New Orleans, LA – July 23, 2021 – Above all else, Devin Espadron loved music, a singular passion he held in common with his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Element Beverage Founder was frequently spotted dressed in his signature white hoodie, ornamented with his beverage company’s distinctive logo. A musician at his core, Devin launched a hip-hop record label and recorded tracks under the name, Channel Dev. Sadly, he was fatally shot in an apparent robbery attempt on November 19, 2019, just three months following his 22nd birthday.
In honor of Devin’s life, passion for music, and lasting business legacy, his family will host the Inaugural Element Festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 14th at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. The non-profit museum which showcases southern culinary history is located at 1504 Oretha C. Haley Boulevard in New Orleans. This flagship effort kicks off festival season in the Big Easy.
The overarching purpose of the festival is to bring awareness to Devin’s life and the lasting impact of his company, Element Beverage. During the event, his family will unveil the Devin Espadron Entrepreneurship Give Back Foundation. Additionally, they will announce that the future home of the Element Beverage Formulation Journey Exhibit will be the museum.
“If you think about art museums, most have a historical and a contemporary collection,” said Brent Rosen, President and CEO, National Food and Beverage Foundation and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. “Our Louisiana collection has always covered more history with its exhibits than contemporary contributions to Louisiana culinary culture. Working with Element allowed us to expand our focus and explore more of what’s happening now. It’s exciting to work with a team and brand with the energy of Element.”
One of St. Augustine High School’s most enterprising students, in 2015, Devin crafted a business blueprint that led to the birth of the Element Beverage Company. Interestingly, the secret recipe for his signature beverage was built upon Devin’s grandmother’s lemonade recipe. He converted a grand idea from paper to profit as the business venture soared.
Devin’s entrepreneurial efforts led him to be included in the Gambit publication’s prestigious 2018 ‘40 under 40’ New Orleans Achievers Under 40 listing.
Following his death, Devin’s parents, David Espadron and Keishia Deverney became Element 2 Beverages’ owners and operators. Element continues to exemplify Devin’s commitment to dispense quality and affordable beverage products to his community. The company distributes its’ sought-after; pineapple, strawberry, and tropical fruit/lemonade beverages to over 90 hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants throughout the region.
“Element is an inspiring story, a cultural movement,” said Devin’s mother Keishia. “Our mission is to be influential, empowering, and to challenge the world to step into their element and taste their dreams.”
The festival will start with a peace walk at 4:45 PM on Oretha C. Haley Boulevard. The walk will be led by the St. Augustine Marching 100 Band, families of victims of gun violence, and city officials. The doors to the festival will open promptly at 6:00 PM, and activities will include four live bands, local food vendors, cash bars, guest speakers, a silent auction, and an Element Beverage product booth.
The entrance fee is $25, and all proceeds will benefit the Give Back Foundation.
To register, go to Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/element-beverage-festival-tickets-157265887503. For information about sponsorship opportunities, email Keishia Deverney at element2beverages@yahoo.com.
