working performers since its founding in a college dorm room in 2015. Hosted by David “DJ” Lee of The Magi, EVAlution Fest brought together hundreds of performers, clients, and fans for a night of live music, surprise sets, and immersive art.

EVA co-founders Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel

EVA co-founders Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel kicked off the evening by reflecting on the company’s journey from booking campus shows at Belmont University to facilitating large-scale events for major brands like Dell, Amazon Web Services, and Bank of America.

In the opening address, Moreland noted, “Every artist you’ve seen tonight reflects what EVA is all about—talent that’s bold, authentic, and unforgettable. When we started EVA, it wasn’t just about throwing great events. It was about solving a problem we saw over and over again: incredible entertainers struggling to find paid performance opportunities. We knew there had to be a better way.”

Stokel added, "Building EVA has been the biggest accomplishment of our lives, and we are so honored to be able to celebrate with you all. It’s been so great reminiscing about the past decade, catching up with mentors, stakeholders, and friends, and enjoying some of our most talented entertainers.”

Following the address, acts from the EVA community took the stage in celebration of the platform’s spirit of connection and creativity. Soul powerhouse collective The Moga Family Band kicked off the performances, serving as the official house band of the event. Additional entertainment throughout the night included performances by improvisational R&B upstart The Broadway Rapper; Holy Spirit Soul-Rocker Kayley Bishop; Singer-Songwriter Carly Moffa; Jazz-influenced songwriter Kate Cosentino; Tennessee Muscle Candy’s Alexis Saski; and more. Beyond the music performances for the night, world-class cirque artists and character performers from Goodness Gracious Creativedazzled guests with their fire twirling, archery, and disco ball dancing.

Throughout the performances, interactive media installations were featured at the venue, including a take-home custom vinyl art activation, psychic poetry, aura reading portraits, an AI photobooth, and wood-burning artists.

The celebration follows a breakout year for EVA, which saw its revenue double, an expansion to New York City, and the closing of a $2 million oversubscribed funding round. Looking ahead, EVA plans to continue expanding into new markets and categories of talent, all while championing opportunities for independent entertainers across the country.

For more information on EVA, visit bookwitheva.com

See/download photos for publication [HERE] (photo credit: Cass Riley)