MANIFEST at Evilla
Let me preface this column by first saying, “I LOVE EVILLA!”
I had no idea what to expect when I got to the the relatively plain exterior of the downtown Restaurant/Bar and Club. It looked swanky from the doorway, but what did I know? I hadn’t been to a city club in ages! And though at one time I was a “veteran” on the B-more club scene, I hadn’t been out in a dog’s age! What if everything was different? What if i was too grouchy, too fat, too OLD to be at a club?! As it turned out all of my worries would be in vain.
Arriving at the venue unfashionably early, I was met at the entrance by supercool doorman John and escorted inside, where he retrieved Manifest party founder Alexa Grey, who received me warmly, as she does all her guests. After explaining who I was, (Me, of course), and the reason I was there, I was given the run of the place to get a better impression of the space and meet some of the awesome staff.
Evilla is AMAZING, artsy without being pretentious, it boasts two bars with a separate lounge from the main bar where the entertainment can set up and play. Leather chairs and couches, low tables for Hookah seating, subdued mood lighting and candles added to the VERY laid-back and chic feel of the place. I felt right at home as the crowd slowly rotated from the earlier happy-hour to the more rambunctious late night crowd. Katie, one of the bartenders and aspiring writer, completed the feel of comfort by filling me in on the history of the establishment and introducing me to more of the staff…
Although the party was a bit smaller than they’d originally intended, it certainly wasn’t reflected in the enthusiasm of the crowd or the intensity of the music. I arrived to the sounds of Equalies, who opened the evening, and rolled through to co-founder Soohan, who followed suit with a display that ran the gambit of big beats. Tek-Subport, came next. An AWESOME duo of the electronic nature, they moved and rocked as one, even incorporating traditional guitars into their homegrown beats and breaks, they brought the floor up for the INCREDIBLE Space Jesus who wouldn’t release his strangle hold on the dance floor until the doors closed. Space Jesus, Like Tek-Subport represents the new era of DJ’s who create their own beats and mixes and drop them HOT, much to the delight of the crowd!
I left that night feeling great with a head full of music and heart full of cheer brought about by new friends and a kind atmosphere. If you’re looking for a great place to go, be sure to try Evilla, I guarantee you’ll have an enjoyable time. If you’re looking for a party, look no further than Manifest for the throwdown. And be SURE to check out the DJ’s Equalies, Soohan, Tek-Subport, and Space Jesus if you wanna dance your ass off!!
written by Rodney Moore
